31 Back-to-Work Essentials for New Parents

If you’ll be doing drop-offs or midday pediatrician appointments during your commute, this all-in-one car seat and stroller combo can make that car-to-stroller transition infinitely faster. The stroller wheels drop down from the car seat and get you rolling with just the push of a button, then fold right back up so the whole thing can safely transport baby in your car. No need to juggle multiple pieces of gear.

Stop carrying three different bags around. This pump backpack holds everything: your breast pump, your lunch and even your laptop. It’s practical enough for a diaper bag while also being stylish enough to be work-appropriate.

Whether you’re rushing out the door for your commute or juggling a chaotic morning at home, this mug keeps your coffee hot for up to 90 minutes. One dad shared in our poll that it was a lifesaver for keeping his coffee at the perfect temperature no matter how a morning with a six-week-old unfolded.

For parents who can’t keep their phone nearby during work hours, a smartwatch lets you check texts and calls quickly and discreetly so you can stay connected to your childcare. One parent from our poll called it a “game changer for my peace of mind.”

This baby monitor bundle goes beyond video. It tracks baby’s sleep data, breathing and growth, all while being accessible from your phone so you can check in on baby’s nap time from anywhere and at any time.

Better sleep makes everything easier, especially when you have a baby schedule and a work schedule to stick to. The Snoo smart bassinet automatically soothes your baby, helping them (and you) get more rest—essential for both working and parenting. We won’t lie, though, it’s a big-ticket item; if you’re looking to spend a lot less money on a sleep solution, you can also rent the Snoo month-to-month for a fraction of the cost.

A good sound machine creates a calming sleep environment for your baby while masking household noise, which means better sleep for everyone. That extra rest can make mornings—and the workday ahead—go a lot smoother. This parent-favorite sound machine also lets you set a routine via the app, which can help make sleep training that much easier.

Pumping at work can be a challenge if you’re working with a bulky pump full of tubes and wires. Wearable breast pumps are discreet and hands-free, making multitasking a breeze; you can freely type, go to meetings, walk around and even bend down and lift things—all while pumping. Wearables work just as well as regular pumps, and many connect to apps to help you track how much milk you’re collecting in real time (no need to open your shirt to check).

If you’re not looking to do full pumping sessions during your workday or if you’re looking for something ultra-portable and budget-friendly, several parents in our poll said that manual pumps are the way to go. Some parents even said they prefer them over wearable pumps for speed and convenience. Manual pumps can also come in handy even if you’re not regularly pumping—if you suddenly experience letdown and baby isn’t nearby, a manual pump is there to help.

Pumping bras can be uncomfortable to wear throughout a full workday, but if you’re using a traditional breast pump with tubes, the hands-free capability those bras give can be essential to pumping while working. But there’s another option: pump straps. Like a pumping bra, these straps secure your flanges in place in seconds, but they go right over your regular bra (or without it) for a more comfortable experience. One parent said in our poll that a pump strap ended up being much more convenient than a pumping bra: “Just Velcro it around and you’re good to go!”

No one wants leaks through their shirt at work. These absorbent pads help you stay dry and comfortable between feedings or pumping sessions. And since they’re disposable, they’re easy to swap out once full, which is great if you’re working a particularly long shift.

Even if you have a dedicated, private pumping space at work, taking your shirt off might make you feel weird or uncomfortable in the workplace. Shirts and dresses made specifically for nursing and pumping can help you stay discreet and comfortable while also allowing access for your pump (even the kind with tubes). And there are plenty of options out there that are stylish enough for office-wear.

If you’ve been exclusively breastfeeding so far, the back-to-work transition is also the point when you might introduce your baby to a bottle. But babies can be picky, and there’s no knowing which bottle your baby will love until you actually try a few. This box lets you test out a variety of top-rated bottles before committing, so it’s a budget-friendly way to find your baby’s favorite without stocking up on ones they won’t use.

This sleek, on-the-go milk chiller keeps breastmilk at a safe temperature without the need for bulky coolers or ice packs—perfect for commuting.

You can also keep your pumped milk safe and organized with leak-proof, freezer-friendly storage bags. They’re easy to label and lay flat to save space—perfect for building your stash or sending bottles to childcare. They’re also freezer-safe to help you store your breast milk good for even longer.

These natural-ingredient wipes let you clean pump parts and bottles without a sink, so you don’t have to worry about bacteria growth after your workday pumping sessions. They don’t leave any residue behind, so there’s no need to rinse. Just keep in mind that these wipes aren’t sanitizing, so you may still want to do that once you get home.

