What do you need for a newborn baby and how do you prepare at home?

One of the most enjoyable projects during pregnancy is all the preparation for the baby's arrival. For some, however, it can feel overwhelming when you realize how much stuff there is for babies. So what do you really need for a newborn baby and what can you grab along the way? And honestly - do you have to have everything? Here's everything you need to know!

Is it time to start preparing your home for your first meeting with baby? Then don't worry, because in this article we have listed everything you need for the first time with your newborn.

What you need for baby - complete list from birth

How to plan your baby's wardrobe

Clothes are usually the first purchases you make as a parent. Babies grow a lot in the first few months and therefore it can be smart to vary different sizes instead of buying the majority of all garments in the smallest size. As a rule, you can think that babies can go up about four sizes in the first six months, then you understand how short a period you can use each size.

It is a good idea to start with a basic set of about 4-5 bodysuits, 3-4 pairs of trousers, 4-5 pyjamas, socks and a hat. Then plan the purchase of outerwear and the like according to the season.

Note! Always wash all newly purchased garments in fragrance-free detergent as the clothes are treated with chemicals during production

Stroller, carrycot and baby carrier

There are a couple of major purchases that are good to make before the baby arrives. A stroller is probably the first thing you'll buy, and also something your baby is likely to spend a lot of time in. Car seats are also good to have, especially if you plan to travel by car during the first year (and home from the birth!).

Having a baby carrier or sling tends to please both parents and babies. As a parent, it makes it easier to use both hands when the baby wants to be close (which they often do in the early days outside the womb) and for the baby, the closeness creates a huge sense of security. As a rule, many newborn babies are most comfortable in skin-to-skin contact, as they are used to the tight and cozy environment of the womb.

Making the stroller bed

There are many different ways to make up the stroller, depending on the season but also on taste. Many parents appreciate a so-called tow truckThis can be placed at the bottom of the carrycot for comfort (lifting in and out) but also to make the space in the stroller a little cramped, warm and cozy.

Many beds have a sheepskin blanket at the bottom to keep warm and you can also use a carrycot. A sleeping bag is basically like a minimal sleeping bag that is adapted for the stroller and can be used in both the sleeping and sitting areas. Depending on the season, aim to make the stroller a warm and cozy place, and it will usually be optimal.

Sleeping place for baby

There are different options to consider when it comes to where the baby will sleep. Some use a crib from the start, others a bedside crib. Perhaps the most common is one of these in combination with a baby nest in the early days.

A baby nest is basically like a small, soft bed that's tight and cozy, and easy to transport. The baby nest is something that many babies like because it becomes a tight and cozy place to sleep. You can also place the baby nest in the bed between the parents.

As a newborn, your baby will not need a pillow, unless you want to use a pillow specially adapted for newborns. Blankets can also be supplemented during the journey, however, it can be good to invest in different blankets. You can never have too many! Mix muslin, fleece and cotton blankets, so you can vary according to temperature.

Changing tables and hygiene products

There will be a lot of diaper changes per day in the early years, so a changing table is essential. Create a place on the changing table where everything you might need is close at hand.

You need a soft base, diapers, wipes and washcloths as a foundation. Then you can add emollients to protect your baby's skin, such as zinc ointment. Many babies' skin becomes dry and flaky in the early days.

A bath tub is also great to have if you don't plan to bathe in a tub with baby. Add a few drops of baby oil before bathing, and finish with a fragrance-free emollient cream to care for baby's sensitive skin.

Breastfeeding basket and products

If you are going to breastfeed, you can prepare to spend a lot of time on this, as breastfeeding can be considered a full-time job and babies usually breastfeed 8-12 times a day (!). In other words, you may want to prepare a place for breastfeeding where you have everything you might need close at hand.

One idea is to have a basket of breastfeeding essentials, such as a breast pump, nursing pillow, nursing pads, cooling gel for sore nipples, a breastfeeding button and a bottle of water for you to drink - it's not at all uncommon to get really thirsty. This way, you'll have everything you need close at hand during breastfeeding, so you can hopefully sit back and have a cozy time with your baby.

Other products that are good to have

There are many products for babies that you may think you won't need, but the day the need arises, you'll probably curse yourself if you don't have it at home. We're talking about nasal aspirators, nasal sprays, wheeze valves, stomach drops and fever thermometers! Because when that little guy signals that something is wrong, you'll want to do everything in your power to find out what it is and help him.

Do you need everything right away?

There are things that will make life with a baby easier from the start, while there are also a lot of things that can be added along the way. Take into account where you live and how accessible it is to shop for things like pharmacy supplies, clothes and other products.

How to prepare at home

Many parents-to-be start living at home during the last part of their pregnancy. You want to make your home cozy, maybe finish projects that have been standing or upgrade the coziness factor. If you're giving your baby his or her own room, that's a project in itself! Then you can take advantage of this article with tips on how to decorate the children's room.

If you're thinking about childproofing your home, you don't really need to tackle this project yet, but when the time comes you can check out this video!