[Part 1/2] Newborn Essentials Checklist (0 - 2 months)
Being a FTM myself, I was absolutely clueless on what's needed for the arrival of my baby. I wanted to make sure that I have all the necessity ready but not overbuy them and I don't want to spend on unnecessary stuff.
The following checklist aim to serves as a basic guideline for new parents on essentials for baby's sleep, diapering, feeding, first aid, and so on. Hopefully new parents embarking on a parenthood journey will find this post helpful. 🍀
Sleep
1) Baby Cot / Bassinet
This is where your baby gonna spend the most time at in the beginning of his/her babyhood. You can either get a baby cot or bassinet depending on the sleeping arrangement with your baby. Bassinets are relatively smaller in size compared to cots, making it suitable for short term usage and more portable. Some bassinets are convertible to toddler bed as well.
I am using
Jarrons & Co Happy Star 5-in-1 Convertible Baby Cot with ADM upholstered mattress. It comes with free installation and it is value for money. The mattress is able to shape baby's head and cradles it comfortably to lessen the tendency of compressing against a flat surface which may result in flat head syndrome. Moreover, the cot base can be adjusted to 5 different heights and it should be set to highest from the ground for newborn. It has 4 removable and lockable castor wheels. Moving the cot may create slight noise but it shouldn't be an issue unless you move the cot frequently. On top of that, it has a drop side mechanism which I find a lil hard to push down or pull up. This is not a deal breaker for me because I never use that feature.
2) Mattress Cover & Protector
One useful hack is to layer a few of your mattress cover and protector so that you don't have to spend so much time changing it when your baby leaks in the middle of the night. You should at least have 3 sets of mattress cover and protector.
3) Blanket
At newborn stage, I only use the blanket to keep my baby warm when air-con is turned on.
4) Large Muslin Cloth
Muslin cloth is very versatile. It can be used as blanket, swaddle cloth, burp cloth, nursing cover, wash cloth, and so on.
Diapering
1) Changing Board
Your back will thank you for getting a changing board. My confinement nanny used to do diapering on the corner of the bed while sitting on a plastic chair. Even though we have a changing board, she doesn't want to use it. When we tried diapering her way, we find it too low and we often have to arch our back which resulted to backache. Imagine if we consecutively does that until baby is older and heavier. 😅
2) Changing Mat
Useful when you need to change baby diaper on different locations within the house or for traveling.
Pureen Premium Changing Mat is waterproof, so you can easily wipe off pee/poo without the need to wash it like those cloth-type washable changing mat.
3) Diaper
Multiple factors may contribute to your diaper choice(s) such as baby's skin reactivity, diaper cost, absorbency, fit and comfort. You may need to try multiple different brands to get the right one for your baby.
It has good absorbency. It remains dry and able to hold pee/poo well. Diaper is thin and wouldn't feel heavy for at least 4 hours. Never experience leakage so far. Diaper size is on the smaller end compared with other brands.
It feels soft and has good absorbency. Able to hold pee/poo overnight. Diaper is long making it easy to be worn. Diaper feels heavy when there's pee/poo. When there's massive poo, it stains the leak guard on the thigh areas if you didn't change within an hour.
It has very good absorbency and able to hold pee/poo for more than 12 hours. Never experience leakage so far when worn overnight. Diaper size is relatively similar with
Merries Tape Diaper where it is slightly longer and thicker than
Merries Tape Diaper. One downside is that the diaper wetness indicator shows very faint blue lines when it's wet, which makes it difficult to be seen in a dim room. Additionally, the diaper feels thick and heavy within 4 hours. Furthermore, the price is on the higher end.
Diaper feel heavy within 4 hours. I find it difficult to open the tape. There were times where I need to be quick and I accidentally pulled the whole tape part out from the diaper.
