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. Which items are essential?
Breastfeeding
- Breastfeeding 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 preparation on the move
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
- 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 of tights
- 1 pair slippers
- 4 jumpers or cardigans
- 1 jacket
- Soft cotton hat for summer, warm woolly hat for winter
- In winter: gloves and jumpsuit
On the move
- Push chair
- Cover and sun screen for push chair
- Baby car seat
- Baby carrier
- Changing bag
- Baby blanket
- Travel cot, optional