To all expectant parents, this is the final installment of the long-running series on preparing essential baby products.
We will provide a final review by summarizing all the items covered so far, and adding key practical tips based on real parenting experience.
Prepare for parenting more smoothly with smart spending!
※ For detailed tips on each item, please refer to the previously written articles!
- Tips for Preparing for Childbirth – 1. Mother’s Essentials
- Tips for Preparing for Childbirth – 2. Feeding Essentials
- Tips for Preparing for Childbirth – 3. Hygiene Essentials
- Tips for Preparing for Childbirth – 4. Bedding Essentials
- Tips for Preparing for Childbirth – 5. Bathing Essentials
- Tips for Preparing for Childbirth – 6. Baby Clothing
- Tips for Preparing for Childbirth – 7. Developmental Gear
- Tips for Preparing for Childbirth – 8. Electronics
< Summary of Key Preparation Points by Item >
| Category | Item Name | One-Sentence Summary (Preparation Point) |
|---|---|---|
| Mommy Essentials | Supplements (Iron, Omega-3) | Take after consulting a specialist for postpartum recovery and enhancing breast milk nutrition. |
| Nursing Bra | Wire-free and easy-to-detach for feeding convenience; essential for breastfeeding. | |
| Maternity Underwear | Choose a cotton, loose-fitting size for securing lochia pads. | |
| Nursing Tank Top | Needed for comfort and temperature maintenance during feeding; useful for breastfeeding. | |
| Compression Stockings | Needed to prevent leg swelling and blood clots; check if provided by the hospital. | |
| Maternity Pads | Prepare large, absorbent size in advance for lochia management after childbirth. | |
| Sleep Socks | Needed for maintaining body temperature and warming ankles postpartum. | |
| Abdominal Binder | Essential for supporting the abdomen and relieving pain after C-section; recommended after natural birth too. | |
| Wrist/Ankle Support | Needed to protect joints during child-rearing; recommended to wear when pain occurs. | |
| Perineal Cushion | Prepare a well-cushioned product to relieve perineal pain after natural birth. | |
| Nursing Pads | Needed to prevent milk leakage and for hygiene; consider absorbency and comfort. | |
| Nipple Cream | Prepare with gentle ingredients to prevent/relieve nipple pain during breastfeeding. | |
| Feeding Essentials | Formula | If it doesn’t suit the baby, it can cause colic/refusal, so test a small amount and consider a quick brand change. |
| Baby Bottle | Check for anti-colic features and nipple compatibility; carefully select the material (PPSU, etc.). | |
| Nipple | A consumable item to be replaced in stages according to the baby’s age and feeding speed. | |
| Formula Dispenser/Storage Bags | Needed for convenient formula measuring and storage when going out. | |
| Bottle Cleanser | Prepare with a mild, safe formula specifically for baby products. | |
| Bottle Drying Rack | Needed for hygienic drying if not using a bottle sterilizer. | |
| Nursing Pillow | Choose a firm, stable product that reduces back/shoulder strain for the mother during feeding. | |
| Anti-Reflux Pillow | Increasingly becoming essential to prevent reflux and spit-up after feeding. | |
| Breast Pump | Essential if planning to breastfeed; prepare an electric model with fine pressure control in advance. | |
| Breast Pump Flange/Horn | Check for compatibility with the breast pump bottle; purchase an adapter if necessary. | |
| Breast Milk Storage Bags | For hygienic storage of pumped milk; essential for breastfeeding. | |
| Breast Milk Cooler Bag | Essential for breastfeeding to maintain milk freshness during outings and storage. | |
| Hygiene Essentials | Gauze Wipes/Handkerchiefs | Most versatile essential item; prepare 30-40+ pieces and wash before use. |
| Cloth Diapers | Can be used for multiple purposes like pillows, swaddles, bath towels (Recommended: Bambobebe, etc.). | |
| Diapers | Absorbency and breathability are important; prepare only a small amount of Newborn (NB) size. | |
| Diaper Rash Cream | Prepare with mild, safe ingredients in case of a rash. | |
| Diaper Pail | Prepare a dedicated product with odor-blocking function for hygiene management. | |
| Diaper Bag | Choose a light bag that can efficiently store necessary items for outings. | |
| Diaper Caddy | Keep diaper changing supplies in one place for convenient use. | |
| Baby Wipes | Check for safe ingredients and sufficient moisture; stock up generously. | |
| Newborn Cotton Swabs | Prepare for infants to clean delicate areas like inside the nose and outer ear. | |
| Nail Scissors/Clippers | Essential for safely managing the baby’s delicate nails. | |
| Nasal Aspirator | Recommended to buy in advance for quick treatment of runny or stuffy noses. | |
| Thermometer | Essential to have; ear thermometers with high accuracy and fast measurement are recommended. | |
| Hygrometer/Thermometer | Needed to maintain the appropriate temperature and humidity (40-60%) in the baby’s living space. | |
| Baby Laundry Detergent | Must be an infant-specific, mild, and safe detergent, washed separately from adult clothes. | |
| Baby Fabric Softener | Use a mild, non-irritating product to prevent static and keep baby clothes soft. | |
| Bedding Essentials | Swaddle | Used up to 3 months to prevent the Moro reflex and provide security; choose a breathable material. |
| Outer Wrap/Blanket | Used for warmth when leaving the hospital and during frequent outings; check if provided by the hospital. | |
