Quick Guide To Essential Gear For First-Time Parents

Becoming a parent is an incredible privilege. The joy our little ones bring–their laughter, their hugs and kisses, and the sweet way they say “I love you”--is unmatched.

However, parenting, especially for the first time, can also be overwhelming. It feels like stepping into uncharted territory, with so much to consider: baby names, doctor appointments, budgeting, breastfeeding, and choosing the right baby essentials. Do we really need a dozen pajamas? What about strollers or a car seat? Just thinking about it all can be overwhelming.

Recently, Smart Parenting asked moms about their non-negotiable essentials for their babies. These insights come from first-time moms, expectant mothers, and those with multiple children. If you’re a first-time mom feeling lost, this list of essentials might be just the guide you need!

First-time mom essentials:

Baby clothes

The top essential for first-time moms is baby clothes. Choosing the right newborn outfits is crucial to ensure your baby is comfortable. 

Celebrity mom Joyce Ching, who is currently pregnant with her first child, shared that they didn’t stock up on too many items, just the essentials. In an interview with Smart Parenting, she said, “Based sa mga napapanood ko, ang essential pa lang na nabili ko for my baby is sleep sack. Aside from that, typical toiletries of babies like diapers, wipes, and all that.” She’s preparing for the notorious sleepless nights with a newborn and has also stocked up on comfortable clothes for herself and her husband.

Joyce also offers a helpful tip for first time moms like her: “For first time moms, do your research. But not too much research. It’s better to ask your OB pa din. Sometimes kasi when you do your research, ang daming lumalabas and it makes you worry pa. But when you go to your OB, sure ka na talagang proper medical advice.”

Celebrity mom-of-two Joyce Pring also graced the event with her kids, Eliam and Aggie, and emphasized the importance of weather-appropriate travel clothes. In an Instagram video, she shared that choosing baby clothes suitable for different climates when traveling is a must. Her advice for first-time moms? “Enjoy the ride and brace yourselves for the difficult season. And also my personal secret is a good husband! At the end of the day, being a mom is one of the most challenging things ever, and I think having a solid support system, my husband for example, who loves me and the kids, I really feel supported. That’s the secret.”

Shop for newborn clothes at Chicco’s official website. 

Stroller

Another must-have first-time moms is a stroller. However, choosing the right one can be overwhelming with so many options available. Smart Parenting recently released a guide to choosing the right stroller for your baby–read it here. 

Content creator and mom of one, KC Dela Rosa, from the Yatco Family, shared with Smart Parenting that she uses Chicco Goody Plus Stroller. Her three-year-old daughter frequently uses it during their travels and outings. 

Hanna Domingo, a mom of one who is also a content creator and full-time employee, said, “Stroller saves me from back pain since I don’t have to carry my baby all the time. I opted for The Chicco Glee stroller because it’s suitable from birth up to 22kg, lightweight, and easy to maneuver. It fits perfectly in our car, making it easy for us new parents to take it wherever we go.”

If you’re planning to buy a stroller, check out Chicco’s Seety Stroller. The line has a carrycot and compatible car seat–all interchangeable with just one click, making travel easy and hassle-free.

Check out Chicco Seety Stroller’s details here. 

Bassinet / Playard

A crib or bassinet is another essential for first-time moms. Social media influencer and mom of two, Nikki Bonifacio, shared with Smart Parenting that she uses the Chicco Lullaby Easy Playard. This playard serves as a sleeping bassinet and a diaper-changing table for newborn and smaller babies. It can later be converted into a play area as your baby grows. Plus, it folds up easily for storage. 

Chicco Lullaby Easy Playard is currently 35% off on Chicco’s official website. 

Feeding bottles

Choosing the right feeding bottle can also be overwhelming due to many options available. Hanna Domingo shared with Smart Parenting, “Whether you’re planning to breastfeed or bottle-feed your baby, it’s a good idea to have some baby bottles on hand. Even though I knew from the start that I wanted to breastfeed, I bought bottles from Chicco to help train my baby to drink from a bottle. This way, I can get a break from latching every now and then. I love the bottle and nipple from Chicco because it mimics the natural feel of a mother’s breasts. I actually didn’t have a hard time introducing the bottle to my baby.”

Hanna, who is currently breastfeeding her 18-month-old son, also pumps breastmilk for him when she needs to go out. Chicco’s Natural Feeling Baby Bottle, designed to mimic the natural feel of a mother’s breast, makes transitioning from direct latching to bottle-feeding easier. 

For older kids, KC Dela Rosa’s go-to-feeding bottle is the Chicco Perfect 5. Chicco Perfect 5 features a proven anti-colic effect, a physiological sucking rhythm, perfect latch, soft-sense silicone, and maximum hygiene.

Shop for Chicco feeding bottles here.

Car Seat

A car seat is an essential must-have as it protects your baby while on the road. “A car seat is a must-have for me too because I prioritize my little one's safety while we're on the road,” Hanna Domingo shared. 

Nikki Bonifacio also loves the Chicco Bravo Trio Travel System, which includes a car seat compatible with a stroller via a simple latch. Chicco offers various travel systems and car seats for different stages, from newborns to older children. 

Chicco also provides a guide on choosing the right car seat for your little ones–read it here. 

For a comprehensive checklist of first-time mom essentials, including newborn basics, bathing accessories, feeding/nursing essentials, nursery furnishings, and travel needs, check out this “Mom’s Checklist” available at Chicco Festival Mall’s Boutique. This reliable guide is a must for new moms!

Chicco Festival Mall Alabang recently opened its boutique, offering various discounts. They are located on the 2nd floor of the East Wing, Festival Mall, Alabang, Muntinlupa City. Visit Chicco’s social media accounts for updates.

Read here for essentials new moms should have on her bedside table.