Baby Essentials: The Complete Shopping Guide
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Purchasing initial baby supplies before birth is one of the most confusing tasks during pregnancy. Between aggressive marketing and countless well-intentioned pieces of advice, as an expectant parent, you can quickly lose sight of what actually works in everyday life during the first two months.
A well-thought-out setup requires neither hundreds of euros for unnecessary accessories nor closets full of clothes your baby will outgrow in just a few weeks. It is more about choosing the right cuts, suitable materials, and a manageable quantity in a targeted way. With sustainable secondhand baby clothes and curated clothing bundles, you save valuable resources and your nerves.
Baby clothing: Quantities, sizes, and fits
Putting together a first wardrobe requires a good balance of comfort, gentle materials, and forward-looking size planning. With the right cuts and flexible quantities, you avoid bad purchases and ensure your baby is always dressed comfortably and according to their needs during the first months of life.
Size selection and forward planning
- Size 50 vs. 56: Newborns usually start in size 50 (for petite babies or preemies) or size 56 as a standard. Since newborns grow rapidly in the first weeks, only buy a few items in the smallest size.
- Use double sizes: Intermediate sizes like 56/62 or 62/68 offer great flexibility, optimally bridging growth phases and avoiding bottlenecks in the closet.
- Comprehensive size guide: You can find detailed measurements in centimeters, fit tips, and brand differences in our extensive size guide.
Recommended quantities for the initial wardrobe
|
Category |
Recommended quantity |
What to look for when buying |
|
Bodysuits (wrap-style) |
6–8 items |
Choose wrap-style bodysuits with snap buttons so you don't have to pull them over your baby's head. |
|
Sleepsuits and pants |
4–6 items |
Look for soft cuffs at the waist without tight elastic bands and snaps in the crotch. |
|
Pajamas |
3–4 items |
Models with a full-length zipper make nighttime diaper changes much easier. |
|
Jackets and sweaters |
2–3 items |
Choose button-up jackets and sweaters without distracting hoods so your baby can lie comfortably on their back. |
|
Hats and socks |
2 hats, 3–4 pairs of socks |
Thin cotton hats for indoors and socks with soft, deep cuffs to prevent them from slipping off. |
Baby clothing throughout development (0–12+ months)
|
Developmental phase |
Requirements and function |
Recommended clothing and criteria |
|
0–3 months (lying phase) |
Pressure-free cuts, protection of sensitive skin, easy dressing without pressure in the back area. |
Wrap-style bodysuits and sleepsuits without back closures or annoying seams. |
|
3–6 months (active grasping) |
High freedom of movement for first purposeful movements and temperature regulation outdoors. |
Elastic pants with wide waistbands, as well as boiled wool overalls, jackets, or sweaters for walks. |
|
6–10 months (crawling phase) |
Durable materials for knees and feet, slip-resistance on smooth floors. |
Pants with reinforced knee areas, socks with anti-slip grips, or soft leather booties. |
|
10–12+ months (first steps) |
Foot protection outdoors and reliable weather protection for adventures outside. |
First-walker shoes with flexible soles, breathable jackets, T-shirts for hot days, and hats with UV protection. |
Materials in comparison: From natural fibers to fleece
Baby skin is extremely sensitive and cannot yet regulate its own temperature. Choosing the right material reliably protects your baby from overheating or cooling down. In addition to high-quality natural fibers, there are everyday alternatives, each with its own advantages and disadvantages:
|
Material |
Season |
Advantages (Pros) |
Disadvantages (Cons) |
Care instructions |
|
Wool-silk |
Year-round / Transitional |
Perfect temperature regulation, extremely gentle on the skin, absorbs moisture without feeling clammy. |
Higher purchase price, sensitive to improper washing. |
Self-cleaning due to wool lanolin – airing out is often enough. Only use cold or wool wash cycle with wool detergent. You can find more details in our washing and care guide. |
|
Organic cotton (kbA) |
Year-round / Spring and Summer |
Toxin-free, organically grown, particularly soft, breathable, and skin-friendly. |
Slightly more expensive than conventional cotton, dries somewhat slower. |
Easy-care, machine washable at 40–60 °C, and dryer-safe. |
|
Conventional cotton |
Year-round |
Inexpensive, robust, durable, widely available, and resilient. |
Potential pesticide residues in new products; less sustainable in cultivation. |
Very easy-care, boil-proof (for white laundry), and fully dryer-safe. |
|
Virgin wool / Boiled wool |
Autumn and Winter |
Excellent heat insulation, extremely wind- and weather-resistant, very durable. |
Relatively heavy, can feel scratchy directly on the skin. |
Dirt-repellent – simply brush off dried dirt. Wash rarely. |
|
Modal / Tencel (Lyocell) |
Spring and Summer |
Silky shine, extremely soft, cools slightly in the heat, and absorbs moisture very well. |
Can lose shape faster if washed improperly. |
Gentle cycle up to 40 °C with mild detergent, best dried in the air. |
|
Linen |
Summer |
Cooling, highly breathable, dirt-repellent, and hypoallergenic. |
Stiff, wrinkles significantly, and feels firmer before the first few washes. |
Wash at 30–40 °C, reshape while damp, avoid tumble dryer. |
|
Fleece (Polyester) |
Autumn and Winter |
Inexpensive, very light, soft, and dries extremely quickly after washing. |
Not breathable (risk of heat and sweat buildup), synthetic. |
Uncomplicated to wash at 30–40 °C, dries in a flash in the air. |
Quality beats quantity: High-quality secondhand baby clothes and pre-curated clothing packages not only save the family budget but also reduce the carbon footprint. Textiles that have already been washed several times are also particularly soft and free from manufacturing residues – ideal for sensitive baby skin.
