Tuesday, June 5, 2012

UPDATED: Shopping list before giving birth


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! 
You may want to check out my previous post: Stretch marks-free on our pre-natal shoot and beyond

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.)





Some tips:
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

~~ Mommy Raquel





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