What should you have before the baby is born?

Dear girls, future mothers, you are about to embrace your little one, a huge excitement, joy and emotion. It is normal to want the best for him. I know it, because I am also a mother, and of two little people, a boy and a girl. It is good that regardless of gender, your list is the same. I am making this list, even though there are so many on the internet, because I want to emphasize that you do not need many things. There is no point in cluttering your home, because in reality the more minimalist we think and the less stuff we clutter ourselves with, the freer we are. Well, we all know that this is a bit difficult for us women. For years I have been learning not to clutter myself, my children and my home with things. It is difficult for me, but I am trying :) I prefer to have only a few things, but nice, high-quality and sustainable. You still have a lot of shopping to do when your child starts to grow, so it makes no sense to buy too much during the newborn period.

The birth of your baby is one of the biggest and most important events for you. But for your loved ones, it is also a huge celebration and they will have many gifts for the baby. Make it easier for them by telling them what you need. And since I know that many women will send this article to the dad, at least to start shopping 😂 I take the liberty of addressing him. Dear future dads, there are a few important things you need to know and they are at the end of this article, especially for you.

Of course, when you walk into a baby store, you decide you need everything, and more, just in case. Before you know it, you walk out with a full stroller, and at least half of the things you won't need. Later, when you give them to friends with babies, you'll say "this is brand new, never used."

In this list I will try to show you what and why you need it, what alternatives you can use, as well as useful tips. And remember one thing – your baby will not feel better and happier with more things, he does not need most of them. At the end of the article you will find the list, made as a check-list for your convenience to print and scribble ☺

• Baby clothes . Choose 100% natural materials, preferably cotton. If you have the opportunity, choose light and soft colors, as neutral as possible. Dressed in them, the beauty and tenderness of the baby stand out the most. And there is no need for there to be many dyes on the fabric itself, since in most cases they are an allergen. There are good brands that offer fabrics that are considered safe for the fabric and dyes, suitable for the delicate baby skin. Do not forget that it was completely naked in your womb, and the clothes should be gentle, natural and without very tight elements.
• Bodysuit with long sleeves 4-5 pieces. We recommend that you initially choose bodysuits with a front closure, because they are easier to put on and take off. And it takes time (especially for dads) until you get used to constantly changing him.

  

• Kicks/pants – 3-4 pieces. I like the kickers because you don't have to put on separate socks that the baby takes off anyway by kicking. But with the pants you can easily leave him barefoot, which is also a great plus. Again, it all depends on the season.
• Romper/overalls/pajamas 4-5 pieces. Again, we recommend those with front fastenings, they are much easier to use. There are those that, so as not to confuse the parent, have different colored buttons (because sometimes it is difficult, especially with a crying and kicking baby, as if your brain is turning off). Dress them comfortably. After all, up until this point they have always been naked and completely free of clothes.

• Cardigan/blouse 2-3 pieces (depending on the season). The cardigan can be either knitted (knitted) or a sweatshirt or blouse type (again cotton).
• Socks 3-4 pairs.

• Hats 1-2 pieces (depending on the season). Choose 100% natural material, with or without ties, according to your preferences. Those with ties are a good option because they fit the baby's head and when it turns, the hat does not slip off.
• Bib 3-4 pieces. I recommend these type of bandanas. They look great, they are comfortable, they are cotton and absorb drool and milk. They wash and dry easily, even if you wash them by hand if you don't feel like waiting for the washing machine.

