First, the good news: You have nine months to prepare for the birth of your child. Use the next few weeks to furnish the children’s room calmly and carefully. So that you don’t lose track or even run the risk of buying useless things, we have put together a list of the most important purchases for your baby’s initial equipment.
In the first few weeks, bodysuits and rompers, socks and hats are some of a baby’s most important items of clothing. However, make sure you don’t just buy one size, but three different ones (e.g. 56, 62 and 68) – infants grow several centimeters within a short period of time. The one-pieces should definitely have buttons in the crotch so that the newborn doesn’t have to be completely undressed when changing. So that you don’t buy too much baby clothes that end up not being used, you can use this list as a guide:
Tip: Baby sneakers, jeans and hoodies may look cute, but are absolutely unnecessary for newborns.
In the first few months, your baby will be changed several times a day, so you should always have enough diapers at home. The size of the diapers must be adjusted to the size and weight of the infant: initially, size one will most likely be needed and after two to four weeks, size two. For this reason, it doesn’t make sense to buy too many diapers of one size in stock. We recommend two packages of sizes one and two as well as the following supplies that you will need for changing and bathing your child:
a bath thermometer
two hooded bath towels
Tip: A newborn’s skin is very sensitive, but you should not use expensive creams, powders or wet wipes at first. After the first few weeks, wound protection cream and care oil can also be used.
Breastfeeding your child provides him with all the important nutrients that strengthen his immune system. So that you and your baby can enjoy the intensive contact as best as possible, you should prepare well for breastfeeding – many babies are very impatient when they are hungry, so you will feel the desire to give your baby the breast quickly. The points listed here in particular ensure more comfort:
Tip: In case of an emergency, it makes sense to have a small medicine cabinet. It’s best to talk to your midwife about which medications or other aids are recommended for newborns.
For the initial furnishing of the children’s room, new furniture such as the extra bed is essential for the addition of the family. Since they are one of the most expensive new purchases, you can wait until after birth – in the first few weeks your baby will most likely spend more time in your bed than in his. To save money, you could avoid buying a bassinet, toys and stuffed animals, among other things. You probably get most of it as a gift from friends and family for initial baby supplies. The following furnishings, however, should not be missing in the children’s room:
Tip: If your baby is born in spring or summer, purchasing a heater is not absolutely necessary. It is used, especially on cold autumn or winter days, to warm your child when they are being changed.
If you are a new parent leaving the hospital and want to drive home, you will need a baby seat for transport – otherwise you will not be allowed to take your child with you in the vehicle. Ideally, you should buy a combination of stroller and baby seat with footmuff here. The following summarizes the most important errands for on the go:
Tip: To save costs, you can also buy a used stroller combination. Many parents return them in very good condition, so you can save money on your baby’s initial equipment without feeling guilty.
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