The Ultimate Checklist for New Mums-To-Be, Of All The Things To Prepare Before Your Confinement Nanny Arrives!

Your delivery date is almost here and you have everything ready, from the nursery room to your confinement nanny… or so you think. Have you gathered all the materials and tools required for the upcoming month too? Your confinement lady will need them to ensure you enjoy a smooth postpartum period.

Don’t worry if you haven’t gotten all the necessary items because it’s not as daunting as it sounds if you know what to look out for. Here is a checklist to help you get started!

1. For mothers:

a) Maternity preparation

These are items you will need for hospital use, such as clothing, tampons, and baby clothes. We suggest getting them ready a month before your EDD if possible. This will prevent you from getting caught off-guard in the event that something unexpected or sudden occurs.

b) Confinement herbs

Prepare some basic herbs required for the confinement month. They can be divided into two main categories: 1) Tonic supplements for consumption and 2) Herbs for bathing. 

Tonic supplements can be further divided into two sub-categories: 1) for tonic soup and 2) for confinement tea. 

For mums who do not have experience with this, consider asking experts such as Madam Partum to learn more about their 28-day herbal packages, confinement tea materials, herbal bath bags and more. Different herbs have varying healing properties and health benefits, so seek advice and choose herbs according to your physical needs.

c) Nursing equipment

Equipment for the mother’s nursing needs includes breast pump machines and cleaning utensils such as brushes and baby bottle cleaners. Mums should first decide on whether they are breastfeeding or using formula milk before picking the relevant tools.

Before making any purchases, consider vital factors such as whether the equipment is convenient to use, convenient to sterilise, its efficiency and its durability. Remember to store this equipment in a way that is both hygienic and easy to move from place to place.

d) Sterilisation tools

Any items used for baby feeding must be sterilised before and after every feed. There are several disinfection methods in the market such as steaming, UV-sterilising, boiling, soaking and more. Ultimately, it boils down (no pun intended!) to the mother’s preferences. 

All appliances must be cleaned once they have been used, so mothers should prepare dedicated cleaning materials such as sponges and rags after selecting their ideal disinfection method. 

e) EBM (Express breast milk) storage utensils

This is for nursing mothers who have extra unused milk during lactation. To store spare milk, you can use various methods such as milk storage bags and bottles. These are not only safe but also easily accessible.

In the unfortunate event that mums spill milk while breastfeeding, we recommend using the ‘Haakaa Silicone Pump’ to collect the spilt milk and avoid wastage.   

If you need to pump breast milk while out of the house, consider getting a cooling bag that contains a cooling gel pack. Not only is this a clean and hygienic storage method, but it also ensures that milk does not spoil easily.

f) Cleansing / bathing equipment

The postpartum body is not suited for long periods of standing. Mothers in confinement might also experience dizziness and inconvenience in washing wounds. Therefore, do gather the required items for your maternity wash such as a small water basin with herbal bath water, a stool for sitting on when bathing, bath towels and so on. Of course, don’t forget items such as cleaning potion and cotton balls to wash your wounds.

g) Cooking utensils for confinement meals

Basic cooking pots play a more important role during the postpartum period than you realise. Without them, you cannot cook delicious, nutritious and healthy confinement meals. Mums should ensure that there are enough kitchen utensils and tools at home e.g. slow cooker, frying pan, insulation pot, soup pot and more. 

Of course, you can consider temporarily borrowing these from your friends and relatives if you do not see yourself using them in future after confinement, so as to save money.

You can also ask your confinement lady what utensils they frequently use to cook before borrowing or purchasing anything.

h) Cleansing / bathing products

These are used for cleaning purposes e.g. sanitiser, facial tissue, wet wipes, breast pads etc depending on the mum’s needs. The most important thing is to maintain optimal hygiene and stay clean at all times to avoid unnecessary infections. 

2. Baby 

a) Beds

Bed size, utility and comfort are all essential considerations when getting a baby cot as this is where your newborn will be spending most of his time. Do not forget accessories such as a changing mat, bed sheet cover and waterproof pads. You should also prepare multiple of these items so that you will always have a spare on hand in the event of emergencies.

Mothers who are worried about mosquito bites can use a mosquito net to protect their baby from insect bites. 

b) Cleansing/ bathing equipment

Prepare baby cleansing items such as a bathtub, bathing handkerchiefs, small stools, a small basin for wiping or cleaning purposes.

For bath handkerchiefs and feeding handkerchiefs, avoid mixing or using them together to prevent contamination.

c) Clothing and storage tray

As far as possible, your baby’s clothing should be cotton-based. Not only is cotton more comfortable and breathable, it is also hypoallergenic and softer on the infant’s skin.

You should always have several sets of clean baby clothes for every occasion, whether for indoors or outdoors and day or night.

d) Consumables

These refer to items that will help clean up dirt e.g. diapers, wet tissue, sanitiser, cotton balls, cotton buds etc. 

Make sure to use suitable diapers from a trustworthy brand. They should not be too wide or too tight as they make your baby uncomfortable. If your baby is allergic, try switching brands or seek your doctor’s advice. 

Wet paper towels should not contain fragrances or alcohol as these might cause discomfort or trigger allergies in your baby.

e) Cleansing / Bathing Products

Consider your baby’s skin condition first when purchasing these items. Due to your baby’s tender and delicate skin, make sure to avoid anything with harsh chemicals or strong saponin products in your nappy cream, moisturiser, shower gel, baby laundry detergent, etc. Wherever possible, pick something manufactured with pure or natural ingredients or products that are specially produced for babies. 

f) Storage bag

The hospital will usually provide a small bag when you are discharged from the hospital. You can keep important documents and items inside e.g. a follow-up card / record booklet, baby clothing, small changing mat, diapers, nursing cover etc.

g) Additional items for outdoor trips

You should not be holding on to your baby all the time when outdoors as this will tire you out in no time. It is also unsafe for both mother and child.

This is where essential items such as a baby trolley and baby seat will come in handy. Pack and prepare them in advance when you are planning a trip out. With so many options on the market, pick what suits your needs and your baby best. 

The above list acts as a reference for novice parents to procure any necessities they require before the big day, and we hope you find it useful. After all, being prepared is half the battle won. Good luck!

This content was brought to you by Confinement Angels. 

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