Dottie will soon be 10 months old. And I can tell you: I was in constant stress before the birth. In particular, the topic of basic baby equipment was a big factor. I compared dozens of lists online, went through every item constantly, bought everything possible. Partly twice as much because I didn’t even notice that I already had a bath thermometer.
And now, with a bit of distance, sleep-deprived experience, and a very real apartment where things need real space, I can say pretty clearly what we really needed and what we could have bought later (or not at all).
What I was missing back then wasn’t a longer list, but rather this simple distinction: What do you need immediately when the baby is here, and what can wait until you even know what your everyday life looks like?
The family blog on andysparkles
Sleeping: We didn’t need a baby bed for a long time
It can wait
Baby bed
Classic. Is at the top of every checklist. For us: it doesn’t matter for a long time. Dottie hasn’t slept in the crib for ages. It wasn’t until she was around 6 months old that it even became an issue that she sometimes slept in her own bed. Before, it just wasn’t relevant.
Bed border, baby pillow, bed decoration
We didn’t need it, and to be honest I don’t want it either. Especially in the beginning, anything “extra” in bed is more of a risk than a help. Pillows aren’t good for babies anyway, bed skirts were completely unnecessary for us.
Baby monitor
We didn’t start using that until much, much later. You don’t need it right away.
That really helped us
Spring cradle
This wasn’t a “nice to have” for us, it was a real everyday helper. If you have a baby who needs a lot of closeness and movement, this can make a huge difference.
White Noise Machine
As well. Especially if you can’t live completely in cotton wool and normal noises are part of it. White noise was a real calming factor for us.
Sleeping bags and fitted sheets
Sounds boring, but it’s the basics. It’s better to have a few sensible basics than 20 “sweet” extras.
Changing: It’s worth being well positioned here
If there’s one area that really hits the spot, it’s changing. You don’t do that sometime later. You do this from day 1. Multiple times. Every day.
Really needed
Changing table or changing place
For me: very important. Not just for the baby, also for your back and your nerves. Everything within reach makes a big difference.
Diapers, wet wipes, wound protection
Absolutely basic. Wound protection is one of those things that you don’t need every day, but when you need it, you want it there.
diaper pail
Yes. Not a glamorous topic, but useful. Otherwise the smell will spread through the apartment faster than you can say “I’ll ventilate it.”
Cheesecloths: lots of them
Here I contradict every minimalist baby guide: things were constantly going away for us. Spit, milk, pad, blanket, emergency towel, everything. When you think “I’ve had enough,” buy a few more. Really.
We didn’t need that
Heat lamp
It was summer for us, and even now we don’t need them. Can be useful in certain apartments, of course. For us it wasn’t an issue.
Too much diaper bag organization
A simple diaper bag is enough. You don’t need a bag system within bag systems, that often just makes it more confusing.
Clothing: Less is more
Really needed
Realistic quantities of bodysuits and rompers
Realistic means: you wash regularly, you don’t need 20 per size. 5-6 should be enough. With long arms and short arms. We love things that are easy to put on and take off. Best with buttons or zippers.
Socks, hat, one or two warm overalls depending on the season
That’s all. Really.
1 to 2 “go-out” pieces that are practical
Not the mini denim jacket that looks like an editorial, but things that go on and off quickly. Overalls or jackets, depending on the season.
Rather unnecessary for us
Outfits in absurd quantities
I get it, baby clothes are too cute. But Dottie had phases where she felt like she needed a new size every two weeks. And then you sit there with beautiful things that she has worn exactly once.
On the go: This is the category where you can burn the most money
Really needed
Stroller or carrier, whatever suits you
We used both, but not equally at the same time. Carrier was great for short distances and when Dottie needed to be close. Strollers were gold for longer distances and when you were transporting things. Also important in winter: a footmuff and gloves that can be attached to the handle of the cart.
Diaper bag, small and functional
I’m a team: not too big, otherwise you’ll pack too much and end up ruined.
