The following are what I packed for my hospital bag. I would suggest you get it ready 3 weeks before your Expected Due Date.
For Mummy
- Bra / Panties / Disposable panties.
- Socks
- Toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, moisturiser)
- Hair band / hair clip
- Face towel
- 1 set of clothes for going home.
- Books / magazines
- Cardigan
- Handphone charger
For Baby
- 1 set of baby clothes
- 1 set of mittens and booties
- Receiving blanket, preferably those with hood to cover baby's head.
- 1-2 disposable diapers in case he/she poo poo along the way home.
- Baby wipes.
For Daddy
- Jacket
- Camera / Video Camera
- Charger for Camera / Video Camera
- Snacks
- Coins for buying drinks from vending machine
- 1-2 bottles of essence of chicken
For admission
- Pre-admission document
- Doctor's letter
- NRIC (for mummy & daddy)
- Deposit / credit card
- If you are storing your baby's cord, delivery kit for Cordlife or Stemcord.
Tips :
Remember to contact your confinement lady when you are in hospital. This is to give her sufficient prep time and to arrange for when she should be arriving at your place.
You may receive gift hampers from friends or relatives when you are in hospital. Consider bringing the gift hampers home the day before discharge. On the day of discharge, you will be carrying the newborn while your hubby takes care of administrative matters relating to discharge. This will avoid a situation where you carry too many things on the day you discharge.
Showing posts with label Pregnancy. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Pregnancy. Show all posts
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Friday, February 12, 2010
PREPARING FOR BABY – THINGS TO BUY - BABYCARE [PART 4]
BABY CARE
• Baby Shampoo
• Baby bath
[I bought those 2-in-1 baby bath and shampoo type. I know of parents who prefer organic shampoo/bath. Depends on you. And whatever you prefer, do get shampoo/bath ready before baby arrives.]
• Bath towel
[Yes, do get this ready before baby arrives. Get 2 pieces so that you can alternate. Try to avoid towels thatare too big/thick as it takes longer to dry and harder to manage.]
• Face towel
[Yes, do get 1 face towel].
• Baby blanket
[Yes. You might want to use a receiving blanket when you bring baby home upon discharge from hospita].
• Bath mat
[No. I dun think this is necessary].
• Baby powder
[Yes. Recent trend has been going towards liquid talc powder which you may want to consider.]
• Baby power puff case
[Depends on what types of powder you use. ]
• Bath sponge
[I didn't use this as I set aside a small face towel solely for her shower use.]
• Bath tub
[Yes. You dun need a fanciful one, like odd shape, anti-slip base, etc. A simple one will be good enough].
• Cloth detergent
[Yes].
• Cotton swabs/buds
[Yes. Just get a packet. Clean only the outer part of her ears. Do not stick the cotton bud into her ears].
• Lotion / oil
[Can hold back this purchase. Not really necessary.].
• Nail scissors
[Yes but not a necessity. If you are careful, an adult nail clipper can do the job].
• Nose cleaner
[Yes. I got both types (see picture below) and found the one with tube much easier and more effective to use.].
• Safety pin
[Not really necessary unless you intend to use cloth diaper].
• Brush & comb set
[Depends but not urgent. Some babies do not have much hair at birth anyway].
Other items that you may want to consider is "Ru Yi" oil. This is to be applied on baby's stomach to prevent "wind". It is useful especially in the first few months. Can consider getting a medium to large bottle.
• Baby Shampoo
• Baby bath
[I bought those 2-in-1 baby bath and shampoo type. I know of parents who prefer organic shampoo/bath. Depends on you. And whatever you prefer, do get shampoo/bath ready before baby arrives.]
• Bath towel
[Yes, do get this ready before baby arrives. Get 2 pieces so that you can alternate. Try to avoid towels thatare too big/thick as it takes longer to dry and harder to manage.]
• Face towel
[Yes, do get 1 face towel].
• Baby blanket
[Yes. You might want to use a receiving blanket when you bring baby home upon discharge from hospita].
• Bath mat
[No. I dun think this is necessary].
• Baby powder
[Yes. Recent trend has been going towards liquid talc powder which you may want to consider.]
