The arrival of a baby is a huge emotional, physical and organizational upheaval for parents. You have to let go, trust yourself and let your instincts, and above all your baby, guide you. Are you stressed? It would be weird if you weren't (smile). Let us help you in your preparations with our list of essential products to prepare for baby's arrival.

To help you find your way around, we've divided this article into the following categories: Home, Meals, Outings, Care and Clothes. In each category, you'll find explanations, advice on products you could rent or buy (new/second-hand) and the favorite brands of MotherStories and the other moms in the community.

Don't forget to download our checklist to make sure you don't forget anything. Ready to go? Let's go!

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HOUSE

Bed / Bassinet
At first, baby will probably sleep with you. Either in a small bassinet that you can rent at the clinic or borrow from a friend (it's not worth buying for such a short time), or in a co-sleeper bed with a barrier on the other side. Co-sleeping is appreciated for the closeness you feel with your child, in complete safety. After that, we recommend an evolving crib that can accompany your child up to the age of 4.

When to prepare baby's bedroom? Whenever you feel like it. It's usually a fun and exciting thing to do. If you wait until the last minute, it can be stressful. You won't necessarily have the energy to go shopping or the patience to wait for a long-delayed order.

Your favorites :

Chicco Next2Me co-sleeper bed
Cocoonababy Nid Red Castle

MotherStories' favorite :

The Baby-Bjorn light umbrella bed is ultra-practical for traveling, going out to dinner with friends or letting baby play in it during the day at home.

Changing table
This piece of furniture is a real plus in your baby's future bedroom. You'll be able to use it for changing, nurturing and bonding with your child, without hurting your back! You can choose a changing table, an evolving chest of drawers or simply add a module (board) to attach to an existing chest of drawers.

Don't forget a changing mat, several spare covers (diapers can also be used to protect the mattress) and small baskets to store baby's products (creams, wipes, diapers, liniment, etc.).

Your favorites :

Design: Bobo Kids Diego changing table
Economical: IKEA Sniglar changing table

MotherStories' favorite :

The Noga Charlie Crane wall-mounted changing table is as pretty as it is practical. It attaches to the wall and opens and closes after each use.

Swaddling
Swaddling (very common in English-speaking countries) involves wrapping baby in a special technique in a maxi swaddle or blanket. As if in a cocoon, baby is soothed and reassured. Being swaddled will prevent him from wriggling involuntarily in all directions, and enable him to fall asleep more peacefully and for longer. Use until he's around 2 months old, before switching to a classic sleeping bag. Watch this tutorial to find out how.

Whether for swaddling or wiping baby, diapers will be your best allies, and you'll need them all day long! Maxi or mini, but above all multi (smile).

MotherStories' favorite :

Nooshi Petit Stellou organic cotton diapers. Available in 2 sizes, they're practical for both you and baby.

Transat
An essential for putting baby down safely. Sometimes he'll fall asleep in it, but it's not the best position, so use it sparingly. But it's still super practical when you need to be free for even 10 minutes to prepare food, take a shower or look after the older child.

Your favorites :

Two in one: the Béaba Up & Down bouncer (also practical for baby's first meals from 4-6 months).
Design: the Charlie Crane Levo deckchair

MotherStories' favorite :

The different models (with or without toys, various materials/colors) of BabyBjörn bouncers

Playmat
With baby lying flat on his playmat, he will learn to roll over and stand up, thus developing his motor skills. Choose a mat with an integrated mobile (mirrors, colors, noisy games).

Your favorite :

The most colorful: Gymini Tiny Love mat

MotherStories' favorite :

Liewood Glenn 's pretty, comfortable playmat takes baby on a voyage of discovery into the fabulous world of the sea. It hides many little sensory surprises to awaken and stimulate baby's senses.

MEALS

Breast milk / formula
Breastfeeding or bottle-feeding, the choice is yours. If you opt for breastfeeding, you'll need less equipment at the outset, although we do recommend that you keep a bottle handy. Don't hesitate to take advantage of your midwife's regular follow-up at home to help you get the process underway, which can sometimes be a little tricky. If this is the case, don't worry, it happens to lots of moms, and often all it takes is a few good tips to make it work. If you want to use a breast pump, you can rent one from a chemist.

A few essential accessories to help you with breastfeeding or bottle-feeding: bibs and diapers. Your child is likely to regurgitate (a little or a lot) and drool as soon as he starts teething. So it's important to bring along a small supply to wipe and protect your baby's clothes.

You'll also find an article dedicated to the maternity suitcase, with a checklist of essential breastfeeding products.

Your favorites :

Cheeky Chompers bibs
Triangular scarves in soft organic cotton jersey H&M
Milkeo Béaba bottle-feeding machine
Silver nursing cups. Good plan: available for rental in pharmacies.
Elvie milk pump
MAM Feeding bottles
Béaba bottle tree & accessories

MotherStories' favorite :

The Tajine Banane brand of breastfeeding clothes, with its absolutely motherly creative graphics and high-quality materials/finishes.

High chair
The high chair is not an urgent purchase, since it will only be useful when your baby starts to diversify his diet (from 4 to 6 months). But it's still important to put it on a birth list, or to think about it in advance, because the first few weeks with baby go by quickly, and you don't necessarily have the time or the headspace to think about it. You can also opt for an evolving highchair from birth.

MotherStories' favorite :

The Tripp Trapp high chair from Stokke is designed to follow your child from birth to independence ;).

Food diversification
It's not going to happen right away, but as with the highchair, you can plan ahead. You'll also need to think about plastic cutlery and large bibs to protect baby's clothes. When you're ready for this new stage, read our article on food diversification.

