Is everything ready for your little one's arrival? Do you have all the baby essentials at home and in your hospital bag? Find out if you missed anything from our newborn baby needs checklist, and we even have a downloadable list for you!
Ready For Your Newborn?
How excited are you right now, beautiful mum-to-be? You’re in your third trimester and the baby’s getting bigger!
It’s definitely time to start getting ready for your little love’s impending grand arrival. One way to prepare is to come up with a checklist for newborn baby needs.
But is it possible to even know what you should get when you are presented with a dizzying array of options for “baby essentials” every time you go shopping?
And let’s not even get started on the overload of information that well-meaning friends and relatives bombard you with!
You type "newborn checklist" on Google, but a majority of lists you will get are from mums based abroad. Unless you live in a place where it's always cold, would you even need a bunting bag or a fleece suit?
Preparing for a newborn's arrival can get really overwhelming, especially for a first-time mum. But fret not, mum-to-be. We are here to help.
We've come up with our own newborn baby needs or the newborn essentials list. From bathing to feeding, this comprehensive checklist includes items that every parent in Singapore would need in order to prepare for a newborn's arrival.
With this checklist as a guide, you'll be able to discern between the essentials and the ones that are nice to have and save time and money as you start your new journey.
(Pro-tip: If you're having a baby shower, you can also send this list or share this article with your guests for an easier shopping experience.)
Newborn Essentials Checklist
Feeding
Mums, one of the most precious bonding experiences you will have soon after your baby is born, is the feeding experience.
Your baby will be placed upon your chest and he will nuzzle you for that first nourishing feed of breastmilk.
While breastfeeding should be the first preference in nourishing your newborn, sometimes, your doctor may recommend bottle feeding—either with expressed breastmilk or infant formula milk.
To help you and your baby find your groove when it comes to your feeding experience, the following items in your newborn baby needs checklist will come in handy:
Newborn essentials in breastfeeding
- A good breast pump
- Milk storage bags
- Nursing pads
- Nipple cream
- Nursing pillow
- Nursing cover
- Nursery chairs
Newborn essentials in bottle feeding
- Milk bottles (5-10, depending on if you plan to breastfeed or mix-feed)
- Bottle nipples or teats (5-10)
- A bottle brush
- Bottle drying rack
- Dishwasher basket for small items
- Baby bibs (4-8 pieces)
- Bottle Sterilisers
- Formula for infant
Pro Tip: Choose BPA-free plastic bottles for your baby. These are considered the safest.
Newborn essentials for sleeping
For the first few months of their life, a newborn sleeps a lot. Because of this, you will need to invest in the right kind of furniture to provide a safe and secure sleeping environment for your baby.
For starters, the American Academy of Pediatrics doesn't recommend sharing a bed with your newborn for safety purposes.
Here are your newborn baby essentials for the nursery:
- Baby cot, crib, cradle or bassinet
- Extra bedding set and mattress for cot
- Nightlight
- Dresser
- Fitted crib sheets (2-4)
- White noise
- Baby monitor
Pro Tip: Avoid crowding your baby’s cot with unnecessary bedding and soft toys, as this may increase the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
Newborn essentials in bathing
Bath time is one of the most fun times for baby and mommy. If you don't want to spoil the fun, be prepared with these newborn baby needs checklist:
- Baby bathtub
- Soap or body wash
- Baby shampoo
- Powder for babies
- Gentle lotion or baby moisturizer
- Soft towels or hooded baby towels (2-4)
- Baby hairbrush
- Soft washcloths (5-8)
- Baby tongue cleaner
- Gentle laundry detergent for washing baby's clothes
Pro Tip: You might notice rough scaly patches on the baby's scalp or red bumps on the baby's skin. Don't be alarmed. Cradle cap is usually normal and will probably go away on its own.
Resist the urge to peel them off or put any medications on them. Just use a gentle shampoo and baby wash when you're bathing your baby to prevent skin irritation.
