I had pretty much given up on potty training Sianna. In my mind, I decided that I would just wait and potty train the girls at the same time, but tonight Sianna said she was ready so we are moving forward in this adventure.

So now it’s midnight and I’m reading Potty Train in Three Days+ watching some Downton Abbey. Anybody else?

Tomorrow morning, we’re throwing a party. Sianna will hand her cloth diapers to her baby sister and put on some big girl Tinkerbell undies.

She seems excited.

I’m on the fence. Either this is going to work beautifully or it’s going to flop quickly.

Here we go.

That wraps up our Baby Basics series. Whew. Anybody else need a refreshing beverage and a light snack?

If I could only bring 3 things from America they would be:
1. an Ergo
2. winter down jumpers
3. ear thermometer + medicine

The very basics: crib, stroller, highchair, walker, etc. can be purchased here.

As for the rest of the rest: bouncer, Exersauser or anything else in Babys R Us wasn’t necessary.

The Ultimate List of Items to Bring from America
pre-natal vitamins/folic acid
2 good nursing bras
What to Expect When You’re Expecting
Natural Childbirth the Bradley Way
Pack N Play (a friend got one on taobao.com)
mattress protectors
fitted sheets
a lovie (buy two)
all natural diaper rash cream
Portable Changing Table
The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding
Boppy Pillow(if you want one)
Mylicon Infant Gas Relief Drops
Breast Pump
breast milk storage bottles/bags
Nursing Cover(if you want one)
BPA/lead free bottles
formula
Powdered Formula Dispenser
sterilizing tablets
organic baby food/organic rice cereal
bibs (plastic or Waterproof SuperBib)
portable Hook On Chair/Booster Seat
BPA free pacifiers
BPA free teething rings
BPA/lead free sippy cups
Infant’s Ibuprofen Drops
Children’s Tylenol
vitamins (if you want)
Braun Thermoscan Ear Thermometer
Orajel Toddler Training Toothpaste
ERGObaby Baby Carrier
iBert Safe-T-Seat Front Child Seat
English board books (also available at amazon.cn)
lead free toys
organic, all natural baby care products (lotion, shampoo, etc.)
What to Expect the First Year
Secrets of the Baby Whisperer
Memory Book
anything that your Mom saved for your first child – an old hat, blanket, toy, etc.
fleece or down jumpers for winter (if you live where its cold)
a few essential pieces of clothes in various sizes

Bring over a variety of clothes in a variety of sizes. Lots of clothes can be used for either boy or girl: jeans, turtle necks, fleece jackets, winter coat, pants, etc. As you know, in the winter your baby will be so bundled up, it won’t matter what they have on underneath.

If I forgot anything, please let me know in the comments.

I also learned that The Experts do not agree. It seems there’s more than one way to take care of a baby. Eventually, I put the books down and enjoyed the moment. When something came up, I did find a good index quite helpful.

What to Expect the First Year

Unlike What to Expect When You’re Expecting, I didn’t read each page of What to Expect the First Year. Good gravy. I couldn’t sit around reading. I had a baby to take care of!

If I had a question about something, then I looked it up. “What to Expect the First Year” has an excellent index. In this way, I prefer the print version to an e-book.

On Becoming Baby Wise

So many friends whom I greatly respect recommended On Becoming Baby Wise. Before I had a baby, I thought this book made so much sense. Hubs and I gave Baby Wise a wholehearted first-time-parents try, but it just didn’t work. Bless Schäfer’s heart.

After 4 months of Baby Wise failure, I gave osmosis a try. That didn’t work either!

I’ll also say that this style of parenting doesn’t really fit my personality. I don’t mind if the baby needs me and wants to nurse again. All three of my kids fell into a beautiful rhythm on their own that worked great with our family priorities.

By the way, the official title for this book is “On Becoming Baby Wise: The Classic Sleep Reference Guide Used by Over 1,000,000 Parents Worldwide.”

Let’s make that 998,000 parents worldwide since Hubs and I had to try something else.

The Baby Book: Everything You Need to Know About Your Baby from Birth to Age Two

On the bookshelf, I like to place “Baby Wise” next to The Baby Book by Dr. Sears so they can battle it out.

If “Baby Wise” is all about getting your baby on a firm feeding schedule and sleeping through the night, then “The Baby Book” is all about demand feeding, wearing your baby as much as possible, and co-sleeping.

Oh yes, that would be two parenting experts giving completely opposite advice. They sent some very confusing signals to this first time Mom.

It was at this point that I shut all the books (except for when I had a specific question) and started to follow my instincts.

