When I was pregnant, I was hyper-focused on the baby registry. The stroller. The perfect swaddle. The car seat with seventeen safety certifications. But nowhere—nowhere—on the “Things You’ll Need as a Mom” list was the actual stuff I now rely on to keep my head above water.
Sure, babies need bottles and bouncers. But moms? We need a few clutch things that no one talks about in the mom groups. So here it is—my unsolicited list of 4 things I didn’t expect to need… but now swear by.
1. Term Life Insurance Rates You Can Literally Afford During Nap Time
Sounds dramatic? Maybe. But look—if you’re a mom, especially with young kids, you’ve got to think about the long game. Who’s going to take care of your babies if something happens?
That’s where term life insurance rates come in. I know insurance sounds like something only your accountant husband cares about, but this is big girl stuff. And it’s wildly affordable (we’re talking cheaper than your mobile order at Starbucks).
It takes, like, five minutes to apply. Which is exactly the amount of time you’ll have between episodes of Bluey.
2. An Actually Stylish Diaper Bag That Doesn’t Weigh 45 Pounds
You know what doesn’t spark joy? A saggy polyester diaper bag with a worn-out bottle pocket and suspicious crumbs in every corner. You know what does spark joy? A bag that looks like it belongs to a grown woman… but secretly has a sippy cup, three backup onesies, and an entire Costco snack bar inside.
Petunia Pickle Bottom is one of those stylish diaper bags brands that are secretly genius—wipes pockets, laptop sleeves, insulated bottle holders—but disguised as something you could wear to brunch. If you ever make it to brunch again.
3. Vitamins That Keep You From Crying at 3pm
If you’ve ever stared at your toddler having a meltdown and thought, honestly, same, it might be time to give your body a little nutritional backup.
I’m not talking about those dusty old prenatals you still have from pregnancy—I’m talking mom-life supplements. Ones that support your immune system (hello, preschool plague), your energy (because 3 hours of sleep is not sustainable), and your mood (because some days are just… a lot).
Gummies, powders, capsules—whatever you’ll actually remember to take. This isn’t self-care, it’s survival. My go to brand for vitamins is ActivatedYou.
4. Ear Plugs That Double as Sanity Preservers
Moms with young kids don’t get silence. Like, ever. So when I say that noise-dampening ear plugs are an essential household item, I mean it.
No, you won’t be ignoring your child (although I won’t judge you if you need 2 minutes to pretend you can’t hear “Mommy, watch dis!” for the 800th time). These are for nap time. For folding laundry without wanting to stick your own head in the dryer to escape the noise. For writing a grocery list without being interrupted by a shriek about the wrong color car in their lineup.
Loop earplugs are Worth. Every. Penny.
Final Word from the Trenches
Nobody warned me I’d need a will, a great vitamin, designer-looking mom gear, and a device to mute reality—but here we are. If you’re feeling like motherhood came with a lot of baby essentials and not nearly enough you essentials, let this be your reminder: you’re allowed to make this easier on yourself.
Now go refill your coffee and order yourself something that’s just for you like those rose gold Loop ear plugs.