• Cosmonaut or a thicker jumpsuit for going out (depending on the season). Thick winter version, lighter for other seasons. Available in one or two pieces, the choice is yours.
• Writing kit – depending on the season, you will choose the one that suits you the most. It is all a matter of taste here. For me, with both of my babies, it was important that it was white, soft and natural. And the truth is that since I didn't like one that fit my criteria, I "put together" one, from a bodysuit, bibs, vest and hat. By "put together" I mean - they were bought separately, not as a ready-made "discharge kit". For me, the most important thing was the blanket/diaper, which they use to wrap/swaddle the baby like a bundle. I wanted it to be clean, made of 100% natural material, and one that I would use afterwards (not just for discharge). And these blankets are such a jewel that you keep them for a lifetime. My children still love them and cuddle them to sleep in, and they are super proud that they were swaddled in them when they were born. Somehow that makes them special. An ideal option, natural, safe and luxurious, are Cotton Hug blankets made of organic cotton or 100% merino. If the weather is very warm, you can use one of the different muslin diapers of Cotton Hug. And most importantly, after drinking it, you continue to use these exceptional products for many years to come.

• Blanket – 100% natural fabric, with a knit that allows swaddling. At birth, your baby is very small in size, but will soon become much larger. The baby grows quickly. Get yourself a blanket measuring 80/100cm or similar so that you can use it until about 3 years old. It fits easily in the stroller, the playpen, and the nest. It is even quite easy for the nest, because you can pinch it from below and it is perfect convenience. The blankets Cotton Hug are made of 100% organic cotton or 100% merino. Choose the one that meets your criteria and taste. You can read about the exceptional benefits of both fabrics here .

• Baby nest – it is clear that for me personally this is one of the most useful products. I wanted so much to have a functional, safe and high-quality baby nest that in the end, due to the lack of one on the market, we created the nests of Cotton Hug. An extremely useful product that you will use constantly from day one. The baby sleeps most of the time in the first months, during the rest of the time, when he is not in your arms, he lies down again. With the nest, you will be able to move him everywhere with you in your home, in the yard, when traveling, even to the doctor. You will be able to rest next to him, work next to him, cook next to him, spend time with your other child and the nest will still be next to you. When he falls asleep while you are breastfeeding him, or simply while you are hugging him, carrying him in the nest is many times easier than in bed, because the design of the nest creates the narrow, snuggly comfort that he needs.

  

  During nighttime feedings – again irreplaceable. Unfortunately, in unpleasant moments of illness – it is irreplaceable to have it with you constantly, even at night. When you travel – your baby will again be in his place, without the need for adaptation, huge luggage, thinking about where and how he will sleep, what the conditions are, etc. For me, this is a revolutionary product that has been forgotten because of the amount of plastic and electrified baby items for a baby to stand, which are not only artificial, but also far from the natural ways and positions of a baby to stand, which people have used for centuries. All the details about the nest, its qualities, safety, etc. – you can see here .

• Baby monitor – there are many types. I like the ones with a camera. But for me it is important that it is not placed in close proximity to the baby, but at a distance – hung on the wall, somewhere on a dresser, a shelf, even on the grate of the bed. There are all kinds of options, you will be creative. But let's not stick it right next to the baby, after all, this is a technique.
• Bottles – I advise you not to buy too many bottles in advance, because the goal is still to breastfeed (you can find useful tips here). here , and here and here articles about personal experience). If for some reason you don't succeed, then you can quickly and easily get as many as you need.

You can choose in advance so as not to waste time. One for your water is enough to start with. I like the glass versions of bottles. Some say they break easily, but in so many years of use we have only had 1 such case. If you can handle using glass and porcelain cups, plates and all kinds of utensils, then you will also be able to handle a glass baby bottle, right?

• Sterilizer – if you are going to breastfeed, you won’t need it at first. I generally think it’s not necessary, but many mothers buy it. I used it a little with my first child – a huge mess, it takes up space, it’s plastic, you have to clean it at some point, it’s definitely not my device. I gave it away very quickly. And I used a pot with a steam grid added inside (quality silicone)! The grid was brand new, I haven’t cooked with it and I only used it for sterilizing. The perfect and super easy solution. You put the pot, the silicone grid in it, you arrange the things on top, a little water on the bottom, the things to be sterilized sit in the steam and that’s it. And how long will you sterilize – a little. The pot is a wonderful solution, practical, doesn’t take up space (because you have a pot anyway) ;)

• Heating device – only if you feed your baby formula, otherwise you don’t need it. If you are going to use formula – it’s a cool device. Get a device that can be adjusted, to maintain a certain temperature for a long time. You put the bottle with water, and just add the milk/formula when he wakes up at night/. Such devices are only needed if you are not breastfeeding or supplementing with formula.