• Baby power puff case
[Depends on what types of powder you use. ]
• Bath sponge
[I didn't use this as I set aside a small face towel solely for her shower use.]
• Bath tub
[Yes. You dun need a fanciful one, like odd shape, anti-slip base, etc. A simple one will be good enough].
• Cloth detergent
[Yes].
• Cotton swabs/buds
[Yes. Just get a packet. Clean only the outer part of her ears. Do not stick the cotton bud into her ears].
• Lotion / oil
[Can hold back this purchase. Not really necessary.].
• Nail scissors
[Yes but not a necessity. If you are careful, an adult nail clipper can do the job].
• Nose cleaner
[Yes. I got both types (see picture below) and found the one with tube much easier and more effective to use.].
• Safety pin
[Not really necessary unless you intend to use cloth diaper].
• Brush & comb set
[Depends but not urgent. Some babies do not have much hair at birth anyway].
Other items that you may want to consider is "Ru Yi" oil. This is to be applied on baby's stomach to prevent "wind". It is useful especially in the first few months. Can consider getting a medium to large bottle.
PREPARING FOR BABY – THINGS TO BUY -BREASTFEEDING [PART 3]
BREASTFEEDING
• Breast pump
[Yes, you will need this if you are a working mum. There are two main types, manual and electric pump. I am using both Avent manual pump and electric Medela pump.
Started off with Avent manual pump and it worked well until I got lazy washing it each time after expressing. (I was expressing 4-5 times a day). So I got the electric ones so that I can space out the washing which, to me, was really tedious.
I personally prefer the electric pump as it was easier to wash, and it drains my milk better. However, do note that if you intend to bring the electric one out, the nursing room will need to be equipped with powerpoint. Further, electric pump is pricier than manual ones.
Do also consider getting a "fridge-to-go" bag with ice pack for you to transport your milk from office to home if you intend to continue breastfeeding after going back to workforce..]
• Feeding pillow
[Not a necessity unless you have the money to splurge.]
• Nipple cream
[Can consider getting one but get a small tube will do.]
• Prenatal heart listener
[Dun waste money on this]
• 3-6 breastmilk storage bags
[Storage bags are used to freeze extra milk for future consumption. Depending on whether you have excess milk to freeze. You won't know until you are in confinement. As such, I would suggest you hold back on this purchase first. If you really have a lot of extra milk, then you can consider buying storage bags. Note that for normal fridge, frozen milk can last no more than 6 months. ]
• Stretch mark cream
[Yes. You should start using stretch mark cream when you are preggie. After delivery, consider getting post-natal stretch mark cream if your budget permits.]
• Washable nursing pad
[Yes. I found this useful. In the first few months, milk may start to "leak" after a few hours. Using a nursing pad helps to avoid a situation where you soil your bra. Also, when you nurse ur baby/express your milk, the other side might start to leak. Get about 8 washable nursing pads.
Forget about disposable ones and washable pads are more value-for-money over time. But remember to handwash them. No machine spin. ]
• Milk collection shell / Nipple shells
[I personally didn't use this, so I can't comment.]
• Breast pump
[Yes, you will need this if you are a working mum. There are two main types, manual and electric pump. I am using both Avent manual pump and electric Medela pump.
Started off with Avent manual pump and it worked well until I got lazy washing it each time after expressing. (I was expressing 4-5 times a day). So I got the electric ones so that I can space out the washing which, to me, was really tedious.
I personally prefer the electric pump as it was easier to wash, and it drains my milk better. However, do note that if you intend to bring the electric one out, the nursing room will need to be equipped with powerpoint. Further, electric pump is pricier than manual ones.
Do also consider getting a "fridge-to-go" bag with ice pack for you to transport your milk from office to home if you intend to continue breastfeeding after going back to workforce..]
• Feeding pillow
[Not a necessity unless you have the money to splurge.]
• Nipple cream
[Can consider getting one but get a small tube will do.]