Baby Sign Language Basics

Sign, Sing, and Play!: Fun Signing Activities for You and Your Baby

When Schäfer was a few months old, I knew I wanted to start baby sign language so I ordered two books. Can anybody say, “First-time-Mommmy overkill!” One would have been more than enough. In fact, I wouldn’t recommend even ordering a book. There are lots of sign websites and youtube videos that you can watch to learn basic signs.

Before we began baby sign language, Schäfer threw me this sign: Mommy… please pick me up!

I read about babies who knew 300+ signs. Schäfer probably knew about 15 and then he started speaking super early.

Sianna knew about 10 signs, but only signed when she wanted to. (She’s fun like that.)

Selah might have known 3 signs. (Third child syndrome.)

Secrets of the Baby Whisperer

To my surprise, Secrets of the Baby Whisperer was my favorite baby book. (I was surprised because the title is so lame. Anybody else?) This book was written so concise and has a great index. When I read it, I felt like I was getting advice from a friend. This is the book that I recommend to all first time Mom’s.

Super Baby Food

I received Super Baby Food as a gift. I gave it my best effort, but I couldn’t even finish reading the book. Most of the extra healthy recipes contained ingredients that I could not get in China. (enter unnecessary Mommy Guilt)

I never made their “Super Porridge” (grains + legumes), but my kids seemed pretty healthy. I did feed each baby fresh fruits, vegetables, beans and meat all prepared by your truly. All three kids were right on target for growth and development. (So, go away Mommy Guilt!)

Slow and Steady Get Me Ready

For all of us non-education majors, Slow and Steady Get Me Ready is a wonderful resource. It gives 260 weekly developmental activities from birth to age five. In the back, it has specific developmental markers that you can watch for. I didn’t use every activity in here, but it was and still is a wonderful resource.

Carter’s Baby Book

My Mom sent a Carter’s Baby Book for Schäfer. Of course, I would rather scrapbook every memory, but who has the time?

Sometimes, I wrote immediately in the book. Other times, I wrote a blog post such as “Schäfer at 6 months” and later added it to the book.

I also have a memory book like this for Selah, but have not decided what to do for Sianna’s adoption. I have my eye on an adoption memory book, but I want to be able to return it if it doesn’t suit our needs.

Again, this style of book isn’t perfect, but I like the kids having some of their memories recorded in my handwriting.

I’d say from this list, I’d recommend “Secrets of the Baby Whisperer” and “Slow and Steady Get Me Ready”.
How about you? What was your go to baby book?

I’ve found that the clothing available in the local stores is cheap and very poor quality. Good quality clothing is oftentimes more expensive than the states.

Hand-Me-Downs
We’ve been very fortunate to share clothes with a couple of other families. Their son’s clothing comes to Schäfer while Selah’s clothes go to their newborn daughter. Sharing clothes keeps us from having to buy and store clothes.

Sales in America
Before we go to the states, I make a master list of what each child has and what each child needs. While in the states, we try to buy the basics for each of our children in their next three to four sizes. We search Goodwill and second hand stores as well as seasonal sales at Walmart or Target.

Having a master list keeps me contained when I hit a good sale. Our closets are small so there’s no need to grab another pair of pants when Schäfer already has 4 pair.

I’ve found that, in the US, I can get great clothes for much cheaper than what I can find in China. For example, I can find the Garanimals clothes at Walmart for $1.50 per shirt and $2.50 for jeans or pants.

Shoes
I try to bring back shoes in various sizes and seasons for each of the kids. It’s tricky to guesstimate what sizes the kids will hit in what season, but I do my best.

Local shoes are cheap and easily fall apart. Basic quality shoes are very expensive.

Selah and Sianna have been fortunate to have received several pair of shoes 2nd hand. At age 1 and 2, shoes are not completely worn out.

Summer Clothing

In the summer months, our babies live in onesies. We live in a very hot, humid place so anything more than a onesie is just unbearable.

These days, I’m sure you could find onesies on taobao. (Anybody tried?)

I haven’t seen many baby swimsuits, but you could search taobao.com.

Winter Clothing
Since we live in the middle of China we are too far south to get complimentary heating and too far north to avoid the cold temperatures. On average, our winters are a damp type-of-cold and we do see some snow. The inside of our house is about the same temperature as the outside. During the winter months, I am constantly keeping the kids layered.

Schäfer at 11.5 months                                                   Selah at 13.5 months
All three of our kids have lived in this Land’s End down jumper.

We have a 6-12m in red and a 12-18m in yellow. I love how the hands and feet can wrap around for total coverage.

As the kids grow, we just don’t tuck in their hands or feet. The jumper lasts through the entire winter and then some. (Sianna wore it for 2 winter’s because she is so petite.)

We have two “fleece” jumpers. Our kids slept in these with pajamas underneath. They also wore them outside with shirts and pants underneath.

Again, these style of jumpers can wrap around the feet and hands. When the kids grew a little, I stopped tucking their feet and hands in.

