There are tons of baby products out there that look so cute. As parents, we love to buy things for our kids and sometimes they end up as white elephant.
I’m a minimalist even though it is hard to continue this lifestyle after the kids are born. To achieve the minimalism in me, I always ask myself “do I/ baby really NEED this?”
A newborn baby has few needs, eat, shit and sleep. So my shopping list revolve around these 3.
Eat
I believe in fed is best and not overly stress myself with exclusively breastfeeding the baby. For the first few days when baby had jaundice and I couldn’t supply him with enough milk, I chose formula.
1. Water dispenser
If you are formula feeding, get a water dispenser that comes with instant varying temperatures such as 37 deg C, 50 deg C etc. No more guessing how much hot water to add to room temperature water. My husband thanked me for this purchase. Parenthood made easy!
A water dispenser with instant varying temperatures is excellent for making formula!
2. Spectra double breast pump
Spectra heavy duty hospital grade breast pump
I learnt from my first breastfeeding experience, a hospital grade breast pump is a must as it clears milk better. Get a double pump to save time and pump both breasts simultaneously.
3. Haakaa silicone pump
Haakaa silicone pump on the right
This haakaa silicone pump is good for catching letdown when baby is latching on one side as every liquid gold is so precious!
4. My Breastfriend nursing pillow
Still on breastfeeding, this breastfeeding pillow was a wonderful support for my newborn and helped me to have better breastfeeding posture.
Baby soon outgrow it at 2 months old so getting a second hand item is cost saving.
Baby struggled less when nursing with this pillow. Photo credit: Mums & babes
5. UV steriliser
UV steriliser
I used steam steriliser for first child but hated how it always leaked water onto my kitchen counter top. Decided to invest in UV steriliser this time! It doubles as a storage for the bottles! That said, steam steriliser seems to be less harsh on the plastics as I noticed the teats broke more easily with UV than steam.
It’s a personal choice to get steam or UV steriliser but having one is a must! The conventional way of boiling bottles is too troublesome!
Poop
6. Bidet bottle
Didi had frequent pooping (3 poops in less than 10min) that resulted in bad diaper rash. It was so bad that we could see his flash. Hence we had to wash his butt instead of using wet wipe every time he pooped. It was so troublesome to bring him to the sink and this bidet bottle was a life saver!
Adjustable angle and pressure for baby’s delicate bum
Sleep
7. Zipper swaddle
This zip swaddle from love to dream allowed baby to self soothe as he can access his hands. It is also very convenient to change diaper when he is sleeping as I do not need to remove him from the swaddle (can unzip from bottom) unlike the common cloth swaddle.
The snug fitting also helped him to sleep longer and better.
Ok there you go! These are my 7 most commonly used items besides the other essentials like bath soap, bath tub, milk bottles, cot and so on. Hope this article helps in your planning for baby items shopping.
If your child has flat head and you are wondering if it is normal, please take some actions immediately as the golden period to change baby’s head shape is between 4-8 months old!
I started noticing my second born preferred to sleep on his right (LEFT torticollis) when he was 2 months old. I flagged out to the pediatrician and he told me that he had stiff neck. He advised to do neck stretching exercise for 10 seconds x 3 times a day. As he didn’t say it is of concern, I wasn’t actively doing it and over the next 2 months, has resulted in him having flat head (plagiocephaly).
When he was 4 months old, I got panicky when I saw his right head was much flatter to the extend that it affected his facial symmetry (his right forehead started to bulge out more)!
Right forehead bulged and right head flattened.
So during his routine 4 months old checkup at the polyclinic, I highlighted to the doctor and she referred me to KK Hospital. The appointment was 2 weeks later and I was so worried that I made another appointment at a private orthopedist .
At KKH, the paediatrician also said it is mild and only referred me to physiotherapist for him to review if there is a need to do helmet therapy. I found out later that physiotherapist is unable to do referral (only doctors can) and KKH has no helmet therapy so I had to go back to the KKH pediatrician and ask for referral to Tan Tock Seng Hospital (TTSH).
This has resulted in precious time lost as my son was already almost 5 months old. As of writing, only TTSH (subsidised) and Orthopaedia Singapore (private) do helmet therapy in Singapore.
