First equipment for the baby

Baby equipment: what you really need

The anticipation of your baby is great - but what do you really need for a safe and relaxed start to life with your newborn? As a midwife, I have been accompanying families on this special journey for many years and would like to help you gain clarity and confidence when it comes to your first kit. With the right knowledge, you don't need too much or the wrong things - and you can make sustainable decisions that are good for your baby and our environment.

Clothing: Less is more - and more sustainable

Newborns grow at breakneck speed. It's worth focussing on quality rather than quantity when it comes to initial equipment - and choosing sustainable materials.

Recommendation for the beginning:

• 4-6 wraparound bodysuits with long sleeves made of organic cotton or wool/silk

• 3-5 rompers with feet

• 2-3 seasonal sleeping bags

• 2 caps made from natural fibres

Swaddling bodysuits can be put on gently without straining the sensitive head. Look out for GOTS-certified fabrics and avoid synthetics - breathable natural fibres protect the skin and keep your baby warm.

Tip: Many families use clothes from second-hand boutiques or borrow first sets - this not only saves resources, but is often also much cosier for your baby, as used fabrics are already softly washed.

Sleeping: safe, reduced, free of harmful substances

Your baby doesn't need any frills for a good night's sleep - but above all safety and security.

You really need that:

• A co-sleeper or cot with a firm, breathable mattress

• A well-fitting sleeping bag (preferably not a blanket that your baby could slip under)

• A pollutant-free, simple and yet cosy place to sleep

• Room temperature: 16-18 °C

Avoid anything that is placed in the bed - nests, pillows, furs or cuddly toys increase the risk of sudden infant death syndrome. You can also look for ecological certifications for the bed and mattress (e.g. Oeko-Tex, LGA tested for harmful substances).

Your baby should not overheat. But it shouldn't freeze either. Make sure your baby is comfortably warm.

Nutrition: Intuitive - and prepared

The best food for your baby is your milk. To make breastfeeding a success, you should prepare for breastfeeding during pregnancy. To do this, you can confidently do without the purchase of a bottle & co.

If you do not want to breastfeed, then it is important that you prepare for feeding your baby with a bottle. Don't buy too much here either. You can still buy most things if you actually need them.

Whether breastfeeding or bottle feeding - the most important thing is that you feel well informed. Trust your gut feeling, but prepare yourself practically.

For the start of breastfeeding:

• A comfortable nursing pillow

• 1 - 2 nursing bustiers

• 6-8 muslin cloths (preferably organic)

For the start with the bottle:

• 2-3 BPA-free bottles and matching teats

• Pre-nutrition in high quality

• Thermos flask, bottle brush, bottle warmer if necessary

You can also pay attention to sustainability when it comes to baby food: There are suppliers of organic baby milk and plastic-free glass bottles.

Care: Gentle, mindful, natural

Less is more - especially when it comes to skincare for newborns. You don't need many products at the beginning.

Care basics:

• A soft towel or gauze nappy for drying off

• Pure water for cleaning

• A high-quality vegetable oil (e.g. almond oil)

• Cloth flannels or soft flannels made from organic cotton

• Nappy cream without perfume or preservatives

Tip: Cloth nappies are back in fashion today. This is because they are skin-friendly, sustainable and there are many different practical methods. They do require a little practice - in the baby care course I will show you how easy and practical cloth nappies are.

On the move: mobile and minimalist

Choose products that make your everyday life easier - but also pay attention to durability and environmental friendliness.

Practical for travelling:

• A robust changing bag (ideally washable or made from sustainable materials)

• Baby sling or ergonomic baby carrier - for closeness and free hands

• Pushchair and car seat - new or tested used

• A small emergency bag with spare clothes, burp cloths, cloth nappy

For babywearing, I recommend natural materials without polyester content - this ensures a pleasant climate for you and your baby.

Sustainability: less consumption, more clarity

The baby industry thrives on uncertainty and oversupply. But as a midwife, I can assure you that a conscious "less" is often the "more" you really need.

Sustainability doesn't start with the product, but with the attitude: borrowing things, buying second-hand, passing on products - all this strengthens our community and conserves resources.

A good start is no coincidence - but preparation

The first time with your baby is intense, beautiful and sometimes challenging. If you know what you need - and what you can leave out - you will gain confidence. This is exactly what my infant care course is all about: you will gain sound knowledge, practical guidance and emotional strength for everyday life with your newborn.

If you manage to accompany your baby with knowledge and intuition, your baby has the best chance of a good and loving start in life.

Prepare now for the loving care of your baby: