Newborn essentials — what do you REALLY need? The honest list

Baby Essentials — the HONEST List (without marketing fluff)

In a nutshell: The baby industry wants to sell you 500 things. You actually need about 30. Here's what you REALLY need — and what you can skip.

MUST-HAVES (you can't do without these)

Sleep:

• Baby crib or bedside sleeper (secondhand okay, mattress MUST BE NEW)
• 2-3 sleep sacks (size 50/56 to start, TOG depending on season)
• 2 fitted sheets (cotton)
• NO pillows, blankets, bumpers, or stuffed animals!

Clothing (size 50/56, buy minimal — babies grow FAST):

• 6-8 bodysuits (long-sleeved)
• 4-6 rompers or sleepers
• 3 hats
• 3 pairs of socks
• 1 jacket/snowsuit (depending on season)
• 2 wrap bodysuits (easier to put on/take off for newborns)

Diaper changing:

• Diapers size 1 (NB) — 1 pack is enough to test
• Wet wipes OR washcloths + water (enough for a newborn)
• Changing pad (wipeable)
• Diaper rash cream (zinc oxide)
• Diaper pail (brand doesn't matter, just needs a lid)

On the go:

• Car seat (group 0+, NEVER secondhand without accident history!)
• Stroller OR baby carrier (you need BOTH from day 1)

Feeding:

• 2-3 nursing pillows (the cheap C-shaped ones work fine)
• Lanolin cream (nipple care)
• 6 burp cloths/muslin cloths
• If bottle feeding: 4-6 bottles + brush + infant formula + sterilizer

Care:

• Baby bathtub OR sink insert
• 2 hooded towels
• Baby nail scissors (from week 4)
• Thermometer (rectal)
• Saline nasal drops

NICE-TO-HAVE (but not necessary)

• Pacifiers (some babies don't want them)
• Baby bouncer (helpful but not essential)
• Music box
• Mobile
• Heat lamp for changing table (useful in winter)

YOU DON'T NEED THIS (save your money)

• ❌ Changing table (dresser with pad works fine)
• ❌ Diaper subscription (compare prices, often cheaper on sale)
• ❌ Bathroom heat lamp
• ❌ Baby scale (checkups at the doctor are enough)
• ❌ Sterilizer for pacifiers (boiling works)
• ❌ Bottle warmer (water bath works)
• ❌ 20 bodysuits in size 50 (baby outgrows them in 2-4 weeks!)
• ❌ Sheepskin (SIDS risk in bed)
• ❌ Bumpers for crib (SIDS risk)
• ❌ Baby shoes (baby doesn't need shoes until they walk outside)

Budget Tips

• Buy secondhand: Clothing, stroller, crib (mattress NEW!)
• Borrow: Carrier consultation, baby bouncer
• Gift registry: Ask family instead of buying duplicates
• Start minimal: You CAN buy more later. You CAN'T return what you never needed.

Realistic costs for baby essentials: €500-800 (secondhand) / €1,500-3,000 (all new)

This information is not product advertising.