10 Things That Made My First Year of Parenthood Much Easier

With your little bundle of joy arriving soon, you might be spending hours combing through Google searches and Facebook Groups for the perfect advice on what you actually need for the extra important first year of parenthood. Or, you might just be freaking out in front of your computer and pulling on your almost thinning hair. Well, we’ve been there – so with a few years of parenthood under our belts, we’ve put together 10 things that made our first year of parenthood a whole lot easier.

1. To start off, having a good night’s sleep is absolutely essential to surviving your first year of parenthood. With all the attention your little one requires, you will need to be fully charged up! And a key to having a good night’s sleep is also ensuring your little one gets all the rest he/she needs. And one very useful aid is… Toys! Which one to get? Well, to start off, you can get Fisher-Price Soothe & Glow Seahorse. It is the perfect bedtime friend for your little one. It can light up and glow to 8 lullabies and soothing sounds of the ocean when your baby gives it a gentle squeeze. It has five minutes of continuous play, giving you ample time to put your baby to sleep. The toy is also set to slowly let the music fade and light dim, for your baby to have the most peaceful sleep. As an added on factor, it is also super adorable! The perfect first toy for your little one!

   

2. You might want to invest in a traditional Yao Lan (literally translated as Swinging Basket), or the new and improved version of it – an electronic Baby Hammock. Tried-and-tested by many generations of Singaporeans, this cradle proves to be extremely effective in putting your little one to sleep with its continuous rocking movement. You might be feeling sceptical due to the various reports on how the traditional cloth versions might pose a danger to your little one. Well, fortunately, technology has helped improve the cradle over the years. For instance, instead of cloth, these are designed with a cotton-mesh combination. They are also equipped with motorised springs, so you no longer have to manually pull the hammock up and down. However, with that being said, we will still recommend keeping watch over your baby when you put him/her in the hammock for an afternoon nap. At least, your hands are now free to fiddle with other stuff!

   

3. Speaking on the behalf of all working mothers, we understand how most pumps in the market are not that light or portable, making pumping a real chore while on-the-go. Introducing the Spectra 9S! At only 239 grams, it is the smallest and most compact breast pump ever, making it very portable and also, the perfect travel companion. Another highlight is its strong yet gentle suction, promising comfort and effectiveness at the same time. Get this pump to make pumping on-the-go a much easier and convenient process.

   

4. Not only good for adults, this magical medicated oil is also the best remedy for Baby Gas (or Infant Colic Situation)! For locals, this needs no introduction – But for our non-local friends, Yu Yee Medicated Oil is the staple medicated oil in many Chinese Families. Make your first year of parenthood easier by stocking up on these at home. If your baby is feeling uncomfortable or bloated, simply rub a few drops of this oil between your palms before gently rubbing your baby’s tummy to 祛风 qu feng or “remove wind in the stomach”.

   

5. Diaper Bags might be a subjective purchase. And it is a real headache to find one that both Mum and Dad can carry. Well, introducing what many might claim – the best diaper bag – Jujube BFF Diaper Bag! This bag is simply a storage galore, with 3 exterior and 7 interior pockets (i.e. a whopping 10 pockets), which is absolutely critical in a diaper bag! You can now keep EVERYTHING you need in this stylish bag (which is available in an array of designs too). To add on, Jujube Bags are also famous for its assured-comfort and versatility. You can wear it as a backpack, crossbody, tote bag or even a suitcase. Invest in this and make your first year of parenthood a real breeze.

   

6. Did you know? Nasal Congestion in an infant not only interferes with nursing, but it can also cause life-threatening respiratory distress. Get Stérimar Baby Nasal Spray to ease your worries and also, make your first year less stressful than it already is! It is extremely easy to use (Simply push down on the nozzle to use it) and countless reviews on the Internet reveals how effective it is, especially for babies under one year. You can use it before nursing, to clear up your baby’s nasal path. Start easing your worries and get this today!

   

7. You won’t want to risk anything during your first year of parenthood. So, get the Philips Avent 3-in-1 Electric Steam Steriliser to clean everything and anything. Perfect for all our kiasu (scared of losing) and kiasi (scared of dying) parents out there, you can be assured of this gadget’s effectiveness. In 2015, it was shortlisted for the “Best Safety Product” Award. This steriliser can also clean multiple products at one time – saving you much precious time because unfortunately, there are only 24 hours in a day. Simply plonk all your bottles and teething toys in the machine, switch it on and there you go!

   

8. Well, we can’t stress how important it is to have a Travel Stroller, especially when bringing your little one out for a stroll in the park or shopping mall. On a budget? This inexpensive stroller promises everything you need in a stroller! It is portable, weighing only 5.8kg, allowing you to even bring it while travelling! Your little one will also be guaranteed maximum comfort and safety with a 175-degree recline seat and 5-point baby safety harness.Say goodbye to achy backs and arms with this in toll!

   

9. The Aveeno’s Baby Daily Moisture is a crowd’s favourite, for not only babies, but adults alike, and it promises to soothe and help protect your baby’s delicate skin. Highly recommended by Rebecca Tung, M.D., Director of the division of dermatology at Loyola University, this lotion is perfect, especially if your little one has sensitive skin. Upon application, you will find that the lotion gets absorbed into the skin without feeling sticky and relieves dry, itchy skin for hours. Simply slap on a generous amount after your baby’s bath for full effect.

   

10. We’re not going to sugarcoat this – Teething is a stressful and painful time for babies when new teeth begin to cut through the gums. And an unhappy baby translates easily to an unhappy mummy and daddy. Well, that is where Bellamy’s Organic Milk Teething Rusks Toothiepegs will come in. These snacks can bring some level of relief to your little one – It is designed so that babies can bite down hard without cracking or splintering the rusk. Made from certified organic natural ingredients of milk and wheat (with no added sugar), it also makes a great snack for your little one. Happy baby, happy mummy and daddy!

    

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