Baby Clothing Essentials#
Soft, comfortable clothing comes first. To make sure your baby has clothes from day one, buy suitable baby clothing during pregnancy. When shopping, pay attention to the season your child will be born in. If your baby arrives in winter, protect them from the cold.
- 5 wrap bodysuits in size 50 to 62
- 5 tops, preferably wrap cardigans in size 50 to 62
- 4 rompers in size 50 to 62
- 3 baby tights
- 3 baby trousers
- 2 pairs of warm socks or wool booties in the smallest size
- 2 thin cotton hats
- 2 sleeping bags
- 2 jackets or overalls (lined for winter)
- 1 pair of mittens
- 1 thicker hat
- 1 cosy blanket
Feeding Essentials#
Depending on whether you choose to breastfeed or bottle-feed, you will need certain items for feeding your baby. A nursing pillow can also be useful during pregnancy for more comfortable sleep.
- Nursing pads
- Nursing bras — buy 1–2 sizes larger, as breasts grow while breastfeeding
- Nursing pillow
- Possibly formula
- Possibly breast pump
- Possibly baby bottles
- Possibly bottle and teat brush
- 5 muslin cloths (burp cloths)
Care Essentials#
Baby skin is delicate and sensitive — choose gentle, skin-friendly products without harmful ingredients. Bathing and care items are important, so think about them well in advance.
- Changing table
- Nappies
- Wet wipes
- Changing mat
- Nappy bin
- Nappy rash cream
- Baby bath
- Washcloths
- Bath thermometer
- Hooded bath towel
- Possibly bathroom heater
- Baby hairbrush
- Baby nail scissors
Sleep Essentials#
Sleep is very important for babies, so decide in advance where your baby will sleep best — a bassinet or a co-sleeper crib. What matters is that your baby can sleep comfortably, undisturbed, and close to you. Babies sleep best near you — which is why a co-sleeper is perfect for you and your baby.
- Bassinet, co-sleeper, cot, or cradle
- Mattress
- Bedding and fitted sheets
- Baby monitor
- Musical mobile
- Mobile
On-the-Go Essentials#
Your baby should of course travel safely and comfortably with you. It is important to have a suitable pram and infant car seat in advance — you should leave the hospital with the car seat, as that is the safest option. Season matters here too, just as with clothing. Sun protection in summer shields your baby from strong sun; a footmuff in winter protects them from the cold.
- Pram
- Pram rain cover
- Pram sun shade
- Infant car seat
- Sheepskin for winter
- Footmuff
- Baby carrier wrap
- Changing bag
- Portable changing mat
- Toys
- Cuddly toy
- Hand warmers for the pram
These are the most important things you need for your baby’s essentials. Over time you will figure out exactly what you need and what you do not. Above all, your baby should be safe and well fed. Once you have the essentials ready, your little one can arrive and you can enjoy your time together.