| Crib | Provides a safe, independent sleeping space; check for safety certification and portability. | |
| Mattress/Quilt Set | Prepare with baby-exclusive pure cotton, sweat-absorbent, and easy-to-wash material. | |
| Baby Pillow | Choose according to the baby’s condition and purpose (heat rash, flat head prevention, millet pillow). | |
| Waterproof Pad | Essential for protecting the mattress/bedding from stains and for hygiene management. | |
| Blanket | Versatile for temperature regulation indoors/outdoors and as a nursing cover. | |
| Neck Pillow | Used to prevent head shaking and provide support for newborns in a car seat/stroller. | |
| Bumper Bed | Prepare as a safe playing and sleeping space once the baby starts rolling over. | |
| Play Mat | Prepare to absorb impact and prevent noise between floors when the baby starts crawling. | |
| Bathing Essentials | Lotion | Apply all over the body within the 3-minute ‘golden time’ after bathing to prevent skin dryness; consider a quick change if it doesn’t suit the baby. |
| Cream | Higher oil content than lotion, forming a strong, concentrated moisturizing barrier on dry areas. | |
| Baby Oil | Used for baby massage or moisturizing; discontinue use if it doesn’t suit the skin. | |
| Shampoo & Wash | Recommend a mild all-in-one product for newborns to wash both head and body at once. | |
| Baby Bathtub | Consider anti-slip, drainage, and size for convenient bathing; a simple basin is also recommended. | |
| Baby Neck Float | Can bring joy to babies who love water play, but safety must be ensured. | |
| Bathtub Cleaner | Periodically clean the bathtub, which touches the baby’s skin, with a safe-ingredient cleaner. | |
| Bath Soak | If the baby enjoys water play, make bath time fun with a mild-ingredient product. | |
| Bath Towel | Prepare a large, absorbent size; a gauze wipe can be used as a substitute. | |
| Clothing | Kimono Shirt/Top | Essential clothing until the umbilical cord heals; not needed in large quantity as they transition quickly to onesies/sleepers. |
| Newborn Onesie | Indoor wear worn after or alternating with kimono shirts; choose a design easy for diaper changes. | |
| Sleepsuit/Footie/Romper | Used as outerwear and comfortable indoor wear; full-length snap/zip design is easy to put on. | |
| Hand/Foot Mittens | Hand mittens prevent face scratching, foot mittens provide warmth; essential if the baby scratches often. | |
| Newborn Hat | Essential for maintaining body temperature during hiccups and for warmth when going out. | |
| Socks | Used for warming the feet and as a substitute for shoes/booties when going out. | |
| Bib | Prepare to prevent clothing from being stained during feeding and weaning. | |
| Developmental Gear | Stroller | Purchase in the order: Deluxe (Newborn), Convertible, Lightweight; check if suitable for newborns. |
| Car Seat | Essential for baby safety during car travel; prepare a safety-certified product. | |
| Infant Car Seat/Carrier | Can be used interchangeably with a stroller when going out, but less useful if outings are infrequent. | |
| Baby Carrier | Frees the parents’ hands and gives the baby security; choose a product that supports a safe posture (M-shape). | |
| Hip Seat | Integrated baby carrier and hip seat products are also recommended; use according to the baby’s growth. | |
| Carrier Cover/Warmer | Needed for baby warmth during winter outings; less useful if the baby is born in summer. | |
| High Chair | Essential to prepare for developing proper eating habits starting from the weaning period. | |
| Bouncer | Used to secure parent rest time and briefly soothe the baby. | |
| Walker | An assistive product that helps the baby move and develop independently; check safety standards. | |
| Mobile (Black/White/Color) | Use black/white initially (up to 3 months), then switch to color mobile for visual development. | |
| Rattle | Essential toy for aiding the baby’s auditory, fine motor skill development, and learning cause-and-effect. | |
| Lovey/Comfort Toy | A soft toy that provides emotional security and psychological comfort to the baby. | |
| Pacifier | Helps satisfy the baby’s needs and provides a sense of calm; hygiene management is important. | |
| Electronics | Bottle Sterilizer | Essential for sterilizing/drying bottles, nipples, etc.; recommend replacing the lamp if bought secondhand. |
| Formula Kettle | If there is no formula maker, a kettle that keeps water at the ideal temperature for formula mixing is useful. | |
| Formula Maker | If planning formula or mixed feeding, it automatically prepares formula, increasing the convenience of nighttime feeds. | |
| Baby Washing Machine | Separates baby clothes from adult clothes for hygienic washing; convenient for washing small loads. | |
| Air Purifier | Essential to have a product with excellent performance in filtering fine dust and harmful gases for the baby’s respiratory health. | |
| Humidifier | Essential for maintaining appropriate humidity for newborn respiratory and skin health; exercise caution if using a warm-mist/steam model. | |
| Night Light | Prepare a product with a soft brightness that doesn’t disturb the baby’s sleep during nighttime feeding/diaper changes. |
< Practical Tips by Item >
🤰 Mommy Essentials
Preparation Items by Delivery Method
- The items needed will differ depending on the delivery method (natural birth / C-section). Determine the items to prepare in advance according to your planned delivery method.
