One of the best projects during pregnancy is all the preparations for your baby’s arrival. For some, however, it can feel overwhelming when you realise how much stuff there is for babies. So what do you really need from day one, and what can you get on the way? And quite honestly – do you really need to have everything? Here’s everything you need to know!

Is it time to get your home ready for your first meeting with baby? Then don’t worry, because in this article we have listed everything you need for your first days and weeks with your newborn baby.

How to plan your baby’s wardrobe
Clothes are usually the first purchases you make as a parent. Babies grow a lot in those early days and therefore it can be a good idea to get a variety of different sizes instead of buying the majority of their clothes in the smallest size. As a rule, babies can go up about four sizes in the first six months, so you can see how short a period you have to use each size.

It can be good to start from a base of approximately 4-5 bodysuits, 3-4 pairs of trousers, 4-5 pyjamas as well as socks and a hat. Then plan their outerwear and other items according to the season.

N.B.! Always wash all newly purchased garments with perfume-free detergent as the clothes are treated with chemicals during manufacture.

Buggy, car seat and carrier
There are a couple of major purchases that are good to get done before your baby’s arrival. A buggy is probably the first thing you will buy and is also something your baby will probably spend a lot of time in. A car seat is also good to have, especially if you plan to travel by car during the first year (and get home from maternity!).

Both parents and babies are usually satisfied with having a baby carrier or sling. As a parent, it makes it easier to use both hands when your baby wants to be close (which they often want when they first leave the womb), and for your baby, this closeness creates a great sense of security. Many newborn babies tend to prefer skin-to-skin contact, as they are used to the cramped and cosy environment of the womb.

Bedding your buggy
There are many different ways to bed your buggy, partly based on the season, but also according to your taste. Many parents appreciate a sleep carrier, you can put this at the bottom of the bassinet for comfort (lift out and in) and also make the buggy feel a bit more cramped, warm and cosy.

Many beds have a sheepskin blanket at the bottom to keep the warmth in and you can also use a footmuff. A footmuff is essentially like a mini sleeping bag that is adapted for buggies and can be used in both the lying and sitting position. Start based on the current season and aim to make the buggy a warm and cosy place – this is usually the best way to go.

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

A baby nest is essentially a small, soft bed that is small and cosy, as well as easy to transport. A baby nest is something that many babies like because it becomes a small and cosy place to sleep. You can also place the baby nest on your bed between parents.

As a newborn, your baby will not need a pillow, unless you want to use a pillow specially-designed for newborns. Blankets can also be added along the way, but it may be good to invest in a number of blankets. You can never have too many! Mix muslin, fleece and cotton blankets, and you can vary according to temperature.

Changing tables and hygiene products
There will be a lot of nappy changes every day in the first 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 surface, nappies, wet wipes and washcloths as a minimum. Then you can add emollient products to protect your baby’s skin, such as zinc ointment. Many babies get dry skin and flakes in their early days.

It is also great to have a bathtub if you don’t plan on bathing in the tub with your baby. Add a few drops of baby oil before the bath and finish with a fragrance-free emollient cream to care for your baby’s sensitive skin.

Nursing bag and products
If you are going to breastfeed, get ready to spend a lot of time on this, because breastfeeding can be regarded as a full-time job and, as a rule, babies breastfeed 8-12 times a day (!). In other words, it can be nice to prepare a place for breastfeeding where you have things you might need close at hand.

One idea could be a bag with the necessary items for breastfeeding, for example a breast pump, nursing pillow, nursing pads, cooling gel for sore nipples, a dummy and a water bottle for yourself – because it is not unusual to get really thirsty while breastfeeding. Then you’ll have everything you need close at hand while breastfeeding, so you can hopefully sit back and have a cosy time with your baby.

Other products that are good to have
There are many products for babies that you may think you will not use, but when the need arises, you will probably kick yourself if you don’t have it at home. We’re talking about nasal aspiration, nasal sprays, gas and colic reliever, stomach drops and fever thermometers! Because when your little one signals that something is wrong, you’ll want to do everything in your power to find out what it is and be able to help them.

Do you need to have everything immediately?
There are things that will make life with your baby easier from the start, while there are a lot of things that can be bought later on. Think about where you live and how easily accessible it is to shop for things like pharmacy goods, clothes and other products.

How to prepare your home
Many parents-to-be start nesting at home during the last part of their pregnancy. So you want to make your home cosy, maybe finish a project that has been put to one side or upgrade that cosiness factor.