I liked having two fleece jumpers so that the kids could wear one while the other was in the wash.

On very cold days, they would wear: shirt, pants, fleece jumper, a down jumper, a hat and mittens. Of course, I was still criticized that my kids did not have enough layers on!

These down jumpers got lots of wear both inside the house and out. I highly recommend them.

Storage

Babies grow too fast. The first year alone has 4 different sizes. The second year has 3 different sizes. Once you’ve gathered all the necessary clothes, it’s hard to give them away when the next wee one will need them.

We live in an apartment without a garage or attic or even a built in pantry. I am constantly thinking of simple storage solutions.

For baby clothes, after I have looked over each item and sorted out the ones that are still in good condition, I store the minimum amount in a plastic bag with an index card tapped on the outside. I’d rather have the clothes separated by sizes and seasons rather than all in a box. I then place (read: shove) the bags in the top of our closet until they are needed again.

Shopping List
Available in China
Clothes (taobao.com or local stores)
shoes (taobao.com or local stores)

Bring from America
a few essential pieces of clothes in various sizes

I’m anxious to hear your thoughts. Have you purchased all of your child’s clothing in China? Do you prefer to bring basics from the states? If you know a great taobao.com shop, please share!

We like to bathe our kids until they are pruned.

Tub

A variety of baby bath tubs are available in China for about $10.

Insert

We used an insert for Schäfer, but then it broke when on loan to a friend. So Sianna and Selah never had an insert. I don’t think they are necessary. We used our hand to support them and that worked fine.

When Selah was almost 2 weeks old, we bathed her in a mixing bowl in the sink.

Products

There are a wide variety of Johnson & Johnson products available locally.
To name a few:
top to toe (my newborn favorite!)
baby bath in regular, lavender, floral, peach, and milk scents
baby powder
mosquito repellant

No More Tears shampoo

Basic lotion is available, but if your child has sensitive skin, this “soothing naturals” line of products might be helpful.

Washcloths & Towels

Baby washcloths are available locally. I have not seen any towels with the hoodies on them like you can get in the states. Of course, there are plenty of basic towels that can be used.

Training Potty
Little training potties are available. Some local friends gave us one, but we never used it. When it was time for potty training, we went straight to the big, flush-able toilet without any problems.

Shopping List
Available in China
bathtub
insert
Johnson & Johnson baby shampoo, bubble bath, lotion, etc.
washcloths
basic towels
training potty

Bring from America
organic, all natural baby products (if you prefer)

How about you? Did you bath your baby in a sink? Anybody else blow bubbles in the bathtub to create a more spa like experience? If you’ve found a great all natural baby product, please share!

Diapers
My friend, Eden, e-mailed the taobao.com stores she uses to buy all of her wipes and diapers. She recommends two local brands that are great and much cheaper than Mamy Poko.  I’ve posted those links in the comment section of Baby Basics :: Diapering.

We’ll be needing some disposables during our upcoming summer travels so I’ll share my thoughts on those brands after we give them a try.

Lovies & Swaddle Me
I’ve updated the Baby Basics :: Sleeping to now include lovies and the SwaddleMe.

Diaper Bag
Just realized that I’ve not included anything about a diaper bag – probably because I’ve never used one! I’ve now updated Baby Basics :: Transportation to include thoughts on a diaper bag. I couldn’t decided where the diaper bag should go so I put it with those things out & about.

Today we’re going to be talking about all things play. These are the items that will get a lot or very little attention. I’ve you’re baby has a favorite toy or you know a great taobao shop, please let us know in the comments!

Free time = an organized toy mat. Oh the life of the first born!

These foam squares are an easy solution to wood or tile flooring. They are available at Walmart or any supply store.

Board Books

We start reading when they’re young!

Five-months-old is the perfect time to introduce Fox in Socks.

There are a wide range of Chinese board books and bi-lingual books available at certain XinHua Bookstores and shops on taobao.com.

The most common books will have photos of animals, fruits, or vegetables.

You can also order English books on amazon.cn. The book price is the same as the US, but the shipping price is local.

For more details on how we gathered our English library go here.

Bouncy Seat

We received this bouncy seat 2nd hand and have gotten great use out of it. Since it was used before and after our kids, it has bounced 8 babies! Not bad!

(We actually never installed batteries. I used it more like a chair.)

The bouncy seat allows the baby to sit up and survey the world around them. I remember sitting Schäfer in the bouncy on the counter right beside the sink. I talked to him while I washed the dishes. I also used the bouncy when I needed to cook.

Bouncy seats are available in a variety of styles on taobao.com.

Bumbo

When we adopted Sianna, some friends loaned us their Bumbo. Wow!

