You never know how things will turn out. That's why it’s always best to pack a bag for your stay in hospital before your baby is due to be born. In addition to personal hygiene products, we also recommend:

• 2 shirts or long T-shirts for during contractions
• 1 flannel
• Dressing gown or long cardigan
• Nightgowns which unbutton at the front (make it easier to breastfeed) or a breastfeeding T-shirt
• Boil-proof knickers
• Breastfeeding bra, nursing pads
• Slippers, flip-flops
• Your favorite music or audio-books
• Outside clothes suitable for the time of year for the journey home
• Snacks for yourself (and visitors!)

For baby's journey home:

• 1 babygro
• 1 little jacket
• Warm socks
• 2 nappies
• 1 romper
• 1 set of outdoor gear with hat
• portable child car seat

You should also have the following on hand:

• Maternity log
• Identity card/passport
• Marriage certificate, birth certificates for unmarried couples
• Family record book

Sounds like a lot? No need to worry - even if you're not perfectly organised, your baby doesn't enter the world with a ready-packed bag either.

No need for stress - you don't have to welcome your baby home with a freshly painted, comfortably furnished nursery. It is much more important that you spend time with your child and are able to focus completely on its well-being. This works best if your home is arranged practically:

• Baby changing unit at the right height
• Bath fixture for changing and washing your baby at the same time.
• Washable changing mat
• Cot with suitable mattress and at least 2 sheets
• 1-2 sleeping bags suitable for the time of year
• Heater for the baby changing area
• A mobile bassinet or cradle for the first few months

You will need the following for going on trips:

• A pram complete with a bag or carrying tray and protection against the sun and rain (ideally TÜV tested)
• Baby car seat and car sunblind
• warmer Fell- oder Fleece-Sack für den Kinderwagen (je nach Jahreszeit)
• Baby changing bag containing all your baby paraphernalia such as nappies, baby oil etc.

Your baby's delicate skin needs lots of care and attention, particularly in the first few months. The best thing (for the environment too) is still a flannel and warm water. The basic equipment you will need to care for your baby also includes:

• Nappies (smallest size)
• Nourishing oil wipes, powder and rash cream
• Nappy pail with lid
• Baby bath
• Bath thermometer
• 2 towels (ideally with a hood)
• Baby oil or baby lotion for after bathing
• Soft brush
• Baby nail cutters
• 4-6 soft flannels
• 6-8 bibs (e.g. muslin cloths)
• Sterile compresses for treating the navel area

Breastfeeding is best for your baby - and with a little help usually works like clockwork. Nevertheless, despite their best attempts, there are times when a mother simply cannot breastfeed. For times such as these, it is important to always have a bottle at home and if possible to pump the breast milk for your baby. This check list contains everything you will need in the first few months:

• Several breastfeeding bras
• Nursing pads
• Breastfeeding cushion
• 1-2 milk and tea bottles
• 3-4 teats (silicon or latex in size 1)
• Breast pump if required (so you can feed your baby valuable breast milk from the bottle in emergencies)
• Bottle brush
• Baby food warmer for bottles and baby cups as your baby gets older
• Steriliser for the microwave
• 1-2 soothers (size 1, to satisfy the strong urge to suck even between breastfeeding)

Buying clothes for babies is fun – also for relatives and friends. You will probably receive lots of cute outfits for your baby. The best thing is to create a list which covers also the practical things. In the first months, for example, your baby grows very quickly and therefore clothes should be bought slightly too big. Additionally, your baby loves soft and natural materials such as cotton. Very important for you: To prevent your baby‘s skin from having contact to pollutants wash all clothes twice before letting your baby wear them. Necessary for the first weeks are:

• 6-8 small bodysuits – best with buttons or to tie at the sides
• 6-8 shirts with long sleeves
• 6-8 romper suits with and without sleeves
• 4 tights
• 3-4 pairs of socks (also thick ones)
• 1 warm jacket (depending on the season)
• 2 caps (thick and thin)
• 2 light baby blankets for wrapping
• 3-4 baby pyjamas with handy flap for nappy changing

When you are expecting and full of anticipation it is hard to stay away from cute cuddly toys and other baby toys. Even though your newborn won‘t be able to play with them right from the beginning on. However he can perceive sounds and movements and soon even bright colours. For the first stimulations we suggest

• 1-2 mobiles for the changing table
• 1 musical box
• 1-2 cuddly toys which are tightly knitted
• 1 grip toy