(EeLin) Shopping for Confinement - For The Little One

For Ee Lin and new mums out there...

Here is my list of what to get before your little one comes home. Sorry abit later but I was busy and very tired after work. Here goes...

• Baby bath towels -- get at least 3 as you need to change pretty frequently. Go for soft and light ones. Remember your baby's skin is soft and delicate.
• Mittens and Booties (with and without holes) -- always get more as they usually get wet. Choose the small ones as your new born baby hands are very small.
• Cloth napkins (buy lots) -- if you intend for your baby to wear napkins. Also they are useful for bed lining - put on top of pillow to absorb sweat, wrapping up the new baby, blanket, etc. I got about 5 packs of 10s.
• Nappy liner -- if you intend for your baby to wear napkins
• Bips
• Tummy wrap for new born
• Baby soft face towels -- get the soft ones. Remember baby's skin is very soft and delicate. Get more as you need them for feeding, bathing, wiping, etc. You don't have enough time to wash.
• Short sleeves top and pants -- get more. They always get wet - vomit after feeding, etc.
• Long sleeves top and pants
• Short sleeves top with tiny holes -- this is cooling for a hot day. Also less risk of heat rash
• Beddings, flat baby pillows & bolsters, cot bumper (if use wooden cot) and their covers (get extras), mosquito netting
• Blankets - get the light soft ones. Don't use the comforter yet as the new born baby is still small.
• Bouncing Net
• 'Sarong' bed -- that is IF you want but be warned, once your baby gets used to this, you have to bring this sarong thingy wherever you go. I didn't.
• Detergent for washing bottles - optional. I prefer to wash with water and then boil them. No soap!!
• Baby clothes detergent eg. Nappy Clean, Pureen ABC. I prefer liquid detergent and I used Nappy Clean. This mild for babies. Separate your clothes from the baby's. The baby maybe sensitive to 'adult' detergent.
• Baby lotion/oil. I used Johnson and Johnson Diapers. Apply after bath.
• Diapers - I used Mamypoko (S) & (NB) for night time. Day time, my kids wore cloth diapers
• Body Powder - only if you want. I chose Johnson & Johnson. Some docs and CL advise against it .. pores clogging.
• Extra pails for washing -- Believe me you need that! Lots to wash!!
• Clothes rail -- Prepare more clothes lines or drying place for massive washing
• Cotton balls -- For cleaning… eg face, bottom
• Waterproof rubber changing mat (for changing diapers/after bath)
• Baby Nail clipper/scissors --- Baby's nails are very sharp. Only cut them when you can see well. Even after cutting, their fine nails are still sharp. Put on the mittens at all times. That's why it is better to have some mittens with small holes. Else the baby skin will peal due to sweat.
• Baby soap eg. Johnson & Johnson. If your baby develop sensitive skin later (rashes), see your pediatrician to recommend mild soap. I used Baby Sebamed for my kids. Warning - pricey!
• Cotton buds for BB (smaller ones) - for cleaning. Do not dig their ears!
• Yu Ee oil (mandarin brand) -- apply after bath. There are 2 versions - take the one with mandarin oranges picture which is less hot. This is good expel win and sooth tummy upset. Be careful, sometimes the baby skin may not be able to take it like my son. Watch out for rashes.
• Diaper Rash Cream - Bepanthen or Drapolene
• Menthol Body Powder (0ptional) for heat rash
• Bathing tub
• Rubber mat for bathing tub -- must have!
• Pacifier for new-born (optional) -- Mothercare, Avent, etc. Optional but better to prepare to sooth baby when fretting. However try not to make it a habit.
• Baby bottles -- recommend Avent. Use 4oz bottles for new born. The 9oz bottles are too big!! Remember to check the nipples. Make sure they are for new borns.
• Big pot -- to boil baby bottles, pacifier, etc
• Milk Powder (optional). Go for 100% breast feeding if you can.
• Gripe Water -- to expel wind. Best time to give is after bath time
• Travel Stroller -- If possible, get friends to give as baby gift
• Baby car seat -- If possible, get friends to give as baby gift
• Bottle warmer -- for travelling. Make sure fits bottle esp when you get big bottles like Avent
• Measuring milk container
• Flask for hot water -- for travelling - to make milk
• Water tumbler for cold water -- for travelling - to make milk
• Baby Carry Bag -- Suggest back pack style for your convenience
• Baby wipes - Anakku, Pureen

Can't think anymore already. Hope this helps.