Meanwhile at the private orthopaedia, we found out that his plagiocephaly was severe (yet 3 doctors told us was mild!), according to the head scan that the orthopedist did. She claimed that PD usually do not place flat head or torticollis as high priority since they don’t affect brain development. Maybe that’s why no doctors ever flag out to us about his plagiocephaly.
Just did his scan.
Looking back, I should have been more active in seeking treatment for his flat head. Deep inside, I was hoping not to do helmet therapy hence I did not actively research on the possible treatments. We might not have needed helmet therapy if I had done something to his torticollis. Argh! If only I could turn back time, I would…
1. Reposition his sleeping position
Since birth, alternate their sleep positions by turning LO’s head to the opposite side. This can allow even distribution of baby’s head weight. Put your baby at opposite ends of the crib each night to encourage baby to face to both directions.
For my flat head baby. I am now repositioning his head diligently such that the rounded side of his head is placed on the mattress instead of the flattened side.
This works best before 4 months old as after that baby will have the strength to move to his preferred side.
2. Alternating sides when handling baby
I made the mistake of always carrying baby on my right arm when feeding and this encourages him to turn to his right even more, making his left neck muscles more tense.
Carrying baby in alternate sides will prevent asymmetry neck muscles tightness and preferred head position.
For my left torticollis case, I need to cradle carry him on my left arm more to force him to look to his left. For upright carry, I need to carry him on my right shoulder so that his head will be force to look to his left.
3. Encourage more tummy time
Tummy time takes pressure off baby’s head and strengthen body and neck muscles.
Head is seldom at center position due to his left torticollisI place toys or stand on his left to encourage him to turn.
4. Do more stretching exercises
This website has very useful exercises which are similar to what was being taught by my physiotherapist. Do take note of whether your child has right (prefers to turn left due to stiff right neck) or left (prefers to turn right due to stiff left neck) torticollis.
Helping him to turn his head to the left
5. Buy mimos pillow
Some mums claimed that mimos pillow helped to correct the flat head. I would have given it a try if my LO was much younger. But sadly, only helmet therapy can help him now.
6. Immediately ask polyclinic for helmet therapy referral
Don’t wait. I should have asked the polyclinic doctor to refer during the 2nd month routine checkup and not listen to them that it is mild and do nothing. The referral process takes some time (1-2 months) and it is best to start helmet therapy early as the later the child starts, the longer the treatment period (some even need 2 helmets as it is so severe!) It is also almost impossible to alter the head shape after 1 year old.
Hope this sharing helps any mummies with flat head babies. I will write another post on the helmet therapy after we have started with it. All the best! 🙂
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!
This IKEA hanger with 38 clips is so useful for drying baby clothes (for my small 92 sq meters HDB flat)! Unless you have a huge space, I strongly recommend this over drying racks which need to be placed on the floor.
Bought 1 piece of newborn romper and about 6 pieces of 0-3 month rompers. The rest of the clothings were hand me down. Also don’t need to get newborn size, my baby couldn’t fit into that!
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
Baby easily startled in his sleep and he didn’t like to be swaddled. This beansprout pillow reduces his startle.
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.
Free nursing cover from hospital. Good coverage and not too hot for baby!
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
He really loves his bouncer!
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?
We thought that the beanie was cute and afraid he might be cold with the air-con, but almost got him suffocated. In the middle of the night, the beanie dropped and covered his face. He was too young to remove it and cried. I was dead tired and couldn’t hear him. Luckily the husband heard and rescued him. Thank god!
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.
Breastfeeding, in my experience, was most challenging for first time mum. I struggled with low supply and only recently managed to meet my LO’s demand. I didn’t do much research during pregnancy and wished I had known certain things earlier.
Although breastfeeding was very challenging in my initial weeks, the good news is, if you persevere on, you are likely to see the light at the end of the tunnel. It gets easier to latch on, milk supply stabilises and I enjoy breastfeeding so much that I ditch the bottles when I’m travelling with baby. I hope my sharing can encourage other low supply mums.
