Every new parent will, at some point, go completely overboard with buying stuff for their baby. Whether that is another cute outfit or 10 that you simply couldn’t resist, or buying one of each stuffed toy because it was just too hard to pick one. Don’t worry, this truly happens to every parent at some point throughout their parenting journey! The fact is, we are genetically primed to want the very best for our kids, and sometimes the marketing plays up to this by selling us things we can’t say no to even if they are not strictly essential.
If you are starting to feel overwhelmed then you are not alone. These feelings are very common, especially for first time parents. You may have been getting unsolicited advice left, right, and centre since announcing your upcoming arrival and it’s always best to take this advice with a grain of salt, no matter how well-meaning the source. In truth, the only things your baby needs in order to be happy is a full tummy, a clean bottom, cosy clothes, a safe place to sleep, and most importantly, lots of love and cuddles.
Once you are confident you can supply the bare necessities listed above, the rest becomes much easier. You’ll be so busy getting to know your new baby once they come home that you’ll probably forget about all those cute outfits hanging in the closet and those cool accessories you picked up. You’ll probably end up sticking to the basics, at least for the first weeks and months of your baby’s life. With that said, here are some of the most important essentials that you’ll actually need in time for your baby’s arrival.
Household essentials for babies
Most parents will spend a lot of time at home with their baby in the early days as they get to know each other and start to form a routine. When babies are very small they don’t need a lot of stimulation because everything is extremely new to them and they have limited perception and understanding, they also spend a lot of their time asleep. You will want some simple toys that are suitable for newborns such as soft mobiles and crinkle toys.
You’ll easily be able to find a playpen in Singapore and they are a good choice for newborns. Playmats with different colours and textures can help your baby get to grips with the world around them, and activity gyms encourage healthy movement of their muscles and joints. You’ll also want to choose a baby monitor so you can keep tabs on your baby while you are out of the room.
Travelling with your baby
First things first, you will need a car seat ready and waiting if you are leaving the birthing clinic or hospital by car. Rear facing car seats are required for newborns, and many will be convertible from rear to front facing when your baby is old enough to make the switch. If you are going anywhere on foot then you’ll want a stroller that is lightweight and easy to use. These days you can get ultra compact ones that can be folded with one hand and are perfect for navigating the streets of Singapore. You will also need a changing bag packed with everything you need to keep your baby clean and comfortable.
Hygiene and changing
Babies have extremely delicate skin that must be treated with care. You will need to find a brand of diaper that agrees with their skin and stock up on the right size for your baby. Keep in mind that they do grow quickly so don’t go overboard or you’ll be stuck with leftovers that you can’t use. Babies go to the bathroom in their diapers several times a day so you’ll need to be prepared for multiple quick-changes with plenty of wipes, changes of clothes, and baby cream or ointment on hand.
A changing mat or table can be extremely helpful, as can a baby bath seat or baby bath tub. These are all things that can make it easier to keep your baby clean and comfortable without having to strain your back. A good baby shampoo, body wash and moisturiser will be all you need for everyday cleanliness.
