If you’re a seasoned mom or eagerly awaiting the arrival of a little one, you’ll be delighted to know that Amazon’s big February baby sale is here with incredible savings on essential baby items. As a seasoned mom and a future Gigi, I’ve compiled a list of must-have essentials for babies, along with the items you can consider skipping. The must-have items are pre-sorted to include highly-rated, price-conscious finds, and are hyperlinked for your convenience.

Must Haves:

1. Infant Car Seat

An infant car seat is essential for transportation, and hospitals won’t discharge you without one. Look for an infant carrier that attaches to a stroller system combo for convenience, lasting through the baby’s first year. Explore top-rated car seats here. My top picks are the Graco SnugRide 35 Lite LX Infant Car Seat and the Graco® Outpace™ LX Stroller.

The Graco SnugRide Lite LX infant car seat is an Amazon choice due to its price point and high quality. The Graco Outpace stroller, priced over $100 less than similar joggers, features a 3-wheel design for easy maneuverability and durable, all-terrain, never-flat rubber tires. ComfiTech in-seat suspension offers a smooth, comfortable ride. It accepts any Graco infant car seat to create your own travel system (infant car seat sold separately).

2. Diapers

You’ll go through a substantial amount of diapers in the first year, so it’s essential to have an adequate supply. However, it’s advisable not to stock up on too many of one size. Check out a range of diapers, pre-sorted by highest-rated performers here. Pampers and Huggies continue to rank highest year after year. My absolute favorite disposables are Pampers Swaddlers, sensitive. They are delicate and soft against babies’ skin and offer good protection against blow-outs, while offering a nice contoured fit. For cost-savings, sustainability, and eco-friendliness, I also used cloth diapers at home. Here are Amazon’s 5 Star-rated cloth diapers.

3. Pack and Play Cosleeper

This versatile piece of baby gear is a must-have. The convenient pack and plays allow the baby to sleep right next to you for the first couple of months and double as a changing table. They are also portable, making them great for traveling and the pieces are all removable, giving baby a safe place to play inside of the screened playpen area. My top-pick is the Graco Pack ‘n-Play Travel Dome LX-Playard for its features and the fact that it’s an Amazon choice item, meaning it’s highly rated with a low rate of returns. I like that it has a raised dome around the bassinet so baby is more securely encircled and at eye level for easy check-in and accessibility, without bending.

4. Breast-feeding Bottle

When a breast-fed baby needs to use a bottle, it is crucial to have one that mimics breast-feeding to avoid nipple confusion. Even for those who cannot breast-feed, these bottles are ideal for formula feeding. A highly recommended option is the Playtex Baby Nursers with Pre-Sterilized Disposable Drop-Ins Liners. These are convenient for adding pumped milk or formula. Some features are that these bottles are closer to natural breastfeeding, with Naturalatch silicone nipple encourages proper latching, promotes healthy feeding, and allows easy switching between breast and bottle feeding and they’re anti-colic. The soft, disposable liner contracts while the baby feeds to mimic breastfeeding. This prevents air from mixing with milk and allows air-free feeding, reducing colic, gas, and fussiness.

My next favorite bottles are the Medela Breast Milk Storage Bottle, 5 Ounce Breastfeeding Bottle. I like that these work well for pumping directly into the storage bottles, which can then be refrigerated or offered to the baby. They feature a wide base, slow flow nipple.

5. Mom Gear

While the focus is often on the baby, it’s important to consider the essential needs of the mother. Nipple pads, lanolin nipple balm, soothing spray, and restaurant gift cards, or meal delivery are all crucial for the well-being of the mother. Lansinoh is the same brand I used a few decades ago and it’s still highly rated, the Lansinoh Organic Nipple Balm is essential for protecting and soothing tender nipples during the breastfeeding years. Likewise, Lansinoh Stay Dry Disposable Nursing Pads are essential for absorbing “let down” from breastmilk between feedings. Dermoplast Pain, Burn & Itch Relief Spray for Minor Cuts, Burns and Bug Bites is an absolute essential for postpartum healing and will become a household staple for your emergency supply kit to soothe irritated skin for the whole family. Hydration is essential after the intensive process of labor, delivery, and during the post-partum and breastfeeding time. Encourage mama to stay hydrated and healthy with this MUKOKO 64oz Glass Water Bottle with Straw, Silicone Sleeve. Right now it has an extra 10% off coupon at checkout. When you’re unable to prepare meals on a meal-train for new parents, consider gifting a Hello Fresh subscription for a defined period of time, to ease the mental load of grocery shopping and meal prep. This clickable link is good for a FREE HELLO FRESH BOX.

Skippable Items:

1. Elaborate Bedroom Suite

While elaborate bedroom suites complete with cribs, dressers, changing tables, and ottomans may seem appealing, they often come with a hefty price tag and may not be used right away. Additionally, children typically outgrow the smaller dresser and crib within the first two years.

2. Excessive Clothing

Although cute baby outfits are tempting, babies grow rapidly during the first year. It’s best to focus on investing in essential items rather than splurging excessively on clothes.

3. Multiple Soothing Seats

It can be very tempting to purchase multiple soothing seats for your baby, each with its own promise to calm your fussy little one. However, it is not necessary to buy a separate mechanical swing, rocker seat, portable chair, and baby bouncer. They all serve the same practical purpose, so having more than one can be considered a waste of money. This advice comes from a mom and future Gigi who has experienced owning a rocker swing, vibrations bouncer seat, rainforest activity center walker, and bumbo seat. Out of all these items, she found that a portable rocker swing is the most beneficial choice.

Ultimately, this February baby sale offers a fantastic opportunity to stock up on the essential items for your little one. Make informed choices and take advantage of the amazing deals available at Amazon. So tell us in the comments, what are your favorite must-haves and what could you have done without?

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