Hi Mrs Ha - Been reading your progress... you are almost there... keep positive and hang in tight with those butterflies in your stomach! Hahaha.
For buying baby stuff, you can always get the list from most baby dept stores. But here is the basic survival list of items which I feel it's good for a start. The rest you can take time to buy them. BB needs most is lots of your love and cuddling!!
- Milk power with min 2 x milk bottle (1 for water), milk powder container for outdoor use.
- Diapers (around 6pcs each day), baby wipes, cotton balls for wet wiping.
- Gripe water, Ruyi oil (both for stomach wind), baby lotion (if you want). I don't recommend baby powder cos' it gets into BB nostrils and "No No" on private parts. Do stand by diaper rash cream (I used Seba Med)
- Baby bath tub, wash cloth, baby body head and body cleanser.
- Clothes; buy those with buttons in front for easy change. Per day I standby 4 x tops + 2 x Rompers (one pc suit covering toes for night esp in aircon) for change.
- Mittens x 4 sets
- Swaddle cloth
- Pacifier x 2 if you want to give.
I am going to share with you some of my own experience which I hope you find my tips useful and avoid mistakes I make. I'm a practical mom so I will recommend places I've shop which helps me to save a few bucks.
1. Milk Powder - Alice started my BB on Enfalac so I just continue, didn't attempt to change since she is doing fine. I didn't want to cause any tummy upset as well. Though I did think it was expensive so I do make a habit to drop by supermarkets / provision shops to compare prices and prices do vary. You can visit Ang Mo Supermarket, it is cheaper by 10-15% for most brands but stocks tend to run out fast.
2. Diapers - Mammy poko after friends highly recommended. And no nappy rash so far. I tried pampers but feel no difference so I go for the cheaper one. I did try huggies but the fit doesn't suit my gal cos' she has small butt. I didn't like drypers. Do stock up if they are on promotion but don't over buy cos' BB size do change quickly.
3. Milk bottles - like percy... my BB reject Avent also (I think Avent is so successful in their marketing). It was too hard for her to suck. I end up buying different brands and let her try and she decided only on Tollyjoy which Alice started on. I was like "okay... that's very economical." From this exp, finding the suitable teats for your BB is crucial esp the fussy ones. Brand is not impt.
4. Sterilizing - I used conventional boiling method cos' I want to save space. I got a new soup pot used mainly for this purpose. After water is boiled, off it and emerge the bottle and teats in and let it soak for like 15 mins or more. Replace them when teats turns yellowish and when bottles turn milky. Use bottle cleanser and not detergent.
5. Car Seat - Maxi Cosi is a good brand but I was not willing to pay for it esp if it is only for infant cos' I will have to get a new one when she outgrows it. Besides, it is usually short journey in the car. I just buy a cheap one but it must be NEW cos' I rejected pass down from friends cos' I think safety comes first. You can consider those car seat that allows you to transform from infant, toddler and bumper seat. My only question is whether can material last so long esp when kid starts to puke, eat and when car is park in the sun? I wonder.
5. Strollers - For me, lightweight is impt cos' never know when I need to carry pram and baby at the same time on public transport. And fully inclined position so baby can sleep better. I decided to go for Maclaren. It collapse well and easy to store. My gal has been using it since infant till now. It certainly makes my money worth
If you are with me on this, Combi is also a good one for light weight and it seems to hug BB nicely.
6. I recommend you to go to Baby Hyperstore and Baby Kingdom (I think) for car seats / strollers / cots / playpen. Anyway they are both next to each other. It is located at Shun Li Industrial Park, Bedok. It's like a warehouse. It has all the brands for comparison and you probably get the same or lower price there. IKEA is also a good place. Do check out Robinson, Isetan, OG sales also. Supermarket is NOT the best place to buy baby items except food. I feel Kiddy palace is good place to buy toys only. They have wide variety and price range to choose. And I do visit a baby store in Ang Mo Kio central opposite the polyclinic. It sells cheap baby necessity only like milk bottles (good range), clothing (4pcs x $10), bibs, wash cloths, bathing items, toys, strollers etc. You feel quite "retro" when you stepped into this store. Clothes quality is ok if you are not fussy but no fancy design.
7. Baby Talk Monitor - Don't bother to buy one first until baby is with you and you feel the need for one. I used it for few days then realized I don't need it all. PM me if you need it
8. Baby carrier - I agree Sarong is very good for bonding and it keeps your hands free. I got the peanut shell brand which is a sling with no adjustable strap. Design is great and can holds baby up to 14-16 Kg (I think). It has a few ways of carrying as baby grows include piggy back. BUT I don't recommend it. You need to watch a training video and keep practicing until you and baby are comfortable. I almost gave up halfway but I persist. As baby grows taller, it gets harder to put her in. And it tends to weigh down on one shoulder due to the weight distribution.
Ok...I guess that's enough for you to digest for now. Haha. You will learn as you go along as every baby is different and has their own unique pattern. If you have any questions, feel free to shoot. We are all here to support one another.
Happy Shopping!!