Newborn essentials when changing
As much as your sweet baby sleeps a lot, you’ll notice they poop a lot, too! So, changing diapers is one of the new skills that you will have to learn. Trust us, it may seem challenging initially, but it is pretty easy once you have mastered the technique.
Here is what you should buy for the changing needs of your baby:
- Newborn diapers or cloth diapers
- Changing table or cushioned changing pad
- Diaper pail and liners
- A diaper bag
- Diaper rash cream
- Cotton balls (if you opt to go old school and wash baby's butt with cotton and lukewarm water)
- Wet wipes
- Soft washcloths
Tip: Go for diaper bags that have waterproof or microfiber surfaces, with plenty of pockets for storage.
Newborn essentials in clothing
Perhaps the most exciting item on any newborn baby checklist is shopping for baby clothes! Those teeny-tiny, adorable outfits are irresistible without a doubt.
But before you buy the whole store next time you’re shopping for baby outfits, we’re going to tell you about the basics you will need:
- Onesies or rompers with wide head openings (short-sleeved and long-sleeved) (4-8)
- One-piece pyjamas (4-8)
- Socks (4-8)
- Baby cap, bonnet or hat (to protect from the sun) (1-3)
Pro Tip: While it might be tempting to stock up on cute newborn clothing, remember that your baby does the most growing within the first six months of his life.
It’s best to buy just a few of the smallest newborn-sized clothing and invest in more of the larger sizes.
For our hot climate, make sure you stick to buying cotton clothes, so your baby can stay cool.
Don't forget to wash and iron your baby's clothes first before you put them in on your newborn.
Moving around
Stepping out with your little one for the first time can be a daunting experience unless you are well prepared for it. Whether you’re heading out for a short stroll in the park or a long road trip, here’s what you should include in your baby’s travel checklist:
- Car seat (if you own a car)
- Baby stroller
- Carrier for babywearing
- Baby milk cooler or storage bag
Pro Tip: Baby car seats save lives. To be extra safe, make sure to get the seat properly installed by the manufacturer.
Other must-haves on your newborn baby checklist
Besides the above, here are some other essential items we think you should add to your baby essentials list, so that you can give your little angel the best care possible:
- Baby nail clippers
- Baby thermometer
- Weighing scale for babies
- First-aid kit
- Rocking chair or armchair
- Baby monitor
- Swaddle cloth
- Air purifier or humidifier in baby's room
Aside from the things said above for the feeding, bathing, changing, and moving around essentials checklist for your baby, there are a lot of things that need to be considered as well, especially those baby things to buy before giving birth.
It’s not only important for the parents but for their child’s well-being before welcoming them.
Prepping for your newborn baby’s arrival can be both fun and exciting. And you certainly need that newborn baby essentials checklist as it’s the newborn baby’s must-have.
From the feeding, sleeping, bathing, changing, clothing, and moving around checklist. Everything should be prepared and ready beforehand, especially for first-time parents.
Additionally, parents, are also conscious of their kids’ health and safety, since newborn babies’ skin is so delicate.
And as soon as the child starts toddling around, it’s a lot more difficult to protect babies from any common accidents at home or outside.
Here are some health and safety baby essentials checklists parents should know and be aware of:
- First-aid kit
Many common illnesses can affect newborns and older babies during their first year and beyond. A first aid kit can be useful for issues such as gassiness, a stuffy nose, and fever.
A baby’s first-aid kit should include some practical medical and safety supplies, in the event that your child will get hurt.
Some of those are thermometers, antiseptic or rash creams, and bandages.
It should come with grooming supplies as well, such as baby-size nail clippers, cold packs, ointments that are safe to use for infants, and some medication dispensers.
- Nasal aspirator
It’s a baby nose-clearing device that basically has some suction and it sucks the mucus, whether it's dry or wet from the nostril.
Medical professionals advise against the use of this more than three or four times a day as it may cause nasal irritation and nosebleeds in your baby.
- Humidifier
As said above, a humidifier is also a must-have for infants. It can protect your child’s skin from drying out and relieve nasal congestion, it’s especially important if the baby has a cold. Experts advise also the use of a cool-mist humidifier.
