We have a lot of friend who are expecting babies and now that we have a 10 week old, they often ask us what products we recommend. Rather than reply everyone individually, I thought to write here instead.
Here are my top 10 baby products that I'd recommend.
Manduca Baby Carrier - New Style
We did a lot of research before deciding on the Manduca Carrier. Firstly, we wanted a carrier that was breathable for this tropical climate in Singapore. We also wanted a carrier that would go from newborn to 3-years-old without needing additional parts. Finally, we wanted one that had full support, not a ‘crotch dangler’, where the strain localised to the crotch area. The only one we found that met all three criteria was the Manduca. Ergo, our second choice, lost because an infant insert (adding extra heat) was required for newborns. So far, we are loving it! One evening, our son was really upset and he only calmed down and eventually went to sleep, when I put him in the Manduca. He is still very young, so time will tell how it is as he grows, but so far we are definitely fans!
SG$249.90 (We bought ours online from Moo Moo Kow Singapore; they have free shipping)
Moo Moo Kow Cloth Diapers
We weren’t sure if we were going to do disposable or cloth diapering and in the end, we’ve settled on a mix of both. We bought a dozen prefolds (these are the most basic in modern cloth diapers. They are 100% cotton cloth squares, pre folded to size, requiring minimal additional folding.) These are good, but require a cover as they are not waterproof. So we decided to purchase some all-in-one cloth diapers (these look like disposable diapers in shape, closing with velcro or snaps and have an absorbent liner inside). In order to save money, we purchased no brand name all-in-ones, which are quite good, but because they have snap closures, they are only able to adjust in size in increments. We were given a more expensive cloth diaper (Moo Moo Kow Brand - Aplix style) which has a velcro seal. First of all, the velcro makes it size adjustable to the exact required size. Secondly, the quality of the fabric is a lot better than the cheaper models.
After discovering how great these are, I saw on their website that they also sell imperfect diapers (factory seconds). These are in perfect working order functionally, but have some small imperfections (perhaps crooked stitching on one seam, etc.) and are $10 cheaper. Each diaper comes with two inserts. When these arrived, I could see absolutely no difference between these and the standard price piece.
In addition to having great products, this company has fantastic customer service, going out of their way to connect with their customers, to advise and assist them in any way possible.
Aplix Diaper - SG$30.00 each
Imperfect Diaper - SG$20.00 each
Huggies Disposable Diapers
We were given a lot of diapers when our son was born and they’ve been such a blessing. As they are all different brands, we’ve been able to try them all and discover our favourite. Hands down, Huggies wins! They are soft to the touch and very absorbent without feeling like scratchy plastic. We’ve not had any blow outs or leaks while using these and we also haven’t seen diaper rash with them. We use disposables at night and when we are going out.
The Newborn and Small sizes both work out to be around SG$0.29/piece.
**UPDATE**
While we still find Huggies a great brand and the best that is available in supermarkets, we have since discovered the Japanese brand Moony. This disposable diaper is super soft (almost feels like cloth) and very absorbent. These diapers work out to be $0.40/piece which is cheaper than Huggies from size medium and up. Moony tape diapers cost the same regardless of the size, whereas Huggies prices increase per piece as the size gets bigger.
In Singapore at least, Moony diapers are only available online. We purchase ours from Tiny Tree which has free delivery for orders over $50 so we order two packets at a time to take advantage of this offer.
Tiny Tree
www.tinytree.com.sg
Paw Paw Ointment
We swear by this great product which has been used in our family since my Grandmother’s time. I introduced this to my husband when we were dating. He was greatly amused that I pulled it out for anything from chapped lips to insect bites, even using it as a cuticle cream... He jokingly says that it probably also cures cancer! We use it as a diaper rash cream and also when our son had baby acne the first couple of weeks. It is natural and safe. We bought ours in Australia but there are alternative brands with basically the same ingredients here in Singapore available at Watsons or Guardian, although at a much higher price.
