Baby checklist – What is really important?

The sight of baby shopping lists can be a bit daunting... I wonder how much it will all cost? How do I know what is important and what is not? How can I come out cheaper? You can save tens of thousands by not buying unnecessary or useless things.

We don't just want to give you a simple list, but we'll also share some suggestions and experiences for each item. We want to help make your decision easier and not break the bank financially. 

Let's cut to the middle!

First, let's analyze the tools needed for feeding, then baby care/dressing, then putting the baby to sleep, and finally transportation.

Baby diaper list for feeding

Breast pump 

Although manual pumping can be learned, the general experience is that a good quality breast pump helps a lot. Don't skimp on quality: a crudely designed breast pump can even cause tissue damage.

It is definitely worth expressing and storing excess milk. On the one hand, you may need it later, and on the other hand, this will help you avoid mastitis and milk drying up. Later, you will not need it much, when the supply-demand balance in milk production is established. But in the beginning, you will definitely have to express. Since quality is of crucial importance here, ask a professional (such as a lactation consultant) for the opinion of your choice!

Baby bottle or drinking cup?

You need to be prepared in some way for the possibility of needing a feeding device other than your breast. It is worth knowing that a bottle can be confusing for the baby and can make breastfeeding less effective. This can later lead to a decrease in milk supply.

One of the most popular devices is the Swedish drinking cup, which does not cause such problems. However, there are also cases where the baby is only willing to accept a bottle, so it is not a problem to have a cheaper version of the bottle as an emergency backup. (If for some reason it becomes necessary, you can buy a more expensive, better quality one later.)

(Before you give up breastfeeding, be sure to consult a specialist, because you may be just a stone's throw away from the solution.) So, your baby's list should also include the contact information of a lactation consultant .

Hypoallergenic formula for newborns

Many mothers feel safer keeping a box of formula at home in case something suddenly stops them from breastfeeding. If this happens in the middle of the night or when no stores are open, it can be very inconvenient.

You may never find the formula, but it's a good idea to have a box at home. If it's nearing its expiration date, you can use it instead of your morning milk, use it to make porridge, or anything else that requires milk. That way, it won't go to waste. 

Since we don't know at the beginning whether the baby has any food allergies, it's worth purchasing a hypoallergenic version from the start.

Before you buy it, it's worth asking your mom friends if they have any extra formula at home. You might be able to get it cheaper that way. Of course, you should pay attention to the expiration date.

Sterilizer  –  Is there another solution?

If you use a breast pump or baby bottles, you should definitely sterilize them from time to time. Using a microwave sterilizer is quick and convenient, but it's worth knowing that you can still save money. You can use the traditional method: put the devices in a pot of boiling water for a few minutes. To prevent water scale, it's worth adding a very small amount of citric acid to the water.

So if you really need to save money, your baby will grow up without a microwavable sterilizer. If you really miss it, you can buy it later.

Nursing bra 

Keep in mind that your breast size will change during breastfeeding. So don't buy too much of this before giving birth. Get some cheaper pieces for the first few days that won't be too tight. They should be roomy. Then you'll see exactly what size you need.

Nursing pad

It's worth getting a few washable bra pads for home. The disposable version will be much more practical during your hospital stay. You can also get them cheaper from new mothers who have a few extras left.

Nursing pillow 

A nursing pillow is a tool you can live without, but it's not worth it. The success of breastfeeding can be significantly influenced by whether you can adopt a comfortable position for both baby and mother. A nursing pillow helps with this.

This is what you need for baby care

Let's first look at the topic of bathing and skin care!

Bathtub 

You will need a small bathtub. When choosing, plan which room you will bathe in, whether it will fit in the bathroom or you will have to take it to another room. Where the bathroom is very small, e.g. with only a shower, you will probably have to take the bathtub to another room. In this case, easy transportability and small size will be important.

Baby bath cream

 A newborn baby does not need strong cleansing and foaming agents, and in fact, they can be harmful. Many expectant mothers have noticed that their baby's hair started to become oily after they started using artificial baby shampoo. (The shampoo removed the protective layer that would have maintained the natural condition of the scalp.)

The most gentle baby bath products are made from natural vegetable oils, which you add a little to the water and distribute. These prevent tap water from drying out the skin.

Baby body lotion/butt cream

 Even with the most natural tools and clothing, a newborn's skin may turn red, or heat rash may develop. Although choosing the right clothes can help prevent this (more on that below), it's a good idea to have some natural cream at home that can be used on newborns. There are some that are suitable for the bottom and the entire body. It's important to do an allergy test before trying any product (even if it's 100% herbal): apply it to a small area on your baby's arm. If the redness doesn't go away the next day, you can use it on a larger area.

