Baby is coming soon and you are wondering what to buy and what to put on the birth list? Sleep, food, change, bath, transport… Here are the childcare items in which to invest without hesitation for the baby’s first year. 

The cozy 

The cozy is the first item you will need to transport baby to the car when leaving the maternity ward. This shell-shaped seat allows baby to be transported in the stroller or in the car from birth until the child weighs approximately 13 kg (around the age of 9/12 months). It is often sold with the stroller, another essential equipment when preparing to become parents. 

Stroller 

The choice of the stroller will depend on your lifestyle and therefore many criteria: if you live in town or in the countryside, if you plan to walk baby on country or forest land or only in town, if you move around by car or public transport, etc. At the time of purchase, specify all your criteria to the seller so that we can offer you the model (s) that best suit you (all-terrain, city, light, easily foldable, very compact, upgradeable …).

The carrycot, for some models, can also be used to transport baby in the car and in a stroller, but be aware that its duration of use is short and that you will therefore not be using it for a long time (up to 4 to 6 months) . Its advantage over the cozy? The carrycot is more comfortable and therefore more suitable for baby’s sleep during long journeys by car. Please note, not all carrycots can be used for transporting babies by car. It will then be necessary to position it in its car seat before putting it in its carrycot for the ride.

The baby carrier or the sling 

Very practical, the baby carrier and the carrying sling allow you to keep baby close to you while having your hands free. During the first months, some babies like to be carried more than others because the smell, the warmth and the voice of their parents soothe them. For longer use, choose a scalable baby carrier, adjustable according to the growth of the child.  

The barbed 

The crib is obviously essential from birth until the child is two years old. Choose a bed that meets the NF EN 716-1 standard and is equipped with a height-adjustable base. Indeed, the first months, baby does not stand up on his own, you will have to put up the box spring so as not to hurt your back when lying down and getting him out of bed. For parents who would like to get the maximum return on their investment, opt for a scalable bed, adjustable to the growth of the child. Some convertible bed models may be suitable for children up to 6 or 7 years old. 

The deckchair 

In addition to the bed, also equip yourself with a deckchair. This object is useful for resting baby when he is awake, but also for making him sleep and eat before he is seated. Prefer a height-adjustable deckchair to a low deckchair so you don’t have to bend down when setting it up. The deckchair allows the child to wake up by discovering everything around him, whether in a sitting or semi-lying position. However, be careful not to leave it installed for too long.

The nursing pillow

If you are breastfeeding, think about your comfort! As we know, being comfortably installed contributes to serene breastfeeding. Equip yourself with a breastfeeding pillow that you can place under your arms or under your baby’s head during feedings. It can also be used as a cozy nest for baby’s naps during the day, during the first weeks (always keep an eye on your baby when he sleeps on the nursing pillow).

The high chair

Another essential for feeding baby is the high chair. It can be used as soon as the baby knows how to sit (about 6 to 8 months). The high chair allows the child to eat at the same height as adults at mealtime and offers him a different point of view to discover his environment. 

The changing table is one of the childcare essentials in which to invest before the baby is born. You can buy a changing table alone or a chest of drawers (for storing baby’s clothes) 2 in 1 with changing table. Do not forget to equip yourself with a changing mat to place on the changing table. Choose a model where you can install cottons, diapers and cleansing milk (or liniment) on the sides or in a drawer located just under the table to be able to reach them easily when changing. Because yes, you will have to catch them without taking your eyes off baby and preferably keeping a hand on him. 

Like the stroller, the choice of bathtub depends on several criteria: whether you have a bathtub, a shower cabin or a walk-in shower.

During the first weeks of life, an infant can be washed in a large sink or even a basin. But for more comfort, it is better to invest in a baby bath, more ergonomic. It is essential as long as the baby does not hold his head and does not know how to sit. There are models on feet to protect the back of parents when bathing. Some bathtubs also offer a design adapted to baby’s morphology: they are equipped with a headrest and a backrest to properly support baby. For parents equipped with a bathroom with a bathtub, the bathing chair may be preferred. It supports baby while keeping his head above water. Little more compared to the bathtub, it can be easily stored because it does not take up space.

Finally, it is also possible, if you are equipped with a bathtub, to practice free bathing. This moment of relaxation for baby can begin as early as his 2 months of life.