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. It’s best to get everything you need during the pregnancy and to choose only those items that you think will be useful for you and your little one.
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Created on 27.07.2022
| Updated on 07.09.2023
Baby essentials checklist: what you need and how much it costs
Joy and anticipation are high − the baby is on its way. But what do you need to get for the newborn? This checklist gives expectant mothers and fathers an idea of the most important purchases that will help in the first days and weeks with their baby − plus an indication of prices.
Baby essentials checklist
For sleeping
- Cot
- Mattress, mattress protector and mattress cover
- Set of two sheets
- Baby sleeping bag (thick or thin depending on the season)
- Cotton burp cloths to go under the baby’s head (pack of ten)
- Baby monitor
Total price: around CHF 685
For changing nappies
- Changing table with padding
- Changing mat (cotton cloth or towel)
- Small light for changing in the dark
- Monthly pack of nappies
- Nappy bin with lid
- Cotton wool or wet wipes
- Nappy rash cream
Total price: around CHF 620
For care and health
- Set of two bath towels with hood
- Flannels (pack of five)
- Bathtub seat
- Bath thermometer
- Clinical thermometer
- Baby brush with soft bristles
- Nail scissors (for babies)
- Nasal aspirator
- Skin cream
- Baby oil
- First aid kit
Total price: around CHF 140
Baby clothes
- 8 cotton baby bodysuits with popper buttons
- 5 playsuits
- 5 tops with short and long arms
- 5 bottoms
- 4 pyjama suits
- Baby socks and tights
- Thick and thin jackets
- Overalls for outdoors
- Hats and mittens
Total price: around CHF 440
For breastfeeding mothers and nursing babies
- Nursing pillow
- 3 nursing bras
- Nursing pads
- Cotton cloths (burp cloths)
- Nipple cream
- Warm compresses or heating pads
Total price: around CHF 220
For expressing milk
- Hand pump or electric rental device from the pharmacy
- Baby bottles with suitable teats for nursing babies
- Freezer bags for breast milk
- Small cooler bags for storing breast milk
- Bottle brush
Total price: around CHF 105
For non-breastfeeding mothers and bottle-fed babies
- Nursing pillow
- Baby bottles with suitable teats for nursing babies
- Bottle warmer
- Thermos flask for boiled water
- Bottle brush
- Packet of baby food
Total price: around CHF 190
For on the go
- Pushchair
- Light cover for summer or warm footmuffs for winter
- Rain and sun cover for the pushchair and for the car
- Sling or other carrying aid
- Changing bag or backpack
- Baby car seat
Total price: around CHF 1,500
For the baby’s room and for play
- First toys, e.g. rattle and teething ring
- Baby rug
- Baby rocker
Total price: around CHF 190
By our cost estimation for the baby essentials, we arrive at a total sum of around 3,900 francs or 3,765 francs (depending on whether or not the mother breastfeeds). Ultimately, the costs will depend on your budget and your preferences.
Sources for price information: The link will open in a new window baby-markt.ch, The link will open in a new window baby-walz.ch and The link will open in a new window 4mybaby.ch
How you can save when buying essentials for your baby
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.
Would you like to make sure right from birth that your child can fulfil their desires – large or small – independently in future? Continue to ways to save for your child.