Our adoption took place within 2 weeks of referral. At that time, our bouncy seat was on loan to a friend in another city so I was thankful to have the Bumbo. I put Sianna on the counter top and we made cookies together. Sianna loved the Bumbo.

Selah was the 6th baby to use this Bumbo. She sat in it each morning at breakfast and watched us eat.

I was thankful for the Bumbo, but also happy that I could return it as we don’t have any storage space.

If I had to choose, I would recommend a bouncy seat over a Bumbo simply because the bouncy breaks down and stores easily. That’s the thing about some of these baby toys (hello – exersaucer!) – they are only used for a few months before they are stored away or passed along.

The Bumbo is available on taobao.com for the same price as in the US.

Swing

Some babies love a swing. Other’s don’t.

This swing was passed on to us from a friend. Schäfer sat in it maybe three times. We tried to share it with our local friends, but they were terrified it would “damage the baby’s neck” so we gave it to Amy when she was expecting her first.

Swings are available on taobao.com.

Play Mat

Here’s a very happy Schäfer! The play mat is another one of those items that has been passed around and used by 6 babies!

In Chinese culture, babies are held… constantly… in layers upon layers of clothing. Lying a baby on the floor – alone! – is a strange concept. After Ayi watched Selah for a few minutes, she said in amazement, “She really likes it!”

Play mats are available on taobao.com.

Just like everything else, it won’t be long before they roll over and start scooting off the mat to get into other things!

Once they start rolling over and scooting backwards, a blanket on the floor with toys can be fun – especially if the toys are not within their reach. It’s good to have a goal.

Walker

This was definitely a first-time-parents purchase. Schäfer used the walker for maybe 3 weeks. A friend had this so Sianna never used it. Selah used it maybe 2 weeks.

Honestly, as soon as our kids start to pull up on all fours, we took the walker away and gave them more floor time so that they could begin crawling.

Walkers are available locally. I’m not a big fan and I do feel that it discourages crawling with is important to brain development.

Toys

Wow. Toys. Most of our baby toys were 2nd hand. When Schäfer was a baby, nobody knew about taobao.com so buying certified BPA/lead free toys was a challenge.

Today there are many toys available on taobao.com. Brands like Fisher Price or Baby Einstein are available for US prices.

The baby toys that got the most play at our house were:
Stacking Cups
First Keys
Wooden ABC/123 Blocks Set
balls

There are two toys that we brought from the US that I would bring again:
Hello Tonka Dump Truck.

The Tonka Truck was a birthday gift for Schäfer’s 2nd birthday.

Sianna always liked riding on it.

Selah pushed it around the house when she was learning to walk.

It is still the toy that gets played with everyday.

I don’t regret bringing it to China.
Given the chance, I’d haul it over again.

The second toy I would carry over again is the trains and tracks we purchased off eBay. (Details here.) This toy has received a lot of playtime and I think it will still entertain Schäfer for a few more years.

Trains and tracks are now available on taobao.com for a very good price, but I still think we got a better deal buying used off eBay.

Swim Floaties

There are a wide variety of swim floaties available in China.

Shopping List
Available in China
foam mats
books – Chinese and bi-lingual
bouncy seat
Bumbo
swing
playmat
walker
toys
swim floaties

Bring from America
English books (also available at amazon.cn)
toys

Whew. How about you? Would you rather have a bouncy seat or a Bumbo? Did your baby love to swing? What toys get the most attention at your home?

Since we don’t have a car, we take the bus, taxi or ride our bikes.

Let’s go!

Diaper Bag
Just as I’m running out the door, I generally grab my… purse with baby items inside. That’s all. I’ve never had a special bag dedicated to the baby.  I think diaper bags are helpful if you are taking your child to the church nursery or Mother’s Day Out, but in my daily life my kids are always with me.

Sling

As soon as we were pregnant, I knew I wanted a sling to wear my baby in. I love having my kids close.

I bought the sling from sleepingbaby.net and was very pleased with its quality. If you want a sling, sleepingbaby.net is the best place to get one!

We wore the sling everywhere – even in the house as we wash dishes, do laundry, etc.

When Schäfer turned one, the sling became uncomfortable. He wiggled and squirmed until the fabric had moved around. (Sleepingbaby.net says you can wear a child up to 30lbs., but no matter how tight we tied the fabric it always seemed to loosen.)

After several recommendations, we decided to get an Ergo. We looked on eBay and noticed that 2nd hand Ergo’s were not much cheaper than buying new. Ultimately, we decided that if we were going to spend money on a baby carrier, we should do it now (on child #1) so that we could get maximum use out of it.

Ergo

We LOVE our Ergo. If I could only have one baby carrier, I would get an Ergo. You can bundle a baby in a blanket to make it work for the first couple of months, but after that the Ergo will be your BFF until the child is 4 or so.

