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10 essentials to prepare for the arrival of your baby

Practical tips for each stage of pregnancy

Preparing for the arrival of a baby can be overwhelming. Endless lists, conflicting opinions and the constant feeling that something is always missing.

As always, we want to help and simplify things - the truth is that a baby needs less than it seems. In this guide, we have put together 10 real essentials, organised by stage of pregnancy, to help future families prepare calmly, without exaggeration and without stress.

First quarter

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Seek support and avoid information overload

Before buying anything, the most important thing is to gather information (but without going overboard). What is really essential:

Seek reliable support for your pregnancy – finding a trusted obstetrician is the most important thing to ensure you have a reliable source to answer all the normal questions you may have at this stage.
Know your parental rights, leave entitlements and support options – it is essential that you check official and government websites to find out about your rights and the support you can receive.
Filter your sources of information and avoid information overload!

🩷Final note:

Always seek information from reliable sources – consult your usual doctor and only search on official or credible websites.

Adapting your daily routine to pregnancy

Right at the start of pregnancy, important changes occur in your daily routine. Knowing about them helps you to live this phase with greater peace of mind and security. Find out what you really should do:

Ask your usual doctor or obstetrician about dietary precautions during pregnancy (foods to favour and avoid).
Adopt healthy habits, such as getting adequate rest and staying hydrated.
Adjust your routines and reduce unnecessary exertion.
Know which products, medications, and habits to avoid.

🩷Final note:

Being pregnant does not mean you have to change your life or routines. However, small adjustments can protect your health and that of your baby!

Second Quarter

Creating a safe space for your baby to sleep

Sleep is one of the top priorities in the first few months of your baby's life. That's why, at this stage, it's important to start looking for and choosing the essential items for your baby's room!

What you need in your baby's room for the first few months:

- Cot, carrycot or co-sleeping bed
- Suitable mattress
- 2–3 fitted sheets

See essentials for the baby's room

🩷Final note:

It is up to each family to decide where their baby will sleep – in their own room, their parents' room, co-sleeping, etc. Just make sure you are aware of the safety precautions to take, and the rest is up to you!

Choosing a car seat

A car seat is one of the truly essential items you will need before your baby is born. You must take the car seat with you to the maternity ward on the day of discharge – without an approved car seat, you will not be able to transport your newborn safely in the car.

What to do at this stage:

- Choose an approved car seat (group 0+) for your baby.
- Learn how to install and use it before the birth.

🩷Final note:

There are few things that cannot be simplified. Choosing a car seat is one of them – prioritise comfort and safety above all else; you really shouldn't simplify this decision!

Choosing everyday transport

It doesn't need to be complex, just functional. Now is the ideal time to start researching ways to transport babies. On the one hand, because there are several options and choosing in advance will help you find the solution that best suits your family's dynamics; on the other hand, because buying all the heavy childcare equipment before you have a heavy bump makes everything simpler.

What to look for:

- Pushchairs
- Transport alternatives (e.g. slings or baby carriers)

🩷Final note:

If there are no medical contraindications, in the first few days of life, you can go outside and take short walks with your baby. Choose outdoor spaces without crowds and take advantage of these moments to breathe fresh air and resume some physical activity.

Buying the first essential items of clothing – simple and comfortable clothes

There are some basics you really must have when your baby is born. Ideally, you should have practical items that are easy to change and mix and match, ensuring you don't go overboard, but avoiding having to wash them too often.

What you really need in your baby's layette:

- Bodysuits and babygrows (7-10 of each)
- 3 to 5 cardigans or jumpers (depending on the season)
- Socks and a hat

Less quantity, more practicality.

Choosing your baby's first clothes

🩷Final note:

When buying your baby's first clothes, look for simple features that really make a difference - printed labels instead of sewn-on ones, safe raw materials that provide greater comfort for your baby, and openings that make dressing and undressing easier.

Third Quarter

Buy nappies and first nappies

There is no need to stock up for several months; in fact, you should avoid doing so until you have met your baby and checked for any allergies. However, at this early stage, you should start making sure you have enough to take with you in your hospital bag.

What you should buy now:

- 1 pack of nappies
- Wipes or compresses
- Protective cream
- A changing mat (fixed or portable)

See changing rooms and nappy changing facilities

Prepare the essentials for hygiene and bathing

Your baby's skin will thank you for simple routines. In the early days, it is not recommended to use too many products during hygiene routines and when bathing your baby.

Find out what is really essential:

- A safe bathtub or bathing solution
- Soft hooded towels
- A few products suitable for newborns (e.g. sweet almond oil)

Discover hygiene essentials

Thinking about feeding (making decisions without pressure)

This is one of the topics that raises the most questions and fears: to breastfeed or not to breastfeed? That is the question.

The decision is yours alone, but if you need support in making it, talking to your family doctor or close friends can help.

What you need to have ready at the beginning, if you decide to breastfeed:

- Nursing bras
- Breast pump
- Milk storage bags or containers

What you need to have ready if you decide not to breastfeed:

- 2–3 bottles and bottle brush
- 1 pack of formula milk

🩷Final note:

The opinions of family and friends on this subject are always very diverse, which can cause doubts. If this is the case, seek medical advice and, of course, never forget to listen to yourself.

Packing your hospital bag

Here, the secret is simplicity. Packing your hospital bag is very important, but it doesn't have to add to your anxiety! At this stage, just focus on what will make the first few days with your baby simpler and more peaceful.

See essentials for your maternity bag

So how can you prepare for the baby's arrival with simplicity?

Preparing for the baby's arrival does not mean buying everything or following endless lists. It means focusing on what is really essential at each stage of pregnancy, creating a safe and comfortable base for support and consultation, and gaining confidence for the first days with your newborn. Throughout pregnancy, small decisions (adapting your daily routine, choosing the mandatory car seat, preparing the sleeping area or organising your hospital bag) make all the difference in how the family experiences this transition. With clear information and conscious choices, it is possible to prepare for the baby's arrival in a calm manner, without excesses and respecting each family's rhythm. The rest will fall into place over time, with the baby in your arms.

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10 essentials to prepare for the arrival of your baby

Practical tips for each stage of pregnancy

First quarter