By: fallen angel

Do you know what your baby’s vaccine is for? I surely didn’t know until i saw the bill. Not only that it’s not cheap i think i need to be informed on what my baby is given. I’m not complaining that it’s expensive, i just need to know what she was given. I walked out of the doctor’s clinic not knowing what she had. Well… i thought i “knew” what she had. The doctor didn’t explain to me what he gave to her. All i thought was the compulsory shots. For those who has given birth, you should have a booklet that state the compulsory shots. Each time you see the doctor you have to bring the book with you to record it down.

From birth:

BCG

Hepatitis B #1

2nd Month

Hepatitis B #2

DTP + Hib + Polio # 1

3rd Month

DTP + Hib + Polio # 2

5 Months

DTP + Hib + Polio # 3

Hepatitis B # 3

12 Months

Mumps, Measles, Rubella (German measles) (MMR)

18 Months

DTP + Hib + Polio booster

Primary school

MMR + DT booster

DTP = Diphtheria, Tetanus (‘lock jaw’), Pertussis (whooping cough)]
[Polio vaccine is available in live oral preparation or inactivated polio vaccine by injection given as a single dose with the DTP+Hib vaccine. The injectable inactivated polio vaccine is safer. If oral polio vaccine is given, there has to be a gap of at least 2 weeks before the next dose of rotavirus vaccine].

Optional vaccinnes

2-6 months

Rotavirus vaccine (2 or 3 doses depending on the vaccine brand)

2-24 months	3 or 4 doses of pneumococcal vaccine
14-15 months	Chickenpox vaccine
24 months	Hepatitis A # 1
30 months	Hepatitis A # 2

[Rotavirus vaccine is given orally]

For more info click here

Sadly my doctor did not tell me enough information about the vaccines. All he did was jab jab and ok your done, see you next month. Briefly told me it’s a 5 in one shot, now is very convenient. When the bill came to Rm 450+ i have to say i was shock. I expected it to be Rm 250+ (up Rm 350) but 450+ is a little ridiculous, so i thought. Hubby and i was discussing how come it’s so expensive, i mean it didn’t make any sense. If it was so expensive who can afford the shots. Our conclusion is that, that is why there’s Klinik Kesihatan (sponsored by the gov) The shots are free. So we thought maybe next month we will try it there.

State of confusion

Still it didn’t make any sense how can a normal compulsory shot be so expensive?  So i asked my friends that has kids, maybe they can explain to me why. Sadly they all have forgotten and came out with different prices. One of my friend to me that her cousin is a pediatrics and it might be cheaper at her clinic. Finally the day came and it’s time for my baby 2nd round of vaccination. So i decided to try this new doctor (i’ve called to check that they have the same shots) To my surprise that my baby already had the “optional” shot last month which i thought i had the option to choose when she’s 6 months. I had no idea my previous doctor had given her. Not that it’s a bad thing, but i should have been properly informed. No wonder the bill was so expensive. The Rotavirus and some other type of vaccine (unable to read the writing) is quite expensive. Rotavirus cost Rm 180 per shot (2 dosage, once each month) My mistake that i didn’t read the slip when i paid the bill. I remembered i called and ask the doctor how much and he told me, Rm 130, 220 and 180 somewhere there. I’m not piss because my baby had the shots, i’m pissed because i was not properly informed. I’ve decided earlier that i want my baby to have the optional shots but it would be nice if i was told. All i can say it was just an inexperienced doctor. How did i find him? I gave birth at the hospital and it was just pass to their paed in the hospital. I’m disappointed since he had so much patient and still he did not give enough information.

So people, do know what your chid is given when she’s being vaccine. If your unclear cause the medical terms can make you go crazy, don’t be shy to ask again. Now a days vaccines are not cheap that is why most people goes to Klinik Kesihatan. I’ve been there once, sorry to say i don’t think i’ll go back again. Most staff there are trainee and local doctors. Unless you are a urgent case no one will look at you. I think i’ll keep my opinion to myself i know a lot of people goes there Klinik Kesihatan provides free compulsory shots. Entirely up to you either to go private or gov. After you give birth, the gov will send someone to look at you on the first week. Find out more information before deciding.

After vaccination your baby will be a little feverish. The doctor will prescribe some fever meds in case needed. Not all babies will have a fever so do monitor your baby closely. Usually the baby will feel lethargic (and sleep a little more) also will affect her appetite (no worries, drink whatever she can). It will last for a few days, most up to a week.

Will do a update when my baby have more shots.

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1.

