First Baby Shopping Trip, Gifts, and Parenting Mistake

Throughout my pregnancy, people always told me and the husband to wait until after our baby showers before buying things for the baby. Family were also quite superstitious and suggested we buy stuff on the eighth month. Thankfully, we followed everyone's advice. Over the past few months and during our baby showers, we found that we wouldn't have to buy much. We received enough gifts and hand-me-downs from family and friends to get us through the first days, and for that, we're extremely grateful.

Our First Baby Shopping Experience

The weekend before last was only the first time we went to actual stores to buy things for the baby. It was also my first time at the mall in maybe eight months, because with everything that happened to me during this pregnancy, I've been forced to stay home or within the confines of our neighborhood the entire time. We only made it to two stores -- Baby Company and SM Department Store -- because that's how far my energy lasted, but it was enough. A and I were so overwhelmed with all the baby stuff we didn't know about and had to make decisions on! We thought it was best to just buy the few things we need for the hospital and then just research more about all the other things that we will need once the baby is born. Here's what we got:

• Cotton balls - A few friends told me that cotton balls are extremely cost-effective for nappy-changing. One friend even told me to just use wipes when we go out. We already have tons of cotton balls here at home for my blood sugar monitoring and insulin shots, but we decided to stock up with an extra pack for the baby.
• Cycles Mild Laundry Detergent for Babies - This was recommended by my cousin Lek. Honestly, we'll most likely end up using our usual laundry service for our baby's clothes, but at least for the little things we need to wash at home, we can use this. We got a pack of three to try out -- we've already opened a pack and we like it so far. 
• Bonnets, mittens, booties - We bought a couple of sets for baby's first days. One is St. Patrick from Baby Company, and the other's from the department store. 
• Bloom Nursing Pillow - This will help me a lot when I breastfeed (or at least attempt to) at the hospital. We know it won't be the easiest thing ever, so why not get something that will help, even a little bit? I've read nothing but good things about nursing pillows, and I love my Boppy Pregnancy Wedge, so this was a no-brainer. p.s. It's pretty hard to find minimalist designs for baby/mommy stuff! I'm glad we found this one in plain blue, because all the others (and we checked the different brands available) came in bright colors or had busy patterns! 

Our First Mistake as Parents

A and I know that we will eventually make so many mistakes as parents, but we didn't know that we would make one so soon! At the department store, sales people told us about the belly binder for babies, also known as bigkis in Filipino. They told us that wrapping the baby's tummy with it will help keep him from being cold and from getting kabag (I think that's colic in English), plus protect his belly button. We were surprised that we have never heard of it until that day, and a pack of three was very cheap, so we bought a set. We were in the "okay just in case we need it" mindset. Afterwards, I texted my mommy friends, and learned that pedias don't recommend it. We learned an important lesson -- always research or ask around first before using or buying anything for the baby, even with the little things! It was such a small thing that we didn't think much of it. Oh well. Maybe we can use it for something else. [Note: You can see the belly bands in the picture above.]

Precious Gifts

I thought I'd share the baby things we've received so far. I'm super fascinated with all the baby stuff -- everything's so new to me! We're so thankful for each and every item, and we're truly lucky to have such caring family and friends. Thank you so much, everyone!

The first gifts we got were from my friend Jing in the US. I first blogged about it here.

• Two maternity tops
• Maternity sweatpants
• Baby leg warmers
• Sakura Matcha Kitkats
• A pack of Ghirardelli chocolates
• The Baby Care folder they were given at her hospital when she gave birth
• As Your Baby Grows magazine
• Orange baby sandals
• A Boppy Pregnancy Wedge Pillow
• Four baby bibs
• Two long-sleeved baby shirts
• A Small Paul for Paul Frank onesie
• An Under Armour onesie
• An orange onesie with an owl on it that says "Hoot"
• A blue and orange onesie with cute fish on it
• A Puma onesie
• A full white onesie with elephants on it
• Baby swaddles - one is light gray and the other one has ducks on it
• The Expectant Father book
• The Giggle Guide to Baby Gear book
• The Secret Life of the Unborn Child book
• A really sweet letter to both of us!

Then came our baby showers with family and friends. We got very thoughtful gifts that until now make our hearts melt.

• A pack of three white Mothercare robot bodysuits + a gray onesie
• Disney Baby Gift Set containing a Mickey Mouse hooded blanket, bib, and wash cloth
• Darlington baby socks with plushie bears and dogs on the toes
• Baby pillow
• A baby cardigan that Aleq wore as a baby
• A frame for baby's first ID picture
• A photo flip frame for more of baby's first pictures
• Baby's first money
• Stokke Foldable Baby Bath

• Orange Obi short-sleeved, footed onesie
• Blue and gray collared onesie
• Blue and orange long-sleeved onesie
• White St. Patrick shirts, shorts, and underthings
• Two F&F sleepsuits
• Baby pouch and white bolster pillow case
• Just For You Carter's fluffy baby blanket
• Brother Bear wooly mammoth plushie
• Dinosaur bib
• Hooded bath towel
• Baby care kit (natural rubber mat, baby bath gel, baby oil, etc.)
• Nappy time kit (diapers, disposable mattress pads, baby wipes)
• Carrier pad
• Pigeon Breast Milk Storage Bottles
• Pigeon Disposable Breast Pads
• Bloom Space Saving Organizer

This past weekend, a package also arrived from our friend Irish, who lives across the Metro and has her own new baby so we couldn't see each other.

       

• Garfield hooded, full bodysuit
• Bottles of baby powder
• A ton of short-sleeved kimono-style shirts
• A ton of sleeveless kimono-style shirts
• A couple of printed onesies
• A ton of everyday white short-sleeved shirts, sleeveless shirts, bonnets, mittens, booties
• A pack of colored mittens
• Two pairs of bear socks + one pair of white socks
• White rabbit baby slip-ons
• Fluffy baby blanket
• Animal baby bottles for breast milk storage
• A First Years baby bottle
• Three colored booties
• A turtle bib
• A sleep bonnet
• White underthings
• Hooded swaddle blanket

That's it. Whew! We didn't know that babies would require so much stuff! It's crazy. Our tiny studio apartment is now packed to the rafters, and we still have a list of things we need to get once the baby arrives. We're finding that it's a constant learning experience. We'll figure it out. Eventually.

What are your baby essentials? Have you made any parenting mistakes?