Newbie parents who are about to welcome their baby into the world are surely feeling both nervous and excited. However, when faced with the vast array of baby feeding/breastfeeding supplies available in the market, how can you efficiently go about your shopping? We have specially compiled a list of newborn essentials that will help newbie parents buy all the necessary feeding supplies in one go, without having to worry about missing anything. Just follow the list, and you'll be able to easily handle all your shopping needs. Let's prepare thoroughly for the arrival of your little one together!

Bottles | Recommended Quantity: 6 - 8

It is recommended to prepare six large bottles (240ml) and two small bottles (120ml) in the initial stage. This way, mothers don't have to constantly sterilize bottles and it saves a lot of time. Choosing bottles with a wide neck makes them easier to clean and pour powdered formula into, and it also makes it easier to find replacement nipples.

PP bottles are lightweight and convenient for carrying when taking the baby out. However, plastic materials can deteriorate over time, so it is recommended to replace the bottles every three months to ensure safety and hygiene. As for glass bottles, they can be safely used at home for a long time, just remember to regularly check for any cracks.

Nipples | Recommended Quantity: 6 - 8

Babies of different age groups require different types of nipples. Typically, newborns can use size S nipples, while babies who are 2-3 months old can consider transitioning to size M nipples, and larger babies may need size L nipples.

Nipples come in various shapes, such as round, thumb-shaped, and flat. You can choose based on your baby's preference and sucking habits. Thumb-shaped nipples are closer in shape to the mother's breast and may be more easily accepted by the baby.

Nipples have different flow rates, such as slow flow, medium flow, and fast flow. Choosing the appropriate flow rate depends on your baby's sucking ability and feeding speed. Newborns typically require a slow flow nipple, while larger babies may need a faster flow.

Nipples are usually made of silicone or latex. Silicone nipples are durable and easy to clean, while latex nipples are softer and may have a texture closer to that of breast milk. Ensure that you choose nipples of good quality, non-toxic, and compliant with relevant safety standards.

Cleaning Bottles and Nipples

When cleaning bottles with deep areas, you can use a silicone or sponge bottle brush to scrub them. Silicone bottle brushes are less likely to harbor bacteria and make it easier to observe if there is any dirt remaining. In contrast, bottle brushes with bristles can create scratches that can harbor bacteria, while sponge bottle brushes have a softer texture and can reduce the risk of scratching plastic bottles.

During the bottle cleaning process, parents should closely observe if the bottle brush can easily reach all the corners and crevices. Adjusting the type of bottle brush as needed ensures thorough cleaning of the bottles and prevents bacterial growth.

Therefore, when choosing a bottle brush, you can consider a silicone or sponge bottle brush head. Silicone bottle brushes offer the advantage of less bacteria growth and easier observation of dirt, while sponge bottle brushes have a soft texture that reduces the risk of scratching plastic bottles. Regardless of the type chosen, it is important to ensure that the bottle brush can easily clean all corners of the bottle to maintain hygiene and safety.

Bottle Tongs / Bottle Holder

During the process of sterilizing bottles, bottle tongs play an important role. Sterilizing bottles is a crucial step in ensuring that your baby drinks safe and hygienic milk. Bottle tongs allow you to securely hold the bottle and its various accessories, such as nipples, caps, and bottle lids, to prevent them from floating or slipping during the sterilization process.

Sterilizer

Even though utensils may appear clean, there is a chance that they harbor hidden "dirtiness" that poses a threat to our health. Sterilizers serve as guardians of personal hygiene by killing bacteria. When purchasing a bottle sterilizer, you can consider the number of bottles used and choose a sterilizer with a suitable capacity. By using an appropriate bottle sterilizer, we can ensure the hygiene of the bottles and provide a safe and healthy feeding environment for our babies. If there is a need to sterilize items other than bottles simultaneously, you can consider purchasing a device with ultraviolet disinfection functionality.

6 | Cat Toys

Cats are natural hunters, and when they see a moving object, they often instinctively chase and attack it, as if they're pursuing real prey. Therefore, when we provide interactive cat toys, small balls, or fake mice for them to chase, it satisfies their innate hunting instincts. When cats successfully catch these "prey" in the game, it also enhances their confidence and establishes a sense of control over their territory.

Many owners complain about cats frequently scratching, biting hands, feet, or furniture. The main reason for this behavior is that they haven't provided cats with appropriate outlets for their energy. By engaging and playing with cats in a timely manner, we can teach them to distinguish which items are appropriate to scratch and bite, while also helping them expend excess energy. This effectively prevents cats from engaging in inappropriate biting behavior.

Milk Warmer

A milk warmer is primarily used by mothers who feed their babies with breast milk. It warms the breast milk in the bottle by using a water bath heating method. The feeding process may sometimes take a while, which can cause the milk to cool down. In such cases, a milk warmer can be used to heat up the milk or thaw frozen breast milk. The milk warmer is highly practical and provides a convenient solution. By using a milk warmer, you can quickly and accurately heat the milk to the appropriate temperature, ensuring that your baby can enjoy warm milk. Additionally, the milk warmer can also be used to thaw frozen breast milk, making it easy for you to prepare the necessary feeding for your baby. Therefore, the milk warmer is highly practical during the feeding process.

Travel Thermos

A travel thermos is essential for preparing milk while on the go, as it allows you to bring hot water with you, providing peace of mind. Moreover, it's not always easy to find hot water everywhere you go, making a travel thermos incredibly important.