Avent pacifiers

I call this the magic item, lol

Wahhhhhhhhhhhhh!!! pop it in and viola! It stops the crying, trust me i swear by it. Always have 2 pacifiers (many types and brands of pacifiers choose whatever suits your baby), you always need to have a spare (in case you have lost it, misplaced etc) This is a must have when baby need to sleep. Sucking on a pacifier helps release stress and moodiness and it soothes the baby. That is always why it’s also call a soother Teaching your newborn to suck the pacifier also helps the newborn to drink milk faster. It teaches the motion. Newborn need to practice before they get the hang of things (for latching on your breast or bottle) When they suck on this they will know it’s time to sleep, at the same time it soothes them. Also help set a habit for baby to sleep.  My baby just suck on it when she wants to sleep, after it she will just spit it out. Don’t give it to the baby all the time, only when she needs it, ex: time to sleep, feeling moody. Then you don’t have to worry about teaching the baby to quit later. My friend (1 son, 2nd son on the way) says it’s the greatest invention, lol

2.

Maclaren XT (review)

A stroller is what i think everyone should have. Unless you plan to stay home for the rest of  your life. I like to bring my baby out once a week. It’s good training for the baby so that she won’t be selective with people and be fussy later. You want the baby to see things and have new experiences. They really like it. I don’t believe in carrying the baby while i’m out or even at home. It’s not healthy to be carrying the baby all the time close to your body. As adult we do not know what we might have (cough,flu, bacteria etc), it could easily transfered to the baby (please do not let sick people carry or even go near your baby) While you’re shopping/eating baby can be comfortably seated or sleeping in the stroller. It’s comfortable for both mommy and baby. It’s not easy to put a baby in a stroller and the baby don’t cry. That is why you need to start this at a early age. I took my baby out 3 months later after her 2nd vaccine. Before that i will stroll her around the house/garden. Let her get use to it. Once your baby is ok like that, it’s even easier when you are out because there’s just so much for the baby to see. My baby girl sometimes get so excited she won’t even sleep. But of course until she can’t fight it anymore she will just zzz, lol   Choose a stroller that suits your needs.

3.

Anakku car seat + baby carrier

I did mention at my Maclaren review that i was disappointed at this carrier+car seat because as a carrier it does not fit it’s purpose all the time. But i do like it as a car seat. It’s easily strapped on the car but sadly only at the front seat (cause the back seat seat belt is not long enough) I prefer this than a full size car seat just because it’s easy to use and i can bring it down as a carrier, it is very handy. Bear in mind the safety harness is just a 3 point unlike full car seat is 5 point safety. It allows me to drive and bring my baby out by myself and usually she will take a nap while i’m driving. It is very cozy and need to use it in a air conditioned room. If your looking for a real car seat then this is not for you. For the price it’s value for money. My mom got this on sale  in Ipoh at Rm 250 (regular price Rm 350) I saw it on sale in KL at Rm 150 before. So no complaints.

4.

Ikea wash cloth

Wash cloth, handkerchief call it whatever you want. I particularly like this one because it’s bigger than normal handkerchief  and it’s thick. The size provide better coverage and it absorbs more. This is my go to handkerchief when it comes to feeding time. After it i can put on my shoulder and use it as a burping cloth

5.

Fisher Price infant to toddler link a doo rocker  (review)

I got this as a present from my aunt. Didn’t know how useful it is until you used it. I never quite like to use bouncenette. I don’t know, maybe i feel babies grow out of it quite fast. This chair is so useful, i bring it to me everywhere i go when i go on a road trip . A better way to describe is, a chair for your baby. You can use it starting from newborn to toddler (check my review) The toys entertain the baby while your doing your stuff. When the baby is awake you need to put the baby somewhere right. Not like your going to carry it all the time (carrying can cause bad habit) I’m not going to say much just read my review.

6.

NUK sterilizer

Everyone needs a bottle sterilizer. It’s easy, it’s convenient and hassle free. Just turn it on in the morning and once in the evening and your baby bottle are ensure sterilized. I like those that uses just water nothing added. You don’t want any chemicals on the baby bottles even though they say it’s suppose to sterilize. Nothing beats just pure and simple water. Avent sterilizer looks pretty cool you might want to check it out. I got this as a gift too. Sterilizer cost around the same no matter what brand it is (Rm 250++)

7.

Osim Umist Humidifier

I have to say i like and hate this thing at the same time. I like it because it’s a humidifier. I didn’t know until i need it. My baby was having a lot of phlegm and it’s drying to her nose and her skin and that made her difficult to sleep at night in a air conditioned room. After doing some research, a humidifier was highly recommended. There are no choice out there for a humidifier so i was resort to buy  Osim’s humidifier. I have to give credit to Osim is that the mist is extremely fine, it didn’t cause any wet marks. Once it’s out it’s disappear into thin air. Unlike some that will leave a moist/wet marks on your stuff. After using it, i saw the improvement with my baby. The humidity in the room is no longer dry and her phlegm was not hard anymore (she still has phlegm but it’s not hard and cause hard breathing) Skin is not as dry not only hers mine too I hate it because it seems like it’s easily broken. A few times my hubby and i tried to refill the water and we were unable to turn it on (no mist) We brought back to Osim to fix and Osim said nothing was wrong (the service was bad too, took them ages to get back to us) There’s nothing wrong with it now let’s hope it stays that way. It’s disappointing for such a high end brand to have such low quality products (they should just focus on their massage chair)

8.

