Tips for buying baby essentials

• Start early:

You should slowly begin acquiring the starter kit at the beginning of the second half of pregnancy. This prevents stress and gives you a time buffer for possible longer delivery times, etc.

• Think long-term:

  Bigger purchases such as stroller, crib or changing table are more worthwhile when they can be used for as long as possible – many products 'grow with' the child or can be converted/adjusted for toddlers.

• Get insider information:

  When shopping, it's best to take a mom friend who can share her experiences – this gives you a good idea of what you really need and what you don't.

• Spruce up used items:

  Used baby items are inexpensive and often you can get high-quality pieces that last longer. If you repaint a nice dresser or a used crib, it becomes a unique piece of furniture.

• Less is more:

  Try to shop in an organized way and don't buy more than you really need. Especially for furnishings, it's advisable to choose simpler furniture and textiles – you may quickly grow tired of bold patterns and characters.

• Check for safety and absence of harmful substances:

  Most baby items on the market are at least tested for harmful substances and bear the GS seal for tested safety. Stiftung Warentest and ÖKO Test also regularly test products for babies and toddlers and publish the test results.

The right clothing for the starter set:

What you need from the start

Do you already know which garments you need for your baby? The range of baby clothes seems endless, but with our Checklist you're on the safe side.

In addition to the basic kit you will need additional clothing for the regular starter kit appropriate for the birth month of your little sunshine. Here’s a short clothing guide for a baby’s starter set.

Which clothing size is suitable for newborns?

Officially, regular baby sizes start with the clothing size 50. For preemies there is already clothing in size 44. As a rule of thumb, you can remember that clothing sizes always match the length measurement of a baby. Which baby clothes you should buy at the beginning therefore depends on your child's body size. Already during pregnancy the obstetrician can roughly determine the child's size and weight.

If you want to be on the safe side, buy the baby clothes a size larger. If the sleeves and pant legs are initially too long, you can easily roll them up. Babies grow incredibly fast, so you can use bodysuits, rompers & co. longer by using this little trick.

Checklist: Baby clothes you need for the starter kit

basic kit

• 8-10 (wrap)bodysuits, depending on the season, with long or short sleeves

• 5-6 rompers, depending on the season with long or short sleeves and with footies

• 4-6 tops with short or long sleeves (depending on the season)

• 4-6 pants with a soft elastic waistband

• 5 pairs baby tights

• 3 pairs each of thick & thin socks

• 1-2 hats made of cotton or beanies (for indoors)

• 3-4 sleep suits

In addition to the basic kit you will also need the following garments, depending on your child's birth month.

Checklist for summer babies

• 4-6 lightweight cardigans and/or thin sweaters

• 1 summer hat or sun hat

• 1 lightweight jacket

• 1 summer-sleeping bag

Checklist for winter babies

• 4-6 warm cardigans and/or warm long-sleeve sweaters

• 1 pair gloves or mittens

• 1 warm winter hat (for outdoors)

• 1 scarf or neckerchief

• 1 thick winter jacket or snowsuit/overall

• 1 winter-sleeping bag

Always well dressed:

What matters in the different seasons

So that your little wonders are perfectly dressed for every season there are a few things you should keep in mind. What exactly matters and how best to prepare for the respective months is shown by HABA on the corresponding subpages for the different seasons.

How to dress spring babies

Baby starter kit | In spring there are mild temperatures, which lure you outdoors into the fresh air. Walks with your newborn are especially enjoyable in this season because it's no longer cold and not yet too warm.

So that your baby also has the right comfortable temperature , appropriate clothing in spring is key. What matters in the spring months when dressing your baby is shown by HABA on the corresponding topic page.

Tips for dressing summer babies

In spring there are mild temperatures, which lure you outdoors into the fresh air. Walks with your newborn are especially enjoyable in this season because it's no longer cold and not yet too warm.

So that your baby also has the right comfortable temperature , appropriate clothing in spring is key. What matters in the spring months when dressing your baby is shown by HABA on the corresponding topic page.

Tips for dressing autumn babies

As the leaves slowly turncolorful, many families are drawn outdoors. On long walks with your loved ones, your baby is, of course, part of the outing. Whether on extensive forest walks or short strolls through the park – together you experience this cozy time even more intensely.

What you should pay attention to when dressing your autumn baby and which garments are particularly suitable for the golden season are suitable for, HABA shows you on the corresponding topic page.

Keeping winter babies snug and warm

Small snowflakes falling from the sky, frozen lakes or landscapes shining in white – in winter nature shows its frosty but still unique side. At freezing temperatures you do not have to stay at home with your baby. With the right starter kit in terms of clothing and accessories you can discover the world outside together. What matters when dressing in winter and how you keep your little one snug and warm, HABA shows you on the appropriate topic page.

Starter kit for the nursery:

Setting up the baby's own space

Furniture & accessories for sleeping

For most parents, it is during the pregnancy the most wonderful thing is to lovingly create and furnish their baby's little realm even if the baby still sleeps in the first months in the bedside crib next to mom and dad, it will eventually need its own room.

It's best to use the time before birth to make a checklist for the future nursery. Ideally, your baby's room will then already fully furnished, when you leave the hospital with your newborn. This spares you the stressful renovation and furniture shopping with a small infant and you can use that extra time to relax with your baby.

In the first months your baby will sleep a lot. A comfortable baby bed is the be-all and end-all for a restful and comfortable sleep. If you want to keep your baby close to you at night, a bedside crib, which you can simply place next to your (marital) bed.

The advantage: you not only always have your little treasure in view, breastfeeding at night is greatly facilitated. For the nursery, however, it may be a proper baby bed.

Many models can also be later converted into a child's bed, so you can use the furniture into the toddler years. A baby and child's bed in one is therefore a worthwhile investment for a long period.

Of course a comfortable and baby-friendly mattress is essential. An important feature is a firm foam core, which prevents the baby's small head from sinking. Also a removable cover for washing is ideal so that small mishaps can be dealt with quickly. Babies do not need a pillow or a blanket in the first months. The risk is too great that the blanket could be kicked over the head and suffocate the infant.

A summer- or winter-sleeping bag to provide your child with a cozy, warm and safe sleep. The baby bed becomes even cozier with a nest. A baby nest helps with falling asleep, because your baby feels extremely safe and secure in it. Other sleep aids such as music boxes, mobiles

or a small night light are a good investment for a restful and healthy sleep.baby monitor.cameramusic boxesbreathing monitoring or room temperature display.

Furniture & accessories for diaper changing

A sturdy and stable dresser with changing top is suitable as a secure changing station for your baby. When assembling, make sure that the changing dresser is secure and stable and the height matches your height fits. This prevents a hunched posture while changing and spares you back pain.

As protection, a washable changing pad, on which your baby lies comfortably. Dirty diapers are best disposed of in an airtight diaper pail, which should be placed directly next to the changing area. Especially in winter, a heat lamp, which you can mount above the changing area. This way your baby will be cozy and warm even at cold temperatures during changing. The red light is also pure wellness after bathing or a baby massage and can also help with tummy aches or and bad moods..

Furniture for storage

For storing baby clothes a wardrobe or a dresser with large drawers and lots of storage space.If you want a harmonious overall look, then it's best to choose a .

children's room setThe advantage: because of the uniform look the nursery appears and friendlyneat and you can selectively buy new furniture in the same design when you want to expand the your baby's furnishings

want.

At a glance: checklist for outfitting the nursery

• baby bed or Sleeping & dreaming

• bedside crib

• Cradlebaby-

• waterproof mattress protector

• 2-3 fitted sheets

• baby sleeping bag for summer and winter

• nest or baby support

• 3-4 pacifiers

• pacifier clip

Changing & dressing

• odor-proof diaper pail

• washable changing pad

• dresser with changing top

• heat lamp

• diapers in the smallest size (in sufficient quantity)

• diaper rash cream

• baby powder

• wet wipes

• wardrobe or dresser

Practical & safety

• baby monitor

• corner protectors

• outlet covers

• bed guard rails

• Other

All-around well cared for – starter kit for feeding & care

Whether for breastfeedingmusic boxesbathing or feeding – so that your little miracle lacks nothing, a comprehensive starter kit also includes feeding and care products. HABA has prepared a compact checklist for you on care and nutrition of your baby – find out now what matters.

Overview: Checklist for baby care & nutrition

Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding strengthens the bond between mother and infant. Through breast milk, your baby receives all essential nutrients and vitamins to start life healthy and strong. The following little helpers are indispensable:

• Nursing pillow (helps keep the baby in the correct position while breastfeeding)

• 3-4 nursing bras

• Breast pads

• Breast pump

• 2-3 bottles with nipples

• Muslin cloths or burp cloths

Food & Drink

If you do not want to or cannot breastfeed your baby or want to supplement, you will need the following starter equipment for feeding infant formula:

• High chair

• Bibs or muslin cloths (burp cloths)

