Most popular with moms these days are muslins cotton and bamboo. In our warm and humid climate, Muslin cotton and Bamboo swaddles are cooler for the baby.

Usually comes in packs of 3 or 4. Changing a few times a day is not uncommon so you may start with 4 swaddles, if you wash daily.

4-6 sets per age group as the baby grows very quickly.

The one from hospital is a basic tub. You may like to have a bathtub with a stand as it is better for your back. Another feature you may like is a newborn support that allows you to give the baby a bath, hands free.

I’m not a big fan of co sleeper. Co sleeper is a small cot pushed next to the bed. It’s for short term use (from newborn to 3 months) and can be dangerous if not installed properly. The baby may be caught in the gap between the bed and co sleeper.

Choose a reputable brand so they meet all safety standards, like the wood, the paint, the slats spacing, warranty and mattress sizing.

Should be height Adjustable and Convertible to cater to your growing baby.

A good baby bouncer can be a godsend to new parents. Baby bouncers are light weight, foldable to be moved around the home. It keeps the baby in an elevated position to help with gastric reflux and the bouncing movement calms the baby.

The best depends on your lifestyle.

Most strollers are from newborn to 18kg (4years old)

To decide which stroller suits you best:

Do you drive and take grab a lot – If yes, travel system is best.
Do you take public transport and hang around malls? If yes, choose Light weight and easy fold.
Do you go for walks and active outdoor lifestyle? If yes, choose a Comfort stroller with carrycot, bigger wheels and better suspension.

A travel system is a compatible infant car seat that clips into the stroller.

This has great advantages over a normal stroller and a carseat as you can leave baby in the infant carseat while moving from the home to the car to the mall without disturbing them.

Aside from the standard safety features like 5 point harness, a good carseat should have side impact protection, adjustable headrest, a click-and-go installation to provide assurance that the seat is installed properly.

Yes, it is mandatory in Singapore for any child below the height of 1.35m.

You can choose between a rear facing infant car seat (newborn to 12 months approximately 13kg) or a convertible carseat that is both rear and forward facing (from newborn to 4 years old)

Not according to the law in Singapore, but we recommend an infant car seat which is the safest option for your baby to travel in taxi until the baby is 12 months old. Carseats are mandatory when taking grab cars. You can order a grabcar with carseats.

I don’t recommend buying a preloved car seat as you compromise your babies’ safety since you don’t know if the seat has been involved in an accident. Although most brands come with a manufactures warranty, it doesn’t transfer to the second user and replacing parts can be more expensive than buying a brand new carseat.

I recommend to wait. So not on my top 9 must haves. But you can. Most stores have a baby mannequin to test the fit of the carrier on you. If you are buying a carrier after your baby is born, the best time to try the carrier is after the baby is well rested and well fed. This way your baby will not fidget and you will be able to test he fit of the carrier better.

Currently in Asia, carrier is more popular with moms. Because carriers are easier to use and offers an ergonomic carrier position. A baby wrap offers a comfortable cocoon position for a newborn baby however it is not simple to put on like a carrier without some guidance.

The baby carrier provides hands free option and allows you to do other things while keeping your baby close.

You have physical contact with your baby, promotes bonding and can help improve postpartum depression and anxiety.

It’s easier to navigate through crowds using a baby carrier.

Research shows that babies who are carried three hours a day cry less.

With these benefits, many parents say the baby carrier is one of their top baby gear.

Get help – Test the various baby carriers to try the fit and comfort.

A good carrier provides:

Comfort: for both you and your baby. The seat of the carrier should allow a clear, comfortable space for your baby with no fabric blocking the baby’s airways and your baby’s legs in the hip-healthy “M” position. For mom, you’ll need to think about your back and shoulder support. If you plan on wearing your baby for hours at a time, padded shoulder straps and lumbar support is important.

Fit: Some carriers can easily adjust to different bodies while others need to be perfectly sized. So it’s important to decide if both mom and dad are sharing the carrier.

Ease of use: A wrap involves a multi-step process, soft structured carriers and ring carriers are easier to put on. Wraps and slings can be easily stored inside a diaper bag while soft-structured carriers are bulky.

Climate: Depending on where you live, you have options to choose Lightweight fabrics and breathable mesh for warmer weather like Singapore while heavy knits and padding are perfect for colder temps.

Care: One golden rule for anything you put near your baby is that it should be washable and washing machine-friendly.