Smart Parenting Awards 2021: 13 Baby First-Year Essentials Moms And Dads Are Raving About

• When you get to the latter part of your pregnancy, you might experience this phenomenon called nesting. You might have the uncontrollable urge to clean the house to prepare it for the baby.

  You also get the itch to shop for your little one. But with so many baby products in the market, you probably need help filtering those that are actually recommended by moms and dads.

  Last September 2021, we asked our readers to choose the best products for moms, babies, and Filipino homes via a survey. We also asked about the celebrity parents and family they follow and love the most.

  The survey’s result has now been turned into our first-ever Smart Parenting Awards.

  With insights from Smart Parenting editors and reviews from the Smart Parenting Mom and Dad Squad members, we broke down the survey results and ranked the contenders according to features, user reviews, and value-for-money.

  What you have is a list of products moms and dads love.

  Best buys for baby

  It can be challenging to shop for your baby — who knew a tiny human can need so many things? Here’s a list of essentials that they will need for their first year (and even beyond!) that parents rave about.

  Best baby bottle: Philips Avent Natural Baby Bottle (Php1,260 for a 9oz pack of two)

  

  PHOTO BY Courtesy of Philips Avent ILLUSTRATOR Ma. Stephanie Ocampo

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  Picking a baby bottle is tricky and most of the time, it’s your baby who will choose for you. But moms recommend this trusted brand for its skin-soft teat material matched with a wide nipple shape that closely resembles the real thing. This also allows for a natural latch and has a unique anti-colic valve technology. 

  If you’re a breastfeeding mom using a breast pump, the bottles are also compatible not only with the Philips Avent Natural range but also with other brands. This makes it easier to mix feed your baby.

  Available at Lazada

  Best tape diaper: EQ Dry Tape Baby Diapers (Php314 for a small size, 40-pc pack)

  

  PHOTO BY Courtesy of Shopee ILLUSTRATOR Ma. Stephanie Ocampo

  Finding the diaper that is most hiyang for your baby is a matter of trial and error, but most parents recommend this because it ticks most boxes on their checklist: It doesn’t cause irritation, it fits right, and it falls within their budget.

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  With a stretchable elastic waistband, it fits snugly on your baby and allows easy movement. There’s a bubble top sheet that protects baby’s delicate skin from harmful bacteria that can lead to diaper rash. Plus, the breathable material, absorbent core, and leak guards ensure your baby stays dry and comfy all day.

  Another bonus: the wider magic tapes can be easily adjusted and can be resealed even after contact with baby oil or baby powder.

  Available at Shopee

  Best diaper pants: Pampers Baby Dry Pants (Php189 for a small size, 24-pc pack)

  

  PHOTO BY Courtesy of Pampers ILLUSTRATOR Ma. Stephanie Ocampo

  Once your baby grows and develops motor skills like crawling and walking, he or she will soon grow out of baby diapers, too. Your number one consideration should be comfort. Then, make sure you can easily put it on and replace it, even during times when your toddler is being makulit. 

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  This brand has been known for these qualities. Moms and dads love the stretchy waistband, breathable material, and magic gel channels that prevent leaks. These diapers also go on sale a lot, so always check for promos before adding to your cart!

  Available at Shopee

  Best infant car seat: Joie Gemm Infant Car Seat Group 0+ (Php4,999.75)

  

  PHOTO BY Courtesy of Joie ILLUSTRATOR Ma. Stephanie Ocampo

  From your trip home from the hospital after giving birth to those essential trips to the pediatrician and other can’t miss travels, there are times when you really shouldn’t go without a car seat. Not only will it keep your baby comfortable throughout the ride, but it will also ensure his or her safety.

  This sleek, airline-certified car seat can be installed via the 3-point seat belt in your car. It’s made to be rear facing for children from birth to when they weigh 13kg.

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  Parents also love the ample padding and curved base for rocking. Lastly, it has an ergonomic carry handdle and rectrable sun canopy that’s UPF50+ and water repellent.

  Available at Lazada

  Infant Car Seat People’s Choice: Graco Snugride I size (Php16,999.75)

  

  PHOTO BY Courtesy of Graco ILLUSTRATOR Ma. Stephanie Ocampo

  This one is a bonus recommendation! It got high marks from the judges and was the top choice of readers. It’s definitely an investment piece, and can be used by kids ages 0 to 18 months.

  It features a 7-position adjustable base, so your child has more legroom as he or she grows. There’s also an isofix stay-in-car base for secure installation and enough cushions for newborns and infants alike.

  Available at Lazada

  Best convertible car seat: Chicco Unico Convertible Car Seat (Php16,999.75)

  

  PHOTO BY Courtesy of Chicco ILLUSTRATOR Ma. Stephanie Ocampo

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  Like clothes and shoes, babies outgrow car seats, too. As he or she grows older, the car seat needed becomes front-facing. It has to be extra secure in the sense that it can’t be unfastened by the child.

