Welcoming a newborn baby home can be very stressful, especially for first-time parents. I remember the weeks leading to my EDD, I was worried if we have enough items to prepare for the arrival of our newborn. Thankfully, my friend shared with me a checklist to follow. which I have modified according to my experiences.

The items listed below are all the items I used. Some are optional but most are necessary. My suggestion is, you will gradually know what are the items you need after the baby is born, so do not need to be anxious and fall for the marketing gimmick targeted at first time parents. Besides, I find that many items are cheaper online than in stores or baby fair! Plus, many do free delivery which is much needed for heavy items like diapers and prams!

I have attached the list in PDF format for easy use as a checklist!

Clothes & Accessories

Items	Remarks
5 rompers (short sleeve)	Nanny washes clothes daily hence didn’t need a lot.
3 pyjamas  (long sleeve and long pants)	Long sleeve and pants recommended if baby is sleeping in air-con room. Otherwise can just swaddle over short sleeve rompers.
5 pairs mittens and socks
5 small handkerchiefs (for burping)
5 baby bibs	Not so important for newborn as they don’t drool yet.
2-3 receiving blanket/ swaddle	Muslin wrap is recommended. Preferred brand: Love to swaddle
Baby laundry detergent	Preferred brand: Babience and Kodomo
Laundry hanger with clips	Easier to clip baby clothes than to hang with hangers due to the small size. Get as many clips as possible!

Bath & Diaper Changing

2-3 bathing towels
2 wash cloth
Body soap and shampoo	Preferred brand: Young living Hospital bag has lots of samples which can last more than a month. Can buy after trying the samples. Babies don’t use a lot of soap.
Body lotion	Preferred brand: Ceradan Read my eczema cream post here
Cotton balls	Any brand will do. For cleaning eyes.
Diaper rash cream	Preferred brand: Mustela for normal preventive use, Desitin if there is rashes.
Wet wipes	Preferred brand: Jeju wet wipes
Disposable diapers	Preferred brand: Peekaboo (soft and leak proof) and drypers touch (more wallet friendly)   Hospital will be giving one pack upon discharge. No need to buy too many in case baby sensitive to certain brands.
Alcohol swabs	For umbilical cord cleaning (hospital will be giving some which should be sufficient)
Bath tub	Hospital might give
Changing mat	Hospital gave free two mats
Yuyee oil	Optional

For feeding

Feeding bottles	Current brand: Avent Never try other brands before.
Bottle brush	Usually comes with newborn bottles set
Bottle detergent	Preferred brand: Pureen
Steriliser	There are 3 types of sterilizers:  Steam, UV and tablet. Tablet is too troublesome. Recommend steam or UV. Read my post on why I don’t recommend Avent brand. Can also do the traditional method: pour hot water over the bottles.
Electric bottle warmer	Optional. Highly recommended to get as it is very convenient. However, can also do the traditional method. Pour hot water in a cup to warm bottle.
Thermal flask	To store hot water to warm breastmilk, or make formula milk on the go.
Formula powder container	For formula fed babies. To bring formula powder out.
Thermal bag & ice pack	To bring breastmilk out. Got mine from Daiso

For sleep

Baby cot, mattress and linen sheets (bumper is optional)   Or   Playpen	Personal preference to get cot or playpen.   Some parents do not buy any as they choose to co-sleep.
Beansprout pillow	Good for reducing startle reflex

For commute

Pram	Preferred brand: Combi for lightweight and sleek design, baby yoyo-inspired for compact cabin stroller (can be found on ezbuy, shopee).
Carrier	Preferred brand: Soul Anoona and Tula free to grow
Car seat	Optional

For breastfeeding

Breast pump	Preferred brand: Spectra Spectra S1 for daily use, S9+ for on the go.
Breast pump flange	Maymom
Nursing bra	For easy breastfeeding. Got mine from Qoo10. Good and cheap.
Breast pad	Optional
Nursing cover	Hospital gave two free covers
Breastfeeding pillow	Optional. It was helpful during my first 2 months of breastfeeding. Preferred brand: My breast friend
Breastmilk storage bags/ containers	Bags take lesser space, can buy after supply stabilises.

Others

Rocker/ bouncer	Optional although I think bouncer helps prevent flat head.
Playmat	Newborns don’t really play yet but a playmat will be needed soon anyway. Preferred brand: Parklon
Nail scissors	Preferred brand: Pigeon
Thermometer	I use Guardian oral thermometer. Cheap and good. Infrared thermometer is not accurate, newborns can just measure under armpit.
Pacifier	Optional

Next, I have also included items which I think are not needed and are waste of space and money.

Clothes & Accessories

Beanie	Babies hate to have things on their head and Singapore is too hot for that. Even in air-con places, most babies do not need beanie. Hospital will be giving one.
Laundry softener	Why introduce more chemicals to the baby?

Bath & Diaper Changing

Baby massage oil	I use body lotion as massage oil. Read my post on why baby oil is harmful.
Baby powder	Dangerous! Baby can breathe in the powder and cause irritation. Talc containing powder is also carcinogenic.
Hair comb	Baby hair so little, can just use fingers to brush.
Non-slip mat for bath tub	Just hold your baby during bath! Never leave baby unattended even for one second. Babies can drown in 5 cm deep water!
Diaper organiser/ holder	Just use any recyclable box or basket. Nobody got time to organise diapers!
Changing table	Babies will outgrow this very fast. Before you know it, diaper changing is a WAR!

For feeding

Thermal travel Bottle warmer

I prefer the traditional way: bring thermal flask and container. Just pour hot water into container to warm.

For sleep

Pillow, bolster, blankets, soft toys

SIDS risk. I only swaddle baby and give one beansprout pillow.

For breastfeeding

Nipple cream

Breastmilk is the best nipple cream! I got some free samples from hospital which was more than enough for my nipple crack.