(By the way, with natural products, the chance of you having any problems with it is very minimal.)

Products needed for umbilical cord care

 We won't go into specifics here. Mothers of multiple children have found that as the years passed, the protocol always changed: the pediatrician recommended something different for each child regarding umbilical cord care. Therefore, all we can say is that you should purchase the products that your pediatrician or health visitor recommends for this purpose.

Earwax? Be careful with it!

 According to otolaryngologists, it is not recommended to poke your ears even with a cotton swab intended for babies, because it can push the earwax deeper, so the cotton swab can be used for other purposes at most. Let the earwax drain naturally, and carefully clean the outside of the ear. The tip of a towel can also be used for this.

Baby nail clippers or nail clippers

It is important not to use the same tools as other family members, so that even a small amount of micro-contamination does not get on them. A baby's nails should not be cut until they are about 2 weeks old, which is why we recommend the following:

Newborn mittens

You may need this in the first two weeks, take it with you to the hospital! Since you can't cut your baby's nails at first, your baby might scratch his little face with them. If you give him a pair of thin gloves, you can prevent this.

Baby towel

It's worth choosing a towel that you can wrap your baby in well after you take him out of the bath. So long rectangular ones won't be as practical. You'll be much better off with square baby towels. If there's a little hood at the end, you can wrap his head safely and wipe him with it. Have at least 2-3 of them so that if one of them is in the wash, you can alternate them.

Water thermometer?

It can be useful, as water that is only slightly warm to us can be too hot for a baby's skin. That's why it's important that the bath water is about body temperature. However, many people still consider our grandmothers' method to be faster and easier, and it doesn't require a thermometer: if you put your elbow in the water and it feels neither cold nor hot, then the baby will be fine.

Nasal aspirator

We hope you don't need it at the beginning, but when you do, you'll need it from one moment to the next... So you need to get this in advance too.

Thermometer

This shouldn't be necessary, but unfortunately it can come up from time to time.

Humidifier in the room

 On cold days with dry air, you will likely need it to protect your respiratory tract.

Baby hairbrush

It should be as soft as possible and made of antistatic material.

Diapering supplies

We could have included butt cream here, but since it is strongly related to the topic of baby body care, you will find it under the heading above.

Diapers

There are two main groups: washable and disposable. If you choose washable, we recommend that you choose a newborn size, as experience has shown that adjustable sizes are not suitable at first. Don't buy too much of one type, as each child will have a different preference. It's worth getting a few different types and you'll see which ones are worth buying more of as you go.

You can read more about this topic in our summary: Types of diapers and how to use them .

Changing table and changing mat

There are many cribs that come with a changing table. This is where the changing mat goes, which is relatively easy to keep clean. Of course, you will always have to cover it with a cloth diaper. But if the changing table really doesn't fit, or your apartment is small, it's no problem to put the changing mat on the bed and solve the diapering problem that way.

Cloth diapers

Have plenty of cloth diapers, at least 10, because they have many functions, not just for changing diapers. When feeding, it's a good idea to drape them over your shoulder so that if your baby falls over, milk or formula won't land on your clothes. They can also be used for many other purposes, from wiping your baby's face to wiping your baby's face.

Diaper bag

Wherever you go, even if it's just to the next street, you need to take your diapering supplies with you: diapers, a portable pad, cloth diapers, and diaper cream. Always have a change of clothes with you, because minor accidents can easily happen: for example, a major fall can wet your child's clothes. It's most practical to have a diaper bag in which you always keep a spare set of supplies, so you don't have to pack them again and again.

Baby clothes

We often buy used clothes to save money, and that's often perfectly fine. However, for items that come into direct contact with the baby's skin (like bodysuits and kickers ), the primary consideration should be the material of the clothes. A poorly chosen item can cause your baby to suffer, if it makes their skin itchy, doesn't provide adequate warmth, doesn't ventilate, etc.

With us you will only find types of kickers and bodysuits that serve the well-being of your baby.

Bamboo clothes are both natural and support thermoregulation: they don't make the child hot in the summer, and they keep them warm in the winter. That's why we recommend having a few fewer pieces, but they should definitely be gentle and comfortable for the baby.

Of course, you will need other clothes, especially if your baby is born in the cooler season. But a summer baby also needs a sweater and a beanie .

Winter babies need to get even more clothes. They should have a jumpsuit that doubles as a coat and a warm hat . Instead of a traditional scarf, we recommend a turtleneck scarf : it is safer and warms well from all sides.

A few pairs of socks wouldn't hurt either...

Learn more about how to dress newborns in different seasons in our summary on baby dressing .

