15 Essential Baby Items with Chicco

Thank you Chicco Shop for sponsoring this post. While this was a sponsored opportunity from Chicco Shop, all content and opinions expressed here are my own.

Since many readers are entering or in the ‘baby’ phase of life I’m thrilled to share that I’ll partnering with Chicco to share some great money-saving ideas for new parents over the next few weeks. Chicco offers great baby products that are high-quality without the expensive price tag. They also have a great deal going on right now (details at the bottom of the post) and are offering free shipping on baby gear.

Drawing from reader questions I’ve received I put together a 3 part series sponsored by Chicco to answer the most common questions I get about how to save money with a new baby on the way.

• Part 1 is 15 Essential Baby Items
• Part 2 is 5 Ways To Save The Most On Baby Gear
• Part 3 is 29 Ways To Prepare Financially For Baby

Let’s dive in shall we?

15 Essential Baby Items

It’s been a long time since we have been in the market for baby gear, but I know that one thing hasn’t changed. Parents of babies need a ton of baby items, but don’t want to spend a lot either. While there are a lot of things we did without or purchased secondhand, finding great deals on the new stuff we needed was always a must. In addition, finding great products that would really work was key, too. Cheaper doesn’t always mean better!

1. Car Seat

A must-have before you head home from is a car seat. While there are loads of options on the market the best bet is to find a car seat that fits your car and your needs. Bucket seats (like this one) are a great option for newborns, but babies outgrow them fast (especially if you have big babies like I did!). Look for a car seat or travel system that can grow with your child (like this convertible car seat).

2. Stroller

There are a ton of options for strollers out there from cheapie folding strollers to high-end designer strollers. For most babies and their parents a mid-range stroller will do just fine. Look for a stroller that lays completely flat for early jaunts with newborns (like this one) or pick out a sturdier option for when baby is a bit bigger (like this model).

3. Bottles

While I am a strong supporter of breastfeeding having bottles on hand helps when you need to be away from home in those early weeks or if you go back to work when your baby is still nursing. Pumping milk for bottle feeding is something I did occasionally even as a stay at home parent. For bottle feeding parents great bottles are a must! They will be used constantly and need to be both comfortable for you to hold and easy for baby to use. The Natural Fit line is a great option (look for a special deal below!) This is great starter set, and would make an excellent shower gift.

4. Sling

I loved having a sling from the newborn stage into toddlerhood to help our babies be close and comfortable while giving me two hands free. Most upright carriers are meant for older babies so look for a ring sling or a pouch sling to start. If your babies are anything like mine they will love it!

5. Diapers

It goes without saying you’ll need a ton of diapers! Choosing between cloth and disposable can be challenging, but there are a ton of great options for both. Just be sure to stock up since you’ll go through many, many, many diapers!

6. Onesies

You can never have too many onesies! Between spit up, blowouts, and diaper leaks you should plan on having about 2 per day (more onesies means less laundry). Plus you can always have a fun decorating party or include it as part of your baby shower. (see here for some fun ideas)

7. Baby Gowns

Oh, how I miss these! They were my favorite clothes for a new baby or infant. I wish they made them in grownup sizes! These are not only affordable, but they are perfect for daytime and bedtime.

8. Burp Cloths

You can never have too many burp cloths! From cleaning up spit up to keeping baby’s precious face off scratchy fabric you may find yourself using several each day.

9. Blankets

Baby blankets are the best! Is it wrong that I miss having stacks of them in the house? Having about 6-10 or so was always helpful so I could keep one in my bag, one or two near where baby slept, one in our main living area, and there were always a few in the wash.

10. Books

It may seem odd, but this is one of my favorite things to buy for baby gifts! Creating a library of great classics and favorite baby books is a great way to start baby with a love of reading.

11. Place to Rest

While creating a nursery may be fun it’s not always necessary, especially if you’re living in a small space. You simply need a safe and out-of-the-way spot to lay baby down for naps and nighttime. Since safety standards have changed it’s best to purchase a new crib, play yard, or bassinet. This is a fun play yard that adjusts as baby grows.

12. Baby monitor

While you don’t necessarily need a high-end video camera monitor having a baby monitor handy can be helpful if your home is set up in a way where you may not be able to hear your baby stir. We found it extremely helpful since our previous home had a TV room in the basement that was soundproof. We would have never heard our kids without a monitor.

13. Baby Bath Products

While I never used a ton of baby products there were a few essentials we need to have on hand like baby soap and shampoo, wipes, and soft washcloths and towels.

14. Baby First Aid Kit

Having a few essentials on hand for your baby is a great idea. A baby-friendly thermometer, baby nail clippers, a baby hairbrush, nasal aspirator, and typical first aid supplies are all smart to have on hand.

15. Toys

It’s so fun to pick out a few toys for a new baby! My babies always had a few items that were gifted from family and friends. I loved things that would really grow with them as they developed like rattles they could play with, chew on, and later throw!

About Chicco

Chicco was founded more than 50 years ago in Europe. They have an amazing array of products including car seats, baby gear, feeding sets, toys, and so much more.

NaturalFit® Rebate

Right now Chicco is offering an amazing promotion, the NaturalFit Rebate promotion. It’s s great way to get free items when you’re shopping for baby gear.

Get a FREE Chicco NaturalFit® Gift Set ($24.99 value) when you spend $150 on Chicco products at any retailer through 5/31/15!

Chicco NaturalFit Giveaway - Ends 5/31/15

The Chicco NaturalFit® Stages Gift Set includes all 3 stages in the feeding system, plus a bottle/nipple brush. These bottles are great for feeding baby on the go or if you’re planning to pump for times you’re away from home and baby. The NaturalFit® Bottles are designed with three distinct nipple shapes. Their unique angled nipples promote proper neck positioning. Additionally, the products are designed to adapt to the developing feeding skills of babies as they grow.

Visit ChiccoShop.com and get free shipping on select gear including the new Bravo Trio System equipped with the #1 rated KeyFit® 30 Infant Car Seat and our newly designed Bravo stroller that makes traveling light and easy.

The NaturalFit® Mail-In Rebate is valid on purchases at ChiccoShop.com and also includes purchases made online or in-store at Target, Babies R’ Us, and Buy Buy Baby.

Kelly

Disclosure: Thank you Chicco Shop for sponsoring this post. While this was a sponsored opportunity from Chicco Shop, all content and opinions expressed here are my own.