When you're pregnant with your first born, everything seems irresistible. When you walk pass baby section in hypermarket, you go all WOW with baby stuff and you find them so cute. And when that happens, you usually end up buying stuff that you don't need.
In my experience, I bought stuff that are basic for newborns and I don't splurge. Unlike #daddyjedi who loves to buy onesies for his only hero which can last him for the next 1 to 2 years -__-' hashtag #daddysyndrome
There were a few things that I thought I don't need it but when #babyjedi turned 5 months, I realize that these are the things that makes life of a mother so easy especially working mothers like me. First up in the list:
Drying rack:
This drying rack was not in my list of purchase when I was pregnant. I was thinking of just using the normal plastic containers to dry my bottle, pumps, bottle accessories after every wash. Soon, I realize that I use too many containers. One is for washing, one for storing, one for drying. So I end up getting myself a set of this and it has been helping me in saving so much space. So now I only use one for washing and a drying rack. Plus, it is fold-able, so you can bring it during travel too
This doesn't cost you a bomb. you don't need the expensive one. A normal brand will do the job. Mine was from Autumnz and I purchase it from Lazada.
Sterilizer
This thing is so HELPFUL that I don't have to wait 30 mins just to sterilize my bottles. Imagine having 20 bottles and you need to sterilize it into 2 parts, waiting for the water to boil, insert those bottles and wait for them to be fully sterilize That means bye-bye to your sleep. Enough of having to wash soooo many bottles on a daily basis, I don't think I need another task to add on.
A bottle warmer and sterilizer are saviors especially for working mums. All you need to do is pop in those bottles and with a press of a button, your bottles are sterilized within 11 minutes. Sterilizing time varies depending on brands. Some could be as short as 8 minutes. I advise that you get a good one cause you can resell these items once they're no longer in need, given that they're still in good and working conditions.
A good breast pump
This is like a lifeline for breastfeeding mothers. I mean it's like my oxygen tank. I bring this everywhere I go, everywhere means, even to shopping malls. You can see me lugging it on my shoulder.
Invest, invest, invest...... Having a reliable and very good pump is important to make sure that you express those milk out from your boobies to avoid them from getting engorge and mastitis. I have 2 of these. One is for travel and one is for office use. A good and efficient pump will cut your pumping time. It means that you can express your breastmilk in shorter time. I used to pump 30 mins per session but now since I have changed to a new pump, I spent only about 20 mins. How well your valve and valve membranes works is also taken into consideration. Make sure you change your valve or membranes once you feel the suction is no longer strong.
An efficient pump does not mean expensive. It varies in each mothers. You could get expensive ones but it doesn't mean it will do the job efficiently. Try them first before purchasing. Some baby boutique provide tester pump for you to try before making any purchase. You may inquire the sales assistant first
Sterilizer tablet:
This little sterilizing tablet could come in handy especially when you're traveling or when you're admitted to the hospital after giving birth. Some hospital charge you as high as RM5 per tablet (which include a plastic container that you can bring home).
Nursing cover:
This will depend on a mother's preference. I prefer to bring it everywhere with me. Not only it covers during breast feeding but you can use it for other purpose as well (e.g stroller cover, pumping when there is no mother's room available). But make sure you get a good one and cotton.