Diapering and care: The basics
When it comes to diapering and skincare, the fundamental rule is: less is more. Highly sensitive infant skin has an immature skin barrier and does not need perfumed or synthetic care products. A streamlined, natural care routine is the most effective way to prevent skin irritation and diaper rash.
For a functional and skin-friendly diapering area, a few essentials suffice:
- Lukewarm water and washcloths: Soft cotton or fine flannel washcloths and warm water are the gentlest way to clean delicate skin. For on-the-go, we recommend moist washcloths based on 99% water, free of fragrances and preservatives.
- Muslin cloths and burp cloths: Keep a stock of about 10–12 pieces. They function flexibly as a mat for the changing table, a burp cloth, a light temperature-regulating cover, or a gentle headrest.
- Minimalist diaper rash cream and natural oil: A zinc ointment protects against the first signs of redness in the diaper area. A pure plant oil (e.g., organic almond or jojoba oil) is suitable for gentle skin cleaning as well as for relaxing baby massages.
- Supplementary care tools: A natural-bristle baby brush for scalp care, rounded baby safety scissors for fingernails, and a thermometer with a flexible tip belong in the basic equipment.
Sustainability and practical tips
- Dose your diaper stock: Stock up cautiously on disposable newborn diapers (size 1) with a maximum of two packs, as many infants move to the next size category after just two to three weeks.
- Use secondhand items: Changing table attachments for dressers, bathtubs, or bath buckets are extremely durable and can easily be purchased used. Washable changing pads also save on waste and recurring costs.
Safe baby sleep and sleeping climate
A safe sleep environment is essential for preventing Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and ensures restful nights. Pediatric associations consistently recommend the supine position (on the back) on a firm, breathable mattress in a smoke-free bedroom at an optimal room temperature of 16 to 18 °C.
Core rules for a safe sleeping environment
- Clear bed surface: Avoid blankets, pillows, crib bumpers, fur, and stuffed animals in the baby bed entirely to rule out airway blockage and overheating.
- Suitable sleeping bag instead of a blanket: Well-fitting sleeping bags prevent the baby from kicking them off or getting covered by them. The neck opening should be sized so the head cannot slip through, while leaving a finger-width of space between the neck and the opening.
Sleeping bag selection by TOG value
The TOG value (Thermal Overall Grade) indicates the thermal resistance of textiles. It helps you choose the right sleeping bag for the room temperature:
- 0.5 TOG: Unpadded for hot summer periods (room temperature of 24 °C and above).
- 1.0 TOG: Lightly padded for the transition period and room temperatures of 21 to 23 °C.
- 2.5 TOG: Warmly padded for year-round use at room temperatures of 16 to 20 °C.
Secondhand tip for children's furniture
Co-sleepers, bassinets, and cradles are usually only used for a few months and show hardly any signs of wear. They are ideal for purchasing used. Only the mattress should be a high-quality new model for reasons of hygiene and firmness.
Breastfeeding and nutrition
Whether breastfeeding, pumping, or formula feeding: A relaxed atmosphere and ergonomic aids significantly facilitate nutrition in the first months of life. Forward preparation takes the pressure off the first few weeks.
- Ergonomic nursing pillow: Relieves strain on shoulders, neck, and arms during nursing sessions or when holding a bottle. Fillings made of micro-beads or spelt husk offer stable support.
- Breast care and nursing pads: Lanolin nipple cream prevents soreness. Washable nursing pads made of wool-silk or organic cotton protect clothing and soothe the skin.