Drypers Skinature PantsThis diaper is impressively thin and lightweight, providing utmost comfort for the baby. Its stretchable and breathable waistband ensures a snug fit without leaving any noticeable marks on the baby's waist. Remarkably, it has proven its ability to contain both pee and poo overnight without any leakage concerns. It's no wonder this brand has become another favourite of mine in the realm of diapers.
Diaper feel heavy within 4 hours. When there's massive poo, it often stains the outer leak guard on the thigh areas causing baby's outfit to be stained.
Applecrumby is one of my go-to diaper brand. The Pure Basic range holds pee and poo well. No leakage for more than 12 hours. One downside though is that the diaper size is on the smaller end. The waist band left mark on my baby's waist as it was too tight. My baby was around 6.7kg and I was using M size which was meant for 5 - 10kg baby.
I have found SlimDry EasyDay to be my preferred choice over the Pure Basic range. The airy waistband ensures a comfortable fit for my baby without any tightness. It's my go-to diaper for nights when my baby sleeps for over 12 hours, and I've never encountered any leakage issues with it. One drawback of this diaper is that it extends further into the groin area, resulting in a bulky appearance.
Applecrumby Airplus Overnight Pull Up DiaperIt's worth noting that this diaper tends to run on the larger side. Despite its intended size range of 5 - 10kg, my 7kg baby experienced multiple leakage incidents with poo, likely due to the diaper's larger fit. Consequently, I've decided to discontinue its use until my baby grows a bit bigger.
This diaper fits my baby perfectly and effectively contains both pee and poo. My baby wore it overnight for over 12 hours with no leaks. However, I dislike that it has two horizontal disposal tapes on the sides by design. Many other diaper brands I've tried use a single vertical tape, which allows for easier wrapping of the soiled diaper. However, this flaw is minor in comparison to its numerous positive attributes, which ultimately outweigh the drawback.
This diaper fits my baby snugly and effectively contains both pee and poo. I've never encountered leakage, even when worn overnight for over 12 hours. However, in the event of a blowout, the faeces tend to reach the back of the waistband, resulting in a messy cleanup. It would be beneficial if they included a leak guard at the waist to prevent such occurrences.
4) Diaper Cream
It has thick consistency and it's harder to be smudged by baby's pee and poo. I would prefer to use it when baby have developed rashes as it provides a protection layer which prevent the skin from coming in contact with pee and poo. Its dry texture makes it harder to glide on skin.
It has smooth and creamy texture, making it easy to glide on skin. It is suitable for daily usage and it has done a very good job at preventing rashes on my baby's bum
5) Baby Wipes
Value for money. More than 1 sheets will be pulled out at a time. Each sheet is folded neatly and I need to unfold it to increase the surface area for wiping.
It is thick and has high moisture level which makes it easy to wipe off poo. Sometimes 2 sheets will be pulled out at a time. Price is on the high side.
Value for money. Able to wipe off poo with at least 4 sheets. Less thick and moisture level compared to
Offspring Baby Wipes.
It's notably thicker than
Offspring Baby Wipes, yet I've observed it to be slightly less moist in comparison. I've encountered challenges in removing dried-up faeces from my baby's skin. It requires considerable effort, sometimes necessitating firm rubbing against the baby's buttocks for thorough cleaning. Additionally, it comes with the drawback of being rather costly. It can be used on the face and body which is a plus point.
Spectra S1+ is good if you are able to sit still throughout the pumping session. I will be using it as my home breast pump.
Note: I am using Baby Express Be Nude (the older version) but they are no longer sell it. Hence, I've attached link for the upgraded version Be Nude Pro.
Due to my clumsiness, I've accidentally dropped my Baby Express Be Nude pump motor onto the floor in multiple occasions causing it to have weaker vacuum power.
I have since gotten Imani i2+ handsfree wearable and portable breast pump. One charge allows me to pump for at least 6 times. In terms of breastmilk yield, it is the same as with all my other breast pumps. One disadvantage, though, is that it's quite bulky to wear on the go when you're out and about. Even when I use a nursing cover, it still looks bulky and obvious.
