two babies inside babyletto lolly white and natural cribs laughing

5 Baby Products for First Time Parents

Time to read 5 min

5 Baby Products for First Time Parents

Are you a first-time parent in Singapore trying to figure out what to prepare for your baby? If you feel overwhelmed, don’t worry: that’s perfectly natural.


We’re here to help you out with that. Here, we’ll give you a list of five baby products that first-time parents in Singapore should get. We’ll also explain why each one is a must-have.


In any case, let’s begin so you can find out about some of the top things to get when you go to a baby shop in Singapore.

two babies inside a white crib laughing

1. A Portable Changing Pad

All first-time parents need a portable changing pad. Many will argue that it’s optional, but we disagree. 


You see, without a portable changing pad, you’d have to put your little one on a hard surface in order to change him outside of the house. What’s more, you’d have to put him on a potentially unclean surface each time. 


Sure, you can wipe down the surface first, but wouldn’t it be easier to address both that and the concern about comfort/support by using a changing pad?


There are a lot of portable changing pads sold in the average baby shop in Singapore now, fortunately. A particularly good option is the Cho Changing Mat. 


We love it because not only is it practical but it is also incredibly convenient for parents who are always on the move. Made of water-resistant fabric, the Cho Changing Mat is perfect for containing any unexpected messes during diaper changes. Its lightweight design and compact foldability allow you to fit it easily into any nursery or diaper bag. 


The portability aspect is further enhanced by the snap button closure, which not only secures the mat when folded but also doubles as a convenient handle. This feature is particularly useful for hanging the mat on strollers, bags or hooks.

2. A Play Mat

Why bother with a play mat, you ask?


Easy: because babies are very, very clumsy.


They can easily knock their heads, elbows, knees, and other parts of their little bodies on the floor when they’re crawling around.


You could technically just put a rug or even carpet on the floor. But believe it or not, that’s not advisable.


Rugs and carpets, especially those with a lot of fibres, trap dirt that can be bad for your baby. They can also hold allergens that aren’t great for your baby too.

That’s why it’s better to use a thick, supportive, easy-to-clean play mat.


For example, we like the Lollibly Snow Dune (Round One) - they pretty much tick all the right boxes!


Not only is each 15mm-thick mat made of high-quality and nontoxic TPU foam, but the range comes in some beautiful designs.

3. A Stroller

Baby happily sitting on a Thule stroller

Yes, every parent needs a stroller… for obvious reasons. But we want to be specific about advising that parents get ones suitable for your lifestyle!


Why? Because parenthood introduces a plethora of responsibilities and the constant need to bring your little one everywhere with you is a central one. A stroller becomes a necessity in playing a vital role in the day-to-day routine.


When you already have a child to worry about, the last thing you would want is unnecessary trouble.


That’s when a sturdy but suitable stroller can be very handy. Be it a trip to the grocery store, a leisure stroll in the park, or navigating through crowded urban spaces, the right stroller can make these experiences smoother and more enjoyable for both you and your child.


One of our favourite brands is Thule which offers a range of Swedish-designed strollers that are safe and compact for everyday use or urban exploration. A fantastic choice from their collection is the Thule Urban Glide 2. With its sleek and lightweight design, it makes it perfect for all terrains. Another special shoutout would be the Thule Sleek stroller which is a versatile stroller that evolves alongside your family’s changing needs. Customise it according to your family dynamics by seamlessly adding a sibling seat for added convenience. 

4. A Portable Hands-Free Breast Pump

This only applies if you plan to breastfeed, of course. If not, feel free to move right along to the last item on our list!


In any case, why a portable one? Because you’ll likely have other chores to do even while pumping milk.


There’s no reason you have to sacrifice one task for the other if you have the best portable breast pumps. 


For this, we’d recommend the first silent wearable breast pump in the world: the Elvie Breast Pump.


It’s so good, you can wear it even when you go to work! Its sheer convenience is why we started carrying it in our baby shop in Singapore, and many users will agree that it’s practically a revolution in breast pump technology.


If you’re looking for a hospital-grade breast pump that offers hands-free convenience, opt for the Elvide Stride Double Breast Pump instead. Designed with a dual pumping mechanism, it gives you the freedom to move around while collecting milk. The discreet silhouette looks natural under clothing, ensuring you can go about your tasks without feeling weighed down.


You can also consider getting the Elvie Curve instead, which is basically a manual version of the Elvie breast pump. It’s also wearable and silent and permits hands-free expression: just press on it to create a natural suction that does all the work!

Portable Elvie Breast Pump

5. A Convertible Crib

Yuzu full sized crib placed in a nursery room

New parents often don't realise that they'll need to buy a new crib or bed as their baby gets older. 


That's because most baby cribs aren't designed to hold, say, a toddler. 


To make things simpler and more cost-effective, though, you can just get a convertible baby crib!


The Yuzu-8-in-1 Convertible Crib is a great solution as it seamlessly transforms from a bassinet to a full-size crib and junior bed. Complete with all conversion kits, the crib can grow with your child, accommodating to their changing needs from newborn to 5 years old. This not only ensures a tailored experience but also provides excellent value for money in years to come. 

Similarly, cribs like the Gelato 3-in-1 Convertible Crib are also an ideal choice. The 3-in-1 convertibility allows you to easily transition it into a toddler bed and daybed, extending the crib’s usability significantly. The enhanced longevity of such cribs allows you to continue using them throughout your child’s growing stages, offering both practicality and value.


Choosing cribs with such versatility eliminates the need to search for a replacement for your child when they outgrow their baby cribs. 


If you’re not sure how to pick a convertible baby crib in Singapore, we can help. The same is true if you need aid choosing a suitable product for the other items on this list.

Still need some help with shopping for baby essentials?

Even with guides like these, we know most first-time parents end up feeling overwhelmed by their first baby gear shopping trips. We can help you out there.


You can shop at The Hatchery for your baby essentials and let us give you personalised notes on what best suits your situation. We already do it for most of our clients!


Feel free to contact us at any time for advice or head over to our website to book a ware studio visit.