Mothercare sleeping bag (review)

This is something i use every night. My baby blanket. One of those items that will help set the baby a sleeping habit. Don’t have to worry about being too cold too hot etc. Once again not going to say much just check my review.

9.

Anakku air filled rubber cot sheet (traditional ones are in pink and blue, I have the ones with Disney characters)

This is not a mattress protector. It’s use this during changing diaper or bath time. This is to protect your bed while changing your baby. In case the baby pees or poop it will not go through the sheets. It’s a rubber mat, easy to clean and water proof. When there’s pee or poop it’s easily glides off. Saved my mom’s mattress lots of times, haha.

10.

Elba thermopot

Easy fast and it’s always ready. A thermopot helps you save time whenever you want to make milk. You can always pump out some hot water to sterilize pacifiers, toys etc. Or you can use a themo flask. I have a small one to take out.

These are my baby essentials which i find important.

If you are one of those like me, being a first time parent, this is something i think might come in handy for you. My hubby and i notice that a lot of babies out there are crying being fussy about certain things. Do you really know what your baby want? I’m not saying we know, but we try to find out the cause of the problem that’s making our baby uncomfortable. We believe that babies cry because they are uncomfortable or certain things are not met.

Always have a checklist.

• Diaper check (not just pooping, sometimes it’s too wet, need to change)
• Burping (not just after milk, they digest very slow)
• Hungry (whenever they need it, no need to be timely till they are older)
• Sleeping (some babies get fussy before they sleep, a lot of people miss out on that)

You have to do this so often that it comes to you naturally. Once my baby cry, i’m on auto mode with my checklist. I have to say so far, it has not failed me. Even though you have check everything and the baby is still crying, you need to find ways to calm your baby down first. Usually it’s time to sleep or they get hungry before feeding time. You need to set a schedule for your baby but for the first 3 months, pretty much anything could happen. Does not need to be timely.

Hubby and i went to a mall one day and we saw a couple with a baby, around the same month as ours (3mths) The baby was crying and they were trying to comfort the baby but nothing works. Anyway we went to a store near by and it’s a pretty big store, we could hear the baby wailing away. Half an hour later, we came out of the store the couple was still there and we saw all the baby wanted was to sleep. I saw the relieved look from the mother’s face. Not all babies have the same habit but most have the same one as i mention above. Know what your baby behavior is, this little person know what they want.

There are times when i’m playing with my baby on the bed, she’s happily smiling and all of a sudden she start to cry. My natural instinct is to pick her up and try to comfort her right? Next time when you do that, try to burp the baby by patting on the back. Before you know it, the baby will belch out a loud burp and you will see a smiley face again

Babies intestines are not fully develop  yet, so when they burp or pass gas it’s a little painful for them. Like one big blob going through their body before coming out. This explain why there is colic babies. Some babies has so much wind that disturb them so much. All they can do is cry to tell you that they are feeling uncomfortable.

Things to stand by:

This is my preferred colic drops brand. I guess due to Dr. prescribed to me most of the time i’m just stuck with this brand. I like it, my baby like it. The directions will ask you to feed the baby with a syringe. What i do is i use a syringe and pump out 2.5ml and mix it in 1oz water. The smell is quite sweet so i’m guessing it taste sweet as well. The first time feeding your baby, she might repelled a bit but after awhile they will accept the taste, after all it is sweet. My baby has no problem sipping it away. By the way it also relieve hiccups (a few sips and it’s gone) I only recommend this when the baby has drank a lot of water or during wee hours in the morning and the hiccups is still there. When my baby had diarrhea doc prescribed diarrhea meds (powder form, quite nasty) and ask me to mix it with Dentinox to kill the bad taste. So it is something very handy to have around the house. Fyi, the texture is a little thick so make sure you give it a good shake before pumping it out. And if you mix it in water also make sure it’s diluted throughly.

This is the other one i have to watch the door (in cantonese if you know what i mean) A well known Gripe Water. It works just like colic drops. The smell is a little strong i don’t know i think Dentinox taste better. Not like i’ve tasted it but i gave both to my baby before and i think she prefers Dentinox. The texture of gripe water is just water. But still you need to mix it with a little water. The taste is also sweet but it has a very strong gripe water smell.

