There are so many products that are marketed to mamas as must have items. It’s true, there are a lot of really cool products out there that make parenting a little bit easier, but these are the products that this (points to self) mama needs:

1. Amber. I’m sure that you’ve heard of the seemingly magical pain relieving power of amber. Admittedly, I was very skeptical about the use of amber. My son was having terrible teething pain so I started having him wear an amber teething necklace. I can’t say that the necklace magically took away all of his pain, but it absolutely seemed to take the edge off. On the days that I would forget to put the necklace on him he was miserable. So, I am a true believer in amber as a natural pain reliever.

2. Haakaa Breast Pump *drops mic*. I feel like I could just leave it at that and move on to the next product, but let me explain why I LOVE this product so much. I have never been able to pump much breast milk. My pumping skills are so terrible that my son’s first pediatrician was convinced my son was malnourished because I could only pump 2-3 ounces from both breasts using an electric pump. (I ended up dropping that pediatrician, thank God). The only time that I have been able to pump more than 3 ounces was with a manual pump. I used to use the Lansinoh brand pump, which was great. But, by the end of a pumping session I felt like I needed a brace for my wrist. What’s awesome about the Haakaa pump is that you don’t have to keep pumping with your hand. Once you get a good suction, just let the pump do its thing! It’s amazing, and by far my favorite mommy product currently.

3. Coconut Oil. Baby’s skin feeling dry? Coconut oil. Cracked nipples? Coconut oil. Baby has cradle cap? Coconut oil. Low credit score? Coconut oil. Okay, I’m just kidding about that last one. But, in all seriousness coconut oil is as great as everyone keeps telling you it is. My entire family uses it in one way or another.

4. Diaper Bag. When I got pregnant I put the cutest little backpack on my registry. I did not anticipate the amount of stuff I would need in my bag. I quickly outgrew that cute little backpack and upgraded to a diaper bag that is more like a duffle bag. It’s huge but it helps me carry all the things. My diaper bag is most definitely a must have for me.

5.Baby Carrier. If I wasn’t able to put August in a carrier I wouldn’t be able to do anything. It’s how he naps during the day and it’s how I’m able to get work done. It’s also how I get all the snuggles from my little one.

So, that ladies and gentlemen is a small list of mama products that I can’t live without. What are some of your must have products? Comment below.