I remember vaguely that when I was pregnant with my first child, I was so excited that my shopping spree for baby started when I was into the fifth month of my pregnancy. Well, I wished I could have started off earlier but my very bad morning sickness kept me at home. However, during the second pregnancy, I did minimal shopping, only for the necessities as I realised that I have too many things unused from my first pregnancy.

I understand the mentality of every new parent-to-be. They always want the best for their baby especially with the first one. When I was pregnant with my first child, I had wanted almost everything brand new. When relatives handed used baby clothing to me, I was critical, thinking that those were old and worn so I kept buying new ones. Little did I know that babies outgrow clothing so rapidly.

Here’s a shopping guide to new parents-to-be so that you won’t overshop.

1. Baby Cot – Check Lifecot, a 5-in-one Baby Cot

2. Small little pillow with hollows in the centre

3. Bath Tub

4. Milk Bottles – I used Avent milk bottles during the first few months as it helps reduce colic in babies. Thereafter, I switched to Pigeon brand for the milk bottle when they are older

5. Long handle spoon for stirring milk

6. Milk Bottles Steriliser

7. Thermal Bag to keep milk warm during the outing

8. Breast Pump

9. Disposable breast pad for mums

10. Baby wipes – prepare more of these as newborns poo more often due to breastfeeding. Try Tollyjoy pH-balanced Fresh & Clean Baby Wipes, formulated with mild ingredients, Vitamin E and Aloe Vera extract to ensure baby’s delicate skin is soothed, refreshed and moisturised. It matches the natural skin pH level of 5.5 to effectively clean without stripping off the skin’s natural moisture. It is gentle on the skin and does not contain any fragrance, alcohol or parabens.

11. Diapers – newborn size (Note: Get a pack first as they have outgrown the newborn size quite fast). Looking for disposable diapers? Try Moo Moo Kow Cloth Diapers.

If you have a confinement nanny (Read here for some tips on getting a confinement nanny), you can get some cloth diapers. Let them wrap the baby with cloth diapers so as to prevent nappy rash.

12. Cream for nappy rashes – some common brands are Drapolene, Johnson n Johnson and Bepanthen Napper Cream Ointment. These are usually good enough but if the rashes are bad, you could try Desitin for overnight relief as the effects last longer. These can be easily purchased from your neighbourhood pharmacy.

13. Face towels – at least a dozen

14. Towels for the bath. Try Moo Moo Kow’s bamboo towels, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and anti-static, these towels are super soft and gentle on sensitive skin.

15. A few set of clothing (day wear and pyjamas)

16. Mittens and booties

17. Stroller (Looking for a new stroller? Check some tips on choosing a baby stroller).

18. A diaper bag for all baby’s barang barang when travelling

19. A little thermal flask, just in case you need to make milk for the baby during an outing

20. Alcohol wipes (that’s for them to clean their umbilical cord during their initial few days. If I am not wrong, the hospital does provide a few pieces. If that’s enough for your usage, you can skip it.)

21. Cotton buds

22. A small bottle of baby oil

23. Facial cotton – to clean baby’s face

24. Small container for putting sterile water – for cleaning of baby’s delicate eyes

25. Pacifier

26. Gripe Water – for colicky babies

27. Baby detergent

28. Ruyi Oil

We hope this serves as a checklist for new parents. If we have left out any essentials, do share your views in the comment section below!

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