My Baby Checklist

Sharing a list of my baby essentials. I was able to come up with this list based on my search from the net, from friends, and based on what I have experienced so far with my 4-month old baby. Hope you will find this page useful.

BABY CHECKLIST


1. Things to prepare before baby is born

A. Baby Furniture & Accessories

o Crib
Notes: Optional, this depends if you have enough space in your room. But I think this is an important baby item. If you decide to buy one, I suggest that you choose a portable crib/playpen. In my case, we decided to co-sleep my baby when she turned 3 months old because she was already able to turn on her side. So I felt it was already safe for her to co-sleep. Also, it was easier for me to breastfeed. My Aunt advised that when my baby starts to crawl it would be safer to place the baby in the crib/play pen. By the way, our crib/play pen has its own travel bag so its easier to store when we no longer need to use it. Also, I think the crib/play pen is more practical than the crib type only.
o Crib Mattress
o 1-4 Fitted Crib Sheets/ Mattress
o Waterproof mattress protectors
Note: Vey useful. I suggest you use a colorful big size mat protector. I use this when my baby is using lampin only during the day. Sabi kase ng pedia dapat nakakahinga pwet ni baby, wag lagi naka diapers) 
o 2 Blankets
Note: Be careful in using this when baby is not able to lift her head. Baka kase ma suffocate.
o Bolster pillows
Notes: A must. No need to buy a small pillow that comes with the bolster pillow. The back of your baby’s head may tend to flatten if you use this. We kept our baby snug tight using the bolster pillows
o CD or cassette player
o Baby music CDs
o Plastic shelf or cabinet
o Baby sling (optional)
o Baby carrier (optional)
o Stroller (optional)
Note: Choose depending on your requirements. We chose ours based on durability. Perfect when strolling in the mall ^-^
o Baby Bag and baby mat

B. Feeding Supplies (for breastfeeding)

o Bottle Sterilizer (optional)
o BPA free feeding bottles (4 pcs 4oz)
o Bottle nipples (silicone)
Note: Use x-cut nipples for newborns
o Breast Pump and Breast Pad
Note: Depende na din po ito sa inyo. You may decide not to buy if your a stay at home mom naman or you can't breastfeed your baby.
o Breastmilk container – 2-4 oz capacity
o Bottle Brush
o 4-6 Bibs or Burp Pads
o Bottle warmer (nice to have)
Note: I just warm cold expressed breastmilk by placing the feeding bottle with milk in a mug with warm water.
o Mini insulated bag (for storing fresh breastmilk when traveling)
Note: I just use ordinary insulated bag.
o Breastfeeding/ nursing pillow or U-shaped pillow (optional)
Note: I find this useful on the first 2 months.
o Nursing baby cover (optional)

C. Bathing accessories

o A large, plastic washtub with infant seat
o Baby Towels

D. For the Mom

o Nursing clothes (or any of your existing wardrobe with a stretchable neckline)
o Tummy Binder (I only used for a month, I suggest you buy the thick blue one available at the generic drugstore/mercury)
o Nipple lotion
Note: I used Boots Nipple lotion, only used this for the first 2 weeks.
o Nursing Bra
o Disposable nursing pads (Notes: I use my baby’s thicker lampin or the ordinary bimpo when I’m at home; my washable/disposable breast pads when I’m out)
o Stretch markscream
I use Palmer's Cocoa Butter until now.

E. Layette (Note: All in plain white)

o 6 pcs. tie-side shirts with pajamas
o 3 pcs. onesies/ snap-on crotch body suits (Notes: buy the 3-6months size)
o 6 pcs. sandos (Notes: my baby wears this until now; very useful; buy the stretchable cotton material)
o 3 pcs. newborn cap
o 3 pairs of mittens (Notes: I suggest you buy the one with stretchable material rather than the tie one)
o 3 pairs of socks or booties
o 2 receiving blankets
o 1 pack newborn diapers
o 1 dozen lampin (buy the gauze type)
Note: My baby wore her newborn size clothes until she was 3 weeks old

F. Toiletries and First Aid Kit
o Liquid soap (I use Lactacyd blue)
o Cotton balls
o Cotton buds
o Nail grooming set
o Ear Thermometer
o Nasal aspirator
o 40% isopropyl alcohol
o Baby wipes