Check Hospital-Provided Items
- Items like the abdominal binder and compression stockings are often provided by the hospital where you plan to give birth. Check the hospital’s provided items in advance to reduce unnecessary expenses.
🍼 Feeding Essentials
Formula Selection Tips
- It is best to start with the same formula used at the maternity clinic/postpartum care center. A sudden change in formula brand can be difficult for the baby.
- When changing to a desired brand later, gradually transition the baby over several days (recommended to change the ratio from old formula : new formula sequentially: 70:30, 50:50, 30:70, etc.).
- If the formula doesn’t agree with the baby, do not hesitate to switch to another brand. Every baby has a brand that works best for them (However, too frequent changes are not good for the baby).
Bottle Selection Tips
- Popular, widely-used brands make it easier to purchase and ensure the compatibility of accessories like nipples.
- Prioritize ease of cleaning. Some brands have a unique structure to prevent colic, but cleaning can be very tedious. If colic is not severe, a simple structure that is easy to wash is better (In infancy, you will wash ten or more bottles a day).
Nipple Replacement Tips
- Although you need to keep replacing nipples as the baby grows, adjust based on the baby’s reaction rather than sticking to the recommended age printed on the product.
- Long feeding time and baby struggling (flow is too slow): Change to an older age stage (faster flow).
- Baby frequently spits up and chokes (flow is too fast): Change to a younger age stage (slower flow).
Breast Pump and Flange
- If you obtain a breast pump secondhand or inherit one from an acquaintance (Note: resale is generally prohibited for medical devices), you can use it hygienically by only purchasing a new flange (the part that connects to the bottle).
- Check the size compatibility between the flange and the bottle opening. (If they don’t match, a connection cap can usually be purchased.)
🧼 Hygiene Essentials
Wipes/Handkerchiefs
- You will receive many as gifts initially (often included as a service item with clothing gifts). Prepare about 20-30 gauze wipes primarily, and use the gifted ones for outings.
Wipes
- Thick and heavy-duty wipes are good. Usually, the same brand offers various types (thin, thick, etc.). (You can prepare various thicknesses depending on the use, but there’s no need to buy too many different types.)
🛌 Bedding Essentials
Outer Wrap/Blanket
- The outer wrap is generally provided once by the maternity clinic upon discharge. The necessity of purchasing one is low unless the birth is in winter or outings are frequent.
🛁 Bathing Essentials
Checking Water Temperature (Bath Thermometer)
- It’s good to have a bath thermometer, but if you don’t, use your “elbow.” The temperature of the hand fluctuates significantly, making it difficult to gauge the water temperature accurately. Dip your elbow to check if the temperature is suitably warm ($36-38^{\circ}C$).
Regarding Baby Bathtub
- While more expensive tubs are indeed more convenient for bathing, there is little need to use a high-end bathtub. (Reference: Many manage well with two simple oval basins (one for the first wash + one for the second rinse) costing around 7,000 KRW each.)
Bath Towel/Sponge
- Sea sponges or natural konjac sponges are gentle on the skin, but difficult to dry, raising concerns about bacterial growth. You can simply wet a gauze wipe and use it to clean the baby instead of purchasing a separate bath sponge.
👗 Clothing
Kimono Shirt/Top
- The period for wearing kimono shirts is not very long. It is recommended to focus on preparing newborn onesies or sleepers.
Newborn Hat
- If the baby has hiccups, put on a hat. Preventing heat loss helps stop the hiccups.
👶 Developmental Gear
Infant Car Seat/Carrier
- Recommended if outings are frequent during the newborn phase. Otherwise, you won’t miss it much, and the usage period is short.
Baby Carrier / Hip Seat
- Integrated products (detachable baby carrier and hip seat) are popular nowadays.
Walker
- The usage period might be short for babies who start walking quickly. Consider products that also have a Jumperoo function. (Note: Use of walkers should be done cautiously.)
Mobile
- After the baby starts rolling over, standing focus books or accordion books have a higher utility than mobiles viewed while lying down.
💻 Electronics
Bottle Sterilizer
- If considering a secondhand purchase, it is highly recommended to replace the “UV lamp” with a new one. (The replacement cost is only a few thousand won.)
Formula Maker
- If you plan to formula feed, strong recommendation to purchase one. It significantly lowers the difficulty level of parenting. If a new product is too costly, a good condition secondhand one is also a good option. (Some brands offer cleaning service AS.)
< Check Sheet for Expectant Parents >
Download the Check Sheet: http://socooly.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Maternity-Essentials-Check-Sheet.pdf
Now all your preparation is complete. We hope you use these tips to perfectly prepare to welcome your baby!
We wish you a smooth and happy delivery! 😊