Families need different equipment when a new baby is born, and it can be difficult to make sense of what to buy. Some items are definitely a must-have, while other items are more "nice to have". We've put together a list of things that you can buy while you're waiting for your new addition to the family.
We are first-time parents - what should we buy?
There are already a lot of things to keep track of during pregnancy. pregnancy. On top of this, you also need to make sure you buy all the necessary equipment for when the new baby arrives. Especially during the latter part of pregnancy, it can become a recurring concern whether you have remembered to buy everything for the baby. However, it's very important to relax and ‘nest’ during this special, final stage of pregnancy. That's why we've compiled a list of things that can help make the new family life easier and more enjoyable for you all.
Must haves - purchased before birth:
- Baby duvet - Plus 2-3 sets of bed linen.
- Bathtub - Remember that baby should not be bathed until the umbilical stump has fallen off.
- Breast pads - Helps keep your breast warm and dry to avoid fungus and mastitis when breastfeeding.
- Carrycot - So it's easy to take baby around with you, either in the pram or carried as a ‘bag’.
- Car seat - For when you're taking your little one home from the hospital.
- Changing table and changing pad - Make sure it is water resistant.
- Clothing - Short and long-sleeved bodysuits, soft trousers, socks, tights, cotton jumpsuits, beanie, knitted jumper, possibly a fleece jumpsuit and mittens. Expect to change baby's clothes several times a day, so it's important that you have enough.
- Cloth nappies - Preferably 15-30, so you don't have to wash all the time.
- Cotton swabs (safety swabs) - To clean the baby's belly button after the umbilical stump has fallen off.
- Diaper bin - To avoid unpleasant odours in the nursery after changing your baby's nappy.
- Diapers - Don't buy in bulk until you know what size baby needs.
- Foam washcloths/disposable washcloths or wet wipes - For washing baby's bottom. Wet wipes are most often used when on the go.
- Large sanitary pads/postpartum pads - There is a high chance that you will bleed quite a bit after giving birth.
- Nursing bras - They can be hard to buy before your milk starts flowing and you know how big your breasts are getting. Buy a few that you can keep lying around that can be exchanged if they don't fit.
- Pacifiers - Keep different types on hand so you can experiment and find out which type baby likes best.
- Pram or stroller - Plus mattress and raincover, and mosquito net if it's summer.
- Thermometer - For the ear or bottom (the latter is more accurate).
- Vaseline or baby oil/cream - for the baby's nose and for the thermometer.
- Wash basin or top and tail bowl - If you use disposable washcloths/foam washcloths.
- Zinc ointment - In case of a red baby bum.
Must haves - can be purchased after birth:
- Baby bottles - Preferably 2-3, so you don't have to constantly wash after use.
- Baby brush - Brushing your baby's hair/scalp regularly can help prevent scarring from scabs.
- Baby toys - Baby can easily make do with a small rattle, teddy bear or mobile for the first while.
- Baby oil - For bath water, baby massage or to loosen scabs.
- Bath thermometer - You can also feel with your elbow, but remember that the temperature of the bath water is important! A baby can get scalded at just 40 degrees.
- Bed rail or cot bumper - To make the cot extra safe.
- Changing bag - A regular bag or backpack can also be used.
- Crib or cradle (plus mattress) - However, your baby can easily sleep in the lift for the first few days.
- Mobile - For the changing table or cradle.
- Nail scissors - At first, you can simply rub off baby's nails when they get too long.
- Saline drops and nasal aspirator - If baby gets snotty.
- Tight comb - If baby gets scabs.
- Vitamin D drops - It is recommended to give your baby a daily dose from he or she is two weeks old until 4 years old.
- Waterproof fitted sheets - So baby doesn't pee or regurgitate through to the mattress.
Nice to have:
- Activity blanket - Your newborn baby has a lot of new impressions to deal with. Therefore, wait with the activity blanket for the first while so that baby doesn't get overstimulated.
- Baby alarm - For extra reassurance when your little one is napping in the pram or in another room.
- Baby bath towel or poncho - To wrap baby up after the bath.
- Baby carrier - Can be great for calming baby; also for dad.
- Backseat mirror - So you can keep an eye on baby in the backseat when you're driving.
- Bath stand - So you can have a proper standing position and avoid back pain when bathing your little one. It also allows for that all-important eye contact between you and your baby.
- Bath support or bath chair - Makes it easier to handle a slippery baby in the bath.
- Breast pump - You can also milk by hand or rent a milking machine.
- Lanolin ointment - For when the nipples become sore during breastfeeding.
- Night light - For when you need to get up and breastfeed at night.
- Nipple shields - Protects the nipple during breastfeeding.
- Nursing pillow - To support you and baby during breastfeeding. You can also use regular pillows and duvets.
- Sling cradle - Gives baby the same feeling of closeness as in the womb.
- Sling or wrap - To carry baby around when you need both hands free.
- Soft teddy bear (possibly with music) - Can be good for calming the little one.
- Swaddle - Baby's duvet can also be used.
- Water bottle - For when you get thirsty while breastfeeding.
When baby gets a bit bigger:
- Baby cutlery, cups and plates - For when baby needs solid food.
- Baby toothbrush - For when baby gets their first tooth.
- Baby toys - Colourful toys to stimulate baby's senses.
- Bibs - Only necessary when the baby starts eating solid food.
- Bouncer - For when baby needs to sit at the table, from around 3 months.
- Comforter - To put by baby's head when he or she goes to sleep.
- High chair - For when baby needs to sit at the table, from around 6 months.
- Pillow - Your child shouldn't sleep with a pillow until he or she is one year old, and if your child sleeps well without a pillow, you may want to wait even longer.
- Pushchair - When your child can sit upright on their own.
