20.01.2026
Those expecting a baby wonder what equipment they’re going to need for the first few weeks. A good selection of items for sleeping, changing, care and health makes getting started with your baby much easier. We tell you what you need to know. Discover our checklist with quantity and cost details.
Our complete checklist contains an overview of costs, ensuring you don’t forget anything with your planning and letting you put together the essentials you really need.
Those expecting a baby eventually have to decide what they actually need to be well prepared. Everything from now on will be new and exciting, so it’s reassuring to know that you’ll have a suitable set of essentials for your baby near to hand.
During the first few months of their life, your baby will spend the majority of their time sleeping. It’s therefore very important to provide them with a safe and comfortable place to sleep. For the first few weeks, a baby bed, a bedside cot, a bassinet or a baby cradle are equally suitable, as long as they are secure and stable and have a high-quality mattress.
A well-fitting sleeping bag that cannot slip but still offers sufficient freedom of movement also helps your baby sleep safely. To ensure an optimal sleeping environment, no constricting or loose objects such as pillows, blankets or cuddly toys should be placed in the baby’s bed. A pleasant room temperature also helps your baby sleep well.
A safe and well-organized changing area with a soft, padded base is a big help when looking after a baby. Everything should be within reach: nappies, wet wipes, cream and everything else you regularly need. Gentle, dimmable lighting lets you look after your baby without illuminating the whole room, making night changes more comfortable. A nappy bin with lid is another practical addition that makes everyday life much easier.
Of course, you can also put your child on a table or another surface with a changing mat. For most people, however, a changing cabinet is even more convenient, as its comfortable height means parents don’t strain their backs. Many standard chests of drawers have corresponding changing attachments, which can be easily installed and then removed when the baby no longer needs them.
A baby needs remarkably little to receive the proper care, but it’s important to get the right things. A bathtub insert and a thermometer make bathing easier, while soft flannels and hooded towels help your baby to feel more comfortable. A medical thermometer, a baby brush and a nasal aspirator are also small but valuable tools. Care products should be chosen carefully. A small first aid kit also protects you against situations that hopefully won’t arise, but which you should still be prepared for.
In the first few weeks of life, a baby needs only a small amount of basic clothing. As newborns quickly grow out of the smallest sizes and many parents are also given clothes as gifts, a set of bodysuits, babygrows and other basics is all that’s required. The checklist provides a good indication of how much is needed. An average-sized newborn will usually fit into a children’s size of 50/56. It should be noted that sizes may vary depending on the manufacturer.
To begin with, soft cotton and practical designs that can be wrapped or come with press studs are ideal – both of these make it easier to dress and undress your baby. Warm socks and a protective hat are also essential. Clothing should be suited to the season to avoid hypothermia or overheating.
It’s important that baby clothing is washable at 60 degrees, contains no harmful substances and is pleasantly soft to the touch. This is a good overview of the essentials without having to buy too much. Even though baby clothes can be particularly sweet, it’s advisable not to buy too many items in the smallest sizes and to first try out which items of clothing prove to be particularly practical in everyday life.
Parents whose children are bottle fed in full or in part need different essentials than mothers who breastfeed.
Breastfeeding mothers can get away with less: well-fitting breastfeeding bras and breastfeeding pads are particularly helpful, as excess milk can be produced when starting to breastfeed. In addition, a U-shaped nursing cushion helps with comfortable breastfeeding. Such a cushion is also very handy for bottle feeding.
Those not breastfeeding need bottles with suitable teats, a bottle warmer, a thermos for boiled water, a bottle brush and baby food.
By the way, even if you want to breastfeed, a small set of bottles, teats and formula milk can be a great help, as it gives you more flexibility and relieves you of the pressure that breastfeeding must work immediately.
The checklist also contains a list of items you need to pump your milk.
Want to visit friends, go shopping or see a doctor? A reliable pram and a secure baby seat are essential – regardless of how often you’re out and about in your baby’s first few weeks. A baby carrier or sling is a good addition to the essentials and useful for short journeys or situations where the pram is impractical. Weather-appropriate protection for the sun and rain is also recommended, as it’s often needed quicker than you might think.
When using a pram, parents should make sure that it’s suitable for their baby’s size and that it can be pushed easily. This is generally more important for everyday life with babies than an expensive alternative with off-road tyres and drinks holders.
In the first few weeks, a baby doesn’t need many toys. A crawling mat and a small rattle or a teething ring are enough for their first sensory experiences. A rocker can also be helpful.
In addition to all the practical things for everyday life, it’s also worth keeping an eye on the financial future. Even small amounts set aside regularly can provide your child with valuable opportunities later on. Many parents open a savings account or a children’s account early to collect cash gifts and add small amounts. This means your child’s assets grow with them – and perhaps one day it will become the starting capital for their education or to make their dream come true.
There are several ways for expectant mothers and fathers to come by the first essentials for their baby. You may be able to borrow some things or they may be given to you as gifts. Second-hand items can be found in second-hand shops, flea markets, swap meets or online. If you prefer new items, you can choose between discount stores or brand stores. In any case, more expensive purchases can wait until the sales. And one more tip: have a think, but don’t overdo it. Just think about what you really need and then enjoy spending time with your baby. After all, you can’t put a price on that.
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