Newborn Prep Checklist – Everything You Need Before Your Baby Arrives

Expecting a new addition to the family? Congratulations! This is an exciting time, but it’s also one of great change. The best way to prepare for the arrival of your baby is to create a newborn prep checklist, because planning what you need can help with the overwhelming feeling you might be experiencing. Buying the necessities now for when your baby arrives will help you get by for at least a couple of months, taking some of the pressure off so you can enjoy your time with your newborn.

Items to buy for a newborn in Singapore

1. Baby clothes

This has got to be one of the most exciting parts of your baby prep – simply browsing online for online baby clothing store will fill you with anticipation as you look at the tiny clothes! While you may be tempted to buy everything, it’s best to start with some outfits in newborn size for the first weeks, and a few outfits for months 3+. Add the following clothes to your newborn prep checklist:

• 4-8 rompers or onesies (make sure to buy short sleeve and sleeveless for hot weather)
• 4-8 t-shirts or singlets
• 4-8 one-piece sleepsuit
• 4-8 pairs of socks or booties
• 5-8 leggings or pull-on pants
• A swaddle or wearable blanket (swaddles act as a blanket, burp cloth, nursing cover, stroller cover and more)
• 1-2 hats or beanies

You want to choose clothes that are soft and breathable, and free of chemicals, dyes, and other artificial irritants. Baby clothing brands in Singapore like Little Kooma provides sustainable baby clothes made from cotton and soft materials suitable for Singapore weather. Considering also asking around to friends for their newborn baby clothes as their babies grow out of them. This is a great way to ensure you’re embracing sustainability in your new family’s life.

2. Diapers

There are so many diaper brands out there, with the majority of them providing special newborn sizes. While the hospital usually provides you with some diaper samples in your newborn ‘goodie bag’, it’s always a good idea to have some in bulk on hand.

Usually, big brands are reliable options for diapers. But if you’re after an organic option, such as cloth diapers, there are a number of brands in Singapore which have a great collection of eco-friendly and organic diapers that are safe for your baby’s delicate skin. Newborns go through around 10 diapers a day, meaning you’ll be investing quite a lot of money in diapers until your baby is toilet trained. This is where reusable diapers can come in handy, particularly if you’re mindful of your budget and the environment. In addition to diapers, you’ll also need to put the following on your checklist:

• Wet wipes
• Cotton balls or swabs for cleaning
• Gauze
• Diaper cream for nappy rash

3. Baby food

The World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends exclusively breastfeeding your baby for the first six months of their life. After this, you can introduce complementary baby foods to provide the adequate nutrition your baby needs. Here’s a list of baby food and feeding essentials to put on your checklist:

• Breast pump – consider a cheaper hand pump (about S$50) for home use and an electric one (S$200-S$1000) for out of home
• Milk storage containers and bags
• Newborn bottles and teats
• Bibs or hankies
• Steriliser
• Bottle cleaning brush
• Organic dish liquid that’s safe to use on baby utensils
• Baby formula (if not breastfeeding)
• Nursing covers and pillows – these make breastfeeding easier.

4. Crib and bedding

A convertible crib is a great investment. With an adjustable mattress height, these cribs can transform from an infant crib and playpen into a toddler bed, a day bed, and even a full-size bed. They’re made to last a long time, so these cribs tend to be very durable and strong enough to hold an adult. When thinking about buying a crib, you’ll need to add to your checklist:

• Crib
• Crib mattress
• 2-3 crib bottom sheets
• Waterproof mattress protector

5. Car seat/capsule

You’ll need a car seat the day you’re discharged from hospital with your newborn, so it’s a good idea to start shopping for one now. Convertible car seats can grow with your child and are available as a rear-facing option, which is safer for newborns.

6. Pram

A pram is one of the most important baby products to add to your checklist. As a necessity for taking your baby around, it’s important to find a stroller that offers safety, durability, and flexibility. A separate car seat and stroller is a great choice as it is more versatile and economical, as a 2-in-1 can only be used up to max 1 year old before baby grows out of it.

7. Bathing and cleaning products

As it’s always quite warm in Singapore, you may find your baby gets sweaty easily, so it’s important you purchase a range of cleaning items. Your newborn will require bathing 2-3 times a week, and in between this you can use some gentle baby wipes. You should choose natural, organic baby bathing products as your newborn’s skin will be very delicate. Also add to your shopping checklist the following:

• 3-4 baby bath towels
• 6 washcloths
• Baby shampoo and body wash
• Baby hygiene kit – these kits are great as they’re filled with all the bathing necessities
• Baby cream, moisturiser or aloe vera gel
• Ruyi oil
• Baby powder

8. Hospital bag and toiletries

Along with baby, us mummy’s also need a few necessities to prepare us for our baby’s arrival. Make sure you pack your overnight bag for the hospital well before your due date. This bag should contain:

• Robe or cardigan
• Socks
• Slippers or sandals
• Plenty of stretchy, maternity cotton disposable underwear
• Outfit for when you’re discharged
• Breastfeeding bras
• Breast pads
• Nipple cream
• Maternity pads
• Toiletries

For when you’re home:

A baby monitor – even though most Singaporeans practice room-sharing, it’s always good to have that extra peace of mind knowing your little one is alright when you’re out of the room