2) Nipple Cream / Silverette Cup
On the other hand,
Lansinoh Nipple Cream works well for me. It soothes, moisturises and heals sore nipple well. One thing to note is that it has slightly unpleasant smell which you won't notice until you go very near to sniff it. Nevertheless, it is safe for babies and you do not need to remove it prior to breastfeeding.
4) Nursing Pillow
If you're planning to direct latch your baby, then you would find nursing pillow useful. I have previously used
My Best Friend Nursing Pillow when I was still eager to try direct latching my baby. I have since given up direct latching because my baby couldn't latch well and I need to pump anyway when I get back to work.
5) Nursing Bra / Hands Free Breast Pump Bra
6) Milk Storage Bag
7) Breast Pad
To avoid awkward situation of having breast milk leaking in the public, you should wear breast pads. If you're an undersupply mom, you may not need breast pads at all. For me, I will only experience leaking when I didn't pump for more than 5 hours.
8) Sunflower Lecithin
One common problem faced by many breastfeeding mommies is clog ducts. If left untreated, your breast will quickly become engorged and may eventually develop into the dreaded mastitis.
Legendairy's Sunflower Lecithin is well known among mommies to be very effective in preventing clog ducts. It contains organic Sunflower Lecithin which is a natural fat emulsifier that can help to reduce the "stickiness" of the milk and deter fats from clumping together. It may also loosen existing fatty clogs and improve milk flow.
9) Breastmilk Booster
If you're determined to breastfeed your baby but you're undersupply, then you can try Legendairy Milk's product to improve your milk production. Refer to the diagram below to understand which product suits you best.
Legendairy products also come in bundle and you may want to get the bundled one to try.
Legendairy Milk Cash Cow works best for me.
10) Milk Bottles
If you're planning to bottle feed or feed baby with formula milk, then you'll need milk bottles. Different baby will have different milk bottles preference and it may change in the future too. Read
Right now, we settled with
Philips Avent PPSU Bottle. If you want to save some money, you can just get the large bottle. I've been using 260ml milk bottle since my baby turned 1 month old.
11) Steriliser
There are 3 types of sterilising methods to choose from - hot water, steam, UV. It is recommended to sterilise baby bottles, pacifiers, and etc
at least 6 months. According to another article, it is important to sterilise all baby's feeding equipment until baby is
at least 12 months old. Either way you'll need to sterilise and you may consult your PD on when should you stop.
Important: Please check carefully on the sterilisation instructions for your baby's feeding equipment. Some products cannot be sterilised using boiling method, UV steriliser or steam steriliser.
12) Bottle Warmer
If you're bottle feeding your baby with expressed milk, then you'll need a bottle warmer.
13) Freezer
You might want to get a small freezer to store your expressed liquid gold separately from raw meat to prevent contamination.
14) Kettle
If you plan to feed baby with formula milk, get a digital kettle like
Mayer Digital Electric Kettle. It has milk temperature setting and it automatically keep water warm for up to 6 hours.
15) Formula Milk
I was unable to meet my baby's demand after we returned from hospital. Fortunately, I have a can of formula on standby. Some mommies are able to supply enough breastmilk from the very beginning though. So if there's grocery store near you, then you can get formula milk only when you discover that you're undersupply. In terms of taste, I personally didn't find this formula to be appealing. It doesn't quite resemble the taste of breastmilk.
I switched my baby's formula to this formula when she turned 6 months old and she loves it. I found that it has a taste similar to breastmilk, and it dissolves easily in water without creating too many bubbles.
I tried this formula at one point when I ran out of my baby's usual formula. Unfortunately, it doesn't have the same fishy taste as breastmilk, indicating it's not very similar in taste with breastmilk. Additionally, I noticed it tends to get lumpy and creates a lot of bubbles when mixed with water.
This formula remains smooth and bubble-free even with vigorous shaking. Although my baby experienced more frequent constipation after switching to this formula, I couldn't definitively attribute it to the formula itself.
