As Malcolm and I prepare ourselves for the arrival of Baby #2 in January 2021, I find myself making lists once again. Lists of things to buy, fix, wash, confirm, etc, and I thought to share the basic necessities required (in our opinion) for a newborn. The list is not organised in any particular order, so many apologies if it’s a mess. But hopefully this will help other mummies as they prepare for their new adventure in motherhood!
Before we jump into the list of things, I just want to tell all new mummies:
deeeeep breath in…and out. Motherhood will feel overwhelming and sometimes too much to bear, but trust me that it will get better. Take it one step at a time, don’t push and rush everything to the last minute, and have a good support system around you. And don’t be afraid to ask for help/advice/guidance. Breeeeathe~ you’ve got this.
I will do up another post on Preparing to go into Labour. But for now, here’s what we can prepare in the months leading up to Baby’s entry to Earth, and here’s a resource list of some of the items we got for our baby.
On the Newborn
- Onesies / Tees & bottoms / Pajamas
- I’ve found that babies go through their onesies really quickly because of poo/pee-plosions, so I’d recommend having at least 15 – 20 sets to last you a week (assuming you do laundry weekly), which equates to 2 day changes and 1 night change.
- Mittens & booties/socks (Super essential because babies are born with long and sharp nails, which aren’t great on babies who love exploring their face)
- Swaddles (Wrap & Instant)
- Same as their clothes, you will need many swaddles. 1 – 2 per day after each laundry load. So 7 – 10 swaddles at least. I’d recommend getting palmerhaus swaddles cause they’re so soft!
- Hat (to keep them warm and snuggled)
- Jacket/outer wear (when you start heading out to colder/air-conditioned places)
In Baby’s Room/Living Space
- Cot with mattress (without pillow/bolster cause breathing hazard)
- Bedsheet (waterproof for poo/pee-plosions)
- Changing table (at a comfortable height for you)
- Changing mat (IKEA’s one works great, and it’s cheap)
- Portable bed/crib (to move around the house easily)
- Small light (so that you can nurse in comfort and convenience)
- Baby camera (so you can spy on the little one when you awake from your very short slumber)
- Play mat (for tummy time, which can start as early as 2-3 weeks for very short periods of time)
Baby bath & maintenance (lol)
- Bath tub/mat (Mt Alvernia provides one, which I find to be the best tub ever. I do not recommend silicone/rubber tubs)
- Soap/shampoo (Mustela foam shampoo is great for cradle cap)
- Wash cloth (to sponge baby’s head before they go into the tub)
- Towel (hooded towels are great, IKEA has them)
- Moisturiser/lotion (what’s not to love about baby’s soft skin)
- Cleansing water (or boiled cooled-down water to wipe eyes, nose, ears, etc)
- Alcohol swabs (to wipe the umbilical cord area before it falls off)
- Comb (if your baby has as much hair as mine, haha)
- Newborn Diapers (Huggies often have pretty good deals for their newborn diapers)
- Diaper cream (Triderma and mustela are great and trusted brands)
- Wet wipes / tissue (No fragrance wipes are best)
- Nail clipper/scissors (when you finally gain enough courage to clip those tender nails while the little one sleeps)
Feeding/Kitchen knacks
- Burp cloths/handkerchiefs (you can’t have enough of these, fo’real)
- Nursing cover (360 coverage is recommended)
- Nursing bra (Shopee’s got some cheap and comfortable ones, heh)
- Nursing pillow (Or many firm + soft cushions, haha)
- Nipple cream (MUST! or regret)
- Breast pumps, Electric + Haakaa (Haakaa is a neccesity to me, it not only catches letdown while baby nurses on one side, but two haakaas at the same time works as normal pumps for me too)
- Steriliser, UV or steam (or a pot with boiling water if you’ve the time/extra help)
- Milk storage bags (for all the liquid gold, and here’s a great storage guide)
- Breast pads (disposable or washable works the same)
- Milk bottles (at least 4 bottles, so you don’t go crazy washing them)
- Drying rack storage (for all the bottles, pump parts, etc)
- Baby dish soap + brush (tollyjoy has great dish soaps)
- Milk powder (We use Nan Optipro. If you’re breast feeding, get one tin for standby. It should be enough for the first month)
Out we go!
- Carrier (Happy Baby carriers are the BEST! For cheaper alternatives, Konny’s a great option)
- Stroller (many many options for different perferences)
- Car seat (many many options for different perferences)
- Baby Bag: What goes in it? (Here’s a non exhaustive list because I remember being so stressed out with what to pack on our first trip out of home)
- For pee/poop: Diapers, diaper cream, wet wipes, changing mat
- To change: Onesie, swaddle, wet bag for soiled clothes
- To feed: Nursing cover, haakaa, burp cloth/handkerchief, thermal flask w warm water, milk powder, milk bottles
- For mama: water bottle, snacks, tissue
In Confinement
- Nanny (book early)/Help from family
- Post natal massage (Mdm Nor’s great!)
- Maternity pads (Get Depend, bring them to hospital. No regrets)
- Donut cushion (to sit on while you heal below)
- Binder/wrap (any type of girdle works I guess)
Others
- Glow app (Best app to track baby’s feed, pee/poo, sleep, growth, and mama’s expression. The doctor will probably ask you for these details at check-ups to ensure that baby is feeding and pooping well)
- Simple rattles for tummy time (Black and white / bright coloured toys are great for the first month)
Am I missing out on any important items? Do let me know, and I will keep this list as updated as possible.
(Updated as of 11 November 2020.)
byamandagrace 
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