Pre-Birth Shopping Guide

Tip: Buy few newborn-size clothes (babies grow fast), don't overstock diapers and wipes early, and think about the season. If buying second-hand, try to get safety-critical items (car seat, mattress) new or with a known history.

How Many Diapers a Day?

Which Size, How Much to Buy?

How Long Will You Use Each Item?

Which Clothing Size Fits Which Age?

Newborn · 0-1 mo

• Most of the day is sleep and feeding, 8-12 diapers a day.
• Newborn/0 size clothes start to get small in ~3-4 weeks.
• Focus: sleep routine, feeding, cord care and breastfeeding.

More Awake · 1-3 mo

• Smiling, responding to sounds and longer awake periods begin.
• Move to 62 cm clothes; newborn clothes retire.
• Bouncer, play mat and hanging toys start to be useful.

Discovery · 3-6 mo

• Holds head up, reaches for objects, brings them to the mouth (teethers help).
• Move to 68 cm; 8-10 diapers a day.
• Upright stroller position and the carrier get more use.

Sitting, Starting Solids · 6-9 mo

• Unsupported sitting and solids begin — time for a high chair, spoon and bib.
• Move to 74 cm; 6-8 diapers a day.
• As crawling nears, consider home safety (corner/outlet covers).

On the Move · 9-12 mo

• Crawling, pulling to stand and first steps may happen in this period.
• Move to 80 cm; finger foods begin.
• Real shoes come once walking starts; socks/booties are enough first.

Sleep

• Crib or cot — CE/safety approved; slat gap 4.5-6.5 cm. A rocking crib is handy for the early months.
• Firm, well-fitting mattress — Don't use a soft/old mattress; no gaps at the edges (safe sleep).
• Waterproof mattress protector — Protects the mattress; at least 1-2.
• Fitted sheets — 2-3; they get changed often.
• Sleep sack or swaddle — Season-appropriate weight. Preferred over loose blankets (safe sleep).
• White noise / night light — Eases the transition to sleep (optional).
• Bedside/co-sleeper crib (optional) — A crib next to your bed makes night feeding easier in the early months.

Feeding

• Nursing pillow — Supports your back and arm; makes breastfeeding much more comfortable.
• Breast pads — For leaks; disposable or washable.
• Nipple cream (lanolin) — Soothes cracks in the first days.
• 2-3 newborn bottles — With slow-flow (0+) teats. Anti-colic can be preferred.
• Bottle brush and sterilizer — Hygiene matters early; steam/microwave sterilizers are practical.
• Breast pump (optional) — If you plan to return to work or build a milk stash.
• Milk storage bags (optional) — For freezing expressed milk.

Diapering

• Newborn diapers (1-2 packs) — Don't overstock; baby grows fast and may jump a size.
• Wet wipes (fragrance-free) — Choose newborn-safe, alcohol-free/fragrance-free ones.
• Diaper rash cream — Zinc oxide ones are protective.
• Changing mat — Wipeable surface; on a bed/dresser.
• Muslin cloths — Very handy during changes and general use (4-6).
• Lidded trash can — For odor control.
• Sterile gauze for cord care — To keep the cord area clean until it falls off.

Clothing

• Snap bodysuits 6-8 — Bottom snaps make diaper changes easier.
• Rompers 4-6 — Front-snap styles are easier for newborns.
• Socks and booties 4-6 pairs — Tiny socks go missing; keep spares.
• Scratch mittens — So baby doesn't scratch their face.
• Hat / beanie — Keeps a newborn's head warm; thin or thick by season.
• Cardigan or coat (seasonal) — Outerwear if winter; a thin cardigan is enough in summer.
• Going-home outfit — Season-appropriate, easy to put on.

Bath & Care

• Baby bathtub — Models with a seat/hammock are safer for newborns.
• Hooded towels x2 — Keep baby warm after the bath.
• Tear-free baby wash/shampoo — Choose a suitable pH, mild scent.
• Soft sponge or cloth — For gentle cleaning.
• Baby nail clippers / file — Should be small with rounded tips.
• Soft comb and brush — Also helps with cradle cap.
• Nasal aspirator and saline — Relieves a stuffy nose.
• Digital thermometer — Fast and reliable; essential for tracking fever.

Out & About

• Baby car seat (group 0/0+) — REQUIRED by law and for safety; needed to leave the hospital. Don't buy second-hand with unknown crash history.
• Stroller/pram — Recline (newborn-suitable) and foldable models are practical.
• Ergonomic carrier — Frees your hands; check waist/hip support.
• Diaper bag — Compartmentalized ones with a changing mat are handy.
• Rain cover and sun shade — Accessories that fit the stroller.

Safety & Health

• Baby monitor — Audio/video tracking if baby sleeps in a separate room.
• Digital thermometer — Always keep one at home.
• Saline and sterile cotton — For nose and eye cleaning.
• Room thermometer / humidifier — 20-22°C is ideal; a humidifier helps in dry air.
• Small first-aid/care kit — Baby scissors, gauze and a digital thermometer together.

For Mom

• Nursing bras x2-3 — Comfortable, front-opening styles.
• Breast pads — Keep spares for leaks.
• Postpartum maternity pads — Needed for the first weeks.
• Large / disposable underwear — Comfortable postpartum.
• Comfortable, front-opening clothes — Make breastfeeding easier.

Nice-to-Have Extras

• Bouncer or swing — Handy for safely setting baby down (not for sleep).
• Play mat — For tummy time in the coming months.
• Pacifier (optional) — Best after breastfeeding is established (usually 3-4 weeks).
• White noise / music box — May help with the transition to sleep.
• Photo / keepsake book — A lovely touch to capture the first moments.

• High chair — Not needed until solids (around 6 months).
• Weaning bowls / spoons — Buy around 6 months.
• Shoes — No real shoes until walking; socks/booties are enough.
• Baby walker — Experts advise against them; considered risky for development and safety.
• Lots of newborn-size clothes — Baby grows fast; extras stay unused.

• When planning the list, think about the season: a winter baby needs warm outerwear, a summer baby needs light layers.
• Leave items likely to be gifts (clothes, toys, blankets) for last; they can pile up.
• Never trade safety for savings on safety-critical items (car seat, crib/mattress).