Have you ever wondered what you really need to buy for your baby in advance? Our answer: Not much at all! Besides the usual must-haves, we advise you to get to know your baby first. We have summarized the recommendations from our midwife Charlotte in this blog post for you.
All new parents know the feeling: towards the end of the first pregnancy, you wonder what you actually need for the baby, who will hopefully soon be born healthy and happy.
With the countless offers and lists you find everywhere, it's easy to lose track - and the initial equipment can also be a burden on your wallet.
We want to encourage you not to worry too much, because you don't actually need much before the birth. First, get to know your baby in peace and don't forget that in a country like Germany, things can be quickly acquired even after birth – almost around the clock.
Of course, we also have a few recommendations for you in a small checklist for the initial equipment that we would like to recommend and which might give you an overview of the most important must-haves:
Our checklist for initial baby equipment
Before birth
- Stroller in which the baby can lie flat
- Crib with a mattress that is not too soft – you do not need pillows or blankets; the baby ideally sleeps alone in a sleeping bag
- 1-2 sleeping bags made of 100% cotton (or wool)
- Car seat for the ride home from the hospital
- 2-3 bodysuits made of high-quality materials (wool/silk blends or pure cotton)
- 1 season-appropriate outfit (romper, jacket, hat) in a small size
- Approx. 5 muslin cloths/flannel cloths – e.g. our boep muslin cloths made of 100% organic cotton from controlled organic cultivation
- Diapers or cloth diapers – depending on preference
- Wet wipes or gentle washcloths
- Care product depending on baby's skin
Here you can download the checklist for initial baby equipment
Everything else you can get so quickly, you really don't need to keep it at home. Diapers, wet wipes, care products - you can get all of that at your leisure once the baby is here. Maybe your baby is rather big and doesn't fit into diaper size 1 at all, or you decide to use cloth diapers, either way, it's all quickly acquired. You can also do without wet wipes at the beginning; with soft washcloths, warm water, and a few drops of almond oil , the newborn's bottom can be ideally cleaned. And although we sell care products, we do not necessarily recommend buying baby care products before birth. First, take a close look at your baby's skin, it may have special needs, and first test with small samples which products you like best and which your baby tolerates well.
And if you do want to buy something, find out in our blog post on Tips for newborn care which care products we recommend for the beginning.
O U R E X P E R T Charlotte I Midwife B.Sc.
