The moment I realized I was pregnant, one of the things I was so excited to do was to shop for the baby. But it was only until I was 7 months pregnant that my husband and I made our first purchase for the baby – tie-side shirts. Being obsessed with lists, I asked family and friends for suggestions as to what to buy for the baby lest I get carried away and spend a fortune for things we don’t actually need.Here’s what I came up with: 

• Baby Book for records
• Parenting Book (What to Expect the First Year)
• Disposable Newborn Diapers – Prokids carry a line of newborn nappies
• Cloth Diapers
• Chino Pino - but ended up not using this at all
• Rubber Mat for changing diapers/Changing Table
• Diaper Rash Cream -Desitin
• Petroleum Jelly
• Cotton Balls
• Cotton Buds
• 70% Isopropyl Alcohol
• Baby Wipes
• Diaper Pail
• Receiving Blankets
• Tie-side Shirts, Onesies - sleeveless, short-sleeved, long-sleeved
• Sweaters
• Pajamas
• Shorts
• Mittens and Booties – ties preferably, not garterized ones
• Caps – my baby didn’t like wearing caps, though
• C-Shaped Pillow – for support while breastfeeding the baby
• Pillow cases
• Bolster and extra bolster cases
• Bedsheets, Comforter
• Washcloths
• Towels
• Tub
• Bathing Net
• Hamper
• Small Basin, Plastic Canisters, Small Basket/Carry-All
• Dresser/Cabinet
• Nursing Bra – believe me, it’s close to impossible to breastfeed with an ordinary bra!
• Breastpump –  used the Pigeon Electric Pump
• Breastpad –  also by Pigeon. But it can get very expensive especially if your breasts are full. Others suggest cut-out panty liners or cotton hankies.
• Breastmilk Bottle Liners –by Playtex
• Adult Diapers/Sanitary Pads –for the first few days after pregnancy as the flow tends to be really heavy!
• Nipple Guard
• Sterilizer -electric or stove top
• Feeding Bottles –Avent can be very expensive but it’s worth it!
• Bottle and Nipple Brush
• Toys
• DVDs, CDs
• Baby Soap, Shampoo and Oil – we personally use Nivea and Johnson and Johnson’s.
• Thermometer
• Saline Nose Drops –Salinase
• Nasal Aspirator – the old-fashioned, rubberized ones are more effective
• Nail Clipper – by Safety 1st
• Baby Brush and Comb –by Safety 1st
• Night Light
• Diaper Bag – the more compartments, the better.
• Stroller/Umbroller – umbroller is more portable and a lot lighter.
• Carseat – a must-have especially in the states.
• Playpen/Crib/Bassinet –make sure you buy a really sturdy piece as babies can get really active once they’ve discovered what else they can do aside from lie in bed and sleep.
• Rocker – though my baby only used this until she was 3 months old.
• Baby Monitor – nice to have, but not necessary