• Pacifier/pacifier – natural and cool, to be chic if you need one. My children, for example, have never used a pacifier, they both just refused. Try it, but don't take too many at first, see what your baby likes.
• A nursing pillow , or just a pillow to use for that.
• Diapers/nappies – choose unscented, undyed. Don't take too much, the baby grows too fast and you will have to change the size. There are also reusable diapers (eco option), you can look at and think about this choice.
• Swaddling – for me this is a useful product. If you have a changing table, your back will hurt less. You really have no idea how long you will be in this position changing clothes, diapers and what not. It can also be placed on a dresser, the idea is simply that it is at such a height that you are standing upright, not bent over. The swaddle should be made of some kind of nylon material, since the baby sometimes “drops” in those moments when he is naked for a diaper change. But be sure to put a cotton diaper on the swaddle to insulate it from the synthetic material!

• Cot – I like and have always used wooden ones. It's a matter of personal choice.
• Sleeping bag
• Bed linen – 1-2 sets, made of 100% natural material. You will need bottom sheet with elastic and pillowcase and duvet cover set. We always recommend products that have a long life and versatility, like those of Cotton Hug. For example, the cover (being large enough) can be used in the first months as a diaper, blanket, pad, etc. The duvet too. Our quilt covers are so large (100/150cm) that they can be used at least until the age of 7-8. Initially, you fold it into 2 or 4, then you won't even need an extra blanket inside, because it becomes thick enough.
• Towel – max 2 pieces. But one is enough. If it accidentally gets dirty during use (babies drop out) and you don’t have a spare, you will wrap the baby with your towel. Let’s be practical. We recommend using muslin diaper , because it absorbs a lot of moisture, dries easily and is extremely breathable, soft and pleasant for the baby. And we are practical - this way you can use one product for many things and for a much longer time.

  

• Cotton diapers large – the muslin is our favorite and most preferred 100% natural diaper material. You will use them for everything and everywhere. From bedding on the bed, the nest, the changing mat, for a bath towel, the sea and the beach, a shoulder diaper after breastfeeding or during breastfeeding, when he vomits, a light blanket, a stroller cover – everything! Get a set with several smaller ones (70/70cm) and one or several large ones! This is an indispensable and extremely multifunctional product!
• Small cotton towels – Extremely practical in your and your child's daily life. Use them for gently washing your baby's face or body, cleaning when feeding, breastfeeding, bathing, changing diapers, toileting, etc. Everywhere with you, at any time, whether you are in the comfort of your home or outside. They can also be used as a sponge when bathing. Extremely practical and indispensable!

  

• Wet wipes . Get the ones with just water. No fragrances, colors, and all that crap your baby doesn't need. Take care of this gentle creature, it doesn't want fragrances, it doesn't want fabric softeners, synthetics, and perfumes! It smells like a baby, and that's the best smell. When your baby has pooped in his diaper and you're at home, don't wipe him with wet wipes, but go and wash his bottom in the sink (if there's one nearby). Then put one of the small towels or cotton diapers to absorb the moisture and then put the diaper on him. He will pee much less or even never. And always judge for yourself. Imagine getting wet and having a nice shower ☺ Would you like to be simply wiped with a wet cloth, or would you prefer to be washed thoroughly with warm water under the sink?

• Anti-chafing cream . Choose natural cosmetics! I used Wooden Spoon ! A world-class Bulgarian brand that is 100% natural with food-grade ingredients.
• Baby body butter (Baby Butter) .
• Shampoo/bathing product – gentle on delicate baby skin, buy a high-end shampoo. And you don’t have to use it every time you bathe. The reason lies in the delicate skin of the little ones, which is very sensitive and prone to drying out. Daily bathing can dry out the skin of the newborn, and frequent use of soaps and shampoos can lead to irritation. The baby does not play in the sand, does not crawl on the floor yet, is not dirty. One bath with suitable water is enough in most cases.

