How to get ready for your baby's arrival?
Shopping for a baby is lovely, but the sheer number of products on the market can be overwhelming. Every parent wants only the best for their baby, but what does a baby truly need, and what is just a trend or unnecessary luxury?
1. Newborn essentials
Clothing — what and how much?
Babies grow quickly, so you don’t need too many items in one size. The basics are quality, comfortable pieces made from natural materials, especially cotton.
Tips:
Get a few bodysuits with long and short sleeves, footed sleepers, warmer cardigans, socks, mittens, and hats.
Choose clothing with practical snaps to make diaper changes easier.
The ideal material is organic cotton, which is gentle on sensitive skin.
Sizes: a few pieces in 56–62, a larger supply in size 68.
Hygiene essentials — baby care
When caring for a baby, simplicity and quality are key. Gentle skincare specifically formulated for newborns is all you need.
What you’ll need:
Gentle hypoallergenic soap
Diaper rash cream
Suitable diapers (disposable or cloth, depending on your lifestyle)
A practical baby tub with an infant support
Also remember:
A soft hairbrush
A digital thermometer
Crib — a calm place for sleep
The sleeping area should be safe, calm, and free of distractions.
Tips:
Remove pillows, plush toys, and decorations from the crib.
Babies should always sleep on their backs (to reduce the risk of SIDS).
The mattress should be firm, breathable, and hypoallergenic.
A baby breathing monitor can also help with parents’ peace of mind.
Stroller and car seat — safety first
Choose an ergonomic stroller suited to the environment where you’ll use it most.
Car seat:
An absolute must from the very first trip home from the hospital.
Always buy new or from a reliable source with a verified history.
Check safety tests and certifications.
2. Essential vs. unnecessary expenses
Parents often overspend on excessive cosmetics, decorative items, complicated toys, and too much clothing. A few basic, high-quality products are enough.
A quality car seat, a good crib mattress, comfortable diapers, and a good stroller — these are worth the investment.
How to save and set a smart budget?
Take advantage of discounts, promotions, and bulk purchases.
Consider second-hand items (furniture, clothing, stroller).
Check real experiences from other parents and product reviews.
Use checklists and shop gradually.
3. Toys for the first months
Toys support a child’s development from birth. Quality and safety are always more important than quantity.
For newborns (0–3 months):
- High-contrast black-and-white images
- Soft fabric toys with gentle sounds
- Crib mobiles with subtle melodies and soothing colors
For babies from 4 to 6 months:
- Teething rings
- Fabric blocks and rattles that encourage motor skills
- Play mats with interactive elements (mirrors, varied textures)
5 safety rules when choosing toys:
- Choose toys suitable for the child’s age.
- Check certifications and material safety.
- Avoid sharp edges, small parts, and hazardous features.
- Choose toys that are easy to keep clean.
- Toys should stimulate but not overstimulate the child.
Less is more — Stay practical; you really don’t need dozens of different products often marketed as baby-care essentials. Focus on quality, ease of use, and the actual necessity of the item.
Safety first — Never compromise here. There are things where it’s worth investing more to ensure a higher safety standard. This includes car seats, quality mattresses, certified diapers, and safe, non-toxic toys.
Be prepared. The first months with a baby will likely be demanding. Remember that a baby needs safety and love above all. A calm environment, gentle care, regular rest, and fresh air are key to your family’s overall health and happiness.