Basic Newborn Needs (and Moms too!)

How do you keep baby things basic?

My son is almost two so I can, with all honesty, say that I have been there. The amount of products they market for babies is ridiculous. At the same time, it's so easy to get caught up in the hype and end up on a wild shopping spree. I am very familiar with that feeling of excitement when I enter the department store and everything seems a necessity. Who wouldn't want to give their best to their child, right? And if one can afford it, why not?

In my case, I need to temper the spending madness with two hard questions: Will I use it all the time? and Will my baby be able to use it for a long time?

If I answer both of the questions, then I would most likely buy the product even if it is costly. However, it also prevents me from buying a lot of unnecessary items. The more basic, the better, in my opinion. :)

So here's the list:

1. Clothes (sandos, onesies, etc.)

To be honest, I hardly bought any. Filipinos love to give children's clothes as gifts for special occasions and pasalubong. Up to this day, I think I have bought my son less than 10 articles of clothing. The rest were hand-me-downs from my mommy friends or gifts from relatives. I also try to stay away from the temptation of buying cutesy clothes which irks my mom. She thinks I don't dress up my kid "properly". I just don't see the point of buying a P500 ($10) porma shirt for generic sandos which you get 3 pieces of of the same price.

2. Towels

If people gave you towels, great, but steer clear from towels that are marketed for babies which cost a lot more than a basic normal towel that adults use every day. We got a sports towel from Decathlon and I tell you, it does absolutely the same thing.

3. Socks

When your baby is learning to walk, it is actually better if he feels the floor or surface with his feet. I am only including socks here for when the baby feels cold. If you want to maximize the use of your socks, get one with non-skid bottoms so they can use it for inside the house when they start to walk.

4. Blanket

5. Bath Tub and Baby Wash

If you want to go really basic, get a planggana.

6. Diaper

I ordered cloth diapers from this site (Cheeky Bebe Shop). They have a convenient online store system, and their prices are a lot cheaper than the department store's. I think I got around 24 pieces, enough to last me around three laundry days. It does cost a lot initially but you can use that until toddlerhood and you can even pass it on and resell it when you are done. We still used disposable diapers which we prefer when we are on the move or for overnights.

7. Carseat

Our carseat can be used from newborn until 4 years old.

8. Duyan

In the Philippines, we have carabao-pulled caravans going around selling woven native products. That's where we bought our duyan, which is basically a baby hammock. We had ours hanging from the ceiling, around a foot off the ground, and if you want to put the baby to sleep, you plop him there and swing him away. It works like magic. That was the best P500 ($10) we spent.

9. Baby Wipes

This is multi-purpose. You can use it to wipe poopy butts, dirty hands, and germy surfaces.

10. Bibs

Initially, it is for wiping drool, but it is also useful for when baby starts to eat solids.

11. Stroller

I am amazed at the fancy strollers available in the market. Some are as expensive as a bike! If you want to keep it basic, you can always shop for a decent stroller at HMR for a LOT less.

12. Crib

I like this because it can function as a sleeping area or a dumping spot for when your baby is more mobile. I got our crib second-hand from a mommy friend at half the original price. When the baby has learned to walk, this got packed away.

13. Changing Mat

14. Diaper Cream

The only nappy cream I've used was that of Human Nature's and I have no complaints about it. I love that product. It seems pricy at around P200+ but you don't really use a lot, and it can last you 3 or 4 months.

15. Laundry Soap

I used one marketed for babies, BUT I honestly do not know if there's really any difference if you just use ordinary laundry soap. I am still including it here because we are still using baby laundry soap until now even though my kid is technically a toddler.

16. Baby Carrier

I recommend that you get a structured one that can grow with your newborn baby until he/she becomes a toddler. I am personally not a fan of wraps simply because it's too hot for Philippine climate.

17. Bouncy Chair

When you want things done without your baby tied to you, this is it. However, wait until the baby has enough neck strength before using this product and never leave your baby unattended.

18. Basic grooming kit

A comb, a nail cutter, and a baby toothbrush are all you need.

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I exclusively breastfed my son until he was four months old, and then he started on solids around that time. If you're breastfeeding, moms would need some of these items too:

19. Clothes meant for breastfeeding

20. Breast pump and pumped milk storage

21. Nursing cover

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As a BONUS, I am including the things here that I find are absolutely unnecessary:

1. Baby Cap/Bonnet

I think I used mine for the first 3 days and never again. Older people see me walking my kid with his head uncovered and always exclaim, "Baka mahamogan! <English: He might get hamog(?)>" Now if you are wondering what this hamog is, your guess is as good as mine. The hamog supposedly causes a number of ailments to the child. If he gets sick; it's because nahamogan siya. If you do know, please share in the comments section!

2. Mittens

The doctor advised us against this. Even though my son ends up scratching his face, the doctor says it is the only way he will learn about the existence of his fingers. There's also so much information that babies pick up grasping things so their hands shouldn't be kept inside mittens.

3. Baby Shoes

They can't even walk. Why even?!?