Preparing for the arrival of a baby: A guide to the most important equipment and tips

Preparing for the arrival of your first baby is often a challenging and exciting process. You can borrow all the must-have items and equipment from friends or family, and if you don't have such options, there is a wide range of products on the market that you can buy online or get afterwards. Below, we bring you tips and a list of the most important things that will make your first weeks with a newborn easier.

Connect with friends — offer and support

If you have friends who have already become mothers, it's best to ask them to lend you some clothes and equipment. There's nothing more satisfying than going to a friend's and collecting useful tips along with their equipment, especially if this is your first pregnancy. This way, it will be easier for you to immediately know what you really need and what you need to pay attention to.

If you don't have friends who can do this, involve other family members in purchasing the necessary items. Make a detailed list of what you want, and it will be easier for them to choose or buy exactly what you have chosen. It is important that the people who will help you understand and support your decisions.

Procurement of equipment for the first 4-6 weeks

The first months are crucial, and here are the things you should definitely have ready:

Equipment

• Car seat – safety requirement for transportation from the hospital to home
• Stroller or baby carrier (scarf, sling) – for easy movement in the fresh air
• Safe sleeping surface – in bed with parents or in a cot
• A chair or place for breastfeeding and putting to sleep – for relaxed eating and resting
• Breastfeeding pillow - facilitates breastfeeding and reduces tension in the hands

Apparel

• 3-5 points in sizes 56, 62, 68 – bodysuits with front fastening are more practical
• 3-5 sleeping compartments – in the sizes listed above
• 1-2 pairs of shorts with leggings
• 2 lightweight cotton caps and 3 pairs of socks
• 3 pairs of socks or trouser leg (in winter)
• Jacket/suit and a woolen hat, depending on the season
• Bath towel and 2 blankets (depending on the season)

Maintenance and hygiene

• Bathroom – either borrow the old one or buy a new one
• Natural cosmetics – olive oil for daily washing and skin care
• Butt washcloths and a water bowl
• Water thermometer and nose cleaning aid
• A device for gently cutting nails and cotton swabs

When and what to buy or borrow?

Clothes and equipment will grow over time, but it’s important to have a minimum set from the start. Start with clothes in smaller sizes, but always have a larger size ready, as your baby will grow quickly. It’s best to choose clothes that are easy to wash and dry, and you can also consider clothes that “grow” with your child — it will make your life easier and save you money.

For safety and savings, consider buying clothes that grow slowly and are also easy to change into, such as a bodysuit with a front button closure.

Preparing for the first weeks

Every parent knows how important it is to be prepared for what comes next.

The first few weeks with your baby can be challenging, but preparing ahead of time can make everyday tasks easier and reduce stress. Below, we've put together the essentials you'll need to enjoy your first few days and weeks with your newborn.

Equipment

• Car seat – safety requirement for transportation from the hospital to home and daily trips
• Stroller or baby carrier (scarf, sling) – for walks and easier movement
• Safe sleeping surface – in bed or on the floor, for a safe and comfortable place to rest
• A chair or place for breastfeeding and putting to sleep – for relaxed eating and resting
• Breastfeeding pillow – reduces tension in the hands during feeding and makes breastfeeding easier

Apparel

For the first period, prepare clothes in smaller sizes (56 and 62), but don't forget clothes in a larger size (68). The most important thing is that the clothes you choose are easy to change into, have front fasteners, and are made of natural, softer materials.

• Bodići (3-5 pieces), with front fastening
• Sleeping quarters (3-5 pieces)
• Trousers with legs (1-2 pairs)
• Lightweight caps and socks – for warmer days
• Crawlers or socks – for the winter season
• Jacket or spacesuit (depending on the cold) – without a jacket or spacesuit while the child is strapped into the car seat
• Bath towel and blankets – for every day and for cold evenings

Hygiene and care

• Bathroom – old or new, borrow or buy
• Natural cosmetics – olive oil or mild, hypoallergenic skin care products
• Butt washcloths and water buckets for washing the baby's area
• Water thermometer – for a safe bathing temperature
• Nail care tools – blunt scissors or, for example, a stone razor
• Nasal pump and nasal cleaning – simple and gentle cleaning of the respiratory tract

Sleeping and safety equipment

• Cot with mattress, bedding and protective sides – provide a safe and comfortable sleeping space
• Night light – for night waking, so you don't wake up your baby or yourself
• Blankets or a spread with a warm hood – for cooler evenings and walks

Other tips

• Plan your purchase in advance. – don't wait until the last minute, because in the first few weeks, maximum concentration will be required on finding and adapting to your baby's habits to reduce stress.
• Prepare extra clothing items. – Be sure to have a few extra pieces of clothing in reserve, as your baby will often get clothes dirty or wet.
• Prepare "extra" clothes for a larger size – a baby's clothes grow very quickly and reach a new size in just a few weeks.

Conclusion

Before the first weeks with your baby arrive, prepare everything to make everyday tasks easier. Apart from material things, your love, care and presence are the most important. Be patient, ask for and accept help, and enjoy every moment with your new member of the family.

Šaramondo – your local store for clothes, shoes, pacifiers and bottles

Šaramondo is a specialized store for babies, children, mothers and pregnant women in Petrinja — with a large selection of clothing, shoes, pacifiers and bottles, from birth to the first year and beyond. In our store you can find everything you need for your little ones: quality clothes for the first time out of the hospital, soft shoes for the first steps, pacifiers for falling asleep, and safe and practical feeding bottles. With a wide selection and affordable prices, we will ensure that you have everything you need for a safe and enjoyable start to parenthood, right here in Petrinja or by purchasing through our online store www.saramondo.com.

Dr. Franjo Tuđmana Square 2

44250 Petrinja

info@saramondo.com