I have put together
my own list of things to buy or have for babies, mommies, and daddies before or shortly after the little one arrives. These items were
very useful to me as a breastfeeding mom, and also as someone who practiced
ge-lai after birth. Take a look at my list:
Must-have list for babies:
1. 8 pieces one-sided tops (White is best not only because
it’s unisex but also because you can see if any ants or other insects have
crawled to your babies’ clothes.)
2. 8 pieces pajamas (Those with garters at the bottom
are better.)
3. 8 pieces briefs or panties
4. 8 pieces shorts or skirts (For going-out).
5. 8-10 pieces frogsuits (If you will practice ge-lai,
buy 12-15 pieces of frogsuits. You won’t be able to use the one-sided tops especially
if your air-conditioning is on 24/7. My favorite brand is So-En bebe (size 0). I
like this brand because it has a hood so you need not get a separate cap for
your baby.)
Mothercare frogsuits with built-in hand covers and socks.
6. 8 pieces baby caps (Be sure to get the smallest
cap that you could find. The smallest ones are best for a tiny new born’s
head. I bought one that’s too big for Sam. It almost covered his nose. Mothercare
sells new baby caps. But do check your baby’s head and see what fits him or her
best.)
7. 8 pairs of mittens (I think garterized mittens are
better than those with strings. If you do get those with strings, just be
careful not to tie them too tight around your baby’s wrist. Also, buy them in
plain colors. Mothercare also sells frog suits for new baby and sizes 1-3
months have built-in hand covers.)
8. 8-10 sets of bibs (I prefer those that come in Velcro, but
like the mittens, if you do get the ones with strings, just be careful not to
tie them too tight.)
9. 20-30 pieces of lampins (I used two different
colors of lampins. One was in plain white while the other had a blue pipping on
it so in case one falls off, I know which one is dirty.)
10. Baby towels (I love baby towels because they are
not rough and they could serve as a swaddling cloth too.)
11. Diapers (Sam’s been on Momy Poko ever since. Momy
Poko’s more expensive than other brands, but for us, it suited our baby well.
Check out what’s ok for your baby too. EQ and Pampers are more affordable,
although they also have an “active line” promising more absorption which also
cost more.)
~~Clothe Diapers are also available, clothe are more earth friendly and more economical in the long run. You just have be dedicated to using cloth and must learn how to use it, wash it and know the do's and don'ts once you know it. it will just be a breeze and big savings.
12. Baby bag (I insist on getting a knapsack type of
baby bag. I asked one from my sister and she got me one from Goodbaby. I love
knapsacks because you free your hands when carrying them. My husband insisted
on getting a more “sosyal” baby bag. He got me a green messenger lassig bag,
but it’s too big for me and for the yaya. The bag is just sitting inside our
cabinet while the Goodbaby knapsack served its purpose. We only changed it when
it became too small for our baby’s needs. We are now using badabadaboo’s big
kid backpack called Alexander.)
Must-have list for
mommies:
1. Breast pump (I am using Medela Swing pump. I
got it directly from Medela House where I had the time to fit the right shield
for my breast size.)
Medela Swing is very helpful to me. If you have more budget, go for the Medela Freestyle.
If you are pumping your milk, buy 80 ml containers for storage. I use this to store breastmilk, baby food, other snacks such as nuts, yogurt melts, and cookies.
2. Medela Lanolin (My pediatrician adviced me to get
Medela Lanolin as this will help soften my nipples and prevent soreness. I swear
by this product. I did not experience any cracked nipples while breastfeeding.
There were times when I felt sore, but after rubbing the lanolin, it was all
gone. If you can’t get this, spread some breastmilk on your nipples.)
I swear this will help your nipples.
3. Jogging
pants and t-shirts (These were my outfits during my one-month ge-lai. I
recommend the longsleeve-shirts and undershirts from Spoiled. I still
use them up to now as I breastfeed my son in public. I just wish that they have
more fashionable designs.)
4. Breast pads (I love Mothercare and Pigeon breastpads.
Do not buy too many because you don’t know if that brand suits you. Breastpads
are like feminine napkins. You either like the cottony feel or not. Take
advantage of the free giveaways and try them on. You may also want to buy the
cloth breastpads when you feel irritated by the pads.)
For some reason, these are always sold-out.
Pigeon is more readily available. You can get them in all baby stores and even in SM Hypermarkets.
5. Maternity bra (I love Mothercare maternity bras. I
got myself the simple ones packed in twos for home use and those with pads for
going out. For night time, I use Mothercare tube bra.)
6. Mamaway Sando Bra (I love Mamaway’s Sando Bra. It is a sando which has a built-in padded
bra. It lets me wear my regular clothes and breastfeed my child without fear of
public exposure at the same time.)
I super love this Nursing Tank top from Mamaway. I got the black so it won't discolor. I can also see myself using this even when I am done with breastfeeding. The bra-top is also padded!
7. Maternity panty (I got mine from Mothercare. What
I like about it is the belly support. Before I had my Mamamway Sando Bra, I use
this to cover my belly while nursing in public.)
Other useful stuff to
have:
1. Night light
2. Muji socks (Because it can cover your every toe!)
3. Dr. Palmers Organic stretch mark lotions (If you
have red scratch marks, this lotion will help ligthen them.)
My two bffs. I swear by these products. They made my tummy flawless!
4. Disposable gloves (Use it when eating and washing down
under. For those who will undergo ge-lai.)
5. Vegetable supplements (This is also for those who
will go through ge-lai since you won’t be allowed to eat vegetables and you
need nutrients for breastfeeding.)
6. Pigeon wipes (We don’t wash Sam’s butt with water when
he poops or when we change his diapers. We use wipes instead. So far, it suits
him. No rashes yet.)
1. Before going home after birth from the hospital, ask the nurse to teach you how
to bathe your child.
My son on his Tummy Tub
~~I highly recommend Tummy Tub for bathing your child. You can get this at any Rustan's or at Mothercare. To read more about the my Tummy Tub experience Click here
2. If you will be breastfeeding your baby, get your nursing wear
at Medela House. You’ll need this when you go out with your baby. Usually, you
will come back for a check-up after a week.
3. Don't buy burping pads. Trust the more versatile
lampin.
4. If you plan to breastfeed, your doctor may advice
you to pump some milk. Make sure that your equipment has been sterilized before
using it.
Must-have list for
daddies (when packing for the hospital):
- shirts
- pants/shorts
- jacket
- personal effects
- camera
- cash/ATM
- water
- candy
- phone