Your favorites:

Baby Cook by Béaba

MotherStories' favorite :

The silicone meal set with pink suction cup (unbreakable 😉 from Béaba to make learning to eat easier, with complete peace of mind.

OUTPUTS

Stroller
There's a huge choice of strollers on the market, and it's a good idea to look for the model that suits your lifestyle. Are you a city, country or mountain girl? Do you need big wheels for frequent use on snow, for example? Are you planning to have two children close together? If so, there are evolving strollers that can later be enlarged to accommodate a baby carriage and a seated carrycot. The second-hand option is also a solution for the stroller, as it's one of the most expensive purchases. What's more, the ideal combination would be to have a large one for walks and trips on foot, and a foldable one to leave in the car for city shopping or travel, hence the interest in borrowing from a friend or buying second-hand.

Your favorites :

For city dwellers: Bugaboo, with several models to suit your needs
Second-hand: via the Petit Marché Swiss App
Two in one : Doona Car Seat & Stroller
Practical gadget: Dooky or Lässig stroller hooks

MotherStories' favorite :

The Babyzen Yoyo is THE lightweight, practical stroller par excellence. Ideal for travel (you can take it with you as hand luggage on planes), it folds and unfolds in seconds. The Yoyo accompanies your child from birth to toddlerhood, with its different configurations (newborn pack, carrycot, color pack from 6 months).

Car seat
Essential for car journeys. Note that we won't let you leave the maternity ward without one (if you're going by car ;). There's plenty of choice on the market, here's a TCS comparison to help you.

Your favorites :

Cybex car seat
Maxi Cosy car seat
Britax Römer car seat

Baby carriers / slings
If you like to keep your little one close to you and have your hands free, then a baby carrier or sling is for you! Note that there are babywearing courses given by midwives or people specially trained for this. Practical for lulling baby to sleep, he'll feel reassured and soothed snuggled up next to his mom.

Your favorites :

Ergobaby Aerloom baby carrier
BabyBjörn baby carrier

MotherStories' favorite :

The Sling Studio Romeo physiological baby wrap lets you carry your baby from birth. Simple and adjustable, simply thread the fabric through the two rings and you're ready to go.

Diaper bag
The diaper bag is a practical way of taking what you need on your outings. It's important to choose one that attaches easily to your stroller, or a backpack model to avoid hurting yourself. There are also other practical gadgets such as small hooks to attach to the stroller (for your handbag, shopping bags...). When it comes to models, you're spoilt for choice! They now come in every color, shape and material to suit your tastes and needs.

Your favorites :

Changing bag Cam Cam Copenhagen
Cam Cam Copenhagen quilted travel changing mat

MotherStories' favorite :

How do you combine practicality and aesthetics? With the Lillibell bag organizer. You arrange all your baby's belongings in its various pockets before putting everything in your own handbag.

CARE

Diapers
The product you need in quantity! 2 options: disposable or washable diapers. We strongly advise you to choose a brand that offers a subscription formula with monthly home delivery (great, isn't it!). Some brands also offer diaper and bath care products that can be adapted to your baby's needs. Don't forget the diaper garbage can to neutralize unpleasant odours.

Your favorites :

Love and green disposable diapers
Disposable diapers with subscription system : Joone

MotherStories' favorite :

Disposable diapers from Lilydoo, which offers 2 ranges: Lillydoo selection and their brand-new Lillydoo Green, which are not only environmentally friendly, but also more absorbent and gentler on the skin than conventional diapers. Plus points? Cute graphics and a subscription system to receive your diapers every month at home.

Bath
You can buy a small bathtub to put in your bath (always under close supervision), or use your washbasin/sink in the early stages if it's big enough. When it comes to products, there are hundreds of brands to choose from. Choose the one you like, paying careful attention to the composition, which must be 100% clean! Baby's skin is particularly fragile.

Your favorites :

Flexi Bath Stokke folding bathtub
Practical gadget: Premaman bath drainage system

MotherStories' favorite :

Marelle' s organic skin care range for babies and children is made in Switzerland with 99% natural ingredients. These quality products respect even the most fragile skin and can be used from birth.

Pacifier
Opinions differ on this subject, but whether it's the pacifier, the thumb or the comforter, there's no ideal option. You'll have to choose according to your child's needs. Did you know that sucking is a mechanism that is present long before a child is born, providing a sense of comfort, relaxation and security? Around the age of 2-3 (the ideal, but after that every child is different), most children will discover other ways of soothing themselves and will give up their thumb, pacifier or cuddly toy of their own accord. To anticipate possible damage to your toddler's jaw, teeth or palate, try to limit the use of pacifiers and thumbs to sleeping times (naps & nights).

Your favorite :

Teats Medela

MotherStories' favorite :

Bibs teats are made from 100% natural rubber. They are soft, flexible, comfortable and ultra-light. 3 sizes are available (0-6 months, 6-18 months, 18+ months) to accompany baby until he no longer needs them.

CLOTHES

You're going to buy too much! It's perfectly normal, especially if it's your first, not to mention all the gifts you're going to receive from friends and family. Baby's going to grow up so fast that you're going to have to keep changing his wardrobe. That's where we think second-hand clothes come into their own. Girlfriends or colleagues will be delighted to give you sets of clothes as good as new. As far as sizes are concerned, don't buy size 1 (unless you're a premature baby), as it won't fit after a few days. Go for larger sizes.

MotherStories' favorite :

The Swiss app Petit Marché offers quality second-hand childcare products and baby/children's clothing. A more ecological and economical way to consume.