As parents, choosing the best and safest products for our kids worries us all the time. Starting from choosing the right feeding bottle to the choice of college, this is one stress that never goes away. I am going to talk about five products that I believe are absolute must haves for a mama in this hectic era to sort out her life. I am also going to talk about whatyou should look for while choosing these products so that you can make the best choice for your baby.

• Baby wipes: Oh! Thank god for baby wipes, these get used from cleaning all parts of your baby to cleaning all parts of a mother as well. Wipes are basically deeply moisturized wet tissues which are gentle on sensitive skin. When choosing a wipe, more than the ingredients you should look at the base material of your wipe. Healthiest wipes are 100 percent cotton or bamboo based wipes which are healthier for your baby, other regular wipes are made of polyester which can be harmful for your baby’s sensitive skin. Brands you can check out Aleva, Mamaearth & Caboo

• Breast Pump: Mother’s milk is an absolute best and must for the baby, at least for the first six months. Even with best of planning and intentions, there are times when you need to be away from your baby. But you need to make sure you are able to provide mother’s milk to your baby. For these cases breast pump is just the friend you need. I would recommend going for an electric breast pump, its slightly expensive but does the job efficiently which is what you need. Brands you can check out Madella

• Moisturizing lotion: A simple product that is always handy with mothers where ever they go. Babies have extremely sensitive skin which needs extra protection. Slight change in environment, temperature or humidity can lead to dryness and patches on baby’s skin. Hence a good moisturizing lotion is a must have. While choosing a good lotion, you should keep three things in mind. First, make sure it’s hypoallergenic and ph balanced. Second, it should be free from harmful chemicals like parabens, mineral oil etc. And finally, it should be high on linoleic acid which forms a natural layer of

protection on baby's skin. Brands you can check out Mamaearth, Honest Co, & Sebamed

• Diaper Rash Cream: Another savior, it is strange that in the same list you will find diapers and diaper rash cream. They are like Yin & Yang but the world requires both of them for a peaceful existence. While, god forbids your little one gets the rash, but if they do, having a rash cream handy helps immensely. While choosing a good diaper rash cream you must check for the Zinc Oxide content in it, a higher zinc oxide rash cream helps heal the rashes faster as it forms a waterproof layer on the rash and protects it from worsening. Brands you can check out Sudcrem& Desitin

As parents, choosing the best and safest products for our kids worries us all the time. Starting from choosing the right feeding bottle to the choice of college, this is one stress that never goes away

• Mosquito Repellent: This one is specific to us Indian Moms, the truth is pesky mosquitoes love your baby as much as you do more as a meal though. You will detest seeing mosquito bites on your baby; the entire play time in the park just becomes scary because of these goons. Moreover, risk of dengue etc. starts giving you nightmares. Hence you need a safe & effective mosquito repellent all the time. While choosing a good mosquito repellent make sure its Deet Free, especially in case your baby is less than three years old. Deet has been linked with learning disabilities in kids. Choose 100 percent natural mosquito repellents based on essential oils like citronella, lemongrass etc. Brands you can check out Mamaearth, Chicco& Repel.

• Feeding bottle: A necessary evil in modern days, breast fed milk is safest as well as the best way to deliver mama’s milk. It not only delivers the milk fresh & un-spoilt but also gives your body warmth to your baby and strengthens your bond with her. That said there are occasions when you are unavailable for breast feeding. In these cases you need a good feeding bottle to feed the pumped milk to your baby. When choosing a good feeding bottles keep following things in mind. Try and find a non PP plastic bottle made of materials like glass, steel or silicone. Make sure your feeding bottle has an air vent system to ensure it does n't cause colic. Brands you can check out are Dr Browns, Pura & Tommy Tippy

• Diapers: While the concept of a diaper in itself is pretty unhygienic, since you are keeping your baby in puddles of poo and piss while they wear it but it is also needed if you need to remain sane & have a balance. Be it at night or day, diaper ensures your baby gets a sound sleep. There are not too many great options in diapers in India so while choosing diapers you must make sure it fits your baby well and doesn’t leak. Brands you can check out are Pampers Active & Aleva Naturals

Apart from these must have products; another thing that you must have is a support group of mothers. The group could be your local gang, a whatsapp group or one of your favorite parenting app but make sure you are connected with experienced moms & moms to be who are going through the same life stage. They will be your Wikipedia for every thing that you go through, remember what ever you are going through someone somewhere has already been there, done that.