- Bottle starter set: Even if you plan to breastfeed, an emergency set of 2–3 anti-colic shaped bottles, a bottle brush, and suitable infant formula (PRE) for unexpected bottlenecks is recommended.
Secondhand note: Nursing pillow covers, electric breast pump housings, or bottle warmers are excellent for buying used. For hygiene reasons, however, nipples, pacifiers, and breast pump tubing sets should always be purchased new.
On the go: Infant car seat, carrier, and stroller
Before you purchase transport equipment, analyze your personal lifestyle: Do you live in an urban area with many stairs and public transit use, or do you primarily travel by car in rural areas? This determines the equipment you need.
|
Means of transport |
Area of use |
Safety and purchasing criteria |
|
Infant car seat |
Car travel from birth |
Look for the European safety standard i-Size (ECE R129), which regulates the approval and fit of child seats based on height rather than weight. Only use second-hand seats from a reliable, accident-free source. |
|
Baby wrap / carrier |
Physical closeness and flexibility in everyday life |
Ensure an ergonomic spread-squat position (slightly flexed legs, tilted pelvis) and an adjustable seat base. |
|
Stroller / Pram |
Longer walks |
A flat bassinet is crucial in the first few months for healthy spinal development. |
Second-hand buying guide for mobility equipment
- Buying a used stroller: Combination strollers from brand manufacturers have a long lifespan. When buying second-hand, check for intact brakes, functional folding mechanisms, good suspension, and clean wheel bearings.
- Infant car seat safety: A used infant car seat should only be purchased from a 100% trustworthy source to rule out invisible hairline cracks in the shell caused by minor accidents. Always check the approval seal (ECE R129 / i-Size).
- Testing carrying systems: Ergonomic carriers can be bought second-hand wonderfully. If possible, test which model suits your physique and your baby best beforehand during a professional babywearing consultation.
Gifts and wishes for the birth: The best tips for a smart wish list
A well-thought-out wish list prevents duplicate purchases, impractical baby clothes, and wrong sizes, helping family and friends give exactly the right thing. Newborn vouchers and clothing bundles curated by experts are particularly flexible, offering full freedom of choice and bringing sustainable top brands into the nursery with up to 70% savings. By also packing your hospital bag in time before the due date with all important documents and the initial baby essentials, you will start the first period with your baby feeling fully prepared and relaxed.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How much clothing in size 50 do you actually need?
Unless your baby is expected to be premature or particularly small, 2–3 bodysuits (wrap-around ones are best) in size 50 are completely sufficient. Start directly with size 56, as many newborns don't wear size 50 at all or only for a very few days. A complete overview of quantities and size charts can be found in our guide on baby clothing sizes 50 to 68: quantities, size charts & newborn essentials.
Why is wool-silk worth it and how do you wash delicate natural fibers?
Wool-silk regulates temperature ideally and is extremely gentle on sensitive baby skin. Thanks to the natural lanolin, it is self-cleaning – airing it out is usually enough. For stains, wash it cold on a wool cycle with wool detergent without rubbing or wringing. Valuable tips and care instructions can be found in our guide on how to wash baby clothes correctly: care tips & stain guide.
Is conventional cotton a good alternative to organic cotton?
Conventional cotton is affordable, extremely robust, and easy to care for. However, organic cotton (kbA) is free of harmful substances, softer, and more environmentally friendly to grow. With second-hand goods, any potential residues in conventional cotton have usually already been washed out.
What belongs in the basic equipment for breastfeeding and nutrition?
An ergonomic nursing pillow relieves the neck and back. This should be accompanied by lanolin ointment, washable nursing pads, and a small emergency bottle set (2–3 anti-colic bottles and formula) for spontaneous shortages.
What should you look out for when buying second-hand baby clothes and equipment?
Second-hand clothing and curated newborn clothing bundles save money and resources. Check furniture and strollers for functionality and brakes. Infant car seats should only be purchased if they are accident-free and from a reliable source, while mattresses and bottle teats should always be bought new.
Is a used infant car seat worth it?
You should only use a used infant car seat if it is guaranteed to be accident-free and comes from an absolutely trustworthy source. Even fine, invisible hairline cracks in the plastic after a small drop can significantly impair the protective effect in an emergency. Always check the i-Size seal (ECE R129).
What belongs in the diaper bag for on the go?
For when you are out and about, two to three spare diapers, two muslin cloths to serve as a mat and burp cloth, water-based wet wipes, and a complete change of clothes (bodysuit) are enough. It is best to pack damp baby clothes in a small, waterproof, and reusable protective bag for wet textiles.
