Sunday, July 17, 2011

Baby needs and baby essentials...

Having a baby... is definitely one of those wonderful experiences that nothing... and I mean NOT A SINGLE thing in this world can compare to. To experience the wonder of the 9 months in your tummy is already a beautiful gift... all the tumbling and rolling... the little nudges that you feel... hehehe...

... and with all babies... there will be numerous needs and essential items that you need to begin your new journey... or a repeat of that wonderful journey  :) ... I find the most essential items that I needed after I gave birth were:
  1. hot water .. ermmm... what do you call that bottle thingy that you can store hot water to be used to tuam your tummy and breast? well, that.. hehhehe
  2. at least 5 pairs of new born nighties, I prefer the 2 piece type (1 long sleeve baju and a long pants).. this is easier when it comes to night changing because you don't have to worry about buttons and all that especially when the baby is crying and you're only half awake! :P
  3. at least 5 day clothes, your baby cant stay in the same baju the whole day and night! :P
  4. soft and light blankets as well as a few muslin squares so that you can place your baby anywhere and not be scared of 'what have been there' germies
  5. a few washcloths to be ready to wipe at any milky2 residue or any accidental spit ups, this is a long term investment as you'll never stop using these washcloths till they are big... soon they'll need it when they start to put they're fingers in their mouth or start blowing bubbles... so get the good and durable ones as well as soft to the touch for their delicate skin... I find that Mothercare's and Owen's are good brands as theirs is durable, thick and absorbent. If you're looking for gorgeous (though a bit pricey for a piece) go for Owens... it comes with such cute designs. Not willing to spend a bundle on washcloths? Don't worry, Coro from the Parkson baby range products has a 5 piece washcloths for only like RM6! :) and they are nice to use... even if not as pretty ;)
  6. baby bassinet because they are small and cute... and they love to feel all warm and cozy... another plus is that the bassinet is light so you can carry it all around the house and have your baby right next to you at all times (of course you can't carry your baby in it!) But those who are budget conscious, I would think that spending on this might be a little extravagant as the baby only uses this max up to a month... after which they start to move more and will not be so happy sleeping in a closed space, especially if they are side or tummy sleepers. 
  7. oh, hahahah... how can I forget the most basic of all needs... diapers! :P After we check out of the hospital, they will provide us with a few and my baby has tried Huggies, Mammy Poko and Pureen brand... my evaluation of these 3 brands? Huggies is ok... a bit rough for the bottom... and the design doesn't really fit the bum bum properly so there will be incidents of leakage... Mammy Poko is of course, the best so far and oh so expensive... it's material is soft, can withstand hours of soaking and ur baby's bum bum will still stay fresh and smooth... :) Pureen is good and RM0.30 cheaper than Mammy Poko... but for some reason, it's sooooo very hard to find! Hmmph!
  8. baby wash... the hospital will usually provide this when you're going home... but it depends on each what brand you want to choose... for sensitive skin, Sebamed is said to be the best... though I have always loved Johnson& Johnson. :) Jellybean is using Sebamed currently, but am thinking of changing that when she gets older.
  9. wet wipes and cotton... large quantities of these are actually needed up to maybe when your baby turns 2 months... after that... or when she's a little stronger, washing over the sink is much easier and (I think) cleaner...
  10. Towels for adults are nice if they are fluffy and big... but for the little ones... small and thin is just right... as long as they are absorbent. Why? Because it will make holding and handling the bundle of joy easier... she also won't feel smothered with all that fluffy fabric around her. If there are any concerns on making the baby cold, just be sure that the fan is switched off before and after bathing time to minimise cold air. :)
  11. nail clipper and nail fail
  12. minyak telon... a must to keep the air out and baby happy happy
  13. bedung for babies
  14. baby wrap... you don't need to get the expensive ones... Mum's Care offer a great range at about RM20-RM30.... it's small and fits the baby well
  15. a few pairs of socks and small mittens... after I bought a whole load of these items... the best to date are the ones bought from Pigeon/Anak Ku range... booties and mittens (>RM7) They are breathable, fits the baby's little hands well and easy to wash. Next best... though a bit pricey seeing that the baby can only wear it for the 1st month (after which is becomes too tight) is from Pumpkin Patch....small and cute for newborns and of so lovely designs  ;)

I guess that's what you really need for a new born... the rest would come from preference and experience... like for bottles... breast pump... bottle cleaner... formula... diaper bag... all this would vary with needs.... My own wastage? Hehehe... the abundance of socks that I got for my baby, diapers bought at a wrong size, cottons that are unused, clothes that are hardly worn due to my baby growing too rapidly during her first 3 months..., pacifiers that my baby refuse to take.... (I bought 4!), hehehe...oh well...

What about for mummies? Comfortable clothing, kain batik and loose shirts are recommended... disposable undies, pads, socks, hair bands... that's all I think... besides of course, a good masseuse, entertainment and just time to recover, sleep and bond with your baby... ;)

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