What do you need for baby's first year? Here are the products that every parent loves!

In collaboration with Apotek Hjärtat

Becoming a parent means entering a whole new world where needs change faster than you think. As soon as you feel like you understand that new family member, new needs or concerns arise. It can be a good idea to prepare the pharmacy box for the baby's arrival, so that you can take on all the new challenges that come with the little one. Together with Apotek Hjärtat, we have developed a guide to help you find the right products at the right time - from birth to baby's first steps.

Phase 1: First days - landing at home

When you've just come home from the maternity ward, everything happens at once. Your body is recovering, you need to feed - and the baby? It goes at its own pace. It's a lot, and that's okay.

Products to have at home:

• Maternity pads & breastfeeding cups - important when you are healing and your breasts leak
• Purelan cream - for sore nipples
• baby cotton buds - gentle cleaning around eyes, ears, belly button and small skin folds
• Nappy bottles & breast pump - support no matter how you feed

Phase 2: The first period at home (0-8 weeks)

Maybe you're just starting to settle into a new routine - with sleep deprivation, lots of cuddles and even more diaper changes. Your baby's skin is sensitive, your tummy is getting used to food, and you parents are trying to find small moments of recovery in the midst of all the newness.

Good products now:

• Baby oil & washcloths - mild and gentle for sensitive skin
• D-drops - recommended from around 1 week of age 
• Minifom - for stomach ache who often appear in the evenings 
• Pregnancy/breastfeeding pillows - extra support during rest periods

Phase 3: Beginning of a pattern (2-4 months)

You are starting to understand your baby's signals, and perhaps bedtimes have become more predictable. At the same time, it's common for small ailments to appear - colds, rashes or fevers after vaccination. It may feel unusual, but it's perfectly normal. Extra closeness and security is usually the best remedy.

Worth having in the bathroom cabinet:

• Nettle & coke salt - when the snot makes breathing difficult
• Zinc ointment - protects against red buttocks
• Nail scissors or nail filel - for the small but sharp claws
• Fever thermometer - helps you keep track if temperatures rise

Phase 4: Exploration and more waking time (4-6 months)

A lot is happening in your baby's development - they may be starting to roll over, their first teeth are coming in and they are exploring everything with their mouth. This is when needs change and it might be time to look at new types of support products.

Good to look at now:

• Tooth cracking gel (e.g. from Multi-Mam) - cools and soothes
• Bit toys - safe to chew on
• First toothbrush - get used to the routine now

Phase 5: Discovery phase (6-12 months)

Now your baby is becoming more mobile and may be sitting up, crawling around or even standing up! Their interest in food is growing, their first teeth are appearing and suddenly the need for security in the home is becoming more apparent.

Good products now:

• Children's toothpaste with fluoride - when more teeth come in
• Skedset and the first plate - for taste portions and food enjoyment
• Security products (e.g. corner guards, drawer locks) - make your home safer
• Fever medicine (paracetamol for babies) - for vaccination or colds

Remember:

Parenting looks different for everyone - and there is no perfect template. But there is support available. At Apotek Hjärtat, you'll find products and tips to help you in your everyday life.