No question: shopping for tiny baby clothes and setting up the nursery are some of the most fun preparations for your little explorer. But in all the excitement, it can quickly happen that you end up with things that neither you nor your baby really need. We’ve put together a list of items that are truly useful for everyday life with a newborn and shouldn’t be missing from your initial essentials.

Sleep

• 1 Sleeping bag (possibly a second one for changing) – unlike a blanket, your baby can’t accidentally kick the fabric into their face.

• Soft blanket for on the go

• A crib or bedside cot, if your baby is not going to sleep in the family bed. If you choose a bedside cot, you will also need:

  • Mattress

  • 1 to 2 mattress protectors

  • 2 to 3 sets of bedding and fitted sheets

Optional:

• Baby swing

• Baby hammock

• Swaddle cloth

• Baby monitor

• Pacifiers

• Music box or mobile

Tips on children’s room furnishings and which safety precautions make sense once your little explorer becomes mobile can be found in the article "". If you want to learn more about creating a comfortable sleeping environment for your baby, check out the article "".

Diapering and Care

• A changing table with a matching, washable pad

• Sufficient diapers in the right size . Tip: It’s best to order your LILLYDOO diapers in the next size up as well, because most babies outgrow size 1 within just a few days.

• Wet wipes

• Diaper pail

• Pure vegetable oil, such as almond oil

• Care cream for face and body

• Wound protection cream

• Multiple washcloths

• Two to three soft hooded towels

• Muslin cloths: These soft cloths can be used as burp cloths, for drying, cuddling, or breastfeeding on the go—so you really can’t have too many of them.

• Baby nail scissors

• Baby bathtub

• First aid kit: What must not be missing, you can find out in the article "Baby First Aid Kit".

Optional:

• Heat lamp

• Gentle baby shampoo

• Bath thermometer

• Baby hair brush

Learn more about what to consider when choosing skincare products and diapering supplies for your newborn in the articles "" and "".

Clothing

• 5 to 8 wrap bodysuits with long sleeves

• 2 to 3 rompers or 2 to 3 jackets, long-sleeved bodysuits, or sweaters

• 2 pairs of pants with or without feet

• 5 to 8 tops

• 6 pairs of socks

• 2 to 3 pajamas

• 1 to 2 pairs of tights

• A thin jacket

• 1 to 2 cotton caps

"Whether you choose a romper or a combination of pants and a jacket is a matter of taste," says LILLYDOO midwife Sissi. "You’ll quickly find out for yourself what works best for you."

Babykleidung für den Sommer :

• A sun hat with neck protection

Babykleidung für den Winter:

• A winter suit

• A thick hat

• 1 to 2 pairs of mittens

To ensure that no harmful substances come into contact with your baby’s sensitive skin, it’s best to choose natural materials like cotton for their first clothes, and wash everything once or twice before the first wear—without fabric softener. You can also safely skip glitter, appliqués, and brightly colored prints in your baby’s wardrobe. Your child doesn’t care what their clothes look like yet, and decorations often contain harmful substances and can pose a risk of injury. Another great option for your initial outfit is second-hand clothing: Not only do you save money, but you also conserve resources, since most newborns wear their first clothing items for only a few weeks. Plus, with used clothing, you can be confident that any potential pollutants have already been washed out. You may know friends or family members who are happy to pass on pieces their child has already outgrown. Alternatively, you can find well-preserved baby clothes at special flea markets or online. The fashion brand Gray Label offers sustainable clothing for babies and toddlers at Gray Label RNTD for rent. Once the size no longer fits, you send the clothing back and can choose new items—all garments are made from high-quality materials from organic farming and carry the GOTS certification. To ensure that you and your little explorer enjoy the outfits for as long as possible, all collections are designed in soft colors and can be wonderfully combined thanks to their minimalist, timeless, and comfortable design.

Sizes for baby clothes

The size you should buy can vary depending on your baby’s estimated birth weight and size. Very small babies, weighing around 2,600 grams, need size 50 clothing after birth. For larger babies weighing approximately 4,100 grams, it might already be size 56 or 62. If you’re unsure which size is right for your baby, feel free to buy the initial wardrobe a bit larger. Long sleeves can always be rolled up, and long pant legs aren’t a problem since your baby won’t move much at first anyway. Tip: When buying your little one’s initial wardrobe, pick up a few items in the next size up, too. You’ll be amazed at how quickly your baby grows in the first few weeks—and how soon the first rompers become too small.

On the go

• Stroller

• Depending on the season, a footmuff and/or a sunshade

• Lambskin or a vegan alternative, so your baby feels cozy in the stroller

• Diaper bag for on the go: You can read what shouldn’t be missing inside in the article “ The checklist for your individual diaper bag “.

• Baby carrier or baby wrap

Optional:

• Car seat for babies

Breastfeeding or feeding

For breastfeeding:

• 2 to 3 comfortable nursing bras. You should buy them one to two sizes larger than you normally wear.

• Nursing pads – You can choose between disposable nursing pads and washable, reusable ones.

• Bolster pillow

• Nipple ointment

For feeding:

• Bottle feeding

• 6 bottles

• 6 nipples, size 1

• Nipple and bottle brush

Optional:

• Milk pump – You can also borrow one from the pharmacy if you need it.

• Breast milk storage bags for freezing

• Vaporizer

• Thermos flask for preparing the bottle on the go (also practical on the changing table, so you always have pleasantly warm water ready for washing your baby).

Your list for baby essentials

You can also find the entire list here for download—so you can easily take it with you on your shopping trip and check off what you already have.

You’ll probably add a few "nice-to-haves" to your very personal list—after all, your initial essentials also depend on your and your baby’s individual needs. Take enough time to consider what you really need, and plan in a way that allows you to have everything four to five weeks before the due date ready for your little explorer. With the flexible LILLYDOO subscription By the way, you’re not only perfectly prepared for your baby’s arrival, but you can also be sure you won’t run out of diapers and care products in the coming weeks, months, and years. We wish you lots of fun preparing for your little one!