The Simplest Checklist for Expectant Parents

When I was around 6 or 7 months pregnant with my firstborn, I began doing what most first-time moms would do: create a checklist.  Jennifer Garner's character in the movie Juno called the phase "nesting".  New moms are expectedly excited about this part because, 1 - it involves shopping, and 2 - the activity kickstarts the mother mode in your brain, which will stay on forever.

But what most new moms are not aware of is that baby care shops know exactly how to capitalize on that excitement.  Before entering Babies 'R' Us for the first time, I was armed with a checklist and a budget, plus I went with my parents, who are sensible shoppers, so I was confident that I would find what I need and not go overboard.  But, once the automatic doors opened, all common sense seemed to fade away.  We were immediately sidetracked by the colorful onesies and nifty thingamajigs on display -- and we were only a mere 5 meters deep into the store!  It was a trap.  A most cute one at that.  But nonetheless a trap.  It was a good thing that I had a limited budget, so a couple of hours later, we came out of there bearing only the real necessities.

Two kids later and dozens of friends advised, I've now come up with the simplest "new parents" checklist ever.  Think of it as a "starter kit" with only the essentials.  Useful also for when you're invited to a baby shower or you have friends who are new parents.  I personally refer to this checklist when buying baby shower gifts (always a big hit: diapers, onesies, burp cloths, and wet tissue).

Disclaimer: some of the hyperlinks below will lead to pages showing certain products.  These are only meant to show what these products look like, but I am not a paid endorser of any of these.  Also, any mention of specific brands are only meant as suggestions based on personal experiences, not product endorsements.

YES:

• Diapers - you have to decide early on if you're using cloth or disposable diapers.  If you're a housewife/housemom or a WAHM, then it's feasible to use cloth diapers.  Otherwise, go with disposables.  For moms in PH, I suggest scouring through Multiply, Facebook, or blogs to find suppliers of cheap but quality disposable diapers.  There's a lot, so don't fret :-)  Nowadays, you can also find reusable cloth diapers that are adjustable and practical; they could last your kid up to the potty training stage. But I suggest not stocking up yet on diapers early on because you also have to consider your baby's skin's reaction to it.  Until your baby arrives, I recommend going with Huggies or Pampers initially, then if that doesn't work (or coz it's too expensive, and it is :-P) try other brands till you find one that's most hiyang for him/her (and for your budget :-)). 
• Breastfeeding / Nursing pillow - in line with this, I am highly encouraging all new moms (or "repeater" moms) to breastfeed.  It is so important that you understand how your body develops this ability, how to do it properly, as well as its numerous and wonderful benefits for you and your baby.
• Breastfeeding / Nursing cover - it's gotta be cotton, coz your baby needs to breathe :-)  There are many designs of nursing covers available nowadays that could even be restyled as a cute top, scarf, or shawl ;-)
• Breast pump - there are electric, battery-operated/portable, and manual pumps available.  I got a manual set from the hospital where I gave birth to my eldest.  It was sufficient during the first few days because my breastmilk didn't come out until my baby's 5th day.  After it came, we had to get a battery-operated pump and extra bottles because of the increased milk production.  Also, a portable pump just makes things easier, whether you're at home or out somewhere, because the milk production doesn't stop even if the baby's not nursing.  If you don't pump out the milk, you'll be in a lot of pain.
• Good-quality non-toxic bottles for storing breastmilk - it's also realistic to think about stocking up on bottles for formula milk, because most hospital nurseries would immediately introduce formula milk to infants since most moms' breastmilk don't come out until a few days after giving birth (especially for first-time moms).  Breastfeeding needs a lot of patience, persistence, and a commitment to keeping yourself healthy so that you can continually nurse your baby and ensure that your breastmilk supply is always abundant.  Formula milk is way too easy and convenient, but it's not really the right source of nutrition for your baby.  So for as much as you are able to, keep it up until it's time to wean the wee one :-)
• Onesies - stock up on a dozen or so of these.  A cheaper alternative are plain white kimono-type shirts.
• Hand towels / Burp cloths - parents need lots of these to flip over the shoulder when carrying the little tot to protect against drools and vomits :-)  No need for fancy thick cotton towels.  Even the plain white cloth diapers can double as burp cloths.
• Bibs - babies droooooooool, so yes, you will need a dozen or so of these.  I highly recommend getting those that have a plastic backing because drool or baby food stain can soak through cotton bibs.
• Hypoallergenic bath wash - I'm partial to Johnsons® Baby top-to-toe wash because of the convenience it brings to bath time.  Babies will hate bath time during the first 2 months.  We call it the "tea bag syndrome" -- when dipped into the water, baby wails; lifted out of the water, baby calms down.  So make bath time quick and easy for you and your baby.  And since we're on the subject of bath time, do away with those squeaky plastic or spongy bath toys.  Babies won't care much for them until they're at least 7 months old.  Also, since they're not really safe or clean, and teething babies will put anything in their mouths, you don't want them to be chewing on those things.
• Waterproof changing mat - keep one at home in the crib or on the diaper changing table, and keep another one permanently stowed in the baby bag.
• Disposable wet tissue - or more popularly known as "Wet Ones".  Buy in bulk.  You can never overestimate the usefulness of anything disposable and easy to pull out when you're a new parent dealing with your first baby, especially when you go out ;-)
• Baby bag - A sensible baby bag is a sling-type one that is large, wide, has lots of pockets (one of them being big enough to slip the changing mat into), and made of polyester fabric.  There should be separate pockets for storing bottles, your breast pump, clothes, burp cloths, bibs, etc.  In short, choose a bag that will make organizing and reaching/finding things easy and quick for you.
• Car seat and stroller set - this is an item you should really invest in because it involves your child's safety.  The good kinds tend to be slightly bulkier as they're designed to be safer.
• Playpen with bassinet - go for the travel or portable types because they're sturdier, safer, more compact, and easier to use than the usual cribs.  Less expensive and more useful since the baby graduates from the bassinet to the playpen once s/he turns a year old, so there's no need to buy a new playpen.
• Baby sling - there are different types, but I personally feel that the structured front carrier is the safest.  Some models can be adjusted depending on how the baby will be carried in it, facing front or facing you.
• Teether - I recommend teether rings that are liquid-filled and with a bit of texture.  Avoid the thick, hard plastic kind.  I recommend keeping 2 or 3 teethers in the ref.  The coolness soothes your baby's gums and the spare teethers ensure that s/he can keep gnawing on something.  You might wonder about pacifiers.  I strongly advise against those, but using pacifiers is really up to you.

