Li-Hsian, freelance writer and stay-at-home mother to 18-month-old twins shares with us her most and least used purchases during her first year of motherhood:
Most Used:
- Ye!! BTS700 Portable Bluetooth Speakers: When the twins were newborns, one of the best ways to soothe them to sleep was to stream Mozart wirelessly from my iPhone into their cots via these Bluetooth speakers.
- Safety 1st Baby Nail Clippers: Like many first-time mothers, I was terrified of accidentally snipping off their fingertips and causing a nasty infection. The Safety First nail clipper is designed to cut those tiny nails safely every time. There is even one for clipping a sleeping baby’s nails.
- Pumpkin Patch Mittens for Newborns: I loved these snug “sock-like” mittens by Pumpkin Patch as they stayed on, and kept my babies’ hands warm and safe from their own sharp nails.
- Aden + Anais Swaddles: Am a big fan of Dr Harvey Karp’s 5S Method to soothe crying babies that calls for the use of swaddles. These were perfect for the task as they are soft and sizeable, plus they come in exquisite designs.
- Mothers En Vogue Bamboo Wrap: A luxurious and fashionable wrap that can double-up as a nursing poncho or a shawl for a dinner party. The lightweight, breathable natural fabric ensures baby remains cool while breastfeeding.
- Drybib: This fashionable but functional bib has a thin layer of specially developed fleece at the back that absorbs and disperses all dribbles; and acts like a “tunnel” so the air lets the moisture evaporate right away.
- Pureen Rubber Cot Sheets: Water proof, easy to clean and great for after bath or diaper changes. Cheap enough for you to place a few around the house.
- IKEA ANTILOP Baby High Chair with Tray: In my opinion, still the best high chair for babies as it’s inexpensive and easy to maintain.
- Nose Frida Nasal Aspirator and Baby Sterimar Saline Nasal Spray: The go-to combination when your baby has a cold complete with running nose and phlegm.
- Parklon PVC Playmat: Our babies have used it everyday since they were 5.5 months old, and are still using it at 18 months. The thick mat keeps our active tots safe as they play; and learn how to crawl, cruise and walk. We love it so much that we tote it along when we travel.
Didn’t Use Enough:
- The First Years Close and Secure Sleeper: We initially used them as portable sleepers for our newborn twins but they outgrew them quickly.
- ErgoCocoon and Summer Sleep Bag: Useful for a little while when the twins were newborns but they soon started sticking their fingers outside. Aden + Anais swaddles, when bundled around baby tightly, actually serve the same purpose.
- Bumbo Seat: I bought a second-hand one for my daughter to prop her up for feeding when we first started solids. We used it for a few weeks but once she was able to sit up in a stable manner, we switched to the IKEA high chair.
- Fisher Price Newborn-to-Toddler Portable Rocker: Another purchase we made to use for the initial feeding of solids. We only used them for a few weeks before transitioning to high chairs. We’re still keeping them in case we can use them as toddler chairs later on.
