Preparing for a baby is a privilege, but to some it can sound rather intimidating. There are many questions to think about – should we bank our baby’s cord blood? How do mums nourish their bodies? How to prepare for breastfeeding? Where to get a good massage? What kind of stroller or cot to buy?
It can be overwhelming making many decisions for the well-being of both mum and child.
Fret not if you have not thought about all of it. Take a deep breath.
There are certain essentials to think about early while others can wait. From a “been there, done that” mum to noob parents, here are some tips to share for an exciting journey ahead.
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Essentials That Expectant Parents Should Prepare For
1. Storing Your Newborn’s Umbilical Cord Blood – A Life-saving Investment
Did you know that your newborn’s umbilical cord blood stem cells are a life-saving medical resource?
Cord blood is collected from the umbilical cord of a newborn immediately after birth and can be stored at a family cord blood bank such as Cordlife Singapore.
Your baby’s cord blood is a rich source of Haematopoietic Stem Cells that can be used to treat over 80 diseases* such as leukaemia, lymphoma, thalassemia, neuroblastoma, retinoblastoma as well as immune disorders, solid tumours and metabolic disorders, just to name a few.
Storing your baby’s cord blood can only take place once in her life – at birth. Thus, safeguarding your baby’s health at birth with cord blood banking is a form of biological insurance.
For a peace of mind, choose a reliable family cord blood bank that you know will be with you and your family for the long haul.
Cordlife Singapore has over 19 years of laboratory management and experience. With dual international accreditations and a proven transplant track record under its belt, parents can be rest assured that their baby’s umbilical cord stem cells are stored according to the highest international standards and will be viable for use, when the need for a transplant arises.
In addition, Cordlife Singapore is the only family cord blood bank in Singapore that has the licence to store, harvest and expand 2 types of stem cells – Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs) and Cord Lining Epithelial Stem Cells (CLEpSCs) found in the umbilical cord lining.
For more information about umbilical cord blood banking, watch this informative video or download their comprehensive information pack today!
2. Complete TCM Recuperation with Massages and Nourish Your Body with Confinement Herbal Packages
There is a lot of stress on the body when expecting a baby – calves, ankles, lower back and shoulders need extra care when bearing the additional weight.
At Madam Partum, pre-natal massages (Pre-Partum) help to relieve tension, reduce cramps and swellings to help pregnant mums feel better.
Consequently, post-partum mums need ample rest and right nourishment to recover from the rigours of labour. Post-natal (Partum) massages are important as they help with womb recovery, unblocking of milk ducts and boosting the overall well-being.
Madam Partum takes a holistic approach to care by Traditional Chinese Medicine to offer post-partum meridian massage and confinement care in the form of herbal soups, tea and baths. The Qi-boosting therapeutic massage by Madam Partum stimulates acupressure points, clearing blockage and correcting Yin and Yang imbalance.
For new mums who need nourishment for recovery and strength, Madam Partum has a variety of confinement soups, confinement tea and baths. These are all conveniently packed in individual packs to help mommies during confinement. A fuss-free confinement makes for happier mums and bubs!
For enquiries on Madam Partum’s range of products and services, send a Whatsapp message to 81660070 or visit its website here.
3. Get Ready a Nursing-friendly Wardrobe
For mums preparing to breastfeed their babies, nursing wear especially nursing bras and camisoles can be very handy. Nursing wear provides nursing access for convenient breastfeeding. They can also be used during pregnancy and beyond.
Lovemère’s nursing wear is highly lauded as comfortable and breathable, with sleek designs for mothers. Each piece is designed in Singapore and carries both form and function. Popular options include the Chloe Dream Love Bra, Lovemère Seamless Nursing Bra, Ellie Cruz Nursing Camisole, Brooklyn Bra. Post-partum mums can also consider getting the Lovemère Slimming & Recovery Wrap Binder to help shrink belly, waist and hip after childbirth.
Mums will find Lovemère pieces versatile and breathable. Prepare your journey as a parent with nursing essentials here.
4. Cater Sumptuous and Nutritious Confinement food
For those with “DIY” confinement and forgoing the practice of hiring a confinement nanny, how about getting nutritious confinement food catered to your doorstep? There are plenty of options in the market, some even pack lactation cookies in their meal sets. Confinement meals typically contains dishes accompanied by ginger, even the carb dish has variants like quinoa and cous cous!
Confinement meals also include red date tea, soup and the spread changes daily! For parents with food allergies or other diet restrictions, do remember to let the caterer know your needs.
5. Breast Pump and Baby Feeding Tools
Apart from nursing wear, parents should also get a breast pump ready – be it manual or electric, this will help with the expressing of milk for the infant. Electric pumps can save you time and are especially useful for working mums. Manual pumps are usually more thorough. Get a spare set of valves, funnels, flanges would relieve you of the need to continually sterilise the equipment.
Whether it’s breast milk or formula milk, fed is best! Bottles and teats are needful for feeding, especially for babies that prefer not to latch directly. However, babies can have their preferences regarding teats too.
My advice – do not get too many bottles and accompanying teats for a start. Once you have a preferred system or know the teat preference, then proceed with buying more bottles.
6. UV or Steam Steriliser
I have always relied on a steam steriliser as a mum and was amazed that sterilisers come in more advanced types these days. The UV or steam types coupled with drying functions are ideal! Washing and drying bottles used to be a dreaded chore, but the sterilisers complete the entire cycle within 45 minutes. All you need to do is wash the bottles and ensure no milk residue is left, pop them into the machine and viola they are 100% germ and bacteria-free!
7. Sturdy and Durable Nursery Furniture
Many parents envision beautiful cribs for their little ones – a cot, nursing chair, changing table and accessories like cot mobiles. Our advice? Keep it simple and practical helps reduce the clutter which is bound to accumulate. Get a sturdy cot with adjustable levels that enables the growing infant to sleep safely in it. A changing table is also a plus – without bending over for frequent diaper change sessions.
8. Handy Baby Equipment like Strollers, Baby Carriers and Car Seat
Prepare baby equipment such as strollers, baby carriers, wraps and car seats according to your lifestyle. For instance, if the family is planning to take more public transport when on the go, using a lightweight stroller and a breathable baby carrier would be useful.
Before purchasing a baby carrier, always check the fit according to your body type. A carrier with a wider range of adjustable straps would be ideal for both parents’ use. Choose one with breathable fabric so it wouldn’t be too warm in our climate.
Baby car seats are important to keep them safe while on the move. Check the size of your vehicle and avoid seats with large bases if your car is small. You may also want to purchase a car seat that is compatible with the stroller frame as a convenient travel system. For safety, the car seat should have a 5-point harness and side impact protection.
9. Comfortable Clothes for Babies
Some items new parents cannot resist buying are cute onesies, rompers and accessories for their child. Do remember that babies grow really quickly, buying a few pieces of each size at the start would be ideal. Or better yet – subscribe to a baby clothes subscription box for an eco-conscious solution.
For the comfort of the newborn, natural fabrics like bamboo or cotton are preferred. You may also prefer items that are easily laundered since clothes can get soiled.
Expecting? Enjoy Peace of Mind with Preparation in Advance
All ready for your baby? Truth be told, you can never feel 100% ready. As a first-time parent, you will be filled with so much excitement, anticipation and some nervousness naturally. Fret not, our list gives you a headstart and however rough the journey may be – there will be plenty of good memories. All the best embarking on your parenting journey!
*For the list of treatable diseases and references, please refer to https://www.cordlife.com/sg/treatable-diseases