Hubs likes to wear the kids on his back. I prefer to wear then on the front. The Ergo is also adjustable to wear wee ones on the side.

After Selah was born, we realized we needed another Ergo since there are often times when the girls both need to be carried up and down stairs, in and out of subways, on and off the bus.

We bought an Ergo clone off taobao.com. Though The Clone looks similar, it is NOT as comfortable as a real Ergo. (Details here.) The Clone does in a bind, but if I’m running out the door and I need an Ergo, I always grab our real one from the states.

Stroller

When Schäfer was 4.5 months old, we decided to buy a stroller because the vegetable market was over a 1 mile round-trip and it was difficult to manage the sling, the veggies and oftentimes an umbrella.

A stroller seemed like the easiest solution. At the time, I think we paid about 230rmb = $30 for this HaoHaiZi umbrella stroller.

Of course, it created a new problem: How could I get Schäfer, the groceries, and the stroller up to our 5th floor apartment?

Easy. I left the stroller on the 1st floor, parked under the open stairwell.

Our HaoHaiZi stroller lasted exactly 3 years. After it broke, a friend offered us a gently used MacLaren.

A few weeks passed and Hubs was traveling. While on the road, he met up with a friend who had carried the MacLaren to us. On Hubs bus ride home, Hubs put the stroller in the bottom of the bus. When he got to his stop, the stroller was gone.

Moral of the story is: expensive strollers are more likely to be stolen.

Our friends showed us their SanLe 三乐 umbrella stroller that they ordered off taobao.com for 100rmb = $14.94. We were pretty impressed with the quality and the price. I LOVE the total hood coverage for sun protection and sleep privacy.

Hubs noted that we could buy 13 SanLe strollers for the price of one MacLaren… or Graco… or Kobi…

That sealed the deal.

For more details on strollers go here.

iBert

We LOVE our iBert! As soon as we found out we were pregnant, we started looking into bike transportation options. The iBert was love at first sight. It wasn’t cheap and a used one only goes for about $30 less on eBay, but it was one of those items that we felt like we should buy now so that all the kids could use it.

An iBert seat is good for up to 42 inches or 38lbs.

This is the only photo I have of me with all three kids on my bike! Sianna in front, Schäfer in back and Selah in the belly.

These days, Schäfer rides his own bike while I ride with Selah and Sianna.

This was Selah’s first bike ride so I had her in the Ergo because she was five-months-old. These days, Sianna sits in the back and Selah sits in the iBert.

That’s how we roll.

Shopping List
Available in China
Ergo Clone
Stroller
toddler bike seat (sits on back)

Bring from America
Sling
Ergo (real)
iBert

How about you? Do you love your Ergo? What helps you get around on the east side?

Today, we are going to cover passies, medicine, thermometers, bottles, toothpaste etc.

Grab yourself a refreshing beverage. Here we go!

Breast Feeding

As you might know, I had a rough, rough time breastfeeding Schäfer because of my own ignorance. I assumed that his hunger + my availability meant we would breastfeed. Not so. Before Schäfer was born I spent a lot of time preparing for childbirth. I wish I had also prepared to breastfeed.

If you are a new Mom I would suggest reading The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding before birth and keeping it on hand as you deal with some of the challenges that can come with the blessing of breastfeeding.

I am very thankful to say that Selah and I have had a wonderful, pain free experience. Not only did I read The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding, but I also talked with a couple of Mom’s before the birth and even had one come over to make sure I got that first latch correct. Selah was exclusively breastfed and she is still nursing at 16 months.

I’ve never used a Boppy, but I know some people love having one.

Mylicon

Infants can get some serious bouts with gas. For a little 2am peace and quiet, I highly recommend having a bottle of Mylicon on hand. (The generic equivalent works fine too.)

Breast Pump

I pumped for five long months for Schäfer. I loathe a breast pump and promised myself I would not pump for Selah. I worked hard and didn’t need to.

Depending on how your feeding goes, you may want to consider bringing a good pump & bottle system – especially if you want BPA free bottles. I know some Mom’s who took their kids straight from breast to sippy cup. Good for them. That was my goal, but Schäfer and I had “feeding challenges” so I found a pump to be quite helpful.

I know some Mom’s who pump to mix breast milk with rice cereal for nutritional value. Other Mom’s pump so they can return to work.

Today, I spoke with Lactation Consultant Jenny who lives on the East Side and she recommended the Medela Swing Breast Pump.

Jenny says: “I love the Medela Swing because it’s easy to carry with and has a good suction. But it’s only one side at a time so it may not be best for a working Mom who needs to pump both sides at a time.”

Storage bottles or bags
Milk storing accessories would need to come from America. I have not seen them in China.

