The good news first: You have nine months to prepare for the birth of your child. Use the next few weeks to set up the children's room calmly and carefully. So that you don't lose track or run the risk of buying useless things, we have put together a list of the most important purchases for baby's initial equipment.
In the first few weeks, bodysuits and rompers, socks and hats are among a baby's most important items of clothing. However, make sure not to buy just one size, but three different ones (e.g. 56, 62 and 68) - babies grow several centimeters within a short time. In any case, the one-piece suits should have buttons in the crotch so that the newborn does not always have to be completely undressed when changing diapers. To avoid buying too many baby clothes that end up not being used, you can use this list as a guide:
Tip: Baby sneakers, denim pants, and hoodies may look cute, but they're totally 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 nappies must be adapted to the size and weight of the baby: initially size one is most likely needed and after two to four weeks size two. For this reason, it makes no sense to stock up on too many diapers of one size. We recommend two packages each of sizes one and two, as well as the following aids that you will need for changing and bathing your child:
a bath thermometer
two hooded bath towels
Tip: The skin of a newborn is very sensitive, but you should not use any expensive creams, powders or wet wipes at first. After the first few weeks, wound protection cream and care oil can also be used.
If you breastfeed your child, it will be provided with all the important nutrients that strengthen its immune system. So that you and your baby can enjoy the intensive contact as much as possible, you should prepare well for breastfeeding - many babies are very impatient when they are hungry, so you will feel the desire to breastfeed your offspring quickly. The points listed here in particular ensure more comfort:
Tip: In an emergency, it makes sense to keep a small medicine chest. It is 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 indispensable for the family growth. Since they are one of the most expensive new purchases, you can wait until after the 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 do without buying a bassinet, toys and stuffed animals, among other things. You'll probably get most of these as gifts from friends and family for baby essentials. The following furnishings, on the other hand, should not be missing in the children's room:
Tip: If your baby is born in spring or summer, buying a radiant heater is not absolutely necessary. It serves to warm your child when changing diapers, especially on cold autumn or winter days.
If you leave the hospital as new parents and want to drive home by car, you need an infant carrier for transport - otherwise you are not allowed to take your child with you in the vehicle. Ideally, you buy a combination of stroller and baby seat with a footmuff here. The most important errands for on the go are summarized again below:
Tip: To save costs, you can also buy a used stroller combination. Many parents return these in very good condition, so that you can save money on the baby's initial equipment without a guilty conscience.
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