• Sippy cup or trainer cup

• Baby dishes

• 5-6 bottles with age-appropriate nipples

• Bottle brush

• Drying rack

• Bottle warmer

• Formula dispenser

• Thermos bottle

Bathing & body care

Most babies love the playful splashing fun in the baby bathtub. To ensure your infant feels really comfortable during bathing, you'll need the following starter items:

• Baby bathtub (possibly space-saving folding bathtub)

• 2-3 soft towels made of cotton, preferably with a hood for babies

• several baby wash mitts or washcloths

• Baby oil for bathing or massaging

• mild baby shampoo

• soft baby brush

• baby toothbrushes

• optional baby nail scissors

• Bath thermometer (optimal water temperature between 35-37 °C)

• Water toys

• Diaper cream, e.g. with calendula or chamomile

• Baby cream for cold days

• Sun protection for outdoors

Time to play:

These toys are part of a baby's starter kit

Babies discover their surroundings through play. With their little hands, they explore the world in their own way. From about the third month. the little ones begin to actively reach for things. But even earlier, toys not only provide fun and variety, but also help develop through auditory as well as tactile stimuli the healthy development and sensory perception of your baby.

Checklist: Baby's first toys

• colorful grasping toys

• teething rings

• rattle

• music box

• soft toy for sleeping

• muslin lovey

• play arch

• tummy-time & play mat

• baby rocker or swing

Outdoors: With this starter kit you'll be well prepared

Whether a short walk in the fresh air, a quick changing on the go or the trip to shopping with baby – so that your little one is well cared for on the go, you'll need the appropriate equipment for transport and care.

Which starter items you shouldn't be without when you're out and about? We'll show you.

Stroller

Already during pregnancy, the question of the suitable stroller arises. Here, various models are available that differ in functionality and features. Choosing the perfect stroller can be quite tricky, as it should be usable for as long as possible and always transport the baby safely.

If you plan to spend a lot of time outdoors with your child, models with robust wheels.Hiking with your children can sometimes present a challenge for the terrain, which is why you should pay particular attention to off-road capability when buying. For sporty, active families, especially suitable are three-wheeled jogging strollers.

With multifunctional stroller sets you are perfectly equipped for any circumstances Whether cobblestones in the big city, a car seat for Traveling with a child or a sport stroller for hikes – buying a set pays off in many ways. Of course, the appropriate accessories shouldn't be missing from the initial stroller equipment either. A rain cover protects your baby from wind and weather.

In summer, a sunshade is essential. Additionally, an insect net, which keeps little pests away from your baby in the warmer months. Also indispensable is a footmuff. Depending on the season, there are different models - thin summer footmuffs, cozy warm winter footmuffs and temperature-regulating all-season footmuffs.

Baby carrier

If you prefer to carry your baby close to your heart, then a baby carrier or a sling is the right choice for you. The advantage: you always have your hands free and still keep your infant in sight at all times. Thanks to the flexible carrying aid, babies automatically have plenty of freedom of movement and at the same time the healthy posture of your child is promoted. This has a positive effect on the development of the neck and back muscles and also on the hip joints.

The gentle rocking motion while carrying also has a positive effect on the sense of balance. This makes it easier to soothe babies and they fall asleep more quickly.

Infant car seat

Before your child may take a seat in a child seat , you need a suitable infant car seat. On the market there are different sizes for infant car seats and car seats that must be selected according to the weight and body size of the little passenger.

Particularly practical are grow-with-me car seats, which you can use directly after birth and up to the age of 12. These models are highly adjustable so that the height and recline angle can be precisely adapted to your child's size.

By purchasing a grow-with-me car seat you not only save money, your child also benefits from your purchase. From the very first moment until the time when they no longer need a car seat, your child is safely on the road with you in the car.

Changing bag

For changing on the go the appropriate one must not be missing: Changing baghere you'll find diapers, burp cloths, pacifiers, wet wipes, spare clothes, hats and other items. That way you always have everything on hand when you need to take care of a little mishap away from home.

Checklist: Baby essentials for on the go

• appropriate stroller or buggy

• baby carrier or sling

• infant car seat or car seat for the car

• footmuff for the stroller (depending on temperature)

• Rain cover & sun canopy for the stroller

• stroller blanket

• cozy lambskin or a warm blanket as a lining for the stroller

• Changing bag

Image credits

Pregnant woman sitting on a bed © jul14ka - stock.adobe.com

Father holding a child © Westend61 - stock.adobe.com

Dog sitting in front of the baby crib © Cavan Images - stock.adobe.com

Baby grimacing while eating © Impact Photography - stock.adobe.com

Baby in a car seat © EVERST - stock.adobe.com