• Bath tub/basin – there is even foldable Choose according to your needs, understanding and size of your bathing room.

• Cart – choose a light, maneuverable and mobile one. One that can be folded and unfolded easily, fit in your car, and easily taken to your apartment, house or floor. It should be easy for you. When choosing a stroller, it matters where and in what you live (city, village, mountain, beach, etc.). And, think about the color of the fabric. There are bright colors that attract some small unpleasant flies or other insects.
• Trolley bag – just make sure it’s comfortable and holds what you need, don’t throw it away. There are cool solutions. You should carry a spare diaper, blanket , small 100% cotton wipes , muslin diaper , wet wipes, spare clothes. And when your baby gets bigger, you'll need to fit more things. It doesn't even have to be a special stroller bag, a nice big bag can do.
• Car seat. There is a lot of choice here, choose a nice chair, treat yourself a little or give dad a task. You can also get a second-hand one, especially if you are aiming for a high-end chair. The price is at least half, and the chair has been used by a baby like yours. Not to mention that there is nothing that can be done to a chair that much, it is plastic. There are quite a few good ones, and they are all somehow clean and intact. And this is an ecological choice towards nature – accept, keep and pass on.

  

• Blanket for a walk – You can also use the blanket he sleeps with at home, but I personally always had an identical one for walks. It sat in the stroller, or in the bag for going out, that way I never forgot it (I learned from experience). There were times when I forgot the blanket or thought I wouldn't need it and still had to swaddle the baby. Then you come up with an option – a scarf, your jacket, your sweatshirt … or whatever is suitable and can be swaddled :)

• Baby sling and/or backpack – I think it's more practical to buy after the birth to see which one will best fit you and your baby.

For mom:

• Breast pump – You can get an electric, manual or vacuum pump. All three have their pros and cons. I have used a manual and an electric one (when I was breastfeeding, the vacuum ones weren't as common, otherwise I would have used one over the manual/mechanical one). Think about which one will be the most pleasant for you. Personally, with my first child I only had a manual pump, it was a lot of pumping. With the second one – I had an automatic one, which is a much easier and more convenient option. You can read my breastfeeding tips , as well as my personal story with the first and the second my child here (it mentions pumps). Articles that support and encourage mothers not to give up, even when they have a difficult start, like mine.

• Nipple cream – buy nipple cream in advance so that you are ready even at the hospital. Choose cosmetics without added fragrances and artificial ingredients! The baby wants your smell, aroma and taste. For him, you are perfection itself and he definitely does not need any additional fragrances. He only needs to know that he is next to you and with you. I used this one And that was only with my first child, I never had to with the second one.

  

• 2 nursing bras . See these – of all the ones I've tried from various brands specifically for nursing mothers, these are a good choice. Comfortable, practical, and even suitable for use at night.

• Nursing pads – These are cotton pads that absorb breast milk if it leaks or leaks spontaneously (and it does happen). And if you don't want to be wet and sticky, get some – there are both reusable , washable, and Disposable . Use 100% cotton tampons, without fragrances or any additives.
• Breast milk freezing bags. – special bags like these are sold. I used those at Lancinoh .

For the father:

• A gift for the mother of your baby. It doesn't have to be something expensive, it can even be just a card with a nice text or letter, a small piece of jewelry as a symbol of love, a scarf, a hug, a painting or whatever you decide. It doesn't matter how expensive it is, the gesture is important.

  

  And she will keep this “something” forever and will always have tears of happiness in her eyes. You need to make her happy and show her how special she is, because she is going through a very happy, but also very difficult period. Make her happy to give her strength. And when she is happy, everyone at home is happy.

  

• Lots and lots of hugs for both the mother and the baby. Both need it equally.