While this is not our first pregnancy, there are a number of items such as newborn clothing which we have either thrown or given away. I have consolidated a list of essential items required by newborns to share here. As I am having twins, many of the requirements are doubled.
A) Feeding
Breastfeeding
Nursing bra (x6)
Nursing pads (1 box)
Hands-free Medela Electric Pump & Parts: A must-have item for me for successful breastfeeding. See my earlier post here on my breastfeeding experience. I need to replace the parts which have turned yellow since my last use 5 years ago,
Breast milk storage bags (1 box): If you are freezing the breast milk for future use, lay the bags flat to freeze. This will help reduce space taken up and deep freezing the milk can increase storage life to 6 months,
Bottle feeding
milk bottles & teats (2 x 2 sets)
sterilizer: Not buying a new one as my Philip Avent Sterilizer (an older model) is still in working condition
burp cloths
milk warmer (2 sets)
1 small tin of milk powder to standby: I intend to breastfeed the twins. But in case I get freaked out by low milk supply in the initial weeks, I can fall back on milk powder. Frankly, this is to manage my own anxiety. I can’t afford to fall into depression because of low milk supply which I did slightly after my first child was born.
B) Sleeping
Cot (x1): even for twins. They can co-sleep for 4 months till they can turn and lay on their tummy. Co-sleeping gives twin additional comfort as they have been growing together in mummy’s tummy for 9 months. Will have to sort out the household logistic matters before buying the second cot.
Bed sheets (x2)
Swaddles (2×3): better to get extras in case they poop on the swaddles, I am getting better quality swaddles that can also be used as blankets and comforters as they grow older. My daughter chewed on her swaddle till about she was around 2 years old. This is a better choice for chewing since it can be washed. Whereas my son chewed on his pillow, which was an obvious hygiene issue since the pillow can trap dust mite and trigger asthma… Yes, he suffers from asthma attacks, like me.
You may also like: What’s in my hospital bag.
C) Clothing
Sleepsuits (2×3)
Front-tied cotton top and pant sets for the 1st month (2×6): Newborn clothes get soiled very easily due to the babies frequent pooping and even vomiting from reflux. I easily needed 2 to 3 sets of clothing for my daughter in a day when she was very small due to her acid reflux.
But it can be really costly to purchase organic or very comfortable bamboo-fibre cotton sets in Singapore. Thus I have recently gone to Taobao to purchase 12 new bamboo-fibre sets for the twins.
So where are the siblings’ hand-me-down? Mostly given or thrown away…. we had difficulties removing the yellow milk stains from most of the newborn clothes and we wouldn’t use bleach on baby clothing. Another reason not to overspend on these… Thank goodness I managed to obtain more old clothing from my friends and relatives.
mittens (2×5)
booties (2×3)
beanies (2×1)
D) Hygiene
Detergent and brushing for washing milk bottles and breast pump
Laundry detergent
Bath towels (2×2)
Changing mat (x1): Especially if you intend to change your baby’s diaper on the bed instead of on the changing station because babies’ poop can get smeared all over and even up their back!!!
Baby bathtub (x1)
Bath soup (x1)
Washcloth (2×3)
Baby wipes and diapers: Buy in bulk, it’s cheaper. 1 baby can use 8 diapers a day, 16 for my case. Start with the cheaper ones and if there is no diaper rash outbreak, great. Otherwise, upgrade to a more premium version. We spent quite a bit on diapers previously as we had to upgrade from Drypers to Pampers. I am so determined to breastfeed to save more monies.
Cotton Wool Balls to wipe the babies’ eyes during bath time.
Nappy cream/oil: I used lots of Destin for my first 2 kids to avert diaper rash. Ever since I embarked on a healthier than ever lifestyle, I apply mostly natural products on my children. Instead of moisturizer, I am now using sweet almond oil mixed with lemon essential oil on them. Lemon helps to brighten the skin. Thus instead of Destin, I will try a concoction of one drop of Tea Tree Oil and Coconut Oil on their buttocks. Both ingredients are antimicrobial. If the rashes are serious, I will have to fall back on Destin.
As of 6 August 2017, I am using coconut oil and lavender essential oil to soothe the babies’ skin. However, I am still applying Destin as a second layer to prevent diaper rash. This combination works for me unless we take too long to change the babies’ filthy diapers. Update in March 2019, we have moved on the Frankincense and Myrrh Essential Oil blend for over a year for treatment of diaper rash. The blend works wonders and heals the skin within a day. Destin is nowhere found at home.
Drop me a note here if you wish to purchase the Doterra essential oil.
E) Playtime / Travelling
Baby rocker (x2)
Playmat (x1)
Prams / Strollers (x2): We are not getting a double or tandem here. We have seen so many parents with doubles or tandems having trouble to get into lifts or up the escalator. I believe maintaining 2 separate strollers will give us more flexibility.
Baby Carrier / Baby Wraps: You may be interested to explore using a highly-flexible baby wrap which can be used in various positions and accustomised according to your baby’s growth. Check out this post “A Newbie’s Guide to Stretchy Baby Wraps” for more expert information. Code RELAXEDCHIRPYLIFE in case you decide to get a baby wrap from Relaxed Parent to get a 5% discount off the sale price. Check out the Classic Wrap here, and Urban Wrap here.
Toys for newborns
For bottle-fed baby: thermal flask for hot water and milk powder container: We have been sticking to the Zojirushi brand for years for its reliability. Hot food/liquid can stay warm in the flask overnight, unlike some other brands we tried recently which cools within a couple of hours.
Car seats (x2): We need a bigger car….
F) Others
It’s really important. Get a good one, like a Braun that can last for a couple of years. Babies/toddlers fall sick all the time.
You may also like:
My First Month with 4 kids at home
Please feel free to let me know if I have missed out anything crucial or if you have any questions.
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Already ready to go?
Need to get the spare parts for the pump and fix up the cot!