Baby essentials checklist: what you really need

The anticipation of a baby is huge – and with it, often, the uncertainty: what do I really need? Lists on the internet are endless and seem to sell you half the baby shop. We take a different approach here. This checklist honestly separates what you need from the start from what can safely wait until your baby is here and you have found your own rhythm.

One principle first: less is more. Babies grow quickly, and much of what is considered essential ends up unused in the cupboard. Better to choose a few high-quality pieces made from natural materials that can accompany several children, rather than large quantities.

Clothing for the first weeks

Newborns grow rapidly in the first months, often jumping to the next size after just three to four weeks. So do not buy too much in size 50/56 – which size fits when is shown in our size chart. As a rule of thumb, for the early days you need:

• 6 to 8 bodysuits (a mix of short and long sleeves) – they are the base under every outfit; more in our guide How many bodysuits does a newborn need?
• 5 to 6 rompers or one-pieces
• 2 to 3 warm tops or cardigans to layer over
• 2 little hats (depending on the season)
• several pairs of socks
• 1 to 2 sleeping bags in the right size

With clothing, the material is worth a closer look. Organic cotton and fine merino wool lie gently on delicate baby skin and come without harmful finishes. Our bodysuits and the entire newborn collection are selected with exactly that in mind – our post on the newborn collection gives an overview.

Sleeping

Your baby spends most of the time sleeping, so it pays to focus on safety and good materials here. What you need:

• a bedside crib or cot with a firm mattress
• 2 to 3 fitted sheets
• a sleeping bag instead of blanket and pillow (safer for newborns)
• a few muslin cloths – probably the most versatile helpers of all

For safety reasons, avoid pillows, thick blankets and cot bumpers in the first months. A cosy baby blanket is still lovely – for the pram, for cuddling on the sofa or on the go.

Nappy changing

Things accumulate quickly around changing. What you really need at the start:

• a changing mat or changing pad
• nappies in newborn size (not too many in stock – the size becomes too small quickly)
• washcloths or wet wipes
• a mild barrier cream
• muslin cloths to lay underneath

A dedicated changing table is practical but not a must – a safe, easily accessible surface will do at the beginning.

Feeding

Whether you breastfeed or bottle-feed strongly influences this list. When breastfeeding, you need little at first: comfortable nursing bras, nursing pads and perhaps a nursing pillow. With bottle-feeding, add bottles, teats and a cleaning brush. A dummy is part of the picture for many families too – but does not have to be from day one. If you are looking into it, our selection of dummies will help.

Out and about

For the first outings you need a way to transport your baby – a pram, an infant car seat or a sling or baby carrier. Many parents especially appreciate babywearing in the first weeks, because it gives closeness and keeps the hands free. A well-packed nappy bag completes the basic kit for out and about.

What can wait

These things are often bought in advance but are rarely needed from day one: baby monitor, bottle warmer, heat lamp, play gym, most care products and of course toys. Much of it only makes sense once your baby is a few weeks or months old. You can buy it at your leisure – and save yourself bad purchases.

The short version to tick off

If you only want to get the essentials, this is enough for the start: enough bodysuits and rompers, a safe sleeping place with a sleeping bag, muslin cloths, the basic changing kit, a transport solution and – depending on feeding – nursing or bottle accessories. Everything else can follow in its own time.

The most beautiful things do not come from a checklist anyway: time, closeness and patience. The rest you can get bit by bit, just as it suits you. And think of yourself too – how to prepare for the time after the birth is covered in our postpartum checklist.

Frequently asked questions

When should the essentials be complete?

Ideally, the most important things are bought four to six weeks before the due date – leaving a buffer in case your baby arrives early. Everything in the “what can wait” category can be bought later at your leisure.

How much does a sensible newborn kit cost?

That depends heavily on your choices – new or second-hand, a few high-quality pieces or many cheap ones. With the less-is-more strategy and durable materials you usually come out cheaper in the long run, because bad purchases are avoided and pieces can be passed on.

What is the best gift once the essentials are covered?

Something the family really needs or that lasts: a beautiful blanket, high-quality clothing in size 56/62 or a little something for the mum. You will find ideas in our post on sustainable gifts for a new baby.

At Littlies + mums you will find a carefully selected range of sustainable newborn essentials – fairly produced and curated with love. Questions about your newborn kit? Drop by one of our stores in Klingnau or Frick, or write to us.