What to Buy for a Baby Before Birth

Many parents have no idea what all they will need for their baby, so they search the internet or ask their friends for tried-and-tested tips. Sometimes less is more, and nowadays there’s no problem buying anything at any time with delivery the next day. So take a look at the list of things we recommend getting, and feel free to have some of the items gifted to you for the baby’s birth or get them second-hand so it doesn’t cost you a fortune.

Sleep

If you are planning to co-sleep with the baby:

big bed for everyone
bed rails

If you do not plan to co-sleep, then you will certainly need:

crib - suitable are those with one side panel that can be removed, so you can push the crib up against the bed and have the baby closer to you, which is especially useful for nighttime nursing
crib mattress - preferably firmer
bedding and a fitted sheet
duvet - preferably down-filled, so that when you place it under the baby, they sink into it and it feels like the boundaries they know from being in their mother’s belly
swaddle - children outgrow it quickly, but it’s great for snuggling in the first weeks of life
nest - you put a swaddle or duvet inside it and lay the baby there so their head and shoulders are supported; for bigger babies you can then use it without a swaddle, and the nest can also be used in a stroller
baby positioning rollers - it is used to keep the head from tilting to one side, or when the baby has reflux and spits up often, you can secure them on their side this way so they don’t roll onto their tummy
sleeping bag or swaddler - not every child can tolerate it, so it’s worth trying
sound machine - white noise that resembles the sounds the baby knows from the womb
baby monitor - either classic sound-only ones, possibly with a camera, or today you can also get home cameras that pair with a mobile phone
breathing monitor or diaper clip - that depends; during the day you usually have your baby in sight, and at night you can keep them in bed with you so you don’t have to get up for nursing, so you’ll know whether something is wrong with the baby or not; for a crib where the baby sleeps alone, it’s definitely a good thing
crib bumper - no need, according to safe sleeping rules there ideally shouldn’t be anything in the crib

Bathing, hygiene, cosmetics

It depends on whether you have a bathtub or a shower at home. Either way, some cosmetics and cloth diapers will surely come in handy.

larger baby tub - you can also bathe the baby in a large bathtub; it depends on what is more comfortable for you
bath lounger or a bucket for washing the baby
bath thermometer
solid baby soap for the bottom - ideally lavender or calendula
baby cosmetics - it's necessary to try whether the baby will react negatively to any ingredients in cosmetics; gentler cosmetics will definitely be more suitable than conventional ones, for example from Eoné
massage oil
washcloth
bottom cream
baby scissors - not necessary, just disinfect the ones for adults
cotton swabs
cotton squares
powder with lavender extract - if there are flakes on the head
file for gel nails - babies have sharp little nails, and instead of cutting them, it's enough to file them
nasal aspirator - an old tube one is enough, it can also be used during resuscitation and doesn't cost that much
cloth diapers - classic squares for burping, going to the doctor, and can be used instead of a towel in the first weeks after birth
baby comb - some children don't get much hair growth even after their first year, so there's no need to buy one right away
agrimony - in case of diaper rash or any skin irritation, agrimony works great for washing the baby with it (buy it at the pharmacy)

Changing

It's good to have a place where you have everything for changing close at hand. If you don't have space for a changing table itself, you can also change the baby on the couch or on the floor (once the baby starts rolling over onto their tummy, it's safer).

changing station
Perlan / Perlička or cloth wipes instead of wet wipes
Teddy bear - oily hydrosol for washing the bottom (combined with Perlan or Perlička, it works like wet wipes)
baby diapers - classic squares + disposables or cloth diapers
changing mat - useful for changing diapers away from home

Breastfeeding

It's a good idea to prepare for breastfeeding during pregnancy. We know that practice makes perfect and that sometimes breastfeeding is quite an alchemy. About that how not to mess up breastfeeding in the beginning we have already written to you, so what do you need for breastfeeding besides your breasts?

nursing pillow - it's also great for sleeping during pregnancy (if it's the classic one) or a pillow from Kojkoj, with wonderfully fragrant wood shavings inside
bra pads
herbs to support lactation - raspberry leaf, lady’s mantle
breast pump - no need to buy in advance, decide later according to the situation
nursing clothes - bra, T-shirt, dress, nightgown (mainly comfortable clothing)
nipple cream

Toys

Here the rule definitely applies that less is more.

gym arch (from 1 month) - a simple one with toys in one plane is enough so the baby doesn’t tilt their head back; at first, contrasting colours (during the first 3 months they can only see black, white and red)
crib mobile - good for falling asleep, but not every baby can tolerate it
small contrast toys for tiny hands - from 3 months the baby starts grasping
grasping ball
rattles - multicoloured from 4 months
teether
overball - for exercising with the baby
sound toys - from 4 months
foam mat (puzzle mat), non-slip mat - from 3 months, when the baby starts rolling over, for play

Clothes for the baby

Since babies grow very quickly at the beginning, there is no need to buy a large quantity of clothes in one size. A few pieces are enough, and then you can buy more depending on the weather and the baby’s development.

rompers (pyjamas)
short-sleeved and long-sleeved bodysuits
sleeveless bodysuit for summer
leggings, sweatpants
socks
mittens
hat, sun hat for summer
sweater, hoodie
winter romper
bib, dribble bib

Some mums decide during pregnancy that they will carry their baby, so they go straight ahead and get a wrap or carrier. Then there are those who want to take the baby out only in a stroller or occasionally carry them, so they only get a wrap. So what else should you buy before the baby is born?

stroller
spring/autumn or winter footmuff for the stroller
car seat
babywearing wrap, or a baby carrier suitable from birth
babywearing clothes - hoodie, jacket (depending on the weather)

It may not seem like it, but there is quite a lot that this little being will need. If you are already a mother or have small children in the family, then it will certainly be easier and faster for you to get everything you need. If you are expecting your first baby and have no experience caring for children from siblings or friends, don’t worry, it will all come. A baby mainly needs their mum and her warm, loving arms, which you already have.

You may also find this useful:

What to pack for the maternity hospital

How to choose a name for a baby

Co-sleeping

When a baby cries a lot