What Do I Need for My Baby?
- The baby is coming soon and you're not quite sure whether you really have everything you need, or where to get it?
- Maybe you'd also like some tips on how to save money? Or who to turn to if things are a bit tight financially?
- Here you'll find a checklist for basic baby essentials and more tips!
💶 Financial worries: How should things proceed with the pregnancy? – Self-test
🤰Am I pregnant? – to the online pregnancy test
Helpful and Cost-Saving Tips
Here are a few ideas and options for saving money on the many purchases you'll need to make:
- Friends or family are often happy to give something as a birth gift. You can simply let them know what you still need – because no one wants to give something unnecessary, and many will be glad to know what you'd like and what you still need!
- You can ask around among people you know who might have clothing or furniture to give away cheaply.
- A notice at a nursery or kindergarten can help too.
- Many towns and cities also have second-hand shops, flea markets, or charity shops that sell clothing as well as furniture and toys cheaply – all in good condition.
- There are also many options online or via apps for buying or swapping children's items cheaply.
Important: The following checklist is only meant to serve as a memory aid! The most important thing your baby will need is you! Everything else can be sorted out over time, if it's even needed at all. Often less is more, and especially at the start, you don't need much! You can trust your intuition here!
- 5 to 6 onesies/sleepers (ideally without zippers or buttons on the back)
- 2 to 6 pairs of newborn socks (of which 1 to 2 pairs should be warm socks or knit booties)
- 2 pairs of scratch mittens
- 3 pajamas
- 5 to 6 bodysuits, long/short-sleeved depending on the season (bodysuits with front lacing are especially recommended for the beginning)
- 1 thin hat
- 1 thicker hat
- 1 sun hat
- 6 cardigans/vests/long-sleeved shirts/sweaters (mixed)
- 5 pairs of pants (short or long, depending on the season – to protect the skin, very thin long pants are generally recommended even in summer. Comfort is key; avoid firm fabric such as denim)
- 4 pairs of tights (depending on the season)
- One blanket (thin or thick depending on the season) for covering up on the sofa or in the stroller
Because a baby's skin is very delicate, it needs special care:
- Wet wipes
- 2 bath towels (with hood)
- Baby-specific nail scissors (rounded tip; midwives recommend not cutting the nails in the first six weeks, as a baby's nail bed can become inflamed easily)
- A soft hairbrush for babies
- 3 to 4 washcloths (soft ones are best)
- A baby bathtub
- Baby oil/cream
- Bath thermometer
- Sunscreen with a high SPF
- 6 to 8 muslin cloths/burp cloths (gauze diapers/multipurpose cloths)
For Breastfeeding
- 4 comfortable nursing bras (one to two sizes larger than before the birth)
- Breast pads
- A nursing pillow
- Nipple cream (e.g. lanolin without alcohol additives, available from the pharmacy/drugstore)
- Possibly a breast pump
Nice to have:
- Nursing/breastfeeding tea (drinking a lot – especially water – is very important!)
Bottle Feeding
- 4 to 6 bottles
- 2 to 3 nipples (size 1)
- A bottle brush
- Baby formula
- Sterilizer or a large pot for boiling the bottles
- Thermos
- A firm mattress
- 2 mattress protectors (cotton)
- A co-sleeper crib or crib with bars (Important: look for the TÜV/GS safety seal)
- 3 fitted sheets
- 2 to 3 baby sleeping bags (thick or thin, depending on the season)
- A cherry stone pillow
Nice to have:
- A baby monitor
- Possibly a pacifier (though it's best not to use one right at the start, so consult your pediatrician or midwife)
- A music box and comfort blanket
- A changing table or changing unit with drawers
- A washable changing pad
- A diaper pail with lid
- Diapers (size 1)
- Care wipes/wet wipes
- A box of tissues and cotton pads
- Diaper/barrier cream, baby powder (for sore skin), or baby oil
- A fever thermometer (rectal is safest)
- Depending on the season, possibly a heat lamp
If you'd prefer to use cloth diapers: alongside 25-30 diapers, you'll also need about 4-5 diaper covers and absorbent inserts, and possibly diaper liners.
Basic Kit for Going Out and About
- A muslin cloth/burp cloth
Nice to have:
- A play mat
- A small baby-appropriate toy
- A spare pacifier and pacifier clip
- A baby carrier or a wrap sling or stroller (some babies only want to be carried, others only want to lie in the stroller, and others want both – see what works for the two of you)
- Possibly a car seat for babies (Important: ECE approval standard)
- A travel crib
Diaper bag or diaper backpack
So that you're well equipped when you're out and about and your little one needs a diaper change, you should always have a diaper bag with you and keep it stocked with the following:
- Several diapers
- A changing pad
- Wet wipes
- A change of clothes and a bag for dirty laundry
Nice to have:
- Portioning containers for baby food, bottles including nipples (if bottle feeding)
- Nursing cover or cloth and breast pads (if breastfeeding) – you can also drape a muslin cloth over your shoulder
- Thermos (warm and cold water for feeding on the go)
The Stroller
When buying a stroller, you should consider the following:
- Are you mostly out and about in the city or off-road?
- Do you travel by car, or do you often use public transportation?
- How much storage space do you need?
The stroller should also come equipped with the following:
- Rain and sun cover / possibly an insect net
- Footmuff or sheepskin liner (during the winter months)
- Mattress for the stroller
- Possibly a matching pump (depending on the stroller model)
Do You Have Questions or Worries and Would Like Advice and Help?
You may be unexpectedly pregnant, have more specific questions on your mind, or be worried about finances? Or maybe you'd simply like someone who will listen to you and be there for you in your situation?