JUST A FEW WILL DO:

• Pajamas / shorts - even tiny panties will do.  Doesn't need to be fancy either.  Just plain ones will do the job of covering your baby's lower half especially when you go out.  Trust me, when you're just hanging out at home and you live in a warm place, all your baby needs is a diaper and a bib. 
• Blankies - you don't need a lot of these because no matter how much you wrap them burrito-style, those newborns will shake out of it minutes later.  Also, if you live in a warm place, then blankies are kinda useless.  But if the temperature drops, it's important to keep a blanket around the baby to protect him/her from catching a cold.
• Hooded towels - you don't need lots of these because your newborn won't be bathed a lot during the first 3 months. Once the baby gets bigger anyway, you can start using normal-sized bath towels already, so no need for special ones.
• Socks / shoes - unless you live in a cold climate, why bother with socks?  And baby shoes?  Come on.  They're cute but totally useless at this point.
• Hats - no need for dozens of fancy hats.  Just 1 or 2 will do, because you only need to cap one on your child's noggin when it's cold outside.
• Gloves - just 2 pairs is OK, unless you live in colder places.  In a warm climate, the gloves will only be useful really during the first month, because you're not supposed to cut the baby's nails till s/he turns a month old as they'll still be too soft to trim.  Gloves will keep the baby from scratching himself/herself.
• Washcloth - a few pieces of this will do and they don't even have to be the thick kind.  While on this topic, don't use a sponge to wash your baby because it might irritate or accidentally scratch the sensitive skin.

MAYBE NOT:

• Health and grooming kit -  some of these kits are like swiss army knives; they pack way too much and you're not even sure you'll use everything (chances are, you won't use them all).  The essentials really are just the digital thermometer, nail clipper, and nasal aspirator, which you can buy separately and end up costing you less than getting the entire kit.
• Bathtub - a bathtub accessory you might come across is the "baby net" or "baby sling" that you can attach to the sides of the tub.  Don't be fooled; those don't work and are not really that safe.  Chances are, you will be more comfortable holding the baby yourself while washing him/her down (it's safer, too).  Besides, you won't need any slings once s/he can sit in the tub already, and that usually happens by the 6th or 7th month. 
• Other accessories -  they're called "accessories" because they're exactly just that -- supplements, additions, icing on the cake.  Unless the accessory truly adds an extra usefulness, consider it mere fluff.

When your new baby finally arrives and you go through the daily adventure of parenthood, you will surely pick up tips, advice, etc from well-meaning relatives and friends along the way.  Some of these info will definitely be pamahiin or traditional beliefs.  Some are based on facts, others aren't, so do your research before buying additional stuff for your new nest.  Personally, we used the bigkis and acete de manzanilla technique for kabag in our kids, but it doesn't work all the time.

I hope this checklist will be helpful for you.  If you spot an essential that should be in our "starter kit" here, please do leave a comment.  Thanks! :-)