Baby Essentials: Must-Haves for When You Return from the Hospital

Clothes, Blankets and Swaddle Blankets…

If you’re expecting a “summer” baby, make sure you have short-sleeved body suits (about 8 of them), lightweight onesies and overalls (6×), thin cotton hats (2), thin gloves (1 pair), socks (3 pairs) and thin sweaters/sweatshirts (3 pieces each). A thin summer swaddle blanket, summer footmuff and lightweight (e.g. bamboo) blankets are all must-haves. And a summer sleeping bag for a good rest. 

If you’re having a winter baby, the checklist will be the same; just make sure to choose warmer materials and long sleeves and throw in some winter overalls and insulated pram “booties”… You should also reach for soft terry socks. A winter footmuff and sleeping bag are also essential to keep your baby warm.

As far as sizing goes, only go for the PM (premature) size (EU 50; corresponds to a baby having a length of 50 cm) if you are expecting twins (they tend to be smaller) or if you know that you’re expecting a smaller baby. If everything is normal, start at size NB (newborn, 56 cm), but feel free to go up to 0-3m (62 cm) if you know your baby will be bigger. You’ll see that they’ll grow out of this size in just a few weeks either way. That’s why you only need a few pieces of clothing to start with, or your baby won’t even get the chance to wear them all! 

Luxury Bathtime Experience

Your baby’s first bathtime is an unforgettable moment for the whole family. To make sure you’re as ready as you can be, get the essential baby bath seat (or bathtub for newborns), as well as a cleansing oil or emulsion, which go directly in the water to moisturise the skin. A baby bath thermometer is also worth it, as well as oil or body lotion for after-bath care and soft washcloths and towels. 

Fully-Equipped Baby Changing Table

You will spend quite a lot of time changing your baby – so find a comfortable spot for a changing table or changing mat. The “fancy” ones keep your baby safe and secure by featuring a Velcro belt. This comes in handy when the baby starts learning how to turn and roll over. With or without a belt, be attentive and keep an eye on your baby at all times when they’re on the changing table.

Nappies (size 0 or 1) are also a nappy-changing essential, as well as wet wipes, disposable changing mats (+ reusable ones for at-home use) and nappy rash ointment. A nappy bin usually turns out to be a needless purchase. If you want to take the cloth nappy route, make sure to have a starter kit ready, which comes with nappy inserts with various levels of absorbency (bamboo, charcoal…) and nappy pants for newborns. 

No Breastfeeding Means Bottle Feeding…

Even though we know that breastfeeding is nature’s perfect invention, if it’s not possible for you for any reason, bottle feeding is always an alternative. Pick up a few different brands (babies are picky), as well as bottles, various bottle teats… 

And our list of a few checklist essentials also includes products for those who are planning on breastfeeding. You may have to pump some milk at some point (so yes, a breast pump is on the list). And pick a few cute and practical dummies too. Not all babies like dummies, but be prepared in case yours does. 

And a First Aid Kit. Just in Case!

It’s never anyone’s wish, but it’s bound to happen one day. Temperatures, colds. Problems with colic… And for such cases, it’s good to have a basic first aid kit from the moment you take your baby home from the hospital to keep them in good health. 

The basics include a contactless thermometer, fever-reducing suppositories, a nasal aspirator, nasal spray and baby cough syrup. And perhaps a disinfectant that doesn’t burn – in case your baby gets a scratch (that’s also the reason why summer gloves are on the list, as a newborn’s nails are very sharp). Add in some nail clippers or special scissors, suitable cotton buds for clean ears... And we’re done. 

Now you know exactly what you’ll need when returning home from the maternity hospital. Missing from our list are a pram, a car seat, a baby changing bag for when you’re on the go... But we’ll leave that up to you. Our list mostly focuses on the smaller things that are easier to forget. So go through it again just in case, and, most importantly, enjoy your new role as a parent.