Hello. Hope I can help here.
1. Formula milk, Gain or Enfagrow.
Formulation is basically the same as they are all from the same HQ. However, similar to what Coke does, each country is allowed to tweak the formula. In the instances where I did check, sugar levels are higher in the general brands found here. I realise that this is probably because the Chinese population likes sweeter food products (even yoghurt and milk have added sugar).
My DD is on NAN 2HA and yes, we bring our own. It is not that bad as you'll soon find many people who travel in and out of SG-SH and are very willing to help.
That being said, if you are not fussy, then can just purchase here. I will still recommend buying from large supermarkets like Carrefour though, to minimize fraud.
2. Toiletries - Jergens, Cetaphil (cleanser and moisturiser), Sun block Avene SPF50+, diaper rash cream Egozite, Ruyi oil, ZA skincare
I've only seen Avene here. I bring my own Cetaphil stuff. Diaper creams are Mustela brand, and yes to ZA skincare.
3. Pharmaceutical (without prescription needed) - hydrocortisone cream, children's panadol, cough mixture, Actifed, Wood's gripe water, Del Rosa syrup
Bring your own. You can get Panadol here but from Pines, a SG run supermarket. We normally visit the GP AND PD before we return home each trip to stock up.
4. REading - good selection of English children's books, public libraries, large book stores?
Chinese books are abundant and SUPER cheap. English books are harder to come by but not impossible. One reason I put my child at Julia Grabriel here in SH is also due to the reading culture and the awesome library it has.
5. Child-friendly restaurants (with baby hi-chairs at least)?
You'll soon find many child friendly restuarants and places to hang out. There's a big expat mom group in Shanghai, not just SGreans. And everyone is very helpful. Check out yahoo groups - called Shanghai Mama.
Don't worry, things will work out
Thanks a lot. The input will help me a great deal so I can do some planning & purchase before going over.