• Prenatal heart listener
[Dun waste money on this]
• 3-6 breastmilk storage bags
[Storage bags are used to freeze extra milk for future consumption. Depending on whether you have excess milk to freeze. You won't know until you are in confinement. As such, I would suggest you hold back on this purchase first. If you really have a lot of extra milk, then you can consider buying storage bags. Note that for normal fridge, frozen milk can last no more than 6 months. ]
• Stretch mark cream
[Yes. You should start using stretch mark cream when you are preggie. After delivery, consider getting post-natal stretch mark cream if your budget permits.]
• Washable nursing pad
[Yes. I found this useful. In the first few months, milk may start to "leak" after a few hours. Using a nursing pad helps to avoid a situation where you soil your bra. Also, when you nurse ur baby/express your milk, the other side might start to leak. Get about 8 washable nursing pads.
Forget about disposable ones and washable pads are more value-for-money over time. But remember to handwash them. No machine spin. ]
• Milk collection shell / Nipple shells
[I personally didn't use this, so I can't comment.]
PREPARING FOR BABY – THINGS TO BUY - EVERYDAY STUFF [PART 2]
EVERYDAY
• Steam steriliser
[There are 3 ways to sterilise baby bottles. (i) Using traditional way of boiling water, (ii) using steam steriliser (iii) using sterilising tablets. I personally uses steam steriliser and found it to be very useful. A reasonable one should cost between S$50 to S$100.
The metal plate for heating do get "rusty" after a while, so do remember to clean the steriliser regularly, either using lemon or vinegar. I personally do it once a month to keep the metal plate squeaky clean. You should be able to find info on how to go about cleaning the steriliser in the user guide]
I bought a 3-in-1 steriliser from Pigeon (see picture above). On hindsight, I would have bought the bottle steriliser only, if it is cheaper coz I realised that I have not actually used the food / bottle warmer at all. It's such a waste of money to pay for features that I do not use.
• Steriliser tablets
[I feel that this is not necesssary unless you are travelling overseas.]
• Liquid cleanser
[Yes. This is important. Do get a large pump bottle, and refill it regularly using refillable packets.]
• Bottle tongs
[I bought tongs but ended up not using it. I usually wash my hands clean before touching the sterilised bottles. So this is up to you]
• Brush for Washing Bottles
[Yes. This is important. Trying not to use brush with bristles as it may scratch the inside of bottles. Over time, bacteria may grow. Instead, go for sponge brush. No need to get it at baby dept as it tends to be a lot pricier. Check out some of the neighbourhood shops. They should have this.]
• Small Brush for Washing Teats
[Yes. This is important. Please remember to remove the teats from the bottle cap whenever you wash the bottles.]
• Feeding bottle
[Yes. Definitely you'll need this unless you intend to nurse your baby directly. Do get a few bottles. I would suggest at least 4-5 bottles.
Am personally using glass bottles as I have read about plastic ones which may be harmful for babies unless it is bisphenol-free. I intend to switch to plastic (bisphenol free ones when my baby can hold her own bottles). So do consider the pros and cons before deciding whether plastic or glass ones suits you better.]
• Teats
[Yes. Do get a few of these. I would suggest 4-5 if possible]
• 2 Small Tubs for Washing Bottles
[I also bought a small tub for washing bottles as I do not like the idea of placing bottles and teats in the sink. Each tub cost $2-$3. But I am just being KS, so this is entirely up to you. ]
• Fever cool plaster
[Can consider buying one box. (One box should contain 2-3 plasters). I'll use this when baby comes home from vaccination and fever is starting to run. You will want to consider putting the fever cool plaster in the fridge before using]
• Food warmer
[Not necessary.]
• Milk bottle dryer
[Not necessary. Dun waste money on this]
• Milk bottle container
[Yes, if you intend to feed baby powder milk. This is useful when you bring baby out]
• Baby napkin
[Not necessary unless you intend to use cloth diapers.]
• Nappy liners
[Not necessary unless you intend to use cloth diapers]
• Nappy rash cream
[Yes. You will need this.]
• Pacifier
[Not necessary unless your baby has the habit of using pacifier]
• Cotton wool / balls
[Yes. I uses cotton ball to clean my baby's butt when she poo-poo. Prepare a small container for holding water. ]
• Baby wipes
[Yes. This is necessary. Do also get some in travel size, so that you can use it when you bring baby out.]