Nursing Bras
My nursing bras came from America. If you are of Asian stature, then you might be able to find nursing bras locally. Otherwise, I would bring them from the states.

Nursing Cover

Hubs says that the public is more comfortable when I use a cover while nursing on the go. If needed, I feel that I can be discrete with a loose t-shirt. For a nursing cover, I used baby blankets, but they were sometimes too hot with our humid Yangtze weather.

Anna sent her gently used Papillon Bebe Au Lait Cover and I really enjoy having it. I like the wire they run through the top so I can see the baby. The fabric is also lightweight.

Bottles

There are a lot of bottles available in China, but most of them are not BPA free.
Advent bottles are common. I’ve also seen Dr. Browns, but they are less common and expensive.

Formula

Welcome to one of the hottest topics in China: milk products!

After the great melamine contamination of 2008, people are still weary of buying milk products in China. Enfamil was the only formula not to have any traces of melamine because Enfamil imports their milk powder.

Today, you can find US formula on taobao.com for a hefty price.

I have friends who bring all of their formula over. They continue to give their three-year-old developmental formula from the states because of concerns they have with local milk products.

We haven’t taken this route, but we understand those who do.

If you plan on using formula, I would suggest buying Enfamil or having Grandma carry over a suitcase full of US formula.

Formula Organizer

I used this Munchkin Powdered Formula Dispenser when we were adopting Sianna. It was especially convenient when we were running from offices to notaries to doctor’s appointments.

Sterilizing Tablets
At home, it’s easy to keep those bottles clean, but sterilizing in a hotel room can be challenging. I used Milton Sterilizing Tablets. I purchased a bunch of these from a pharmacy in Hong Kong.

Baby Food

I made baby food for all 3 kids. I know some people like to make large batches and freeze portions in ice cube trays, but I thought that was too much planning ahead. I simply steamed enough food for a few days then I did it again. I was in the kitchen cooking anyway so it wasn’t a big deal. Go here to read more about how I made simple, nutritious baby food on the east side.

Just like milk products, prepared baby food is another hot topic!

Yes, baby food is readily available. When Schäfer was a wee one, I bought some when we traveled. (This was before food and milk contamination issues came to public knowledge.)

If you prefer to buy baby food, it is readily available in a wide variety of flavors including “tremella, lotus seed & lily paste” or “pork liver & medlar”. To read a list of all the rice cereal and prepared baby food varieties go here.

I know several people who keep a stash of organic rice cereal and organic baby food for times when they eat at a friend’s house or are traveling.

Selah received some organic baby food when a friend’s daughter moved on to solids. It was nice having this food when we traveled. I also purchased some Earth’s Best Organic rice cereal off taobao.com.

Bibs

Fabric bibs are common in China.

These “plastic” bibs are not as common, but may be available on taobao.com.

Pacifiers

If you want BPA free pacifiers, you should bring them from the states.

Teething Rings

If you want BPA free teething rings, they should come from the states.

High Chair

We bought this high chair for Schäfer. We liked that it could turn into a child’s chair and table.

For a while, we let Schäfer play with toys while we ate.

It wasn’t long before he was eating with us at the table.

Sometimes, I wish we would have purchased this style from Ikea because the baby can actually sit at the table (as opposed to having his own tray) and because it’s less bulky. (However, some friends of ours have purchased this and they do NOT recommend this chair.)

In the five years that we’ve had the high chair, I’ve only used it as a table twice.

Booster Seat

We received both of these booster seats second hand. With Schäfer, we carried them with us, but quickly found that the On-The-Go Booster Seat was bulky and cumbersome. We rarely found tables where the Hook on High Chair could be attached. Most tables have a ledge prohibiting the seat to lock into the table.

Eventually, we stopped carrying these around. When traveling, Schäfer or the girls ate while sitting in our lap. For us, it was worth it not having to carry one more baby item around.

Sippy Cups
If you want BPA/lead free sippy cups, you should bring them from America.

Bowls, Cups, Spoons

We purchased a small collection of bowls and cups from Ikea. Since European child safety standards are much more rigorous than even the US, we hope that Ikea products are safe.

Bowls, cups, and spoons are available locally, but they are not certified BPA/lead free.

Medicine
For peace of mind, we bring all of our medicine from the states. We know that US medicine is regulated and the instructions are in English.

We recommend bringing:
Infants Motrin
Children’s Tylenol (Do they still sell this over-the-counter?)

Vitamins
I consulted our pediatrician to see if Schäfer needed to take any vitamin supplements. His response was, “Did Albert Einstein or Thomas Jefferson take vitamins?” Good point.

At present, our kids don’t take vitamins. If they needed to, we would bring them from America.

Thermometer

Schäfer was gifted a Digital Pacifier Thermometer when he was a baby. It was nice to have, but we only needed it once.