For more information:
Cotton On Kids Bunny Wrap
Swaddling is great for a lot of babies and helps to settle them and to help them sleep better and longer. My son is a master escape artist and always manages to wiggle his arms and legs free no matter how securely we wrap him. Cotton On Bunny Wraps are fantastic for keeping him swaddled. The stretch fabric is very soft and cosy, but it also helps to contain him while giving him the ability to stretch and move. We were given one as a gift and have since purchased more. They come in a variety of colours and patterns, ranging from traditional baby styles to funky modern prints. There are two styles, one with a single layer of fabric, the other is double. The double swaddles better but the single is cooler for hot climates. We have some in both styles.
One Size Fits All, SG$14.94 (single layer)
SG$24.95 (double layer which I think can only be purchased in store)
Coconut Oil
Coconut Oil is a fabulous product to have in the home for so many different purposes. We use it as a massage oil for our son, and also to treat his cradle cap. We massage it into his scalp, let it sit for a while and then gently brush his head with a baby brush. His scalp cleared up so fast! When we massage his body with coconut oil, his skin becomes so soft and he smells delicious! There are many brands with a huge price range, but the most important thing is that it is 100% coconut oil, and that no chemicals, etc. have been added.
California Baby Shampoo and Wash
We only want to use natural and gentle products on our son’s tender skin and so we decided to use the California Baby Wash for his hair and body wash. We use a very small amount on a very soft cloth and then gently lather all over his body (minus his face, which we wash separately with just warm water and cotton balls). He comes out smelling clean and fresh without it being overpowering. A little goes a long way with this wash too, so even though it’s not cheap, it lasts a long time.
We purchased ours in Singapore at Watsons for SG$28.
For more information:
**UPDATE**
We have since discovered a Baby Wash that we like even better! It is by Four Cows Farm and is available at many locations in Singapore, though we usually buy ours at Mothercare. We find it to be even more gentle on the skin, very subtly fragranced and moisturizing. We noticed that California Baby was a little bit too drying on the skin with prolonged use.
Available at Mothercare for $11.90 for 125mL and $18.90 for 250mL
http://www.mothercare.com.sg/productdetail.asp?pid=1096647
Mittens
This is a product that really depends on your baby! I have friends who’s babies don’t scratch themselves, but our little boy does! Even though we stay on top of his growing nails, trimming them regularly, he still manages to scratch his face if we are not careful. We like the ones with a wider section at the wrist because they tend to stay secure for longer. Of course, we don’t like to leave them on 24/7 so that he is able to freely flex and stretch his hands, but we find these most helpful at night and when we go out.
Favourite Brand: Dymples
Newborn Onesies
At least 7 - 8. I was told before our son was born to not bother buying newborn clothes because first of all, a lot of people will give them and secondly, babies grow out of them so fast. In our case however, not one person gave us newborn clothing and it is only now, at 10 weeks, that he has outgrown only one of the newborn suits. Our son is long and skinny, which means that enclosed toe suits are not so practical. It is better for us to not use enclosed toe but to put socks on him instead. We had bought only 4 - 5 onesies before our son was born, because of the above advise, but as we use cloth diapers, we had a few blow outs. Also, they would start to smell of milk after a day of wearing. With fewer changes of clothing, we needed to wash more frequently, which is not always easy when living in a community with shared laundry facilities. They don’t need to be fancy. We now have 2 ‘good’ ones for church or going out and then 6 simple ones for daily wear. For us, it’s important to have natural fibres, especially living in tropical Singapore, so all his suits are 100% cotton.
Favourite Brands: Cotton On Baby, H&M, Bonds, Carters
Muslin Cloths
At least 10. We use them for burping and occasionally as a nursing cover. They can also be used as a liner for cloth diapers or as a regular nappy in an emergency. We were surprised at how fast we go through these. As our son has had some wind problems which resulted in him bring back up a lot of milk. Also, at six weeks he’s just started to dribble. Whenever we go out, I make sure we have at least two of these in the diaper bag. I also put one under his head during naps in case he dribbles. These have also come in handy as sun protection for our son when we are outside. Most of our muslin cloths are simple white in colour and again, we favour natural fibres.
Favourite Brands: Ikea, Mothercare