• Diaper
[Yes. Hospital will usually give you the remaining diapers when you are discharged. It also depends on the size of your baby. I would recommend you get 1 packet of Pampers diapers for Newborn and another packet of Small size diapers. Some babies outgrow Newborn size diapers quite quickly. I personally like Petpet brand as it is cheap and good]
• Thermometer
[Yes. This is important when your baby starts vaccination. Some jabs cause fever. As such, you will need to monitor your baby's temperature closely.
I started off using Pigeon thermometer coz it was cheap. (<$10). But as it takes 2-3 minutes to take my baby's temperature, I gave up after a while coz my baby hardly sits still. I ended up purchasing a Braun thermometer. Takes only 2 seconds via her ear. Cost me more than S$100 but so far, no regret.]
Last but not least, for some woman, their milk supply do not come until the third or fourth day. While waiting for the supply to come, it was really stressful when baby cries for milk and there's none. As such, even if you decide to breastfeed, do consider purchasing a small can of milk powder for contingency, in case your supply comes in only on the 4th day onwards. An unopened can could last a while but once opened, it should be consumed within 30 days.
• Steam steriliser
[There are 3 ways to sterilise baby bottles. (i) Using traditional way of boiling water, (ii) using steam steriliser (iii) using sterilising tablets. I personally uses steam steriliser and found it to be very useful. A reasonable one should cost between S$50 to S$100.
The metal plate for heating do get "rusty" after a while, so do remember to clean the steriliser regularly, either using lemon or vinegar. I personally do it once a month to keep the metal plate squeaky clean. You should be able to find info on how to go about cleaning the steriliser in the user guide]
I bought a 3-in-1 steriliser from Pigeon (see picture above). On hindsight, I would have bought the bottle steriliser only, if it is cheaper coz I realised that I have not actually used the food / bottle warmer at all. It's such a waste of money to pay for features that I do not use.
• Steriliser tablets
[I feel that this is not necesssary unless you are travelling overseas.]
• Liquid cleanser
[Yes. This is important. Do get a large pump bottle, and refill it regularly using refillable packets.]
• Bottle tongs
[I bought tongs but ended up not using it. I usually wash my hands clean before touching the sterilised bottles. So this is up to you]
• Brush for Washing Bottles
[Yes. This is important. Trying not to use brush with bristles as it may scratch the inside of bottles. Over time, bacteria may grow. Instead, go for sponge brush. No need to get it at baby dept as it tends to be a lot pricier. Check out some of the neighbourhood shops. They should have this.]
• Small Brush for Washing Teats
[Yes. This is important. Please remember to remove the teats from the bottle cap whenever you wash the bottles.]
• Feeding bottle
[Yes. Definitely you'll need this unless you intend to nurse your baby directly. Do get a few bottles. I would suggest at least 4-5 bottles.
Am personally using glass bottles as I have read about plastic ones which may be harmful for babies unless it is bisphenol-free. I intend to switch to plastic (bisphenol free ones when my baby can hold her own bottles). So do consider the pros and cons before deciding whether plastic or glass ones suits you better.]
• Teats
[Yes. Do get a few of these. I would suggest 4-5 if possible]
• 2 Small Tubs for Washing Bottles
[I also bought a small tub for washing bottles as I do not like the idea of placing bottles and teats in the sink. Each tub cost $2-$3. But I am just being KS, so this is entirely up to you. ]
• Fever cool plaster
[Can consider buying one box. (One box should contain 2-3 plasters). I'll use this when baby comes home from vaccination and fever is starting to run. You will want to consider putting the fever cool plaster in the fridge before using]
• Food warmer
[Not necessary.]
• Milk bottle dryer
[Not necessary. Dun waste money on this]
• Milk bottle container
[Yes, if you intend to feed baby powder milk. This is useful when you bring baby out]
• Baby napkin
[Not necessary unless you intend to use cloth diapers.]
• Nappy liners
[Not necessary unless you intend to use cloth diapers]
• Nappy rash cream
[Yes. You will need this.]
