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Baby Essentials and Recommendations: What to Buy, What to Skip

As a mum, it’s easy to get caught up in buying all the latest baby gear, especially when you want the best for your little ones. I’ve bought my fair share of expensive baby items—some have been lifesavers, while others… let’s just say, I wouldn’t recommend them. Here’s my take on what’s worth the splurge and what you might want to skip.

1. Thermometers: Don’t Skimp on This!

Total Price: $69 - $200 (depending on brand and model)

I’ll admit, I started with the Pigeon thermometer because it was affordable. However, it’s only accurate for rectal temperatures, which is a nightmare to take when your baby is cranky or sick. After struggling through that, I quickly realised it’s worth investing in a reliable thermometer.

I highly recommend getting a proper thermometer like the Braun ear thermometer or an infrared one. Even Lollababy has a great option. Yes, they’re pricier, but trust me, you’ll be using them countless times, and they’ll save you the stress of inaccurate readings.

2. Nasal Aspirator: Cheap Isn’t Always Better

Total Price: $125 (Lollababy)

In the beginning, I tried a couple of those cheap nasal aspirators from Shopee—the squishy ball pump and the sucking tube. Both were affordable but not very effective, especially as my baby got older and more difficult to handle during sickness.

I eventually invested in the Lollababy nasal aspirator, and honestly, it’s been a lifesaver. It works in seconds, getting out even the thick green mucus, which is so much easier to deal with using a saline spray beforehand. Yes, it’s expensive, but when your baby is sick, you’ll be grateful for something that works quickly and effectively.

3. Stokke Bed: Beautiful, But Is It Worth It?

Total Price: $1,235 (Base Price) + $384 (Add-ons)

I initially fell in love with the Stokke Bed—the idea of a cot that grows with your child sounded so practical, and the aesthetic? So lovely! But when you factor in the price of $1,235 for the V3, it starts to feel like a stretch. Plus, all the add-ons are pretty pricey: $115 for the drape rod, $129 for the canopy, $85 for the bed protection sheet, and more.

While I don’t regret buying it for my first baby, I wouldn’t purchase it again. There are just too many cheaper alternatives with similar features. Even the oval sheets are expensive, and I usually end up buying those from Taobao! Alternatively, you can find dupes for everything on Shopee or Taobao, but do read the reviews before purchasing—I can’t vouch for how well they’ll hold up.

4. Stokke Chair: Expensive, Even Without the Extras!

Total Price: $485 (Base Price) + $492 (Add-ons)

The Stokke Chair is another one that starts off expensive and keeps adding up. I bought the 50th Anniversary Edition, which was $570, but once you start adding the extras, like the newborn set ($195), baby set ($109), and tray ($99), it quickly becomes a serious investment.

It’s a great chair, but be prepared for a hefty price tag if you want all the accessories. Honestly, there are more affordable high chairs out there that do the job just as well. Alternatively, you can find dupes on Shopee or Taobao, but again, be sure to check the reviews, as I can’t guarantee their safety and how long they’ll last.

5. Island Living Marelia Chest of Drawers: Pretty, But Lacking in Quality

Total Price: $699 (base price) + $119 (for Changing Box) + $60 (for Assembly)

I bought the Island Living Marelia Chest of Drawers for $699 because it looked beautiful in the nursery. Add $119 for the changing box and $60 for assembly, and it starts adding up. I

Because I stay in the house I remember them wanting to charge me extra $20 during delivery per flight of stairs. Baby’s nursery is on level 3 so you do the math 💸

Is it worth it? Not really. The drawers can’t handle much weight, and they stain easily. If you leave anything wet on it, the paint will start to crack, revealing the wood underneath. For that price, I expected a lot more durability, and honestly, there are better options out there for less.

6. Mylo Lifesaver Bottle Washer: My bestfriend!

Total Price: Usual Price $399, I Got It for $150 on Carousell

The Mylo Bottle Washer was a game-changer for me. It washes, steams, and sterilises all in one step. No more moving bottles from one machine to another😌

The downside? It only fits about 4 bottles at a time, and filling the 2.5L water tank is a bit of a hassle. Still, if you’re looking to cut down on time spent washing bottles, it’s a lifesaver and totally worth the investment! I was lucky to get it secondhand from Carousell at $150, but even at full price, it’s worth considering if you’re a busy mama without helper, or simply just hate washing. And yes, you can also wash pump parts! However I can’t seem to find it on the official site anymore so maybe you can try your luck on carousell like me if you’re keen!

7. Iuiga Avis Rocking Chair: Stylish, But Not for Nursing

Total Price: $399

I bought the Iuiga Avis Rocking Chair for $399, again for the aesthetics. While it’s super comfortable and looks amazing in the nursery, it’s not ideal for nursing.

The deep curve of the seat just makes slouching worse, and I ended up with horrible lower back and neck pain from breastfeeding in it. If you’re looking for a chair to nurse in, definitely go for something with better support.

8. Lucky Baby Xpresso Smart Baby Formula Maker: A Time-Saving Gem

Total Price: $264

I absolutely love this machine! It’s been a lifesaver, especially during those late-night feeds. It saves so much time by quickly prepping the formula at just the right temperature. The downside? You need to clean it regularly, or it might get mouldy. I learned this the hard way during the rainy season and felt so guilty when I found out. But with proper maintenance, it’s 100% worth it!

9. Skip the Baabaa Sheep!

I know the Baabaa Sheep bolsters and pillows are all over Instagram, but honestly, I don’t think they’re worth the hype. I bought one in every size, and they got soft and clumpy way too fast for my liking.

Instead, I found a much better alternative with Bedding Day on Fortytwo. I got a mum-and-child bundle with 1 XL bolster, 1 jumbo bolster, and 2 pillowcases for $78.70—compare that to Baabaa Sheep’s XL bolster, which is $89 on its own. Bedding Day’s quality has held up much better for us!

Final Thoughts

Some baby items are definitely worth the splurge, while others you can skip without missing out. I hope my experiences help you make smarter choices when shopping for your little one. After all, we all want the best for our babies, but that doesn’t mean we have to break the bank unnecessarily!

#mummytips #saveorsplurge #babyessentials #ParentingTips #parentinglife