- Teething toys
Teeth begin to develop while your baby is still in the womb, and tooth buds form in the gums. So it’s best to have teething toys or teethers ready for your baby.
This helps the brand-new teeth of babies to counter pressure and can soothe and alleviate pain. Whenever you’re giving a teether to your baby, always keep a bib close by.
- Petroleum jelly
- Medicines that are safe and recommended by your child's doctor
- Cotton balls for cleaning your baby’s nose and ears.
- Baby lotions
- Eyewash or eyedrops for baby can be useful if your baby’s eyes get irritated. Consult first with the paediatrician before trying it out for your baby.
- A copy of your baby’s medical history (or a baby book) Can be used if there are any allergies to food, and is helpful to know medical conditions that can be provided to medical personnel.
- Alcohol wipes and sanitisers.
Wondering how you're going to write everything down? We got you, mum!
Here's a copy of the newborn essentials checklist that you can download. You're welcome!
Best Stores to Shop for Newborn Essentials
As you prepare for your little one's arrival, finding the right newborn baby gear is essential. Luckily, Singapore offers a plethora of options for purchasing baby essentials, both in physical stores and online.
Whether you prefer the convenience of online shopping or the experience of browsing physical stores, you can find everything from clothing and feeding essentials to nursery furniture and more:
Mothercare
With multiple outlets across Singapore, Mothercare is a go-to destination for all your newborn baby gear needs.
From clothing and feeding essentials to nursery furniture and strollers, you'll find a wide range of high-quality products.
Pupsik Studio
Pupsik Studio is an online retailer that offers a comprehensive selection of newborn baby gear.
They specialise in baby carriers, swaddles, nursing essentials, and more.
Enjoy the convenience of shopping from the comfort of your home and benefit from their fast delivery service.
Baby's Hyperstore
Located in the East of Singapore, Baby's Hyperstore is a one-stop shop for newborn baby gear.
They have an extensive range of products, including strollers, car seats, feeding accessories, and nursery furniture.
Visit their showroom to explore the options firsthand.
First Few Years
First Few Years is a popular retail store located in Paragon Shopping Centre.
They offer a curated selection of baby gear from renowned brands, ensuring quality and style.
From baby clothes to toys and nursery essentials, you'll find a wide range of options here.
Lazada
Lazada is one of Singapore's leading online marketplaces, offering a vast collection of newborn baby gear.
Explore an array of brands and products, read reviews, and enjoy competitive prices. Benefit from doorstep delivery and the convenience of online shopping.
Kiddy Palace
Kiddy Palace is a well-known retailer with multiple branches across Singapore. They cater to all your baby's needs, from diapers and clothing to toys and furniture.
Take advantage of their regular promotions and attractive deals.
Amazon.sg
Amazon.sg provides an extensive selection of newborn baby gear. From diapers and wipes to nursery decor and baby monitors, you can find a wide range of products from various brands.
Enjoy the convenience of online shopping and reliable delivery services.
Metro
Metro is a department store that offers a dedicated section for newborn baby gear.
Browse through their collection of clothing, feeding essentials, and nursery items. They often have special promotions and discounts for expectant parents.
Shopee
Shopee is a popular online marketplace that features a wide range of newborn baby gear.
Explore their extensive product categories, compare prices, and read reviews from other parents.
Enjoy the convenience of shopping from multiple sellers in one platform.
Mama's Choice
If you're looking for skincare and grooming products for your newborn, Mama's Choice is a trusted brand.
They offer a range of gentle and safe products designed specifically for delicate baby skin.
You can find Mama's Choice products in various retailers and online platforms.
We hope this newborn baby checklist will help you get ready to welcome your tiny VIP. Having these things ready will help you focus on what’s really important: bonding, cherishing, and taking care of your newborn.
Happy shopping and preparing for your little one's arrival!
Republished with permission from theAsianparent Philippines.
Updates from Camille Eusebio
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