Help, what do I need for my baby? The complete checklist

During your pregnancy, you probably can't resist buying cute rompers already. And you might even get presents. But what do you really need besides those cool mini-shoes or that first cool rattle? We can help you get everything in order.

With a baby on the way, you tend to be a fan of lists. Your pregnant head isn't quite cooperating anymore because of the hormones. And it can be dizzying what you have to arrange before the little one arrives. If you are expecting twins, you may doubt even more. Does everything have to be done twice? So all help is welcome to get some overview. What is really handy to have from the baby outfit list? And what can you save on?

It is often unnecessary to buy everything new for the first few weeks. Borrowing, taking over or buying second-hand can be a good solution for many items. Cheaper and more durable!

Some tips on checklist for baby essential ahead of time

Before you start checking off the checklists, we will give you some tips.

Our baby essentials list is an advisory one. We can imagine that sometimes you have questions. Feel free to ask them! The quickest way to do so is via Babymanager chat.
Are you going to buy items, but would like to know what is best? Then take a look at the site kinderveiligheid.nl (in Dutch). There you will find a lot of information about the safety of different products. Also with tips on how to use them safely. From camping bed to car seat and baby hammock. Other useful sites are opvoeden.nl (in Dutch) and consumentenbond.nl (in Dutch).
Are there any young parents in your family, neighborhood or circle of friends? Then just ask them for advice. What do they really use often and what appeared unnecessary from your wish list?
Buying everything new is a big expense. And less sustainable, of course. It is a good idea to see if you can borrow or take over some items from family or friends. Or search on sites like Marktplaats, Vinted or at thrift stores. Many baby items are usually used so briefly that they are often still in top condition.
Start collecting on time. It is quite a list and getting everything in the house bit by bit is easier than all at once. In your second trimester you probably still have the energy for it. Shopping with a really big belly can be quite tiring. It is nice to have everything you need in the last month. After all, you don't know when labor will start.

Childbirth and the birth box

Let's just start at the beginning. Step one is, of course, childbirth. That is where the birth box comes in. Not always the most nicest stuff to buy, but really necessary. You will look incredulously at the big maternity bandages, but when the time comes you will be glad you have them! Even if you give birth in the hospital, a birth box is necessary for when you return home.

Your birth box includes (approximately) the following:

8 cellulose mats
1 pack of sterile gauze
1 pack of 50 grams cotton wool
1 sterile belly button
1 soap pump, unscented
1 bottle of 70% alcohol
2 packs of maternity pads
1 pack of maternity pads (large) or 1 pack of panty liners
2 packs of sanitary pads
2 maternity mattresses (thin)
1 bed sheet or waterproof molton fitted sheet

It is wise to get your birth box at least 6 weeks before your due date. Some health insurance companies reimburse you for the birth box you buy yourself. For example, the birth box from Dadashop.nl. Other health insurance companies will send you their birth box. Often you have to request this well in advance. So it is useful to check with your health insurance company.

The hospital bag for the hospital

Besides your birth box, you have probably heard the term hospital bag. You set that up for when you have to go to the hospital. Planned or unexpected. So even if you are planning a home birth, get an hospital bag ready. In it you put everything you need around your delivery. And yes, it is all about you and the baby, of course. But also think about your partner who may have to support you for hours. It would be nice if he has some deo with him, for example... It is best to have your hospital bag ready around week 37. But if you prefer to do it earlier, go ahead.

What do you take to the hospital for yourself?

your hospital card
identity card
health insurance card
pregnancy card from the midwife
care plan of your maternity care organization
2 pieces of nightwear
robe
slippers or flip flops
socks
sufficient (ample) underwear and a supportive (nursing) bra
clothing for when you can go home again
toiletries and cosmetics
your phone and charger
something to read or some music
medication you are used to taking
your glasses, contact lenses, lens case and fluid
something to eat and drink
parking money/pin card

What does your baby need in the hospital?

bodysuit or camisole
diaper
set of outerwear
socks
jacket or baby cape
2 hats
blanket
approved car seat. Practice in advance how to attach the car seat. That saves a lot of hassle with a little one on your arm.

