For the baby

Clothing

• 6 onesies size 50/56

• 4–6 shirts/sweaters

• 4–6 pants or rompers

• 2 cardigans

• 3 hats

• 4 pairs of socks

• 2 sleep sacks

• Jacket suitable for the season

Tip: do not buy too many in size 50. Some babies fit this size only very briefly or not at all.

Sleeping

• Cradle, co-sleeper or crib

• Sturdy, well-fitting mattress

• 2 mattress protectors

• 3 fitted sheets

• 2 small blankets

• 2 flat sheets

• 2 metal bottles with bottle covers

Do not use a pillow, duvet, or bed bumper for your baby. Make the bed safe and short according to the guidelines for safe sleeping.

Care

• Changing pad

• 2 covers for the changing pad

• Diapers

• Wipes or washable cloths

• Diaper cream

• 12 hydrophilic cloths

• 6 hydrophilic washcloths

• Digital thermometer

• Baby bath or Tummy Tub

• Bath thermometer

• Soft hairbrush

• Baby nail file

Nourishment

With breastfeeding

You don't need to purchase a lot in advance.

• 2–3 nursing bras

• Nursing pads

• Optional nipple cream

• A few hydrophilic cloths

• Optional nursing pillow

You usually do not need to buy a breast pump standard before delivery. If pumping becomes necessary, you can discuss with the maternity care, midwife, or lactation consultant which pump suits your situation.

With bottle feeding

• 2–4 small bottles

• Matching nipples for newborns

• Bottle brush

You do not need to stock up on a large supply of bottles or milk. Every baby has different preferences and needs.

On the go

• Car seat for a newborn

• Stroller

• Diaper bag

• Wrap or blanket

• Optional baby carrier or ergonomic backpack

• Rain cover for the stroller

If you have a car, make sure the car seat is installed correctly before the due date.

Before the delivery and maternity week

It is also handy to have a number of items ready for yourself in advance.

Maternity package

First, check if you receive a maternity package through your health insurance. If not, you can purchase a maternity package yourself.

This usually includes the following:

• Maternity pads

• Sanitary pads

• Underpads

• Mattress protector

• Sterile gauze

• Cotton wool

• Alcohol/disinfectant

• Umbilical clamp/cord ring

Your maternity caregiver can indicate which additional items are needed.

For yourself

• Comfortable clothing for after delivery

• Loose underwear

• Nightwear that can easily be opened for breastfeeding

• Slippers

• Toiletries

• Paracetamol

• Extra large sanitary pads/maternity pads

• Bottle or flask that you can easily drink from

For a home birth

Do you want to give birth at home? Then there are some extra necessities. The maternity care usually specifies what items they would like to have ready.

Think about the following:

• Maternity package

  • Extra underpads

• Bed at the right working height

• Bed raisers

• Good lighting

• Enough towels

• 2 buckets

• Garbage bags

• A support cushion if needed

Discuss during pregnancy with us and with the maternity care what exactly is needed in your situation.

When do you start with the baby goods?

You don’t have to buy everything immediately after a positive pregnancy test. Start slowly with planning and spread the purchases throughout the pregnancy.

It is nice if you have the most important items in the house around 36–37 weeks ready, the crib is set up, the car seat is arranged, and your bag (see emergency bag on the website) ready for the hospital.. 

Our tip

Don’t let yourself be overwhelmed by the long baby goods lists you find online. For a newborn baby, you need surprisingly little in the end. Start with the basics. Extra items can always be purchased later when you realize you really need them.