First purchases - Baby shopping list

We recommend getting a few basic essentials ready at home before the baby arrives—it’s a great way to channel some of that pre-baby excitement. 😊 Just like adults, babies have their own preferences, individual needs, and unique personalities. A baby's needs can vary a lot; some mostly just sleep and eat, while others are more restless or fussy. You’ll figure this out once you get home and really get to know your little one. Once you’ve settled in, come back and visit us, and we’ll help you find the perfect additions to your baby gear collection. But without further ado, here is a list of the first things you’ll need for your baby.

Or download the list as a PDF here.

For outings:

• Pram / stroller
• Carrycot
• Baby blanket (choose a material suitable for the season)
• Footmuff
• Insect net and rain cover
• Parasol or sun shade for the pram (if not built-in)
• Diaper bag: portable changing mat, diapers, wet wipes, spare clothes, etc.
• Toys + clips for attaching
• Reflectors / reflective stickers
• Muslin cloth / protective cover for the carrycot

Consider these:

• Cup holder
• Phone holder
• Stroller organizer
• Hand muffs
• Stroller rocker

For sleeping:

• Baby bed and mattress (bedside sleeper / cradle / bassinet)
• Carrycot or baby nest (serves as a portable sleeping space)
• 3 fitted sheets and a waterproof mattress protector
• Blanket and a cover or 3 sleeping bags
• Comfort object
• White noise machine or musical mobile
• Night light (for checking on the baby at night)
• Baby monitor

Consider these for the crib:

• Bumper pad
• Canopy

‍

For car travel:

• Infant car seat
• ISOFIX base, if you want
• Infant car seat adapters for stroller attachment, if you want
• Sunshades for car windows
• Baby car mirror
• Footmuff
• Woolen jumpsuit/booties (depending on the season)
• Toy with a clip

Accessories:

• Seat liner
• Kick mat with pockets for storing accessories and entertainment

‍

For mom after birth:

• Comfortable clothes and slippers
• Easy-to-open clothing (for both breastfeeding and skin-to-skin contact)
• Hair ties and clips
• Large sanitary pads / maternity pads
• Cold packs
• Full-brief underwear
• Peri bottle (post-birth), if you don't have a bidet shower
• Possibly pain relief for postpartum contractions
• 2–3 nursing bras
• Disposable nursing pads
• 4–6 wool or silk nursing pads (depending on the season)
• 2–3 nursing tank tops
• Nursing pillow
• Nipple cream
• Breast pump (You can start with a manual suction pumpuntil you know your milk supply. Only then should you get a pump that suits your needs.)
• Small milk storage containers or bags for freezing
• Heating pad or heat pack (warmth can help relax sensitive breast tissue)
• Possibly dry shampoo (it’s all about prioritizing your time)
• Power bank
• Water bottle
• Snacks to keep in stock and easy meals for the freezer

‍

For diaper changes and washing the baby

• Changing table (or consider a suitable surface, e.g., on top of the washing machine or in the bathroom near the sink)
• Changing mat (Tip: an easy-to-clean one is often a lifesaver)
• Diaper pail and refills
• Diapers
• Baby wipes/washcloths
• Storage baskets/bins for organizing items
• A nice toy for the baby to look at (You can also get a smiley face that babies love from the maternity clinic! Find a suitable place for it)
• Baby bathtub, baby support, and if you like, a bath stand
• 2-3 towels
• Bath toys/bath book
• Baby soap/wash oil/shampoo
• Mild and fragrance-free skincare products
• Toothbrush (for dental care)
• Soft hairbrush

You will receive some of the baby's care supplies and clothes in the maternity package. If you chose the maternity package, check its contents first and then purchase any missing items.

‍

Other baby supplies

• Baby bottles
• A variety of pacifiers and possibly a pacifier clip
• Baby carrier or baby wrap (closeness provides a sense of security for you and your baby)
• 5–10 muslin cloths
• Wrap bodysuits (comfortable and easy to put on)
• Baby swaddle, if you want to swaddle your baby (tip: choose an easy velcro swaddle)
• Plenty of diapers
• Mild and fragrance-free skincare products
• Vitamin D drops
• Baby nail scissors
• Nasal aspirator
• Saline drops for a runny nose
• Thermometer
• High chair with an insert suitable for a newborn
• Play mat and toys

Baby clothes

For a summer baby ☀️

• 10 cotton bodysuits, short and long-sleeved
• 2–4 sweaters/cardigans
• 2–4 t-shirts
• 3–4 pairs of trousers
• 1–2 pairs of shorts
• 2–3 pairs of tights
• 4–6 pairs of socks
• 2–4 bodysuits/nightgowns, short and long-sleeved
• 2 thin cotton/silk caps
• 1 sun hat
• Sunglasses
• 1–2 knitted sweaters and/or 1 jacket
• 3–5 bibs

For a winter baby ❄️

• 10 bodysuits, both short and long-sleeved
• 3–4 sweaters/cardigans
• 4–6 pairs of trousers
• 2–4 pairs of tights
• 6–8 pairs of wool socks or thick socks
• 2–4 sleeping bags/pyjamas
• 2 thin wool hat/silk bonnet
• Soft snowsuit (easy to put on)
• Woollen suit
• Mittens
• 3–5 bibs

‍

And what should you pack in your hospital bag? See the checklist at the top of the page for useful items for everyone: the person giving birth, the baby, and the support person. Learn more about it here and watch the video from our expert, where they explain how to use the accessories.

‍

‍

If you are feeling overwhelmed by the number of things to buy or finding the right gear, come visit a Lastentarvike store, where you can get personalized advice on finding the right everyday essentials for your family. In our physical stores, you can also test out different strollers and get personal guidance on using and installing infant car seats. Find your nearest store here.

We are here to help you with the most important purchases of your life.

Welcome to our store ❤️

‍

P.S. Have you already claimed your free Baby Box? Register here and pick up your box from your nearest Lastentarvike store. You will find everything you need to make family life easier under one roof.

‍

Do you feel like you want to minimize the amount of stuff you have? Which of these items are the "must-haves"? Read them here, on the minimalist's shopping list.

Read more here about the hospital bag packing list.

‍