How many bodysuits does my baby need? What material is suitable? How long will it all last? And: is it sustainable? Expectant parents ask themselves these and many other questions during the course of the pregnancy when they are thinking about the baby's first outfit. The good news right away: you need less than you might think. Here are our 5 tips for your perfect, sustainable first outfit.
1. Clothing - Less is more
Do you know this feeling? Your Instagram feed is full of cute baby clothes and you find it hard not to buy everything straight away? Our tip: To start with, 5-6 bodysuits and a few tops and pants in size 50/56 are enough. While your baby doesn't really care what colors and prints decorate his clothes, you can choose the things that appeal to you. Enjoy deciding for yourself what your child wears - the time for wild color and pattern mixes will come.
It can also be used clothing. Whether it's second-hand portals or shops - with a little patience you can find barely worn clothing made of high-quality materials. Baby flea markets or lending clothes to friends can also be really useful.
The number of items of clothing depends, of course, on how often you can or want to wash and whether you have a dryer or a sunny balcony, for example. However, in the beginning, less is always more.
Quality instead of quantity
Baby clothes hardly get dirty in the first few months, apart from a few milk or spit-up stains. We therefore recommend that you choose a few items of clothing made from natural materials. Bodysuits made from wool-silk or merino wool are a little more expensive, but are more comfortable for your baby to wear. You can wear them for several days in a row if they don't get very dirty.
Depending on the room temperature and your baby's body temperature, a bodysuit and pants are often sufficient. Also look for wrap-around bodysuits and/or wing shirts, these do not need to be pulled over the baby's head and can therefore be a wonderful alternative.
More than just practical and cute
While your baby doesn't really care what he or she wears at night, pajamas can help you to find your own routines and rituals. For example, it can mark the start of the evening for you by putting on a different bodysuit and pajamas after lots of cuddling and a baby massage on the changing table. This evening ritual can also help your baby to develop his or her day-night rhythm later on.
Repurchase instead of prepurchase
Maybe you want to be prepared for all eventualities as early as possible. At the same time, how quickly your baby grows and what type of clothing you get along with is very individual. We therefore recommend that you always buy the next size up instead of already having winter clothes in the closet for your summer baby. This way you avoid making bad purchases and can then adapt baby's clothes to your wishes and needs as best as possible - and you always keep an overview of what's in the closet.
Muslin or burp cloths are super practical for life with a baby. They can be used in many different ways and accompany many children for years, whether as a swaddle, as sun protection or as a cuddly blanket. Here too: Don't buy from the outset for a hypothetical child who spits up a lot, but rather order a few more if you notice that you need more.
2. Wrapping
Disposable diapers? Cloth diapers? Or diaper-free? There are many ways to diaper your baby. They all have their advantages as well as their challenges. Find out during your pregnancy which type of diaper is suitable for you and then try them out once your baby is here. For cloth diapers, for example, there are great rental and test packages before you decide on a system.
Care
To clean your baby's bottom, we recommend using washcloths and warm water - for example from a thermos flask that you place on the changing table. Wet wipes are cold, which can frighten your baby and feel uncomfortable, and you'll also produce a lot of waste during the entire diaper changing process.
You can also avoid expensive creams. Almond oil, which you can simply fill into an empty soap dispenser, is ideal for dry skin and is also very soothing for a little massage. A diaper cream is always helpful, and the best ones are those with calendula.
A baby bath with a frame can be a real back protector and makes bathing the baby a pleasure for both of you. You can easily find both second-hand on the internet. A bath bucket can also be a great and space-saving idea for you.
3. On the road
For walks or trips, we recommend a baby carrier or sling to start with. Your baby will love being carried, enjoy the closeness and will be well warmed. The carrier is also a wonderful tool at home, which satisfies your baby's need for closeness and at the same time gives you the opportunity to have your hands free and do something for yourself. If you decide on a stroller, think about a footmuff for the colder days and insect and sun protection, especially for the spring and summer. Buying these things can be a bit more tedious afterwards.
In general, you should avoid exposing your newborn to the sun. Since sunscreen should only be used sparingly in the first year, a hat with the widest brim possible is all the more important.
4. Sleep
As a couple, think about how you want your sleeping situation to be while you are still pregnant. Whether it is a family bed or an extra bed next to your bed - everything should of course be prepared for your nights too.
Swaddling cloths can replace sleeping bags in the first few weeks and months, as these are often too big for newborns at first. Swaddling calms many babies because they know and love being wrapped up tightly from the womb. Let your midwife show you how to do it properly. A baby nest can also be a great idea. The little ones feel protected and you, in turn, have the opportunity to lay your baby down safely and securely.
5. Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding on demand is ideal for your baby. It not only gives him breast milk that is perfectly tailored to his needs, but also maximum closeness and security.
If you know during your pregnancy that you cannot or do not want to breastfeed, you can prepare for this. Since babies only drink small amounts at the beginning, two to three bottles are definitely enough to start with bottle feeding. A bottle water cooler can also be an ideal support.
In any case, a nursing pillow is very practical - even during pregnancy. It can make sleeping easier and help you find the ideal position.
Conclusion
Was that too much information for you at once? No problem, our checklist for downloading and printing has everything summarized and you can immediately tick off what you have already bought. Download here .
PSST: Why buy everything yourself when you can get some as a gift? We have designed wish cards so that family and friends know exactly what you want and need. You can simply print these out, write your wish on them and pass them on! Click here for the wish cards.
