Online shopping can be a blessing, or a curse. While you’re able to avoid buying unnecessary items, you also miss seeing certain must-haves that you didn’t know you needed. And if you’re an expecting parent and shopping online? The whole ordeal can be a bit overwhelming, what with hundreds of parenting articles and fear-mongering mommy vlogs pushing certain products to new moms (no, your baby will not grow up dumb if you don’t purchase special headphones for them to listen to classical music.)
Fortunately for you, we’ve listed down the essential items you need to add to your virtual cart. Trust us—this isn’t our first rodeo!
1. A simple baby wardrobe. Unless you’re birthing a royal baby whose social calendar is fully booked for six months, keep your baby’s wardrobe simple. Stock up on 4-8 pieces each of: onesies (with envelope folds at the shoulders, and snaps at the crotch,) kimono-style shirts, pants, and booties. Add in 1-3 rompers, front-buttoned sweaters or jackets, and newborn hats.
2. Pacifier. Newborns suck to soothe themselves; so unless you want a round-the-clock wailing infant, get yourself a few pacifiers. Pacifiers have a way of disappearing into the ether, so more than one. They also come in different sizes, so make sure you buy the right size for newborns.
3. Swaddle blankets. Newborns have this “startle reflex” where they suddenly move their hands, waking themselves and ending in a crying fit. Swaddling your baby prevents this startle reflex by keeping their arms tightly to their sides. And don’t worry, they don’t feel constricted: newborns are actually comforted by the tight, womb-like wrap. It also prevents having to use blankets, which could be a suffocation hazard.
4. Sleep sacks. Speaking of suffocation hazards, never leave loose toys or bedding (such as blankets!) with a sleeping infant: the America Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends to keep these items away for the first year, to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS.) Keep your baby warm and toasty with wearable blankets called “sleep sacks.”
5. Burp cloths. Burp clothes are a multitasking must-have in every newborn’s closet and diaper bag. These will constantly be over your shoulder for the first few months, so stock up on them! They’re also handy for cleaning up spills, wiping up messes, and doubles as on-the-go changing pads!
6. Bibs. A great piece of cloth that wipes away spit-ups, drool, and the occasional milk vomit.
7. Bottles. Breastmilk is always best—but if you need to formula feed your baby, have a set of bottles, nipples, bottle cleaners, and a drying rack handy. And if you’re not a fan of cup feeding, the bottles will come in handy when feeding stored breastmilk.
8. Diapers. In their first month, newborns need about eight to 10 diaper changes daily—so stock up accordingly! Picking a diaper can be overwhelming, what with their flashy adverts and colorful packaging. Go with a brand that moms trust, like Baby Moby. Baby Moby’s diapers have a 3D honeycomb liner that keeps moisture away from your little one’s sensitive skin. It’s hypoallergenic, and contains no chlorine, harmful chemicals, or added fragrance. It has double leak-guards for full coverage, with high and stretchy leg cuffs that prevent side leakage.
9. Baby wipes and cotton balls. Diaper changes aren’t complete without cleaning up the scene of the crime: and cotton balls and baby wipes are a must-have for each clean-up! Choose baby wipes that are made with purified water, like Baby Moby’s: they’re also free of any fragrance, alcohol, and parabens. What’s more, their hypoallergenic-and-dermatologically-tested wipes have Vitamin E and Aloe Vera, to moisturize the skin. Baby Moby’s cotton balls, on the other hand, are made with 100% natural cotton, and are fluorescent-and-glue-free. Plus, they don’t shrink when wet!
10. Cotton pads. Cleaning around the eyelids and other sensitive areas calls for gentle strokes. Baby Moby’s cotton pads are a great addition to the nursery, as these 100% cotton pads are made using Japan’s Water Jet Technology to strengthen its surface. This means: no glue, lint-free and flourescence-free!
11. Breast pump. An essential for every breastfeeding mom. And even if you choose not to breastfeed, you will need a pump to relieve your breasts. Failure to do so will lead to mastitis, the (very painful!) inflammation of breasts that may involve infection. A manual pump can do the job; but a double electric pump is a worthy investment, as it cuts pumping time in half!
12. Breastmilk storage bags. Proper breastmilk storage is key to prevent contamination. Baby Moby’s breastmilk storage bags—which come in 5 and 8oz bags—have air, moisture, and light barriers for safe, long-term storage. These pre-sterilized bags are leakproof, durable, and can withstand temperatures from -20°C to 110°C.
13. Breast pads. Here’s something they don’t tell you in parenting books: milk will involuntarily leak from your breasts. Avoid embarrassing accidents by using breast pads, which are cotton pads placed inside your bra. Baby Moby’s disposable breast pads have elastic bands surrounding the pads to create a 3D curve, giving a comfortable fit. Plus, its airy—yet highly absorbent!—design prevents dampness.
You can find all these items, including our Baby Moby must-haves, on your favorite online shopping portals (Lazada and Shopee, included!) Now go check out those carts and have fun stocking up the nursery!
ALSO READ: Postpartum must-haves: 7 items you absolutely need after giving birth