Colic drops are definitely a must have when you have a baby. Doesn’t matter if she’s colicky or not but it’s good to have it ready. At times i’ll give to my baby once a week just to clear the tummy. Who knows, some extra wind, gas etc.

What is Ezerra? It’s a moisturizer for your baby dry skin. It is very common for babies to have dry skin such as eczema, cradle cap (seborrheic dermaitis) and baby acne. I think my baby had all of those on the 3rd week she was born. It is not a pretty picture and you would be very concern why your baby looks like that. I took my baby to 3 doctors. 2 Pediatrics and 1 dermatologist and i was told there’s nothing much i can do it will just go away by itself (do breast feed it will help the baby to build immune system, i didn’t breast feed) This will help relieve dryness and itchiness and you can apply it 3-4 times a day.

I just love this cream. It’s the cream for your baby’s eczema, baby acne, any sort of rashes. But it has 1.5% steroid in it. At one point my baby had very bad eczema, baby acne etc so my doc recommend me to use it for 5 days after that daily with Ezerra. I used it for 2 days and i see it’s almost healed entirely. So it’s a keepsake for me at the moment. Occasionally i’ll have to whip it out when she has bad rashes. Since it has a small amount of steroids in it apply sparingly. My daily usage now is Ezerra.

Hydrocortisone Cream 1% (a lot of companies have their version of it, this is just a sample)

Usually the doctor will prescribe Hydrocortisone Cream 1% when babies have eczema. I used it and it made my baby skin worst. So i need to use Cutivate instead. This has 1% steroid and Cutivate has 1.5% so be careful when you use it (both are very mild steroid cream). Even though if the doctor prescribe 1% and your baby is having an allergic reaction to it quickly stop and seek your doctor again.

Do know that when your baby skin is red and looking dry do apply something on it. It is itchy and can make the baby feel very irritated. When my baby was about 1 and half months old. She’s always sleeping in a crawled position and i notice that it’s always red and quite dry. She seems to be rubbing her face on the bed or her hands will look like it’s rubbing. Finally when i ask the doctor and the doctor told me yes, possible cause it is itchy. Babies are just like us, when we have dry skin you would feel itchy too right?

Calamine lotion is great for a lot of things. Especially for babies mild rashes. BUT do not apply on baby when the baby has eczema or baby acne. It will make the skin very dry and possibly make it even worst. What i learn is that you can apply it when your baby has a mosquito bite It relieves itchiness too. It’s also good when babies joints (like hidden neck) is a little red, it calms it down.

Prevents and treat nappy rash. Not only that it’s also for minor cuts and  wounds. Also don’t forget to apply at folds of skin. I swear by it, it is very important to prevent before you have the rash. In our hot weather it’s very easy for babies to have nappy rash. Especially some babies have very sensitive skin in that area. My baby scratch herself with her fingernails and i apply some Drapolene, heals in about 2 days. All the products mention are easily found at any pharmacy.

These are a few things that i use to stand by around the house. You maybe never know when your baby may need it. At least when she does, you have it. Imagine in the middle of the night and your baby goes crazy on you,….. you may just have the cure or at least have something that you can try to solve the problem. I’m sure a lot of first time mommies like myself, are just blur like me. After experiencing it, now i know it’s always good to be prepare than not have anything at all. I’m lucky to say that i don’t have a colicky baby but with that also i find there’s so many things that we just don’t know what a baby want until you get a taste of it.

What people miss out

Having said all of the above, you do need to know what your baby likes or dislike. This is where the bond comes in. Nobody has the closeness as you and your baby (even with help) so do pay attention to details that your baby would have a reaction to certain things. Try to identify different cry outs sounds, they mean different needs (i’ve tried it, kinda help but you have to figure it out, the sounds all sound pretty much the same) Try different things when the baby cries and see how it would react. For me i don’t really believe in “just because the baby is being fussy” There must be something uncomfortable with or the baby needs are not fulfilled. When a baby cry it does not mean it’s something you can see, sometimes it could be things you can’t see (ex: itchy skin, stuffed nose/dry nose, phlegm stuck, fever, flu, cold (temperature not right) and the list goes on) You get the idea what i’m saying. If the baby is really being fussy, nothing more than playing or rocking the baby for awhile wouldn’t settle the problem. The baby won’t be fussy for hours and cry like crazy, common sense will tell you something is not right. I think a lot of old people will say, oh baby is fussy (lau kai,cantonese) it’s just like that. Then no one will try to dissect the problem or discomfort the baby is having. So the baby will continue crying and people will just blame it on “fussy” Be open and do try different things if you want you and your baby to have a peaceful time (we all know how a crying baby can make us go crazy) Good luck!