MY MISTAKES
1. Small breasts = low milk
I didn’t expect myself to have much milk as I have small breasts. Hence I did not invest in a hospital grade pump. I should have bought Spectra S1 right from the start!
2. Never insist on skin to skin and breastfeeding in hospital
I didn’t have a good experience with Mt Alvernia. I was too drowsy from epidural so forgot to ask for skin to skin contact. On hindsight, shouldn’t the nurses be the one who offer skin to skin? After I was more awake, my LO was already taken away to NICU as he had infection. The nurses then told me that he was hungry and gave me 3 choices, Nan, Enfamil or Similac. As an exhausted and drowsy FTM, I didn’t know better and just go with their flow.
Throughout my stay, they didn’t ask if I wanted to latch. Initially I thought I can’t latch cause my LO was in NICU but then I realised this is not true. By the end of day 2, I started latching. I also saw a pacifier next to my LO so I assumed they gave him pacifier without asking me. Thankfully my LO has no nipple confusion.
In the first month, I could only pump about 60ml each session whereas my LO drank 120ml since week 2. It was quite depressing and I kept reading tips on how to increase supply. I almost resigned to my fate until I spoke to this super encouraging mummy friend whom made me determined to carry on my breastfeeding journey. At my 3rd month, I yield about 200ml and started my frozen milk stocks.
3. Top up formula without pumping
My LO sometimes cried murder after
latching (despite latching for 2hours!) in the first month as I think my milk
either flows too slow or insufficient. I top up formula as it was too stressful
to see him cry. I know there are different stands on this. Some mums believe in no topping
up but personally I was too stressed when insisted on no formula. This caused my supply to drop further.
It is ok to top up, but I should pump with every
formula fed so that my body will be stimulated to produce more.
So what did I do to increase my supply?
From this (about 60 ml per session)
to a freezer full of milk…
TIPS
#1 Latch/pump frequently
This is the most important tip but most difficult to do.
I didn’t know better and was lazy. I skipped some night pumps which resulted in engorgement. Latching and pumping frequently is very important. Only when the breasts are emptied then more milk will come in.
Nowadays I latch on demand in the day (LO latch one side, I use haakaa for the other side), and pump 20-30min after every latch. In addition, I will pump every 2h in the day and 4h in the night.
(Update: some mums asked if I still pump after latching. Yes I do, very tiring but gotta persevere on for the milk supply!)
Haakaa as recommended by my wonderful nanny. This allows me to capture letdown from my other boob when LO latches on.
I also do power pump at least once a day. I usually get more supply after power pump.
I stop power pumping after my supply is established. Don’t want to risk having engorgement again.
#2 Massage and warm compress for letdown
The lactation consultant advised to massage and hand express in between pumps. Realised that this is more effective than a 30min straight pump without hand express/massage in between. Hand expression allows me to clear blocked ducts better and also very encouraging to see the milk dripping out when hand expressing. Made me want to work harder!
Massage 1 min –> Pump 10 min –> Hand express 2 min
–> Pump 10 min –> Hand express 2 min
Can vary duration depending on individual’s preference.
#3 Drink more fluids
I don’t know how much is enough but I drink one cup of water before and after pump to replenish the lost fluid. My body also feels healthier with more water intake anyway.
Green papaya fish soup, lactation tea and bubble milk tea seem to work well for me. My confinement nanny was very supportive and encouraging and made lots of soups for me.
I drink this brand.
#4 Diet
I ate oats with milk for breakfast daily but stopped after my supply is established. Oatmeal is a galactagogue (substance that promotes lactation) and also a traditional way to increase milk supply.
Other than a balanced diet with fruits and vegetables, I still try to eat steam fish daily. I’m also a sashimi lover and realised I can pump a lot more after a bowl of chirashidon. 😍😍😍 Another perfect excuse to indulge in my favourite food.
Lactation cookies and cupcakes didn’t work well for me so I gave up on that as they are costly anyway (they also use oats as part of the ingredients).
#5 Supplement
Fenugreek seems to work very well for me. Not sure if it’s a combination of the above or due to fenugreek, my supply gradually increased after starting fenugreek supplement. I’m still eating 3 times a day, 2 pills each time. I’m taking the GNC brand. My mother-in-law has been very supportive and will stock up fenugreek for me.
