You are a no hassle mum - what are the essentials for a newborn baby ?

I'm a hassle free mum. I need to get things done , fast. Here's my list of essentials when expecting a newborn. 

For baby 

1. A safe toy / bolster (with holes) that he can hold on to for comfort (sometimes people call it safety blanket but ironically blankets are not very safe at this stage due to suffocation risk) 

2. A pacifier (yes, you may not want to use but this is for standby in case you really need a break) 

3. Changing mat and also some waterproof cloth to line your bed or the cot  (if you don't intend to keep changing bedsheets everytime mishaps happen)

4. Yu Yee Oil 

When colicky (i.e. still crying despite having drank enough, slept enough , changed diaper, ideal room temperature), put some oil on the tummy. If it's due to wind, baby will fart and all will be good again. You can also try to massage a bit to get rid of wind.

5. Diapers

Depending on your baby's birth weight and size, he might outgrow the newborn ones really fast. So don't buy too many packs (maybe 2 weeks' worth) as you may upgrade to Small soon. Baby can poop up to 8 times a day for the first few weeks so do plan accordingly. I used to buy from online shop on Qoo10 for Goon and they allow you to exchange for bigger size with next order. This can minimise wastage.

6. Bathtub

It's good to have those plastic baby tubs (that you can get from the provision stores or market). It's going to be hard to bath the baby with a hose so do get a tub. 

7. Swaddle 

This will help baby sleep better as they have the startle reflex initially and may startle themselves awake in the first

few months. Use the Velcro version to make it easier to swaddle. 

8. Nail clipper (baby kind)

You'll be amazed how fast their nails grow. This is needed as the adult kind is too big. Have this ready if you want to avoid baby scratching his own face or your face. 

9. White noise machine 

This is something new for me. I bought it for the husband but decided to use it for Cayson baby. Having this white noise helps to give baby a cue during the sleep routine that it's time to sleep. Most importantly , it blocks out noise from the older sibling. 

10. Milk Powder

Even if you decide to breastfeed, it is good to have a small tin as standby because there will be the initial days with low supply or the growth spurts. Be careful not to dehydrate your baby (this has dire consequences) in the initial days even if you are trying to breastfeed exclusively. However, buy small tins or ideally use samples from the doctors because milk powder are not recommended to be kept beyond one month after opening so it can be very wasteful if you don't finish. 

11. Pram or Baby Carrier

If you intend to go out. 

12. Rocking chair or lounger 

If you don't intend to carry baby all the time when he's awake. Don't get an expensive one - they will outgrow it really fast. 

13. Baby bottles and teats 

Don't get too many of the same brand. Baby may reject them all. 

14. A metal tumbler , metal cup

Heat up chilled breastmilk using hot water in the metal cup - it's faster than using a milk warmer. 

15. Hot water dispenser

This means you have boiling water anytime - this is a life saver when you have a crying baby 

16. Some good books to read (before baby arrives) 

Everything is more manageable if you know what to expect. I recommend Baby Whisperer and The No-Cry Sleep Solution to solve major issues like why is baby crying / fussing, why routines are important and how to help baby sleep better. Important for sanity ! 

17. Notebook or phone app to track baby's everything 

Track amount of milk intake, # of peeing and pooping times. You will be asked these questions when you visit the paediatrician for follow up in the initial months so do get the answers ready. Tracking sleep time is important too as you want to ensure baby sleeps sufficiently (but not too much) in the day after the initial few months. Else, you will find that the night sleep will be disrupted too. 

18. A thermometer (those with forehead sensor or ear is good) 

If babies get fever, they need to go to doctor immediately . So you need to ensure that you have something on hand to measure temperature accurately. 

19. Nightlight

If you want to swiftly change baby diapers or feed baby in the night with him waking up, a good energy saving nightlight will be useful. 

For mum 

1. Fenugreek 

If you want to boost your breastmilk supply , take fenugreek . I have tried the Motherlove More Milk Plus and it really works. This can be a good alternative to switching out to Formula milk. 

2. Chilled cabbage 

Have some in the fridge during the first month. Apply a leaf on engorged breasts for a few hours . Don't overdo it though as it reduces milk supply. However, according to lactation consultation from TMC, it's perfectly fine to use on around day 4 or 5 when you are feeling really engorged. 

3. A good Breastpump 

Ideally get an automatic double pump if you don't want to spend all your limited "me time" pumping milk. A good one can do the job in 15-20 minutes. I have used Medela freestyle and it's good. 

4. Nipple cream 

Bring it to the hospital . You will most probably need it in the initial days when baby is learning how to latch. You can bring the breastpump to hospital too , to help promote early supply. 

Let me know if there's anymore that I might have left out.