Be kind and think of your partner, too. Let him tuck in, for example:

clean clothes
toothbrush and toothpaste
some food and a bottle of water
phone and charger
medication he uses
keys

You see there are some things you can't put in the bag ahead of time because you need them on a daily basis. Make a bill for those things that you put on your hospital bag or hang it in a convenient place. Or put it in your phone.

The essentials for your maternity period

Besides the birth box, there are a few other things that are handy to have around the house. For during your delivery and in the time after. Of course, you can also ask questions about these outfits during the intake interview with your maternity care provider. Our tips:

1 roll of toilet paper
emergency light (flashlight)
2 garbage bags
1 pack of paper towels or kitchen roll
1 pack of salt (to rinse the delivery laundry)
2 buckets (including 1 new or clean bucket to fill the baby bath)
1 bottle of disinfectant (if your midwife requires it)
1 measuring jug or water bottle with nozzle (for rinsing)
1 pack of plastic sandwich bags (for sanitary napkin disposal)
A bed sheet (for the maternity bed)
1 pair of long medical gloves. Note: If you want to give birth in a birthing pool at home, these long medical gloves are mandatory to have in the house. The maternity nurse will need these.
6 household cloths (washable at 60° C)
1 floor cloth and mop stick
1 portable laundry basket

For you as an (expecting) mother

When you are thinking about the checklist for baby essentials, you are probably less concerned with yourself. Still, it is good to have the following in your home as a maternity mother:

3 sets of bed covers (2 is enough if you have a dryer)
1 digital fever thermometer for the mother (not an ear thermometer). After delivery, your temperature will also be checked several times.

For your baby(s):

1 baby digital fever thermometer (not an ear thermometer)
1 changing mat
1 baby bath with bath stand (preferably with drain plug)
baby wash gel
hairbrush and comb
Vaseline (for bottom and face)
possibly a cardboard nail file
2 hats *
at least 3 rompers or undershirts in size 50/56 *
at least 3 sets of clothes in size 50/56 *
12 hydrophilic diapers or hydrophilic towels *
6 hydrophilic washcloths *
8 baby wipes *
2 packs of disposable diapers or 18 cotton diapers (pre-shaped) with accessories *
A crib or crib mattress *
2 bolsters or flannel covers *
3 bottom sheets or fitted sheets (2 is enough if you have a dryer) *
3 top sheets (2 will do if you have a dryer) *
2 blankets *
2 aluminum seamless jugs *
2 pitcher bags (not padded) *
2 bath capes or 2 large bath towels *

Are you expecting a small child? Because it runs in the family or because the midwife expects it? Make sure you have clothes in one size smaller. That way you will always have a set that fits.

Baby essentials for twins

If you are pregnant with twins (or multiples!), you will naturally need a few extra things. The items marked with an * on the list above should be adjusted to the number of children you are expecting. So double the number of rompers, but just 1 changing mat and bathtub.

Baby equipment for artificial feeding (bottle feeding)

2 bottles*
2 special teats for newborns
1 bottle carrier
powdered milk (formula in consultation with midwife or doctor)
vitamin D for the baby

Breastfeeding essentials

nursing bra (2 or 3)
nursing pads
vitamin K for the baby (only if breastfeeding)
vitamin D for the baby
Storage containers or bags

Tip: If you are thinking of pumping, you do not have to buy a breast pump right away. During your maternity period, you can rent a breast pump. For example through Dadashop.nl. After that, you can choose the right pump for you at your leisure.

More for home and on the go

In the time to come, your baby will have an increasingly obvious place in the house. And with that comes a number of large and small items. For example, include:

stroller
diaper bag
baby carrier if you like that
playpen and playmat
bouncer
baby monitor
a baby chair for the dining table

Maternity gifts from your essentials list

We already tipped you to ask around your neighborhood for baby gear. Often they are no longer used after a short time and you can get by with them. You will find that fellow parents will be happy to help you. And don't forget the maternity gifts. Visitors at a baby shower or on a maternity visit like to give you something that is really useful. So are you missing some items from the baby essentials checklist? Then feel free to give those as maternity gifts when they ask for them. Because at some point you will have enough rompers in the smallest size. And they often grow faster than you think!

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