16) Vitamin D
My PD told me that my baby should be fed with Vitamin D if I am feeding only breastmilk or feeding more breastmilk than formula milk. According to
Canadian Paediatric Society, babies need vitamin D for healthy growth and development. Drinking breastmilk alone is not sufficient to meet your baby's daily vitamin D required intake.
17) Nursing Cover
Nursing cover would be useful when you breastfeed or pump in the public amenities.
18) Bib
I use triangular muslin cloth bib while feeding and square muslin cloth to catch my baby's vomit.
Personal Care
1) Baby Shampoo & Body Wash
Make your life easier by getting shampoo with pump bottle.
Produces little foam. Strong smell but doesn't last long.
Creates more foam hence, need to rinse more. Fragrant last longer.
Produces the least foam compared to the others. I personally love the mild sweet scent but it doesn't last long.
Produces very little foam and it has very little sweet scent. It washes off baby oil more effectively.
Produce more foam and hence, require more rinsing. This shampoo features a lovely calendula scent, adding a delightful touch to bath time. The price tag is a bit on the expensive side.
Creates very little foam and has a very subtle sweet scent that doesn't last long.
2) Baby Moisturising Lotion
Make your life easier by getting shampoo with pump bottle.
It has a strong fragrant and is not sticky but it is slightly oilier.
It has a sweet mild scent. It feels like a water-based lotion, so it's not sticky and doesn't feel oily even though it contain shea butter. It absorbs quickly into the skin. Apply diligently to effectively prevent rashes. When my baby has rashes on her face, I need to re-apply onto her face every 2 - 3 hours to calm her rashes.
This is a light cream-based body lotion. It has unique strong sweet scent and able to moisturise baby's skin for long hours.
Its texture is thicker and it has similar scent compared with
Mustela Hydra Bebe Body Lotion. My baby's face will get dry easily as she sleeps in aircon room most of the time. With this facial cream, her face remain moisturised and I don't need to re-apply regularly.
3) Baby Massage Oil
It has a strong fragrant and thin texture that makes it easy to glide on skin.
It has a strong scent and slightly thicker texture that makes it difficult to glide on skin. My baby will cry whenever I apply this massage oil. When I rub my baby's tummy, it feels like I am dragging her skin. If I apply with generous amount, it feels too oily and "suffocating".
4) Baby Sunscreen
Can straight away apply on baby's dry skin after shower. Easy to glide on skin. Baby's skin will look shiny/oily when you apply generously.
5) Nasal Aspirator
Suction length is very short, so I need draw out multiple times to extract booger out. As a result, my baby will cry murder every time I clean her nostril.
Long suction length and able to extract booger easily. However, it wasn't able to draw out mucus effectively. Its relatively small size makes it suitable for travelling.
Able to control the suction level easily. This is by far the most effective at extracting mucus out of my baby's nostril. It's a little bulky for a nasal aspirator.
6) Nasal Saline Water
Use this together with nasal aspirator to clean baby's nostril effectively.
8) Cotton Ball
I find that using wet wipes alone to clean baby's buttock after pooping is not as clean. Therefore, I use wet cotton ball to wipe baby's buttock on top of cleaning with wet wipes.
9) Baby Oral Cleaner
I clean my newborn's tongue daily with baby oral cleaner dip into warm water.
When my baby turn 3 month old, I upgraded to use a silicone finger toothbrush to clean her tongue and gums.
10) Baby Comb
I comb my newborn's hair every other day.
11) Baby Nail Trimmer
Get an electronic nail trimmer to make nail trimming hassle-free. I usually trim my baby's nails every week and increase frequency subsequently when my baby no longer wear mittens.
12) Bath Tub
I am still using the bath tub given by TMC up until my baby is 3 month old. I have a collapsible bath tub and will use it when my baby can no longer fit into TMC's baby bath tub.
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