• Pacifier
[Not necessary unless your baby has the habit of using pacifier]
• Cotton wool / balls
[Yes. I uses cotton ball to clean my baby's butt when she poo-poo. Prepare a small container for holding water. ]
• Baby wipes
[Yes. This is necessary. Do also get some in travel size, so that you can use it when you bring baby out.]
• Diaper
[Yes. Hospital will usually give you the remaining diapers when you are discharged. It also depends on the size of your baby. I would recommend you get 1 packet of Pampers diapers for Newborn and another packet of Small size diapers. Some babies outgrow Newborn size diapers quite quickly. I personally like Petpet brand as it is cheap and good]
• Thermometer
[Yes. This is important when your baby starts vaccination. Some jabs cause fever. As such, you will need to monitor your baby's temperature closely.
I started off using Pigeon thermometer coz it was cheap. (<$10). But as it takes 2-3 minutes to take my baby's temperature, I gave up after a while coz my baby hardly sits still. I ended up purchasing a Braun thermometer. Takes only 2 seconds via her ear. Cost me more than S$100 but so far, no regret.]
Last but not least, for some woman, their milk supply do not come until the third or fourth day. While waiting for the supply to come, it was really stressful when baby cries for milk and there's none. As such, even if you decide to breastfeed, do consider purchasing a small can of milk powder for contingency, in case your supply comes in only on the 4th day onwards. An unopened can could last a while but once opened, it should be consumed within 30 days.
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
PREPARING FOR BABY – TIPS FOR NEW MUMMIES-TO-BE [PART 1]
I had my family reunion last weekend and was chatting with my sister-in-law who is 4 months pregnant. Talking to her reminded me of the time when I myself was preggie. There are so many things to do in preparation for the little one.
Frankly, being a first time mummy, I was at a loss of what I should and things to buy.... Despite asking around for tips from friends, colleagues and my dear sister, I still ended up, purchasing many stuff that weren't really necessary on hindsight.
Hmmm... thought i'll share some of my personal experiences / tips for the new mummies-to-be...:-
FIRST TRIMESTER
1. Keep all your killer heels. Invest in a few pairs of good & comfortable flats/pumps. But don’t buy too many pumps in the first trimester as your feets are likely to swell towards the later stages of your pregnancy.
2. As your milk duct is starting to develop from the time you are expecting, avoid underwire bras. Consider getting nursing bra (instead of maternity bras). I personally would suggest that you skip maternity bra since you could continue using nursing bra after childbirth.
3. Buy a few bra extension hooks. (You can find cheap ones in places like This Fashion which cost no more than $3). This will be useful as your bra size will gradually increase from this stage onwards.
4. Start using stretchmark cream to avoid getting ugly stretchmarks. One good brand is Galenic. Look out for periodic discount, like 2 tubes for the price of one at Guardian or Robinsons.
5. Avoid eating peanuts as some foetus may be allergic to peanuts. You should also start taking calcium tablets or folic acid. Your doctor would advise you on this.
6. Decide if you would want to store your baby’s cord-blood. Check out Cordlife, StemCord or public cord bank. Keep a lookout for promotion/roadshows and sign up when a good deal comes along, from second trimester onwards.
SECOND TRIMESTER
7. By this stage, baby is more stable and tummy is starting to show, as such, you could be starting to look for maternity clothes. Instead of buying maternity clothes, consider getting larger size clothes as maternity wears are generally more expensive. Further, you may still be able to wear the larger size clothes after giving birth.
8. Your second trimester could be easiest stage as morning sickness may not be as bad now, and you are generally not that tired. I would strongly advise that if you can, plan your buying list and purchase what you would need during this stage. Don’t push it to the third trimester as you would most likely be tired and suffering from backaches and swollen feet in your third trimester.
9. If any of your relatives/friends intend to pass you hand-me-down, try to get it from them during your second trimester so that you can plan your buying list.
10. Think about your arrangement for confinement. If need be, arrange for confinement lady during this stage.
THIRD TRIMESTER
11. Consider signing up for prenatal courses to prep you on what to expect and what to do/not to do. Do so in the start of the third trimester. If you start the course too early, you might forget what you have learnt when you come to the end of your pregnancy.
