Baby keeps having runny nose after entering infant care. Although the essential oil helps, at least now never escalate to bronchitis nor difficulty sleeping (touch wood!), the mucus is still very annoying to me.
Husband didn’t want to get the aspirator as it is not cheap but I decided to splurge on lollababy instead of manual one as I don’t want to risk sucking in his germs. Thankfully it worked well and baby struggles less than when I use tissue to clean his nose.
Look at the mucus sucked out in just one session! It is important to clear the mucus as otherwise it may become phlegm and escalates to cough and other respiratory issues.
Of course, baby does struggles a bit but it is so therapeutic to see all the mucus being sucked out. Sorry if this sounds gross but I think you’d understand if you’re a mum!
There are 3 sizes of silicone tips, 0-3 months, power suction and long reach. It is gentle enough for newborn and I’m using power suction and long reach. It runs on two AA batteries and is not too noisy. Most importantly, I like that it is easy to remove and wash.
Usually I will spray sterimar into his nostrils to loosen the mucus so that it is easier to suck out.
Got it at 15% discount (current GSS promotion) in mothercare outlet. You can also get it on their website here. If I’m not wrong, they have good promotions during babyfair but I can’t wait for that. I need to suck out his mucus!
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.
I was initially skeptical on how essential oils can help boost immunity and its aromatherapy benefits. However, when baby A kept falling sick after entering infant care, I was desperate to try all ways to boost his immunity. The following is what I learnt after attending essential oil lessons and also personal trial and error experiences.
Disclaimer: This is not a sponsored post and I am not a Young Living seller. This is purely my honest review on the oils, where the effects differ between users. However, I can pass you the contact of Young Living seller if you need to purchase at member price. I do not earn any commission from doing so.
I first started with lavender, peppermint and tea tree (botanical name: Melaleuca alternifolia)oils for personal use.
Whenever I have insomnia, I will diffuse lavender for better sleep.
I have motion sickness since young and it is especially bad throughout my pregnancy. I carried peppermint oil with me and find that it is more effective in tackling my nausea compared to my medicinal oil. My husband also likes to diffuse peppermint for a refreshing and uplifting mood.
For cleansing the air:
I diffuse tea tree oil periodically to cleanse the air, especially if there is someone ill at home.
Sometimes I diffuse purification which can also help cleanse the air and also deter mosquitoes. Purification is a blend of citronella, rosemary, lemongrass, tea tree, lavandin and myrtle.
Citronella can deter insects while lemongrass promotes relaxation and good sleep.
Can also put a few drops in the rubbish bin or shoes to clear the stinky smell.
For cough, flu, phlegm and immunity booster:
These 4 are the must- haves for my baby.
Ever since he went infant care, he is often down with runny nose which then escalates to cough and phlegm. The first time he was down, he took 3 weeks to recover despite giving him lots of medication.
It hurts me to see him taking so many medications and he would struggle so much every time I administer.
The second time he caught a flu, he recovered in 2 days without any medication. I’d like to think that it is due to essential oils as I have started using then.
R.C.
Blend of Eucalyptus globulus, Myrtle, Marjoram, Pine, Eucalyptus radiata, Eucalyptus citriodora, Lavender, Cypress, Black spruce & Peppermint.
Relief nose congestion: apply one drop on his nose
Helps expel phlegm and mucus: apply one drop on sole, chest and back. Also do chest percussion.
Promotes restful sleep: diffuse 4 drops to promote restful sleep and reduce snoring
Cup upwards on back to help loosen and bring phlegm out.
Lemon
Helps expel phlegm: apply one drop on sole, chest and back
Detox: add 2-3 drops to a cup of warm water (for myself and husband, not for baby)
Uplifting: diffuse 4 drops to help with focus and concentration
Skin brightening: dilute in carrier oil and apply on skin
Apply one drop on sticky residue to remove them!
Thieves
Blend of Clove, Eucalyptus radiata, Lemon, Cinnamon & Rosemary
Boost Immunity: rub one drop on sole of feet
DIY hand sanitiser/ cleaning agent: add 10-15 drops to 60 ml distilled water and 1 teaspoon of witch hazel. (refer to bottom of this post for details)
Anti-bacterial properties: can read this science journal for details
Eucalyptus Radiata
Relief nose congestion: apply one drop on nose, chest and back
Can also diffuse to reduce stuffy nose.
