What are the must-haves for a new baby?
A baby doesn’t need much in the first few weeks. However, there are a few items that you and your baby will need directly after the birth.
Although all the pretty products on offer are tempting, you shouldn’t buy too many things before the birth. Firstly, you will receive many gifts from friends and family and secondly, everyday life will show you what you and your child really need.
However, it is worth purchasing the basic equipment at an early stage. because your baby may arrive a few weeks early. Our checklist for essential baby items:
Breastfeeding
- BreastfeedingBreastfeeding bras
- Nursing pads
- Breastfeeding pillows
- Special teas for nursing mothers
- If you want to pump milk: Breast pump and bottles (you can rent electric breast pumps from the pharmacy)
Baby bottles
- 3 to 4 bottles with teats in the smallest size
- Bottle cleaning brush
- Bag for freezing breast milk
- Bottle warmer, optional
- Steriliser, optional
- Thermos flask for on the go
Baby care equipment
- A few packets of nappies (smallest size – don’t buy too many, because newborns grow quickly) or cloth nappies
- Wet wipes
- Nappy rash cream
- Washcloth
- Baby washing lotion
- Towel with hood
- Bath thermometer
- Muslin cloths
- Thermometer
- soft baby hairbrush
- Baby nail scissors
- Rounded nail scissors
Clothing
- 6 to 8 vests/bodysuits – short or long-sleeved depending on the time of year
- 6 babygros or long-sleeved shirts with trousers
- 2 pairs of socks; in winter an additional 2 pairs of thick socks
- 2 pairs oftights
- 1 pair slippers
- 4 jumpers or cardigans
- 1 jacket
- Soft cotton hat for summer, warm woolly hat for winter
- In winter: gloves and jumpsuit
For on the go
- Push chair
- Cover and sun screen for push chair
- Baby car seat
- Baby carrier
- Changing bag
- Baby blanket
- Travel cot, optional
