Filipino Baby Registry & Preparation Checklist

Buy during 3rd trimester — your size will change after delivery

My Brest Friend or Boppy. Reduces arm and back strain significantly during feeding sessions.

Electric double pump recommended for working moms. Check if PhilHealth covers. Medela and Spectra are popular in the Philippines.

Label with date and time. Freeze flat to save space. Good for 6 months frozen.

Wide-neck compatible with Medela and Spectra pumps is most versatile.

Lansinoh lanolin is widely available in Watson's and leading Philippine pharmacies.

Get a dedicated bottle brush — do not share with household dishes.

Microwave steam sterilizer bags are affordable alternatives (about ₱500 for 5 uses each).

Useful in the Philippines where many malls and public spaces lack nursing rooms.

DOH recommends breastfeeding exclusively for 6 months — only prepare formula as genuine backup.

Buy at 4–5 months — you'll need it at 6 months when solids start. Adjustable tray is a must.

Needed at 6 months for homemade lugaw, mashed sweet potato, and purées.

Firm, flat mattress is critical for SIDS prevention. Avoid waterbeds, soft mattresses, and crib bumpers.

Expect frequent washing — get at least 3. 100% cotton works best in Philippine climate.

Aden+Anais muslin swaddles are popular in PH. Muslin breathes well in hot weather.

Good alternative to loose blankets which are SIDS risk. TOG 0.5–1.0 is appropriate for Philippine climate.

Video monitor is significantly more reassuring for first-time parents. Many have temperature monitoring built in.

Free apps on your phone also work. White noise mimics womb sounds and dramatically improves newborn sleep.

Changing pad cover — buy 2 because you will definitely need a clean one while one is being washed.

Red-spectrum light is best for nighttime feeds as it minimally disrupts circadian rhythm.

Get one with a newborn sling insert. Skip-Hop and Summer Infant are commonly available in the Philippines.

Cetaphil Baby or Physiogel are gentle enough for Filipino newborn skin and are dermatologist-recommended.

Apply after each bath while skin is still slightly damp. Cetaphil Baby works well in PH humidity.

For cleaning eyes, face, and cord stump. Use dry or slightly dampened with clean water — no solutions.

Soft cotton or bamboo towels. The hood is genuinely useful for keeping baby warm after bath.

File nails during sleep for safety. Never bite or cut too short. Newborn nails grow surprisingly fast.

Most accurate for newborns. Use rectal method for babies under 3 months — axillary method is less reliable.

FridaBaby NoseFrida is popular in the Philippines. Electric versions like Baby Brezza are more effective.

If you use powder, choose corn starch-based — talc powder has inhalation risks. Apply away from baby's face.

Desitin and Bepanthen are widely available in the Philippines. Apply at every diaper change preventively.

Don't stock up too much — newborn diapers are outgrown quickly (sometimes in weeks). Buy small quantity first.

Pampers Premium Care and Merries are consistently rated best by Filipino moms for absorption and no-rash performance.

Always unscented. Pampers Sensitive and Johnsons are widely available. Buy in bulk at S&R or Landers.

Backpack style distributes weight better for Metro Manila commuting. Skip Hop, JuJuBe, or local brands work well.

For changing on the go. Waterproof, fold-flat designs fit easily in any diaper bag.

Essential for Metro Manila apartments. Dekor or Diaper Genie with odor-seal technology reduces smell significantly.

Newborn size is outgrown in weeks — don't over-buy. Snap closures at the crotch are much easier than back zippers.

In the Philippines, babies spend most time in just a onesie due to heat — prioritize breathable cotton.

Useful for air-conditioned rooms at night. Zip-style is much easier than buttons for 3 AM diaper changes.

Socks disappear constantly. Buy 10+ pairs. In hot PH weather, bare feet at home is completely fine.

Prevent scratching in first 2 months until nails can be kept short.

Hospital hat provided at birth. Cotton hats for air-conditioned environments. Avoid synthetic fabrics in PH heat.

Bench Baby Wash or Seventh Generation Free & Clear. Wash all baby clothes before first use.

Most critical safety item. Maxi-Cosi, Chicco, and Graco are available in the Philippines. Never buy second-hand car seats.

Look for: full recline for newborn, large wheels for Philippine roads, lightweight for car trunk. Joie and Graco offer value.

Ergobaby and Boba carriers are popular in the Philippines. Babywearing keeps baby calm and frees hands — especially great for Metro Manila.

CRITICAL in the Philippines — dengue prevention from birth. Ensure it completely covers the crib with no gaps.

Buy at 5–6 months, install before crawling starts. Hardware-mounted gates are safest for stairs.

Install before baby is mobile. Philippine two-pronged outlets have compatible covers available in hardware stores.

Have this BEFORE baby comes home. Do not wait until baby has fever to buy. Weight-based dosing guide inside box.

For quick temperature checks. Use in addition to rectal thermometer (rectal remains gold standard for under 3 months).

COVID-19 era addition that most Filipino families now keep. Essential for monitoring fever with respiratory symptoms. Normal SpO2: 95–100%.

For congested newborns — use before nasal aspirator. Rhinomer Baby and Sterimar Baby are gentle options.

DOH recommends Vitamin D supplementation for breastfed babies from birth. D-drops or Enfamil D-Vi-Sol available in pharmacies.

L. reuteri has evidence for reducing colic. Biogaia drops available in the Philippines. Ask your pediatrician before starting.

Include: sterile gauze, medical tape, digital thermometer, antiseptic wipes, bandage scissors. Pre-made kits available at pharmacies.

DOH immunization card is given at birth. Also keep a personal record of weight, height, feedings, and any illness episodes.

A good nursing chair will be used for YEARS. Worth the investment. Choose one where your feet reach the floor.

Anchor to wall — furniture tip-over is a leading cause of toddler injury in the Philippines.

Air purifier with HEPA filter is more useful in Metro Manila due to traffic pollution. Also reduces dust mite allergens.

Incredibly useful for keeping baby content while you cook or shower. Never leave on elevated surfaces.

Needed from 2 months for tummy time and visual stimulation. Skip Hop, Infantino, and Fisher-Price available locally.

Black and white high-contrast images are the only thing newborns can really see clearly. Start reading from Day 1.