Weather protection: rain, wind, sun
Sun protection is important, regardless of whether it is an umbrella, canopy or cloth, the main thing is that it is safe and not too hot.
Baby seat
Very important, you need this for car journeys.
Rather unnecessary for us
Too much “just in case”
Extra blanket, extra pillow, extra XY. Sure, a replacement body is important. But you don’t have to take half a household with you.
Bathing and care: This is where beautiful is separated from sensible
This is also the category where I used to buy the wildest things. I really thought you needed a whole drug store at home.
Really needed
Baby bathtub or simple bath insert
You need something that you can bathe in safely without twisting yourself.
Mild baby wash gel or just water, depending on your skin
Less is often more.
Soft towels, preferably one that lasts well
A A soft bath poncho for babies is easy because it doesn’t constantly open. Wet babies slip and wriggle, you quickly want to wrap them up warm.
Nail scissors or baby nail file
Baby claws are not a myth. They are real.
Rather unnecessary for us
The complete care zoo
Oil, lotion, special cream, extra shampoo, baby perfume, and best of all 3 brushes. No. If your baby doesn’t have any special skin issues, minimal is enough.
Nasal aspirator
Yes, I had one. Yes, I was convinced I needed him. No, we almost never used it. If you need it, you can still get it. It’s really not the end of the world if you don’t have it in the drawer before birth.
Breastfeeding or bottle: It depends on you, but a few basics always help
I’ll tell it like it is: This is a topic that can easily drive you crazy. Breastfeeding can be great, but it can also be exhausting. Bottle can be great, but it can also mean organization.
Really needed
A few bottles if you bottle or want to combine
Not 12. Start small, see what fits. We get along well with 6-8 bottles.
Baby bottle cleaner
We bought the Kleanpal from Momcozy and use it every day. This is the kind of thing that takes less mental load because you don’t always feel like you’re behind on rinsing and sterilizing.
Nursing bras and nursing pads if relevant
Super practical and a must.
Rather unnecessary for us
Bottle warmers, milk powder scoops, special devices
Anything can be useful, depending on your everyday life. For us it was often easier. We warmed up bottles briefly in a water bath and never used the bottle warmer.
Gifts: Get meaningful gifts
This is important to me because many people underestimate it: you don’t have to buy all of the baby’s initial equipment yourself. Especially when family and friends ask what they can give, this is your chance not to turn the apartment into a baby goods store.
If you need an address to Find personalized baby gifts to be able to, take a look at Miracle Wish. Such sweet things!
My mini checklist: Initial equipment that really worked for us
If you just want a short list, here you go:
Sleep
- 1 to 2 sleeping bags
- gentle night light
- Spring cradle
- White noise machine
Wrap
- Changing place
- Diapers, wipes or washcloths
- Wound protection
- 6 to 8 cheesecloths
- diaper pail
Clothing
- Bodysuits, rompers, pajamas in realistic quantities
- Socks, hat
- Depending on the season, 1-2 warm overalls
On the way
- Stroller or carrier
- Weather protection
- functional bag
- Baby seat
Bathing and grooming
- Baby bath or bath insert
- Towel or bath poncho
- Nail scissors or file
- mild washing gel or just water
Conclusion: You don’t need a perfect list, you need trust in yourself
I wished back then that someone would tell me: You won’t fail just because you don’t have every tool there is on the baby shelf. You will learn what your baby needs. And you only notice a lot of things when you’re really into it.
When I look back on my initial equipment stress today, it’s almost a bit funny. Almost. Because it felt zero fun at the time. But it also shows: This pressure doesn’t come from you, it comes from outside. Of lists, of “you have to”, of advertising, of comparisons.
And honestly, what matters in the end is that Dottie is fed, is warm, is safe, and that she somehow gets through the day.
But now I want to know: What was your biggest mistake and what was the item you couldn’t have done without?