List of essentials for putting a baby to sleep

Baby bed

A safe crib is an essential accessory. Today, there are sleeping places for babies that are slightly different: there are square, more spacious, multifunctional Montessori cribs. If you want to sleep with your baby, the safest way to do it is to choose a crib that can be pushed together with the bed. This way, everyone can fit more comfortably, you can also use the breathing monitor, and your blanket will definitely not end up on the baby's head.

Baby mattress

Of course, the bed also needs a mattress. It should be made of natural material and well ventilated!

Baby bedding and sheets

 These come into direct contact with the baby's skin, so it is essential that the bedding is made of natural, anti-allergenic ingredients. The cover should also be changed at least twice so that washing does not cause any disruption.

Baby sleeping bag

A sleeping bag has several advantages over a blanket. Your child will definitely not kick you off, so you can sleep more peacefully. This will have a big impact on how much rest you can get in the long run. It is also much more comfortable for the baby to be provided with an even temperature throughout. In this case, it is also worth using bamboo sleeping bags that support healthy thermoregulation.

Night light  

Your baby will likely have to get up often at night. However, it can also be distracting for him if you always use a large lamp to illuminate the entire room. To keep him awake, it is recommended to use a night light.

Breathing monitor

When choosing a breathing monitor, seek the opinion of a specialist (child health nurse or pediatrician). There are some pieces that give false signals too often. So you can miss the mark with a bad choice. If you have one, be sure to test it to see if it signals when there is no movement on the mattress. There are also versions that can be attached to diapers.

Tools needed for carrying a baby

Stroller or baby carrier? Or both? 

When choosing a stroller, you should of course pay attention to the quality. A weaker version may have a wheel break on a bump or have other problems.

The most practical strollers are those that have multiple sections: you can attach a car seat, a carrycot, and a stroller seat. Multi-section strollers will serve you from day one. The carrycot version will be practical for newborns, and the stroller seat will be useful once your baby can sit up. You will also need a car seat as a standard.

You will also need a rain cover and a mosquito net for the stroller. 

The situation is a little different if you can choose to carry your baby. However, you may still need a stroller later on, because there are times when babies refuse to be carried and find it easier to settle in a stroller. This happens especially often during developmental leaps. Most babies prefer to be carried, but there are exceptions. If you are unsure, you can choose to buy a stroller only when you really need it.

If you decide to wear a baby carrier, be sure to get advice from qualified baby carrier consultants! It can be very helpful if you visit baby carrier clubs, where you can see firsthand how to tie a sling correctly. It is no coincidence that we mention the sling right away: a newborn or a baby who cannot sit yet can be held in an orthopedically correct position in a baby carrier .

Kangaroo is completely unsuitable for all ages: it holds babies in a completely harmful position. Mei Tai and other devices may be suitable for those who know how to sit.

We definitely recommend learning how to carry your baby professionally.

You can get suggestions from professionals or babywearing clubs for choosing the right device. When choosing a baby carrier, make sure that it has a weave that is appropriate for the purpose. Devices made with a plain weave are unsuitable for babywearing because they tear quickly at the slightest damage. However, those with a cross-weave or diamond weave, for example, tear more slowly in the event of a small damage, and you can detect the problem in time. 

Be sure to check the wrap for any damage: if there is a tear, it can't be used even if sewn, as it tears more easily along the seam. But you can be sure that your baby is safe in a wrap that is specifically designed for babywearing, has the right weave, and is undamaged.

In a well-tied sling, the newborn baby will be in a position that is ideal for him from an orthopedic point of view and can have a positive effect on his motor development later on. Motor development also affects the development of the nervous system and brain, so it is worth paying attention to it and seeking professional help if there is a problem.

Carrying jacket or blanket

If you choose to carry your baby, you will need these in the cold. The jacket will keep you both warm, while the carrier blanket will be more useful on days that are not too cold.

Baby carrier for car

This cannot be omitted even if you don't have your own car at home. There will almost certainly be a situation in life when you have to transport your baby by car (even if it's not your own car). In other cases, it is forbidden because it can be life-threatening. The baby carrier can be safely strapped into the car. It is worth choosing one that has received excellent results in crash tests and is strong enough.

Always read the safety instructions. They will probably say, for example, that you should never put the car behind an airbag. So, you should turn off the airbag in front of it, it's best to put it in the back seat.

Car window shade

 This way you can protect your baby from strong sunlight.

The hospital package 

 You should prepare your hospital package in the month before giving birth. We wrote a separate summary about this, welcome: here is the link to the corresponding blog article (not yet uploaded) for the anchor text Hospital package for childbirth