GNC Fenugreek
#6 Suitable flange size
This is very important but neglected by many. The standard flange size (28mm) provided by Spectra is too big for me. Pumping feels more comfortable and resulted in more yield when I got the suitable size from Maymom. Read how to check for correct flange size here.
Image credit: pupsik studio
#7 Rest
I can pump more after a good afternoon nap.
#8 Don’t stress
I get stressed initially when I see others post picture of their freezer full of milk and wonder how come I can’t build a fridge supply and instead need to top up formula?
It was when I decided to stop comparing, change my mentality to “fed is best, not breast is best” and “feed my baby, not the fridge”, I feel more at ease and supply gradually builds up.
#9 Have determination, patience and faith but don’t self-blame
It takes time but I believe that my supply will increase eventually. But if I cannot meet his demand even after doing so, it’s alright as I know I have done my best. Some people are just not so lucky in breastfeeding while some people really have it easy without putting in much effort. My supply only comes in at day 3 (a pathetic 0.5ml after hand expressing for an hour) while my friend can pump 300ml in a session in her first week! 😆
It took me 2 months to match his demand and 3 months to finally have some extra milk to freeze. In the process dealt with engorgement, blocked ducts and inflammation. However I feel so satisfied when I see my LO happily drinking my milk filled with antibodies!
Light at the end of tunnel…
From hating breastfeeding to loving it so much now. It not only gives antibodies to baby but also saves money and is super convenient. In my recent trip to Japan, I didn’t bring any bottles nor pump. I latch on the go and all I need was a nursing cover! Baby hungry? Latch. Baby tired but can’t sleep? Latch. Baby cranky? Latch! Best solution for every baby issue I face!
If you are still reading this post, good job mummy! You are determined to do something about your supply and have the perseverance to read so long! You can do it for breastfeeding too!
The first two weeks were in a haze. All I could remember was focusing on healing and resting while receiving lots of gifts and visiting by friends.
In the first two weeks, I was so depressed. I did not have enough breastmilk for baby, but baby was constantly hungry and was such a huge drinker (90ml when discharged from hospital)! By 1.5 week, he was already on 120ml.
I was also very upset with my entire body. The painful nipples, the still preggy looking tummy, the painful episiotomy wound (I can’t even sit properly to breastfeed!) and the swollen feet from water retention. My whole body was just in a mess! Every latching session was so painful that I felt like crying but I told myself to stay strong for my baby. One crying baby in the house is enough…
So I only started recording this diary after 2 weeks…
For Baby Ashton,
1 . Sleep in the same position
He always sleeps with his fists clenched like in defence mode. He gets startled easily in his sleep, and sometimes cries as if he had nightmare. He doesn’t like to be swaddled and will wriggle his arms out, hence nanny recommended the beansprout pillow to put on his tummy.
2. First babble
At 15 days old, Ashton babbled “ah bu bu ha” after breastfeeding. Is this considered his first babble? What are you trying to tell mummy?
3. Outgrow
Outgrow his newborn romper at 20 days old! Thank goodness I only bought one newborn size clothes and the rest are 0-3 months. Indeed, babies grow really fast and they don’t really need many clothings! I only bought like 9 pieces? The rest are hand-me-down. That said, since I wash his clothes every alternate day, 9 pieces are more than enough to last for few months! Glad I only spent a few dollars on clothes.
too tight now…
4. Umbilical cord dropped
Also at 20 days old, his umbilical cord dropped. The cord that connected us physically for 10 months. Oh I really miss those pregnancy days…
5. First tummy time
At 21 days old, he had his first tummy time! Look how high he can lift his neck! Mummy is so proud of you! (even though it is a small thing…)
6. First wriggle
At 27 days old, he started wriggling like a worm and almost hit the cot. Seems like wriggling is the precursor of crawling!
7. Likes to poop
Especially after bathing haha!
For Mama Keng,
Busy resting and doing her confinement. Finally, I got my appetite back! Had been puking in the first trimester and in the third trimester, baby grew so big that I had breathing difficulties and no stomach space.
mamakeng.com 