As a first time mom with next to no experience with newborns, I was clueless of what baby essentials I would need. Knowing that my son will here in just a few weeks has me a little nervous that I’m just not prepared. Even adding items to my baby registry is a challenge because I just wasn’t sure what I would really need. Are you feeling the same way?

It can be overwhelming, so I started digging and following other mommy bloggers to get the scoop on what items are clutch. These are 10 of my favorite baby essentials for first time moms.

1. Cosleeper. Sleep safety is a huge priority of mine. So I knew I would need a cosleeper so that baby has a safe place to sleep when he’s not in his crib. I received a free DockATot to try out a review once baby is here. DockATot is a multi-functional lounger, co-sleeper and playtime lounger. It comes in two sizes (Deluxe for 0-8 Months – this is the one I received, Grand 9-36 months). Made in Europe and designed in Sweden, DockATot sleepers are OEKO-TEX certified, and made with all natural, 100% cotton so it’s the ideal micro-climate for babies and toddlers. They come in a ton of prints and patterns to fit your style or home decor.

2. Breast pump. If you plan on breastfeeding but want others to be able to feed the baby, whether you’ll be working or just taking a break, a breast pump is essential. Many insurance companies will cover the cost of a breast pump for you at no cost. I received the Spectra S1Plus rechargeable pump, and will receive a Medela pump as I get closer to my due date. The S1 is portable and quickly rechargeable for active moms, and is also quiet and discreet for soothing pumping, and yet weighs only 2.9lbs. This will probably be the pump I use at home so I can pretty much pump anywhere, and the Medela will likely stay at work since I’ll only use it in the pumping room. I’m holding out on the one I will receive for free through my insurance until I’m able to try these two out, and then I’ll select my free pump after that.

3. Cart cover. While I would prefer leaving baby at home if I need to food shop (because GERMS), a cart cover is a great item to have to protect baby while you shop. I received the Binxy cart cover and this baby will get put to use. This is for babies 6-8 months in age who aren’t quite ready to sit up on their own. It super easy to use, and fits most standard grocery store carts, including the larger ones at Costco (my happy place). It holds a car seat if you don’t want to take baby out, and supports up to 50 pounds in weight.

4. Bottles. From what I’m hearing, babies can be pretty picky when it comes to bottles. So my plan is to get a few different brands to try out, and then stock up once I know which bottles baby likes. I received a bottle gift set from Comotomo and a Dr. Brown’s bottle in my Target baby registry gift bag. I also put Tommie Tippie bottles on my registry. Those were the 3 brands I heard the most positive reviews on, so I’ll start from there.

5. Snot sucker. Listen. I don’t do snot. Not my own, and not anyone else’s either. Those blue bulb sucker thingies always make me cringe because I didn’t understand how you could really clean them. Thankfully I received the Fridababy snot sucker, and I’m actually looking forward to trying it out.

6. Activity Mat. Baby will need a play space that’s safe and interactive from newborn so they can get that tummy time in until they are able to sit up on their own. SkipHop sent me the Farmstand Grow & Play Activity Gym packed with lots of engaging textures and sounds for baby to explore and stimulate the mind. The soft playmat features cheerful farm graphics and numbers, and the fold-up sides create an enclosed playspace that’s perfect for tummy time play. When little ones sprout up, the removable arches convert to a growth chart. Hopefully baby will learn to love his veggies because of this!

7. Baby Blanket. My son will be born just as Winter rolls around, so baby will need blankets to keep him covered and warm. One of the first gifts we received once we announced the pregnancy was a cute and equally plush blanket from my husband’s boss. Then my amazing friend Diana gifted us a customized baby blanket with babies name on AND in Dallas Cowboys colors because Mr. Blakes is a huge fan. We absolutely love it and can’t wait to bring baby home in that blanket.

8. Stylish Diaper Bag. Before I ever thought about having a baby, I thought about how much I’d want a diaper bag that just looked like a super cute and stylish handbag. I received this cute polka dot print diaper bag from Jujube, and I gotta say – I also started carrying it now! This bag is fashionable and functional, with compartments to keep bottles cool and a changing mat.

9. Baby Carrier. I love the idea of baby being snuggled up with me, and still being hands free so I can carry on with other things. I have a couple Boba Baby wraps on my baby registry, and I received a Baby Tula carrier that both Mr. Blakes and I can use. Baby Tula is one of the best known and highly recommended carriers for babywearing so I can’t wait to use it!

10. Breastmilk storage system. Since I’ll be going back to work after baby is born, I knew I would need a way to store my breast milk for his caregiver to use when he can’t breastfeed. I’ve seen a couple of breastmilk storage systems, but Kiinde was offering their starter kit for free to try – all you have to do is pay for shipping. I was able to select adapters for whichever breast pump I used, a 50% off coupon for the full gift set, so if I like it, I’ll be buying the full kit. Tommiee Tippie has a system as well that’s about the same price and the reviews were also the same.

Whether you’re building a baby registry or shopping on your own, these are some baby essentials to include on the list. Am I missing any? Drop them down in the comments!