We were also given a Medicator, but have never used it.

Hubs and I purchased this Braun Thermoscan Ear Thermometer. We highly recommend it. It makes me a better parent.

Toothpaste

We use Orajel Toddler Training Toothpaste flouride-free toothpaste from the states.

Toothbrush
Child sized toothbrushes are available in China.

Shopping List
Available in China
Formula: Enfamil
Advent bottles
baby food /rice cereal
bibs (fabric)
high chair
bowls, cups, spoons (Ikea)
toothbrush

Bring from America
The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding
Boppy (if you want one)
Mylicon
breast pump
breast milk storage bottles/bags
nursing bras
nursing cover (if you want one)
BPA/lead free bottles
formula
formula sorting container
sterilizing tablets
organic baby food/rice cereal
bibs (plastic or wipe-off type)
portable high chair/booster seat
BPA free pacifiers
BPA free teething rings
BPA/lead free sippy cups
Infant Motrin
Children’s Tylenol
vitamins (if you want)
ear thermometer
Orajel training toothpaste

Whew. How about you? Did you love your Boppy? Was your breastfeeding experience painful or dream like? Did you loath or love to pump? Are you making baby food or buying organic?

For the full scoop on cloth diapering in the middle kingdom, read this post.

Cloth diapers are available on taobao.com.

Disposable Diapers

Before I knew it was possible to manage cloth diapering in China, I used Mamy Poko disposable diapers. They have blue packaging for boys and red packaging for girls (even though the baby is the same on both).

Pampers is available.

Huggies is here too.

Plus a wide variety of Chinese brands.

Disposable diapers are about the same price (maybe a few mao less) than prices in the US.

Wipes

Disposable wipes are easily available.

To make your own reusable wipes:
1. find some fabric or washcloths that you want to use as wipes.
2. find a container to hold the fabric + solution.
3. make the solution:

Recipe #1
2 cups water
1 tbsp oil (olive oil or baby oil)
1 tbsp baby soap
Mix Well and pour over wipes in portions.

Recipe #2 (I haven’t tried this one.)
1-2 tbsp of lavender smelling baby oil
2-3 cups of water
Mix Well. Add wipes to box in small portions, pouring portions of the mixture over the wipes until both wipes and wipe solution are gone.

Making your own disposable wipes is easy too. Just use paper towels instead of cloth. Info here.

Diaper Rash Cream

Small tubes of diaper rash cream are available.

If you would like something all natural, that would need to come from the states.

Portable Changing Pad

I think a changing pad like this is necessary for life in a place with no changing tables in restrooms. I can’t count the number of times I’ve had to put this pad between two sinks in order to change a diaper. If there wasn’t space at the sinks, then I used it on the floor.

This changing pad is plastic which I like because I can smear it with anti-bacterial hand solution when necessary. It fits nicely in my purse/bag.

Yammie sent it as a baby gift for Schäfer. I’ve not seen anything like this in China.

Changing Table

We never had a formal changing table. To me, it seemed like a piece of furniture that I would only use for a couple of years. We changed Schäfer on the top of his dresser when he was small. Later, we changed him on the bed. Both the girls were changed on the bed with the help of a changing pad (if we remember to grab it).

Little Swimmers
Swimming diapers are available on taobao.com.

Shopping List
Available in China
cloth diapers (taobao.com)
disposable diapers
diaper rash cream
wipes
changing table (Ikea)
Little Swimmers (taobao.com)

From America
all natural diaper rash cream
portable changing table

How about you? Do you have a favorite brand of disposable diaper? Any suggestions for changing diapers between sinks?

Seriously.

It was a combination of factors including: my local friends who were also pregnant weren’t setting up nurseries, there wasn’t really anything cute to put in a baby’s room and I don’t naturally plan ahead.

Also, we didn’t know if we were having a boy or girl. So I was content to work on the baby’s room after we met the baby.

We traveled to Hong Kong for Schäfer’s birth. During our time there, Schäfer slept in our bed or in a bassinet next to our bed.

When Schäfer came home, he co-slept with us for a little while. Then, we moved him to the Pack N Play and found that it made no difference in his journey through dreamland.

The Pack N Play was a hand-me-down that we were very thankful to receive. However, I messed my back up twice scooping down to pick him up. (I think my body was still recuperating from the pregnancy.)

Crib
We decided to order a crib knowing that as we continued to grow our family we would need both the crib and the Pack N Play.

We bought the crib and one set of sheets from Ikea. I had all the padding and crib skirt made at a local tailors.

I sketched what I wanted and wrote down the measurements for the bed. I also had the tailors make additional sheets using the Ikea sheet as a pattern. Chinese tailors are amazing.

