Yes! You are pregnant! Congratulations! It is time to start thinking about the baby registry / baby checklist for your little one. Many parents immediately think of a stroller and a nursery. But there are products that are much more valuable!
Baby registry; what do you really need for a baby?
But what do you actually need? We are happy to help you with that! Because although large baby stores have plenty of commercial lists, they often include items that you don't need at all. Therefore, here is a list based on natural maternity care, which only includes what you really need and will actually use.
A baby doesn't need much
A baby doesn't need very much. A few sets of clothes, a warm blanket, (breast) milk, a clean diaper, and you! Your child doesn't care about a fully styled nursery, the most expensive stroller, or a baby carrier from a designer brand. What a child does need, besides warmth and nutrition, is (skin-to-skin) contact with you. And yes, of course it is good to have other products at home as well. This way, you are optimally prepared for the arrival of your little one and everything will be in the house for the maternity nurse who will be taking care of your child and you during the first week.
Baby checklist to tick off
Below you will find a baby checklist to tick off, which is handy and clear. It does not include all kinds of things that you will never use. That is super nice for filtering in advance so that you don't have to spend money unnecessarily on products that are of little use to you.
Maternity week/Delivery
- Maternity package (you get this from your insurance or you can purchase it through them)
- Handy to have at home: maternity pads, 3 extra cellulose mats, a soap dispenser, 1 measuring cup for water, neutral detergent.
- Nice for the maternity nurse: 3 sets of bed linen, digital thermometer for you
Baby necessities
- 1 digital fever thermometer
- 2 hats made of cotton and/or wool (one wool/silk bonnet is very nice)
- At least 6 onesies in 2 sizes
- Sets of clothes in at least 2 sizes
- 12 muslin cloths
- 6 muslin washcloths
- 2 XL muslin cloths are handy for swaddling
- 6 burp cloths
- 2 packs of disposable diapers or 18 cotton diapers with accessories, baby wipes (pay attention to the ingredients, as neutral as possible)
- 2 mattress protectors (molton), a molton fitted sheet as a mattress protector (not waterproof, plastic in bed is not recommended)
- 3 bottom sheets or fitted sheets
- 3 top sheets
- 2 blankets (preferably at least one made of wool (keeps babies nice and warm)
- Not a necessity, but a wool underlay also keeps your child warm from underneath. You can also use a sheepskin for this.
- 1 metal seamless hot water bottle (see if you can borrow one because you will only use it for a short time)
- 1 hot water bottle cover (for a metal bottle)
- 1 changing pad
- 1 baby bathtub with stand or Tummy-tub if you want to bathe your child. Babies enjoy showering, so a bath is not a necessity.
- 1 diaper pail, sealable
- Baby wash gel or shampoo, preferably unscented
- 2 swaddle towels, made of cotton (XL muslin, cotton blanket) or wool
- Lanolin (for bottom/face)
- Ergonomic baby wrap or baby carrier
- 2 bottles with 2 teats specifically for newborns
- 1 bottle brush
- Type of formula in consultation with a midwife or GP if there are allergies (pharmacies often have small packages)
- A cradle or co-sleeper with a good mattress
- A stroller is handy
For you
- Nursing bra (size may change, so don't get too many)
- Pack of nursing pads
What to take to the hospital if you are giving birth there?
- Hospital card, ID, insurance card
- Birth plan if you have created one
- Your own pillow if you are staying a bit longer
- Two sets of nightwear (wear something old during delivery, so it can be thrown away)
- Bathrobe, not a must
- Slippers (plastic is recommended, so you can wear them in the shower)
- Sufficient underwear (spacious size and a supportive (nursing) bra)
- Clothing for when you are allowed to go home (go for comfort)
- Shirt, underwear, socks for dad (who knows, he might stay the night)
- Toiletries (lip balm, shower cap (in case you want to take a nice shower during contractions))
- Mobile phone and charger (perhaps a wireless speaker, then make sure you have a nice playlist)
- Camera (charger is not unhelpful)
- Something to read (in case you are in the hospital longer) and/or tablet/iPad (download something in advance)
- Medicines you are accustomed to using
- Glasses and/or contact lenses
- Something to eat and drink (dextrose, muesli bar, bag of popcorn)
What to take to the hospital for the baby?
- 2 Onesies
- A few diapers (they have them there too)
- Sets of clothes in 2 sizes: onesie, outfit, socks
- Jacket or thick cardigan, hat
- Blanket or wool swaddle towel
- Approved car seat
- Some formula if you are going to / need to bottle feed for a bit; the brand of your choice, your own bottle
With this checklist, you will go a long way towards a good start and can give your child everything he or she needs. You can always get more things later! But this is a good foundation! Have a lot of fun picking out your things! An exciting time!
And do you still have any questions? Then send us a WhatsApp!