I still remember when I was pregnant with Lauren (first pregnancy), I walked into a local baby store and walked straight out. I had no idea what I was looking at. It felt like I was on another planet. Why are there so many different kinds of teats? What the heck is peristaltic and why should I pay more?

If you are a first time expecting mom, this baby shopping list will give you a comprehensive view of everything you will need for your newborn baby. I consider them must-haves and I’ve also included a few extra nice-to-haves that are in absolutely no way essential.

Feeding

Must-haves
Feeding bottles & teats in different flows – I bought a range from Pigeon and was given a whole lot of different brands of bottles and teats from Tollyjoy and Avent as gifts. I found them just as good. For some reasons, both Lauren and Georgia have no nipple confusion with both latching on and different teats. 

Bottle and teat brush – For effective cleaning of your bottles, this is a must-have. Here is one from Tollyjoy.

Breast pump – I have a Medela Freestyle which is a hand-me-down from a friend since we had Lauren and I’m still using it for Georgia now. So I guess it lasts pretty well. All I have to do is to buy some replacement parts that aren’t very expensive.

Milk storage bags – These save a lot more space in your fridge/freezer than using bottles to store milk.

My Brest Friend pillow – I absolutely love it. It makes breastfeeding much easier by propping your baby up to your breast level. Hello hands-free! 

Nursing pads – I use Tommee Tippee disposable breast pads. I find it very absorbent and fits just right into my half-cup bras.

Nice-to-haves
Nipple cream – Just in case you need them. Alternatives: Organic coconut oil or lip balm would work too.

Steriliser – We got ourselves a Pigeon sterilizer for milk bottles, pacifier, toys and everything else that could fit in it. However, just blanching them in hot water immediately prior to using works just as well.

I heard good reviews about Philips Avent Microwave Steriliser too.

Nursing cover – I never got one. Lauren used to be in the sling most of the time, so I just use the extra cloth from the sling to cover up.

Lacti-Cups milk saver – I’ve only recently found out about these milk saver that catches let-down milk from the non-nursing breast while you are feeding your baby with the other breast. The tight-arse in me absolutely love the idea that no milk is wasted!

Nursing bras and tops – I didn’t buy any of these, I just pull the strap of my tank top down when I need to nurse. Yes, I basically lived in my strapless bras and tank tops during the first few months.

Formula – My milk didn’t come in until a week later for Lauren. Some moms just can’t produce enough milk when baby is going through growth spurts, so instead of stressing over your baby going hungry, do yourself a favour and have some formula milk on standby.

Sleeping

Must-haves
Cot, cot linen, cot mattress & protector – We got the whole set from IKEA. 

Swaddle – Lauren used to break out of her muslin swaddle, so having a few velcro/buttons-fastened ones really helped keeping her swaddle in place. We love Aden Anais Easy Swaddle; they are available in a whole range of cute prints.

Black out blinds – I sleep better in the dark, so make sense if you do want your newborn to sleep well, no? We bought the fabric from a local fabric shop, and had ours custom made.

Nice-to-haves
Moses basket & linen – These are so pretty. It is also handy if you live in a big house and want to bring your baby with you when you hang out in another room besides the nursery. However, babies grow so fast, you won’t get much use out of it for very long.

Baby monitor – Great to spy on babies when they are in another room. Get one with video if possible. God knows how many time new parents need to check if their babies are still breathing. I did it a LOT!

Snuggle Nest – Lauren used to sleep better in one, but she out-grew it very quickly too. We passed it on to some friends and they swear by it too. With Georgia, we pretty much did the same by placing small pillows by her sides (not right next to her head though).

Cot bumper – It is not advisable to put a bumper in the newborn’s cot, as it may cause suffocation. It is useful for me when Lauren was old enough to sit up and sometimes rotates herself sideways while sleeping. It prevents her from hitting the hard railing of the cot.

Pacifiers – It helps babies soothe themselves and stay calm during car rides and while on outings. Too bad Lauren didn’t like it. She prefers the real thing (my boobs).

Mosquitos net – When Lauren was born, there were many cases of dengue fever in Singapore. So to be safe, we got one. 

Changing

Bathing

Travel

Baby sling – One of my absolute must-have! I used to wear Lauren even when we were at home. She didn’t like laying down by herself, so it was the only way I can get anything done at all. She tends to fall asleep easier in the sling too. It was how Nick survived the 4 days I went on vacation with my sister when Lauren was just 6 months old. Mine was a gift from The Birth Shop.

Baby carrier – Very useful for older baby especially during holiday. I love my ERGO Baby Carrier because it is super comfy. It has padded straps that go over both shoulders and it sits on the hips, so the weight is distributed really well. It is also comfortable for your baby as she has a wide support that covers her butt and thighs, instead of hanging off the groin, which can be bad for your baby.

Infant car seat – Maxi Cosi infant car seats are fantastic and easy to use. You can also get a frame to turn it into a stroller, which is great for travel. Borrow one if you could, because babies grow so fast and very soon you’d find yourself shopping for a bigger one. I’m lucky to have friends with older babies, and happy to pass theirs on to me.

Pram / Stroller – It is the first thing I bought when I found out I was pregnant. But we didn’t use it until Lauren was almost 6 months old and able to sit up properly. Of course, there are those catered to newborn too. For more info, check out my post on how to select a stroller here.

Changing mat – Very handy or else you’d find yourself wiping down public change table every time your baby needs changing. I find it useful when I’m at friend’s place as well – I won’t risk soiling their sofa or bed.

Nice to have
Diaper bag – I actually didn’t get one. I just use a slightly bigger boho bag to store my belongings and baby items. I’m also one of those moms who pack very light when we go out.

Miscellaneous

Baby bottle washing liquid – Again, you wouldn’t want to use harsh washing liquid for your baby’s bottles and utensils. Tollyjoy has a baby accessories cleaner that is good enough for washing vegetables too!

If you like a print-out of this checklist, go here.

Have I left anything out? Do tell me what you think of the list. We could also talk new baby stuff on Facebook.

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PS: How to choose the perfect stroller.