For Schäfer’s first room, I tried to add some color by hanging large kites. The walls were covered in a dirty, glossy rose wall paper so I tried to just work with what I could. Back then, I wasn’t China savvy enough to negotiate getting that dirty paper off the walls. I’ve come a long way.

By 6 months Schäfer was pulling up so, we dropped the bed and it remained this way for a couple of years.

Just after Schäfer turned three, he started climbing out of the crib by himself.

We took that as a sign to transition the crib to his big boy bed.

The style of crib we have (that breaks down into a toddler bed) is no longer sold by Ikea in China, but they do have a nice selection of small cribs that would be lovely for a wee one.

We were delighted that it only cost 80rmb to ship our crib from Ikea. At first time parents, buying a crib from Ikea gave us peace of mind knowing that we were getting a product that met US and European child safety standards.

Life rolled on and eventually Sianna was sleeping in the Pack N Play in our bedroom. (She was near us for attachment and also because she had very loud night terrors.)

Sianna after naptime in the Pack N Play – 11 months

Ten months later, we transitioned Schäfer and Sianna in the same room so that baby #3 could room with us. Again, we were using both the crib and Pack N Play.

About this same time, Schäfer was getting a little rough on the tot bed so we ordered bunk beds for Schäfer and Sianna.  This allowed Selah to sleep in the crib. I’d say we’ve gotten our use out of the crib. If Selah remains it in until she is 3, then it will have served our kids for 8 years. I’m glad we got the crib.

Pack N Play
Pack N Play’s are not cheap. If you want to bring a Pack N Play, it might be worth while. You’ll have to make that decision. We were given a Pack N Play, but absolutely found it NOT convenient for travel in China.

I think it is convenient when you carry it out the front door, down the driveway and into your SUV before driving to Grandma’s house. With our first born, Hubs lugged that Pack N Play on trains, buses, taxi’s, etc.

Hubs and Schäfer in the train station with the Pack N Play.

We brought the stroller just to wheel the Pack N Play around the train station, through the subway, and walking to our friend’s apartment. Schäfer rode on us in the Ergo.

After this trip, we decided our children could forever sleep on palates on the floor. They have & they are well adjusted little tykes. Others swear by the Pack N Play. We do not.

Another problem with the Pack N Play is that it takes up a piece of checked baggage. When we returned to the states in September of 2008 for a four month visit, the domestic airlines allowed us to check in one bag and then charged $50USD for any additional bag. So our suitcase was free, but the Pack N Play was $50!!! No thanks.

Enter the tent.

Tent

We initially used the tent whenever we traveled. At just four pounds, the tent easily fit into our suitcase so we had no need to check an extra bag.

When we returned to China, we set up the tent in the summer time to keep the mosquitoes at bay.

Mosquito Nets

Mosquito nets are readily available.

Fitted Sheets
Fitted sheets are not common in China. If you had a sample, any tailor could make a copy.

If you don’t care, then any tailor can make a flat sheet.

Mattresses
Mattresses and foam mattresses are available in China.

Mattress protectors
I had mattress protectors sent from the states. Our wee ones do occasionally have leaky diapers or a stomach bug so we wanted their foam mattresses to stay in good condition.

Blankets

If there was ever a country where babies are bundled – it’s China. You will have no problem finding nice, thick blankets to wrap your baby in.

SwaddleMe

We were gifted a SwaddleMe when Schäfer was born. At 21-days-old, he obviously wasn’t a big fan.

At 17-days-old, Selah still enjoyed being swaddled.

I have friends whose babies loved the SwaddleMe. I don’t think a SwaddleMe is necessary. You can easily swaddle a baby with a blanket.

A Lovie

Early on, we only put one toy in the crib so that our kids will attach to it.

We highly recommend Bunnies by the Bay. They make great, soft lovies that can easily be replaced if lost.

For more lovie info read this post.

Rocking Chair

Hubs found this rocker in a local store when I was pregnant with Schäfer.

I had a tailor cut and cover foam for the padding. I rocked in that thing so much that it started to fall apart. Hubs took the parts from the footstool and got it working again for Sianna. By the time Selah joined our family, we were in need of a new rocker.

I purchased this Eames rocker off taobao.com for 120rmb ($19). I L.O.V.E. it. It is so comfortable and a great, small size that fits perfectly in our bedroom. Eames rockers in the states are $160 – $549 USD so I was very thankful to find one in China for cheaper.

Shopping List
Available in China
crib
mattress or foam mattress
flat sheets (from the tailor)
mosquito nets
tents (basic)
blankets
rocking chair

From America
Pack N Play (if you want/prefer one)
mattress protectors
fitted sheets
a lovie (buy two)

How about you? Did anyone else forget to create a nursery while they were pregnant? Or maybe you have some great nursery ideas that are possible on the East Side? Do you love or loathe your Pack N Play?