In collaboration with Apotek Hjärtat

Becoming a parent means stepping into a whole new world where needs change faster than you think. As soon as you feel you have understood that new family member, new needs or problems arise. It can be nice to prepare your medicine cabinet 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 produced a guide that will help you find the right products at the right time – from newborn to baby’s first steps.

Phase 1: The first days – landing at home

When you’ve just come home from the hospital, everything happens at once. The body is recovering, the feeding is going to work – and the baby? It follows its own pace. It’s a lot, and that’s totally okay.

Products to have at home:

• Maternity pads & nursing cups – important when you are healing and your breasts are leaking
• Purelan cream – for sore nipples
• Baby cotton swabs – gentle cleaning around eyes, ears, navel and small skin folds
• Feeding bottles & breast pumps – support no matter how you feed

Phase 2: The first time at home (0–8 weeks)

Maybe you’re slowly settling into a new everyday life – with lack of sleep, lots of cuddles and even more diaper changes. The baby’s skin is sensitive, the stomach is getting used to food and you parents are trying to find small moments of recovery in the midst of everything new.

Good products now:

• Baby oil & washcloths – mild and gentle for sensitive skin
• D-drops – recommended from around 1 week of age 
• Minifom – for stomach cramps that often appear in the evenings 
• Pregnancy/breastfeeding pillow – 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 the laying down has become more predictable. At the same time, it is common for minor ailments to appear – colds, rashes or fever after vaccination. It may feel unusual, but it is completely normal. Extra closeness and security are usually the best cure.

Worth having in the bathroom cabinet:

• Nasal suction & saline – when snot makes breathing difficult
• Zinc ointment – ​​protects against red bottom
• Nail scissors or nail file – for the small but sharp claws
• Fever thermometer – helps you keep track of your temperature

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

A lot is happening in your baby’s development now – maybe they’re starting to roll around, their first teeth are coming in and they’re going to be exploring everything with their mouth. Then their needs will also change, and it might be time to look at new types of support products.

Good to look at now:

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

Phase 5: The Discoverer Phase (6–12 months)

Now your baby is starting to become more mobile and may be sitting up on his own, crawling around or even standing up! His interest in food is growing, his first teeth are appearing and suddenly the need for security at home becomes more and more apparent.

Good products now:

• Children’s toothpaste with fluoride – when more teeth have appeared
• The spoon set and the first plate – for tasty portions and food enjoyment
• Security products (e.g. corner protectors, drawer locks) – make your home safer
• Fever medicine (paracetamol for infants) – 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 will find products and tips that will help you in your everyday life.