G. Hospital Packing List (good for 2-3 days)

o Labor Bag:
 Ponytail/ Headband
 Lip Balm
 Lotion
 Maternity Napkins – 1 pack (I bought Modess)
 Washcloth/ bimpo
 Wipes
 Snacks (e.g. jellyace, lollipop, crackers, etc.) and bottled water
 Alcohol
 Baby book (for hand and foot print)
 Bottled water

o For Mommy and Daddy:
 Duster for Mommy
 Extra Shirts & Shorts for Daddy
 Slippers
 Underwear
 Bathrobe for Mommy
 Going home outfit
 Nursing bra; breast pads (optional)
 Abdominal Binder Toiletries/ Kikay kit

o For the Baby:
 2 baby tie-side shirts
 2 Lampin
 2 Baby’s receiving blanket
 2 pairs baby socks or booties
 Infant cap
 2 mittens
 Newborn diapers (1 pack, approx. 22 pcs.)

o Important Docs (all in 1 clear book):
 Marriage Certificate (original and xerox copies)
 Medical history information sheet
 Birth certificate - info
 Philhealth forms – claim form 1 and maternity claims and benefits form

o Others
 Camera/ Video Camera/ Charger/ Batteries
 Cellphone and charger
 Birth Plan (di ko po ito nagamit)
 Cash (better ready with cash on hand)
 Styro cups, disposable utensils, etc.
 3-in-1 Coffee sachets
 Snacks (bread, biscuits) & bottled water – for hubby

My Baby's First Solid Food

My baby is exactly 4 months old today. I prepared a mashed chayote for her to try. I used a silicon tip baby spoon for her. She was eager to try the food I think or maybe she was eager to hold the colorful spoon. ^-^

Know Your Child

As a first time parent, we want to fullly equip ourselves with the right information in rearing our kids. I scoured the net and interviewed parents to ensure that I will be able to provide my child the best care possible.  

My hubby and I was able to join a two hour interactive workshop organized by the Art of Living Foundation held at the Cocolife Building, Ayala Makati last June 18, 2010. The workshop intends to share practical wisdom in understanding the nature of children 0-12 yearls old and enabling paents to deal with day to day ease and joy.

A Safari Themed Baptism Celebration

Here's my supplier feedback re: my baby's baptism celebration. One thing I forgot though is to assign someone to coordinate during the party kase medyo nangarag ako. I'm so thankful for 'Ate Belle' who helped me with the arrangements.


Church: Shrine of Jesus Parish, near SM MOA
Contact number: 5566175/6; 09189104245

I paid Php2500 for the reservation (inclusive 1 set of godparents) and an additional Php1,800 for the rest of the godparents (Php100 for each godparent).

I decided to hold the baptism on a Sunday since there was no priest available on Saturdays. The church staff will require a copy of the marriage certificate and the birth certificate of the baby. In my case, I submitted only a copy of the birth certificate  and paid the reservation fee since I was still pregnant that time. I submitted a copy of my baby's birth certificate together with the remaining fees a week before the scheduled event.

Working and Pumping

Since I started working again, I'm constantly worried that my milk supply won't last long... It has been two weeks, I was only able to supply 8-9oz, which is not enough. My fault really because I wasn't able to stock enough milk since I breastfed my baby directly.  My baby is almost 3 months and for now she is contended feeding only on one side of my breast. So, I guess it is sort of enough for her so I did not worry that much when I was still on my maternity leave. But when I started working I did not realize that I should stock enough milk that will last for more than a week. I am only able to pump twice at work which I guess is only sufficient for my baby's feeding the next day and sometimes she has to take 4oz formula (which she dislikes by the way).

Sharing below my typical nursing and pumping routine:

On a weekend

• I directly nurse my baby on demand. When I attempt to express milk I only get around 1-2oz. My baby co-sleeps so night time feeding is quite easy for me.

On a typical work day

• I just make sure that I am able to nurse my baby before I leave for work. She usually feeds at 5am, then just after her morning bath around 7am.  Play with her after for a few minutes.
• Leave for work around 8am.
• Pumping sessions will be at 12noon and at 4pm. Each session last for 30mins to 40mins. Yes, it takes long since I'm using only a single electric pump. I just alternate each breast because I notice that after the first 10 minutes my milk seems to increase and then pump on my other breast. 
• I usually leave at 5:30pm, arrive at 6:30pm then nurse my baby on demand. So, I am unable to pump at home. I often planned to pump early morning but I feel to tired to do that. 

Below are my pumping supplies:

Insulated Bag - I'm using biokips, bought it for php500 I think at SM; its quite effective it can keep the milk cold for everal hours

2 ice gel packs - very cheap and does not occupy too much space, it cost only around php90 each
Evenflow bottles - i find this very useful since you can use the bottle to directly feed your baby
Pigeon single electric pump - bougth this at SM for only php2,100 on sale. It functions by continual suction motion, I just have to click th release button every 10-15 seconds. The motor of the pump is noisy.