now what?

We are five months preggy, we just learned recently it's going to be a girl. Had attempted to shop for her things but came back home empty handed. I am confused what and how much can I buy regarding the essentials, we don't want to end having too much. Moms out there can you share your checklist?

Just try not to overdo it. I cannot find my exact list, but basically I fell for alot of sales talk and bought virtually everything that was shown to me.


As far as clothes are concerned, buy the absolute minimum (some sleepsuits, a hat, an outfit for leaving the hospital). You'll be inundated with gifts, many of which your little girl will have grown out of by the time that you receive them.


Also, bear in mind the size of your home. Do you really need a moses basket, cot, and carry cot for your pram/buggy? Get some bedding, blankets, sheets and a sleeping bag or two for when she is a little bigger.


I would invest in a decent pram/buggy though. Think of how you'll be using it - a Silver Cross may look stunning, but not very practical in HK and your daughter will grow out of it quickly too. Personally I love the 'travel systems'; with a car seat that clicks into the wheels, reverts to being a regular buggy when she has outgrown the car seat. Makes travel much earier for the first few months (if the baby falls asleep in the car, you do not have to wake her when taking her out). A car seat is must (although apparently not required by law in HK). Some kind of sling or Baby Bjorn etc (search other posts, lots of valuable advice) is also very handy here, and for travel as many airlines no longer allow you to take a stroller to and from the plane (must be checked luggage).


Changing bag, and its contents (nappies, cotton wool, wipes, cream). Changing table if you have room, but you could use another chest of drawers/table and put a changing mat on top.


Feeding stuff (but do not go overboard here either, not every baby likes every bottle type). Steriliser. If you are breast feeding, a pump. Lots of muslins to throw over your shoulder and (hopefuly) catch the mess when she throws up.


My children loved musical mobiles for their cots. The Tiny Love, Symphony in Music version kept them amused for long enough for me to have a shower etc.


Baby bath or better still one that can be put on top of yours, so that you do not have to bend over too much. Baby wash, natural sponge.


Depending on the size of your house, a baby monitor.


I'm sure there's lots I'm forgetting, but you get the idea.


Most pregnancy magazines have helpful checklists, just apply some common sense and do not buy everything at once. You can always go back and get more, but it's not so easy to return stuff. Happy shopping.

A lot of baby stores have this checklist too.. .but I found myself going WAY over that list's suggestions.....


Also, remember, you are going to get some gifts from family and friends..... buy the practical stuff.... and take your time, I would suggest just LOOK right now... ( try to resist), and then near your last trimester, then make the actual purchases....

Hello and Congratulations. I found the book Baby Bargains to be extremely helpful. It isn't a "bargain" book but details every piece of equipment, clothing, furniture, etc. you may need and reviews all of the various brands. Discusses all of the pros and cons and gives grades. With two children now, I am always kicking myself when I had gone against what the book advised and bought something it said was not too great. (ie the "top of the line" prima papa high chair. It's really made for giants and it's a pain to clean. I went back and bought the Fisher Price... just like the book said.)


http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1889392197/sr=8-1/qid=1148664637/ref=pd_bbs_1/102-5787474-0085730?%5Fencoding=UTF8


I recommend you look through this book and maybe start another thread with whatever questions you may have. I imagine the only possible difficulty being getting exactly the item you want in HK.


PS - If you plan to breastfeed, the Boppy is terrible but My Breast Friend is a lifesaver!


Best of luck to you!

basics - nappies, baby bath, stroller (test drive other peoples first with a baby in it), bed and linens, and the consumables for cleaning baby - they actually don't need to use soap for quite a long time - the scent in the baby bath stuff is not good for them.


Clothing - about 3-6 pieces to start with - you will get heaps if it is your first baby. This will tied you over until you figure out what you really need. seasons change and so do babies.


Avoid buying until the last month or so - but have a look now.

If you will be at home and have no extended family or a helper to support you after the birth, then you probably want to buy more at first. However, a lot of things like a pram and high chair are really unnecessary until your child is 2-6 months old. Yes, you need to find a baby carrier solution, but a pram isn't the answer so early.


The essentials are bedding, some clothes (buy bigger than you think you will need), bath accessories including a tub, burp cloths, bottles, and teats.


A lot of folks like bouncy chairs and play gyms. These are good for keeping the baby occupied. At around 3-4 months, you may want to invest in a Bumbo Seat and an exersaucer. A mobile atop the crib may be nice too. Some/a lot of this stuff you will get as presents though.


If you planning to breastfeed, then a feeding pillow and mother's milk tea are also good purchases earlier than later.


You should also buy a nice camera now.

Highly recommend Tigex Baby Bath Seat (available at Bumps to babes.) it holds your baby in the tub so if you're bathing him/her alone, no worries. It's from 0-9 months and just a wonderful piece of plastic.


also second recommendation of Tiny Love Symphony mobile.

Hello everybody, my apologies for not acknowledging all your postings as soon as I should have. We are now on our 7th months, have started buying the essentials but still have this bugging feeling we're not buying enough or not being practical. Oh well when is enough for a mom to her little ones! Been to the malls quite a lot lately circling around, so far I ended up buying clothes up to 6 months!

Thanks everyone for your helpful replies!