Baby essentials checklist

Wonderful news is here and you are going to become a mom or dad? Congratulations! :-)

It’s time to prepare your baby essentials, but today there are so many products available... That’s why we prepared a list of baby items you will truly need and actually use!

SLEEP

• Baby cot or cradle - models with a removable side are great so the cot can be attached to your bed and you can keep your baby close all night
• Mattress matching the cot or cradle size - we recommend choosing a firmer one
• Fitted sheets for cot or cradle 2 pcs - most commonly 120x60 cm or 140x70 cm
• Baby nest - at first glance it may seem unnecessary, but babies often sleep better in it because the raised edges create a cosy feeling similar to being in the mother’s womb. It can also be used for co-sleeping or when travelling instead of a travel cot. Choose a nest with firmer edges for safety and avoid overly soft bulky nests.
• Swaddle wrap tied with ribbons - every baby is different. Some babies don’t like swaddling, but most love it. It makes them feel safe, warm and comfortable.
• Swaddle type wrap - for many parents it looks restrictive at first glance, but the opposite is true. Babies often wake up because of the Moro reflex (sudden arm movement). With a swaddle wrap, baby’s arms stay close to the body and sleep is calmer. Important! The swaddle must be made of elastic material so baby can move hips freely, ensuring healthy hip development.
• Sleeping bag - recommended instead of a blanket for babies who are not swaddled
• Breathing monitor - monitors baby’s breathing and triggers an alarm if necessary
• Pillow - newborns should sleep flat without a pillow or with a very flat one. A shaping pillow can help prevent flat head syndrome.
• Muslin cloth - babies often spit up, so placing their head on a cloth is practical. Bamboo cloths are excellent for temperature regulation.
• Moses basket - easy to move around so you can always keep baby close. Ideal especially for daytime sleep.

BREASTFEEDING AND FEEDING

Breastfed babies

• Nursing pillow
• Nursing nightgown
• Nursing bra - ideally elastic and without underwire
• Breast pads - essential especially in early breastfeeding stages
• Nipple cream - helps with cracked nipples
• Breast pump - can help start lactation and relieve engorged breasts
• Milk storage bags or containers - expressed milk can be frozen for later use

Formula-fed babies

• Baby bottles - 2 pcs
• Replacement bottle teats
• Steriliser - can be replaced by a large pot
• Thermos - useful for night feeding preparation or travelling
• Formula dispenser
• Bottle cleaning brush
• Infant formula

Pacifier - it is up to you whether you decide to use one. Generally, it is better to avoid pacifiers, especially for breastfed babies. However, if your baby cries a lot and you feel exhausted, you can use a pacifier without worry. A happy mom means a happy baby :-)

BATHING AND HYGIENE

• Baby bathtub or bathing bucket - if you only have a shower, a bathtub is essential. If you have a bath, you can bathe your baby directly in it.
• Towel - we recommend a hooded towel to keep baby’s head warm immediately after bathing
• Muslin cloths 10 pcs - useful as a mat under baby, for wiping spit-up, as stroller shade or for privacy while breastfeeding
• Bath toy - a simple plastic cup works perfectly, but it is lovely when baby has their first bath toy :-)
• Soap or bath oil - babies can mostly be washed with water and gentle natural cosmetics once a week
• Body lotion or oil - pleasant after bath and suitable for gentle massage
• Soft baby brush
• Rounded scissors or nail clippers
• Tooth gel and finger toothbrush

DIAPER CHANGING

• Changing table - if you have a washing machine or dryer in the bathroom, you can place a changing mat on top and a separate table is not necessary.
• Changing mat - placed on washing machine, dryer or table
• Changing mat cover - for baby’s comfort
• Cloth or disposable diapers - we recommend buying two packs size 1 and two packs size 2
• Nappy rash cream
• Wet wipes - useful especially when travelling

HEALTH AND FIRST AID

• Nasal aspirator - vacuum powered models are very effective
• Thermometer - standard digital recommended
• Safety cotton buds
• Alcohol, agrimony tea and cotton pads - used for umbilical cord care
• Eye drops as recommended by pediatrician
• Fever relief suppositories
• Anti-colic drops
• Rectal tube - helps relieve tummy discomfort

CLOTHING

Choose clothing size mostly 56 and a few pieces in size 62. For small newborns you may also consider size 50, but most babies wear it only for a few days.

Spring and summer babies

• long sleeve bodysuits 7 pcs
• short sleeve bodysuits 7 pcs
• for girls light dresses - bodysuit dresses fastening between the legs are most practical
• onesie 5 pcs
• sleep suits 3 pcs
• pants or leggings 4 pcs
• sweatshirt or cardigan 2 pcs - preferably without a hood
• socks or knee socks 5 pcs
• light baby hat 2 pcs
• sun hat

Autumn and winter babies

• same clothing as for summer babies + plus:
• booties 2 pcs
• mittens 1 pc
• warm hat 2 pcs
• snowsuit 1-2 pcs - fleece is sufficient for newborns
• tights 3 pcs
• warmer sweater or sweatshirt 2 pcs

TRAVEL AND WALKS

• Pram with carrycot - choose depending on terrain and travel frequency
• Mattress for pram
• Pram sheets 2 pcs
• Rain cover
• Sunshade or parasol
• Pram blanket - bamboo recommended
• Car seat swaddle
• Organizer or changing bag
• Backpack
• Ergonomic baby carrier or wrap
• Car seat
• Travel cot
• Footmuff - for winter babies
• Stroller gloves

PLAYTIME

• Play mat
• Foam mat
• Play gym
• Rattle or teether
• Comfort toy

ITEMS YOU MAY NOT NEED

• Bath thermometer
• Baby monitor
• Mosquito net
• Anti-scratch mittens

HOSPITAL BAG

Labour bag

• documents - ID, insurance card, maternity record
• labour gown
• light robe
• slippers
• isotonic drink
• glucose tablets
• water spray
• lip balm
• hair tie
• light snack

We wish you beautiful moments with your baby!

With love from the entire Moniel team,

Monika