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When I had my first baby, I thought I knew what exhaustion was. Spoiler alert: I didn’t. Those first few months with my newborn felt like I was on a never-ending treadmill—feeding, diapering, soothing, and repeat. Fast forward to my second baby, and I was juggling a toddler and a newborn. Let me tell you, it was a whole new level of chaos I never though possible.
But with experience comes wisdom (and a little help from mom friends and my mom). By my second go-round, I had discovered a few products that made my days not just manageable but enjoyable. Here are my must-haves for surviving newborn life, all tried and tested in the trenches of motherhood.
1. Coffee Machine: My Lifeline in the Chaos
First things first COFFEE, I highly recommend buying yourself a GOOD coffee machine. If there’s one thing that kept me going, it was coffee. With my first baby, I’d reheat the same cup of coffee three times before actually drinking it. By the time my second baby arrived, I invested in a Nespresso Vertuo Coffee and Espresso Maker, and it became a game-changer. I love this one because it comes with a milk frother, both hot and cold milk. The coffee machine can also make you cold coffee when you buy the cold coffee pods.
The quick brewing time and rich coffee gave me the little boost I needed to tackle the day. It looks sleek on the counter and doesn’t take up too much space. Whether you’re dealing with sleepless nights or chasing a toddler, a good coffee machine is a non-negotiable.
2. Breastfeeding Pillow: Comfort for You and Baby
Breastfeeding or bottle-feeding a newborn is already a full-time job, and doing it while trying to soothe a toddler is another story. Enter My Brest Friend, which saved my arms and my sanity. It clips on the back to it does not slide off like other pillows I have used.
With my first baby, I didn’t fully understand the value of a good nursing pillow. But by baby number two, I couldn’t live without it. The ergonomic design gave me the support I needed to comfortably feed my baby while also keeping my toddler entertained (more on that later). And when I wasn’t using it for feeding, it doubled as a cozy spot to eat my food on because it is like a tray.
3. Baby Entertainment: Keep Them Busy, Keep Your Sanity
I quickly learned that keeping a baby entertained isn’t just about helping them develop—it’s about giving mom a few precious minutes to eat, shower, or simply breathe. The Fisher-Price Deluxe Kick & Play Piano Gym was a favorite for both of my boys.
For my newborn, the bright colors and soothing music were a hit, while my toddler thought it was fun to "help" by playing with the piano keys. It’s lightweight, portable, and a lifesaver for those moments when you need to multitask. 
4. Baby Carrier: Hands-Free for the Win
When you have a newborn and a toddler, your hands are never free. That’s why a reliable baby carrier is essential. I used the Ergobaby Omni 360 All-Position Carrier, and it became my go-to for everything from grocery shopping to park outings.
It kept my baby snug and close while allowing me to chase after my toddler or fold laundry (though let’s be honest, folding laundry was rare). The adjustable straps made it comfortable for both my husband and me to use, and it grew with my baby, so I didn’t need to replace it as he got bigger. 
5. Baby Monitor with Split Screen: Peace of Mind for Two
I never even knew about this until my second! Adding a second child to the mix meant I needed eyes everywhere. The HiPP No Wifi Double Baby Monitor was a game-changer for monitoring both my toddler during nap time and my newborn in the crib.
It has a split-screen feature, so I could keep an eye on both kids at once, which gave me much-needed peace of mind. Whether I was in the kitchen making dinner or sitting down for a rare moment of quiet, knowing I could check on both of them made life so much easier.
6. Toddler Helper: The Convertible Play Yard
Balancing a toddler and a newborn can feel like running a marathon every single day. One thing that really helped was the Regalo My Portable Play Yard. It gave my toddler a safe space to play nearby while I focused on the baby. And eventually you can put them both inside. I love this one with the canopy to put in the garden, beach or when we go camping.
The lightweight, foldable design made it easy to move from room to room, so whether I was cooking dinner or feeding the baby, I could keep everyone happy and contained. My toddler loved having his own “clubhouse,” and I loved knowing he was safe.
Final Thoughts
Newborn life is a wild ride, especially when you’re managing two little ones. But with the right tools, you can make the days a little easier and a lot more enjoyable. Whether it’s brewing a quick cup of coffee or finding a moment of calm with a baby carrier, these products helped me thrive as a mom of two.
If you’re looking for more ideas on how to make the most of your time, check out my blog on ways to unwind while the baby naps. Remember, you’re doing an amazing job—one day, one coffee, and one snuggle at a time.