12. Some woman start eating on tonics, like ginseng and bird nest from the start of the third trimester.
13. Drink coconut juice (maybe like once a week) 2-3 weeks before your Expected Due Date.
14. You may want to get ready tonics (e.g. cordyceps, ginseng, wine) for confinement in the middle of third trimester. For stuff like dried longan, wolfberries, red dates, etc, which are quite easily available, you can get it when you have delivered. This will also ensure that the freshness of these items.
15. Where possible, do your pre-hospital admission in advance so that you would not h4ve to complete administrative forms when you are in labour.
16. Pack your hospital bag 3 weeks before EDD. (I am really kiasu, i know).
17. Remember to wash hand-me-down baby clothes 3-4 weeks before EDD.
18. Last and most importantly, rest as much as possible, because your sleepless nights would start when your baby arrives.
Frankly, being a first time mummy, I was at a loss of what I should and things to buy.... Despite asking around for tips from friends, colleagues and my dear sister, I still ended up, purchasing many stuff that weren't really necessary on hindsight.
Hmmm... thought i'll share some of my personal experiences / tips for the new mummies-to-be...:-
FIRST TRIMESTER
1. Keep all your killer heels. Invest in a few pairs of good & comfortable flats/pumps. But don’t buy too many pumps in the first trimester as your feets are likely to swell towards the later stages of your pregnancy.
2. As your milk duct is starting to develop from the time you are expecting, avoid underwire bras. Consider getting nursing bra (instead of maternity bras). I personally would suggest that you skip maternity bra since you could continue using nursing bra after childbirth.
3. Buy a few bra extension hooks. (You can find cheap ones in places like This Fashion which cost no more than $3). This will be useful as your bra size will gradually increase from this stage onwards.
4. Start using stretchmark cream to avoid getting ugly stretchmarks. One good brand is Galenic. Look out for periodic discount, like 2 tubes for the price of one at Guardian or Robinsons.
5. Avoid eating peanuts as some foetus may be allergic to peanuts. You should also start taking calcium tablets or folic acid. Your doctor would advise you on this.
6. Decide if you would want to store your baby’s cord-blood. Check out Cordlife, StemCord or public cord bank. Keep a lookout for promotion/roadshows and sign up when a good deal comes along, from second trimester onwards.
SECOND TRIMESTER
7. By this stage, baby is more stable and tummy is starting to show, as such, you could be starting to look for maternity clothes. Instead of buying maternity clothes, consider getting larger size clothes as maternity wears are generally more expensive. Further, you may still be able to wear the larger size clothes after giving birth.
8. Your second trimester could be easiest stage as morning sickness may not be as bad now, and you are generally not that tired. I would strongly advise that if you can, plan your buying list and purchase what you would need during this stage. Don’t push it to the third trimester as you would most likely be tired and suffering from backaches and swollen feet in your third trimester.
9. If any of your relatives/friends intend to pass you hand-me-down, try to get it from them during your second trimester so that you can plan your buying list.
10. Think about your arrangement for confinement. If need be, arrange for confinement lady during this stage.
THIRD TRIMESTER
11. Consider signing up for prenatal courses to prep you on what to expect and what to do/not to do. Do so in the start of the third trimester. If you start the course too early, you might forget what you have learnt when you come to the end of your pregnancy.
12. Some woman start eating on tonics, like ginseng and bird nest from the start of the third trimester.
13. Drink coconut juice (maybe like once a week) 2-3 weeks before your Expected Due Date.
14. You may want to get ready tonics (e.g. cordyceps, ginseng, wine) for confinement in the middle of third trimester. For stuff like dried longan, wolfberries, red dates, etc, which are quite easily available, you can get it when you have delivered. This will also ensure that the freshness of these items.
15. Where possible, do your pre-hospital admission in advance so that you would not h4ve to complete administrative forms when you are in labour.
16. Pack your hospital bag 3 weeks before EDD. (I am really kiasu, i know).
17. Remember to wash hand-me-down baby clothes 3-4 weeks before EDD.
18. Last and most importantly, rest as much as possible, because your sleepless nights would start when your baby arrives.
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