For diaper rash and eczema:
I use one drop lavender + one drop tea tree oil and apply on the rashes area. Lavender calms the angry skin while tea tree fights the bacterial or fungal infection if any. Thieves, though has anti-bacterial properties, is too hot for baby’s sensitive skin so I do not apply Thieves directly on his skin (except sole of feet as the skin there is thickest).
For cranky baby:
If baby is cranky or unsettled, I rub one drop of lavender or Peace & Calming on the sole of his feet. I also diffuse lavender oil.
DIY Hand Sanitiser
After seeing how expensive baby hand sanitisers are in the market, I decided to DIY using essential oils. I am convinced on the anti bacterial properties after reading the scientific journal on the oils.
Using Thieves. Did the sanitiser in less than 2 min.
Add 10-15 drops of Thieves oil into an amber glass bottle (essential oils can break down plastic and some oils may react under sunlight. I got my bottle from Shopee.)
Add one teaspoon of witch hazel to 60 ml of distilled water. Mix well.
Pour the water mixture into the amber glass bottle. Mix well.
The 3 oils that I used to experiment for hand sanitiser…
I experimented with different essential oils, using lemon + tea tree. Husband says he prefers the Christmasy smell of Thieves so I guess I will stick to Thieves for the next batch of sanitiser!
Now I’m using this natural sanitiser every day on baby without worrying about the chemicals exposed to him! I spray on his hands, bag and clothes before and after infant care. I also spray on baby chair when dining out, on his toys and random objects such as my phone. Try it and let me know how it goes! 🙂
It is unfortunate that I am writing this post as baby fell from bed… again. 😦
The first time he fell, he was only 5 weeks old. I felt so terrible and lousy as this happened after the nanny left not long ago. I felt very unqualified as a mother and broke down crying with him. While waiting for the doctor, I kept googling on what happens when a baby falls as I fear for brain damage.
How’s my new eyeshadow?
To summarise, babies are stronger than we think they are. Unless the fall is rather high, 1 metre and above, usually it is exterior injury. Most babies fall from sofa or bed, so it is not as bad as we think.
After baby falls, try not to be panic as babies react according to our expressions too.
First, quickly check for visible signs of injuries such as bleeding or bruises. If baby is unconscious, vomits or bleeding profusely, go to A&E immediately.
Next, try to calm baby down by hugging and carrying him.
Third, move baby’s limps to check for any fractures and the eyes to see if baby is sensitive to light. Again, if baby shows signs of distress, send to A&E immediately.
The signs to look out for, within 72 hours of fall, to determine if baby needs to see doctor:
1. Vomiting (this shows possible brain damage)
2. Unconsolable cries
3. Excessive drowsiness/sleepiness (refused to wake up and play)
4. Fever
If baby has any of the above signs, bring to A&E immediately.
After a few experiences of fall, the above are what different pediatrics told us.
As much as we try to prevent falls, accidents do happen so don’t be too hard on yourself! After the first fall, whenever I place baby on bed to change diapers, I never leave him unattended. This time, even though I was next to him, he flipped and dived head down to the floor. So fast that I couldn’t catch him even though I was just next to him.
I guess the best prevention is not to put on bed at all.
P.S. falls are considered as accidents so do claim from personal accident insurance if you decided to see a doctor!
P.P.S. I got so many stares when I brought baby out. As if he looks very ugly, I abuse him or I did a lousy job. Guess his bruise looked really bad. This random lady came to me and said “I will never let this happen to my grand daughter. She is so precious to me”. I gave a fake smile, in my heart thinking “you think my son is not precious to me? What is this is a birthmark?”
My little panda
She successfully made me feel even more upset and guilty for not being able to prevent his fall. As much as I’d like to console myself that I’ve done my very best as a mother, it is hard to not self-blame. Motherhood is a job where I set extremely high expectations on myself, which I believe many mothers do so too. We just want the best for our children.
There are so many people who are too quick to assume, and too quick to judge. I hate to say this but many times, mothers are also the ones who judge fellow mothers the most. 😦
mamakeng.com 