  Designed with children’s needs in mind, this convertible car seat has won the hearts of many families. It can transition from infanthood to the pre-teen years, as long as the child doesn’t go over 36 kg. If you’re looking for a car seat that’s stable, durable, and pamana-quality, you definitely need to add this to your shopping cart.

  Available at Lazada 

  Best stroller: Chicco London Up with Bumper Bar Stroller (Php7,999.75)

  

  PHOTO BY Courtesy of Chicco

  The parents we surveyed love this stroller for being lightweight, having lockable swivel wheels, and offering comfortable and secure seating. Despite having a spacious shopping basket and being able to carry up to 15kg, it’s small when folded, which makes storage easy. You can also take advantage of the raincover to protect your baby from sun or rain exposure. 

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  Available at Lazada

  Best baby carrier: Ergobaby Baby Carrier 360 Moonstone (Php10,499.75)

  

  PHOTO BY Courtesy of Ergobaby ILLUSTRATOR Ma. Stephanie Ocampo

  Pre-pandemic, baby carriers were typically used for days when you’re walking around in the mall or at a park. These days, they’re used to enable a superpower that lots of parents develop: Multitasking at home.

  This ergonomic option allows four ways to carry the child with maximum comfort. Find the right position in order to avoid getting back pain. 

  Available at Lazada

  Best baby laundry detergent: Tiny Buds Natural Newborn Laundry Wash (Php399) 

  

  PHOTO BY Courtesy of Tiny Buds ILLUSTRATOR Ma. Stephanie Ocampo

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  Babies have delicate skin, so you need to make sure you select one without harsh ingredients that could lead to skin breakouts or trigger allergies and asthma. This coconut-based laundry detergent is made with natural ingredients that are generally safe for newborns and infants. For the eco-conscious, it’s also biodegradable, doesn’t leave chemical residues, and comes in a refillable bottle.

  Available at Tiny Buds Baby

  Best baby bottle cleanser: Joy Baby Dishwashing liquid (Php249) 

  

  PHOTO BY Courtesy of Joy Philippines ILLUSTRATOR Ma. Stephanie Ocampo

  When cleaning your baby’s utensils, it’s ideal to use cleaning agents specially designed for little ones. These are formulated without the regular ingredients that could cause reactions.

  This cleanser’s solution does not contain any perfume, dye, or parabens. From the user reviews of mommies and daddies, you’ll also see how they appreciate its effectiveness in getting rid of food or milk residues. 

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  Available at Shopee 

  Best baby wash: Cetaphil Baby Wash and Shampoo (Php420) 

  

  PHOTO BY Courtesy of Cetaphil ILLUSTRATOR Ma. Stephanie Ocampo

  Another challenge that all parents go through: Bath time. From the first time the nurse or midwife demonstrates it in the hospital to your daily routine at home, there are a lot of things to keep in mind. After figuring out how to do it, decide on what to use.

  What parents love about this product is how it’s non-drying and gentle on sensitive skin. There’s also no strong scent that might cause irritation. It also helps maintain the ideal pH of the baby’s skin, which takes immune defense up a notch.

  Available at Shopee 

  Best baby lotion: Cetaphil Baby Lotion for Newborn and Up (Php440) 

  

  PHOTO BY Courtesy of Cetaphil ILLUSTRATOR Ma. Stephanie Ocampo

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  End bath time on a relaxing note by applying lotion all over your child’s body. The moisturizer can also be used for baby massages to help manage your child’s mood. The hypoallergenic formula makes it safe for sensitive skin.

  It’s also clinically proven to maintain hydration on a baby’s delicate skin for 24 hours. The lotion is also infused with Shea Butter and Sunflower Seed Oil to keep your little one’s skin smooth and soft.

  Available at Shopee

  Best baby/kiddie savings account program: BDO Junior Savers

  

  ILLUSTRATOR Ma. Stephanie Ocampo

  Of course, we can’t forget this practical investment for our little ones. It might take effort to set up and maintain, but it can help your child learn the value of saving money. Plus, you can safely store all the aguinaldo and cash gifts your child gets until he or she can use it already.

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  What makes this savings program favorable for Pinoy parents is that you don’t need a lot of requirements or a big initial deposit to open an account. Just bring Php100 and valid IDs (both yours and your child’s) to your preferred branch.

  You can get a debit card and passbook, and enjoy many other perks. It’s always a wise idea to build your baby’s funds for the future.

  Available at BDO branches nationwide

  Have you tried any of these products? Share your own reviews in the comments section!

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Smart Parenting Awards 2021: 13 Baby First-Year Essentials Moms And Dads Are Raving About
Source: Progress Pinas