Checklist: What does a baby need in the first year?
In the first year, a baby needs love, security and practical equipment above all. Here is a brief overview of the most important things:
- Clothing : Seasonal bodysuits, rompers, hats and sleeping bags. Several layers in winter, light fabrics in summer.
- Sleep : Baby bed with firm mattress, sleeping bags instead of blankets, no loose objects in the bed.
- Feeding : Nursing pillows, breast pump or bottles, cleaning brushes, bibs and burp cloths.
- Care : diapers, wet wipes, changing mat, baby creams, thermometer, baby nail scissors.
- Safety : baby seat, baby monitor, socket protectors, first aid kit.
Tip : Use rental services like Loopi or buy secondhand to save money and help the environment. Babies grow quickly, so sustainable options often make sense.
13 things a midwife recommends as baby essentials
What your baby needs in the first year
Many of these things can be not only practical but also resource-saving – think of rental services or second-hand purchases.
Clothing for every season
The right clothing is crucial to keep your baby warm or cool depending on the weather. In winter, several warm layers such as long-sleeved bodysuits, thick tights and sweaters are ideal. In summer, opt for light, breathable fabrics such as short-sleeved bodysuits and rompers. For spring and autumn, thin, combinable layers that can be adjusted depending on the temperature are ideal.
| season | Clothing |
|---|---|
| winter | Long-sleeved bodysuits, tights, warm sweaters, hat, gloves |
| Summer | Short-sleeved bodysuits, light rompers, sun hat |
| transition | Bodysuits, thin jackets, light sweaters, headgear |
Sleep safely and comfortably
A baby bed with a firm mattress and matching fitted sheets is a must. Sleeping bags are a safe alternative to loose blankets as they reduce the risk of overheating or suffocation. Avoid soft pillows, blankets or other loose items in the bed.
feeding needs
Whether you are breastfeeding or bottle feeding, there are a few things that make everyday life easier:
- For breastfeeding: nursing pillow, nursing pads and a breast pump.
- For bottle feeding: bottles with teats, cleaning brush, sterilizer, bibs and burp cloths.
care and hygiene
Baby care requires a number of utensils to make everyday life easier:
- Diapers, wet wipes and a changing mat or changing table.
- Care products such as baby creams, oils and a thermometer.
- Baby nail scissors and a practical diaper bag for on the go, filled with diapers, wet wipes and a change of clothes.
Health and Safety
Your baby's safety and health are our top priority. Here are some important products:
- A digital thermometer.
- Baby monitor for monitoring.
- nasal aspirator.
- Child safety locks for sockets and cabinets.
- A first aid kit especially for babies.
With the right equipment and sustainable alternatives, you can save both your budget and the environment. </
Environmentally friendly options for baby products
Using baby products sustainably not only protects the environment, but also saves money. Whether by renting, buying second-hand or sharing - there are many ways to conserve resources.
Why renting baby products makes sense
Babies grow quickly and many products are only needed for a short time. Renting items such as strollers, travel cots or bike trailers allows them to be used for longer. This is better for the environment as less waste is produced and CO2 emissions are reduced by producing new items.
| product | rental price per month | savings compared to buying new |
|---|---|---|
| stroller | CHF 10-20 | Up to 60% |
| travel cot | CHF 8-15 | Up to 50% |
| bicycle trailer | CHF 29-59 | Up to 70% |
An example of such a service is Loopi , which offers flexible rental options for parents.
How Loopi works
Loopi offers a practical solution with flexible rental options. Delivery is free and the minimum rental period is 6 months. Prices start at CHF 8 per month for basic items and go up to CHF 99 for high-quality products such as smart baby beds.
In addition to rental offers, buying used is also a popular alternative for parents who want to act more sustainably.
Buying and exchanging used cars: What should you look out for?
Social networks and special online platforms offer a variety of well-preserved baby items. You should keep the following in mind:
- Inspect item : Look for damage such as loose parts or worn materials.
- Safety standards : Be aware of product recalls and safety notices from manufacturers.
- Hygiene : Clean and disinfect used items thoroughly, especially those that come into direct contact with your baby.
Sustainable choices when it comes to baby products not only help the environment, but can also significantly reduce the burden on your budget during your baby’s first year.
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Tips for adapting to your baby's changing needs
A lot changes in the first year – including your baby’s needs. With good planning, you can master these changes with ease.
Growing solutions for your baby
The right equipment can make everyday life easier. The onion principle, in which clothing is worn in layers, helps to react flexibly to temperature changes [1] [2] .
Choose clothes that grow with your child, furniture that can be converted, and means of transport that can be expanded. These products extend the useful life and are easy on the budget at the same time. They also help to conserve resources.
Another tip: Exchanging ideas with other parents can not only give you new perspectives, but also practical support.
Exchange and support from other parents
Local parent groups offer not only emotional support, but also practical benefits such as swapping or sharing baby items:
- Exchange of experiences : You can get tips in parent groups and pass on baby items such as clothing at swap meets.
- Sharing : Share larger purchases such as travel cots or special equipment with other families.
Seasonal clothing swaps are an easy way to save money and socialize at the same time. Sharing and exchanging products is not only cost-saving, but also a step toward sustainability.
Conclusion
Proper preparation for baby equipment is particularly important in the first year. The focus is on the basics of sleep, nutrition and care in order to make the start as relaxed as possible.
When selecting products, safety and comfort should be the top priority. Choose skin-friendly materials and products that meet current safety standards. Furniture that grows with the child and well-thought-out clothing systems can make everyday life even easier.
Environmentally friendly alternatives are also playing an increasingly important role. Rental services such as Loopi offer the opportunity to use high-quality products such as strollers or travel cots in a cost-effective and resource-saving manner. Flexible rental models adapt to individual needs.
In addition to such offers, exchanging ideas with other parents is a valuable factor. Parent networks not only help to save money, but also offer support and practical tips for everyday life.
Since babies' needs change quickly, it's important to remain flexible. By making thoughtful decisions, you can not only create a good environment for your baby, but also act in an environmentally conscious way.
FAQs
Here you will find answers to frequently asked questions to help you make the most important decisions.
What do I need for a newborn?
Here are the basic things you need for your baby:
| Area | Essentials |
|---|---|
| Sleep | Baby bed with mattress, 2-4 fitted sheets, baby monitor |
| Clothing | Bodysuits, rompers and weather-appropriate clothing |
| Care | changing mat, diapers, wet wipes, diaper rash cream |
| Nutrition | Bottles with teats (if necessary), bottle brush |
| Security | baby seat, baby carrier, thermometer |
Tip : Buy only what is really needed and make sure to buy clothes that are appropriate for the season – babies grow quickly [3] [4] .
What do I need to pay attention to when it comes to security?
Safety is the most important thing when it comes to baby equipment. For the sleeping area: A firm mattress, no loose blankets or stuffed animals. Clothes should not have small parts that could be swallowed, and pajamas should be safe and comfortable [3] [4] .
How can I shop sustainably and cheaply?
Consider using rental services like Loopi or looking for baby equipment on second-hand platforms. Swap or share things in parent networks - this saves money and conserves resources.