Speaking of cleaning pump parts and bottles when you get home, we’re willing to bet that’s the last thing you want to do after a long day away from your baby. So let a bottle washer do it instead! This machine automates your bottle cleaning (plus sanitizing and drying) to help save you time and energy, freeing you up for baby snuggles instead of scrubbing.

And while we’re at it, save yourself even more time on bottle-related tasks by streamlining the bottle-making process. If you’re formula-feeding, this formula prep machine gives you perfectly measured, mixed and warmed bottles in seconds. Plenty of new parents called it a lifesaver for those middle-of-the-night feedings and rushed mornings. 

If you don’t want to splurge on a whole machine, parents also love this manual formula pitcher to prep up to a full day’s worth of bottles in advance.

A photo frame in the feeding section? You bet. Looking at photos of your baby is actually scientifically proven to help with letdown. Several parents mentioned loving a digital photo frame to keep endless photos of baby close at hand (and we know you have so many photos of your baby) without having to look at their phone throughout the day.

If your baby is in a daycare, that can be a great resource for you as a working parent, but daycares can also be a breeding ground for germs and viral illnesses. Be prepared for inevitable colds with this fully-stocked kit of baby-safe sick-day essentials, including a nasal aspirator, saline spray and a digital thermometer.

When baby gets sick, don’t be surprised if you’re next. While colds just need to run their course, this saline-based rinse can help speed up the healing process a bit by flushing out all the gunk from your sinuses, especially when it’s tough to get much-needed sleep thanks to a stuffy nose. “I got sick so frequently,” one new parent told us about their back-to-work transition. “I think [the neti pot] has helped a lot in preventing getting sick or preventing a sickness from getting worse.”

If you’re working from home, keeping your baby entertained is an absolute must—even if you have another caregiver helping out. This play gym is a favorite of both parents and babies alike, since it features a variety of sensory zones to keep baby engaged (and give you those precious pockets of time to get work done).

Even if you have a home office with closed doors, your baby’s noise can still reach your hyper-sensitive parent ears (sometimes they may even be phantom cries). Several parents in our poll mentioned that noise-cancelling headphones were vital to their work-from-home routine, since they’ll block out any and all household noise so you can focus during meetings or deep work.

Once your baby reaches about six months old, an activity center is another great entertainment (or distraction) tool. It keeps baby safely contained while you power through work tasks.

If you’re short on childcare and need to have baby close by while you work, a playard gives them a safe, contained place to rest or play. And they’re portable, so you can move baby anywhere in the house (or even outside) you’re working from.

Working parents love this baby-tracking app to help them stay informed about baby’s routine in real time. “I could see how many bottles, diapers and naps she had had,” one parent told us. “And it gave me extreme peace of mind that she was doing ok (or to prepare myself to walk into a tired girl needing an earlier bedtime) since I could check her status throughout the day.” It makes communicating with your baby’s caregiver that much more streamlined.

Trying to squeeze in grocery errands on your way home can be hectic and stressful, not to mention time-consuming. While it does cost a little extra, grocery delivery can help save you a ton of time and energy when you’d rather just be home with baby. You’ll have to trust someone else with your shopping, but it’s just one less thing to juggle during busy weeks.

Speaking of grocery delivery, subscriptions like Little Spoon save you time and energy on both shopping and food prep thanks to their ready-to-serve organic baby meals. They’re packed with fruits, veggies and all the good stuff your little eater needs, and one parent called it “a lifesaver” and a “big win.”

Healthy, fully prepared meals aren’t just for your baby—you need to eat well, too. Factor 75’s meals heat up in minutes, and they’re easily portable to toss in your work bag on a moment’s notice. “Mornings were a lot more rushed post-baby,” one parent told us. “So meal delivery helped cut out lunch prep while I figured out how to get out the door and to the office on time.”

You want to keep your home clean and safe for your baby, but if you’re running low on time and energy, it may be time to call in a few favors. If hiring a recurring house cleaner isn’t in the cards for you, try asking your friends and family to pitch in. You can also set up a cash fund for your loved ones to contribute to to help pay for a cleaning service. Either way, it’ll take that chore off your (already full) mental load.

Childcare can be one of the biggest ongoing costs for new parents. This cash fund lets friends and family contribute toward trusted, consistent care, giving you peace of mind while you work and more quality time together when you’re home.