A baby essentials checklist: fully prepared or nicely flexible?
A baby essentials checklist is typically something that comes your way naturally as you prepare for your little one's arrival. In the world of baby essentials, we roughly see two types of parents:
- Team “Order today, delivered tomorrow, right?”
- And team “Excel-sheet – I'm leaving nothing to chance.”
Both are perfectly fine, as long as it fits your (or your collective) lifestyle. In this blog, we'll guide you through both approaches and answer questions such as: What are the must-haves for a baby essentials kit? And: When is a good time to start with the baby essentials checklist?
Minimalist approach: only the must-haves
More and more parents are opting for a minimalist approach. You first purchase only the truly essential items, and order the rest as soon as you realize you need them. With same-day or next-day delivery, that's perfectly feasible. Or you can make a small outing of it.
Advantages of this approach:
- You don't waste money on things you ultimately don't use
- You can respond to your baby's needs (some things turn out to be superfluous in hindsight)
- You keep more space in your home
Disadvantage:
- If you really, really, really urgently need something (for example, with severe engorgement in the first week after birth and you want to express a little milk), then a next-day delivery of a breast pump feels like an eternity. The author speaks from experience here.
Team Excel: everything arranged on time
If you like structure and overview, then a comprehensive baby essentials checklist is exactly what you need. You work with a list, order everything well in advance, and make sure you don't miss anything on the big day.
An advantage of this approach is that you can do extensive research; for example, during your maternity leave. And perhaps the biggest advantage: there's a good chance you won't have to think about anything during your first week with the baby.
What does such a baby essentials checklist look like?
We have compiled a handy list below. First the basics (the must-haves). Prefer to leave nothing to chance? Then you'll also find additional options under each category.
👕 Clothing (size 50–56)
Basic:
☐ 5 bodysuits suitable for the climate (long or short sleeves)
☐ 5 sleepsuits or sets of trousers & shirt
☐ 2 hats
☐ 2 pairs of socks
☐ 4 muslin cloths
Additional:
☐ 2 cardigans
☐ 2 pajamas
☐ Booties
☐ Extra clothing in size 56–62
🛏️ Sleeping
Basic:
☐ Bassinet or cot + mattress
☐ 2 fitted sheets
☐ 1 sleeping bag or blanket
☐ Mattress protector
Additional:
☐ Baby monitor
☐ Night light
☐ Musical mobile
☐ Mosquito net or canopy
🧼 Care
Basic:
☐ Changing mat
☐ Diapers
☐ Baby wipes
☐ Diaper rash cream
☐ Baby bath or Tummy Tub
☐ Baby thermometer
Additional: (you can easily get lost here)
☐ Changing mat covers
☐ Bath thermometer
☐ 1 bath cape
☐ Nail file or scissors
☐ First aid kit
☐ Nasal spray (suitable for babies from 0 years)
☐ Diaper pail
☐ Soft washcloths
🍼 Feeding
Basic:
☐ 2 bottles + teats
☐ Milk powder dispenser (for formula feeding)
Additional:
☐ Breast pump + milk storage bottles (for breastfeeding)
☐ Bottle warmer
☐ Bottle drying rack
☐ Breast pads
☐ Nursing cover
☐ Nursing pillow (optional)
🚗 On the go
Basic:
☐ Car seat group 0 / Maxi-Cosi
☐ Stroller
☐ Diaper bag
☐ Spare change of clothes
Additional:
☐ Sun shade for the car
☐ Rain cover for the stroller
☐ Footmuff
☐ Extra changing mat
☐ Thermal bag for food
☐ Cup holder for the stroller
☐ Baby carrier
When is a good time to start?
A frequently asked question! While there's no hard and fast rule, these are helpful guidelines:
- Start orienting after the 20-week ultrasound
- Create your list around week 28–30
- Make sure you have the essentials at home before week 36
Are you "team everything organized"? Then start a bit earlier. Prefer to go by feel? Then you can also purchase many things after the birth — as long as you have the basics at home.
What is the budget for baby essentials?
The cost of baby essentials heavily depends on your choices. Are you going for luxury brands and an elaborate nursery? Then you'll quickly spend €2,000–€3,000. Keeping it basic? Then you can manage with €1,000–€1,500.
You can save money by borrowing, renting, or buying second-hand. But some things (like a good car seat or a decent diaper bag) you might prefer new and of high quality.
Conclusion: Your list, your rules
There's no right or wrong. Whether you follow an extensive baby essentials list or prefer to go by feel. The main thing is that you feel good about your preparation.
