Putting together a nursery or baby registry can feel like learning a foreign language—Uppa-what? Bugga-who?—which is why every mama needs a set of trusty crib notes. Can you survive without these products? Totally. But will they make life ten times easier? Like you wouldn't believe. From strollers to baby clothes to activity mats and nursing covers, here are the hero baby products we've found are worth every single penny.

1. 4moms Mamaroo

Nothing soothes a newborn like motion, and this cult combo of a bouncer and swing may be the closest thing to rocking in mom’s arms. The Mamaroo scores extra points for its sleek design, iPhone compatibility (you can control music and motion with a tap of your phone) and easy-peasy assembly. @4moms_hq

2. Fridababy Baby Basic Kit

Babies are frequently stuffed up (and snort like little piglets—it's normal!) This genius nasal aspirator makes it easy to unplug their noses safely with a few quick sucks on your end. (Fear not—no boogs can enter your mouth.) It's nearly as satisfying for you as it is for baby. @fridababy

3. DockAtot Deluxe+ Dock

You’ll need a cozy spot for baby to rest and play when your arms aren’t free (or dead from four hours of cuddle time). This snug little docking station has rounded, raised sides that hug baby (translation: less fuss) while you brush your teeth. @dockAtot

4. Monica + Andy Hospital Cuddle Box Deluxe

It's all the organic cotton newborn clothes and baby blankets your baby needs in the hospital. Perfect for those sleepy first few weeks of snuggles! @monicaandandy

5. bloom alma mini white crib bundle

Hello, brilliance: this mini crib starts as a newborn bassinet and transitions into a mini crib (ideal for city living or keeping at Grandma's) for babies up to a year old. Bundle comes with the mini crib, mattress, universal mattress protector, and 2-piece organic cotton sheet set.

6. Lalo Stroller

Meet the stylish, super smart stroller you're about to see on every baby registry—and not just because it comes with a phone charger. So many thoughtful details (three height settings, extra storage, machine washable seat liners, extra color options) make this one an all-star. @lalo

7. LoveEvery The Play Gym

An activity gym with high contrast colors, sounds, and textures is where your little will hang to play and do tummy time, and there’s one that stands out from the pack as extra thoughtful: the LoveEvery Play Gym was developed by academics to incorporate stage-based learning, meaning there’s fun different forms of stimulation for each passing month. It’s also not bad to look at in your living room. @loveeverybaby

8. Monica + Andy Always Blanket

The perfect baby blanket for tummy time, stroller walks, or snuggling up for daycare naps—this is the one item your newborn might still be hanging onto a few years down the road. @monicaandandy

9. Milk Snob Cover

It’s the stylish and multifunctional piece of fabric you won’t leave home without—this cover is perfect for nursing in public, but also fits over car seats and strollers for some nap time privacy, blocking the sun, or shielding baby from the person coughing next to you in line. @Milksnob

10. Ergobaby Omni 360

At a certain point, you’ll realize you need your hands back to eat and do laundry. That’s where baby wearing comes into play—the Ergobaby Omni360 adjusts so baby can face in, out, or even hang out on your hip or back (like a backpack) as the months go on. You’ll need to purchase an infant insert for littles under 12 pounds, but this one is worth the long-term investment. @ergobaby