Baby essentials checklist: your complete checklist

Category 01

Sleeping

A simple, safe place to sleep at home and during the first nights after birth.

Crib or cot1 itemBasisChoose a stable bed with a flat base.

Firm, well-fitting mattress1 itemBasisThe mattress lies flat and fits the sides of the bed without gaps.

Washable mattress protector2 itemsBasisUse a well-fitting cover and follow the current advice for the Dutch maternity period and room temperature.

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Fitted sheets3 itemsBasisChoose the exact mattress size so the sheet stays taut.

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Well-fitting baby sleeping bags2 itemsBasisCheck the neck opening, armholes, length and warmth rating. Buy only a small number in the first size.

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Sheet and blanket2 setsExtraOnly needed if you do not use a sleeping bag. You can find important information under Read more.

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Room thermometer1 itemExtraHelps you choose clothing and a sleeping bag for the actual room temperature.

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Baby monitor1 itemExtraOnly useful if you cannot hear your baby directly. It helps you monitor your baby and does not prevent sudden infant death syndrome.

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Bedside crib1 itemIf it suits youOnly if it fits your space. Install it without a gap and follow the instructions.

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Safe window covering1 item per windowExtraKeep pull cords and any other loose cords completely out of reach of the bed.

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Category 02

Care

Basic supplies for changing, washing, measuring temperature and daily hygiene.

Small starter supply of nappies1 to 2 packsBasisDo not buy too many in one size. Adjust the brand and size to suit your baby’s skin and fit.

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Safe changing area or changing table1 placeBasisKeep supplies within reach and never leave your baby alone on a raised surface.

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Soft flannels or cloths8 itemsBasisUseful for washing, changing and small accidents. Wash them before first use.

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Muslin cloths8 itemsBasisHandy for drying, feeding and when you are out. Do not leave them loose in the baby’s bed.

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Digital thermometer1 itemBasisAsk your kraamzorg carer how to take a newborn baby’s temperature reliably and when to call for advice.

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Baby bath with a stable set-up1 itemExtraA sink or another safe method can work too. Always stay within arm’s reach.

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Bath thermometer1 itemExtraUse this alongside your own checks and the instructions from your kraamzorg carer.

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Simple nappy cream1 small tubeExtraUse only when needed and stop if it causes irritation. Ask for advice if the skin is broken or weeping.

Unscented baby wipes1 packExtraAn optional alternative to a wet flannel or washable cloth. Stop using them if the skin becomes irritated.

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Baby nail file or suitable nail scissors1 itemExtraChoose a method you can use calmly and safely.

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Category 03

Clothing

A small, practical wardrobe suited to the season, your baby’s growth and everyday washing.

Bodysuits in the first sizes6 itemsBasisSplit them across two sizes. Wrapover bodysuits are often convenient in the first few weeks.

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Trousers or sleepsuits5 itemsBasisChoose soft clothing that makes movement and changing easy.

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Cardigans2 itemsExtraLayers make it easier to adjust to the temperature without dressing your baby too warmly.

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Socks4 pairsExtraCheck that the elastic does not pinch and that loose threads cannot wrap around a toe.

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Soft hat for after the birth1 itemBasisUse it on the advice of healthcare professionals for warmth, but not as standard sleepwear in bed.

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Outdoor clothing for the season1 setIf it suits youUse thin layers and avoid thick coats under car-seat harness straps.

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Sun hat1 itemIf it suits youFor shade and protection in warm weather. Keep young babies out of direct sunlight.

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Unscented laundry detergent1 packExtraChoose a simple product and stop using it if the skin becomes irritated. Special baby detergents are not essential.

Basket for outgrown clothes1 itemExtraSort clothes regularly so that items that are too small do not pinch and the sizes stay organised.

Category 04

Feeding

A modest starter supply for breastfeeding, bottle feeding or a combination, with room to adjust after the birth.

Feeding support contacts1 contact listBasisNote the contact details for your kraamzorg carer, midwife, Dutch child health clinic (consultatiebureau) and, if needed, a lactation consultant.

Vitamin D and vitamin K if neededAccording to vitamin guidanceBasisDiscuss when to start after the first week, the correct dose of drops and whether your feeding method means extra vitamin K is needed.

Washable feeding cloths6 itemsBasisUse small cloths for spills and changing, but do not leave them in the baby’s bed.

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Small set of bottles and teats2 to 3 bottles with teatsIf it suits youNeeded for bottle feeding or combination feeding. Buy only a small set at first because preferences and feeding pace can vary.

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First infant formula1 packIf it suits youOnly if you are bottle feeding or need a backup. Follow the preparation instructions exactly.

Bottle brush1 itemIf it suits youKeep it clean and use it only for bottles and teats.

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Breast pump1 itemIf it suits youBuy or hire one only if you expect to express milk. Choose the type and size to suit its purpose and your body.

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Small storage containers for baby food6 itemsExtraChoose food-safe containers that are easy to clean and label with a date.

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Open training cup1 itemExtraFrom around six months, you can offer small sips of water under supervision.

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Stable highchair with harness1 itemBasisUse when your baby is ready for solid food and can sit upright with support.

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Category 05

Out and about

Safe travel with a suitable car seat, pushchair or baby carrier.

Approved infant car seat1 itemIf it suits youNeeded for travel by car. Check that it fits your car and install it according to the instructions.

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Practise fitting the car seat1 practice runBasisCheck the seat-belt routing, carrying handle, infant insert and airbag deactivation where relevant.

Pushchair with a lie-flat carrycot1 itemIf it suits youFor a young baby, choose a model that suits how you will use it, your home, transport and storage space.

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Suitable baby carrier or sling1 itemExtraMake sure the face and airway stay clear and have the fit checked if needed.

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Compact changing bag1 itemExtraPack nappies, a cloth, clean clothing, feeding supplies and a sealable bag for each outing.

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Pushchair rain cover1 itemIf it suits youUse it according to the instructions and ensure ventilation. Remove the cover indoors.

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Safe sunshade1 itemIf it suits youUse a shade that does not block airflow. Do not drape an opaque cloth over the pushchair.

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Bike seat for later1 itemIf it suits youUse only when your child can sit up independently from a crawling position and is within the weight limit.

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Emergency contact card1 itemExtraKeep emergency contacts, relevant medical information and ways to reach the parents in the bag.

Category 06

Giving birth

Conversations, a bag and practical arrangements for home, hospital or birth centre.

Brief birth plan1 planExtraWrite down your preferences for communication, support, pain relief and contact after the birth.

Care team call plan1 planBasisSave the usual and emergency numbers and note which signs mean you should call.

ID and healthcare details1 setBasisTake your ID, insurance details and a medication summary if applicable.

Bag for the mother1 itemBasisPack comfortable, loose clothing. Remember your toiletries, charger, glasses or contact lenses and medicines too.

Outfits for the baby2 to 3 setsBasisPack a bodysuit, sleepsuit and socks in each set, choosing a size that is likely to fit your baby.

Transport and route1 planBasisPlan the route, parking, childcare and a backup driver.

Home birth supplies listAs advised by your care teamIf it suits youUse the list from your midwife, kraamzorg provider and insurer instead of a general shopping list.

Care for children or pets1 arrangementIf it suits youChoose someone who can also be reached at short notice or at night.

Simple meals for when you return homeFor a few daysExtraChoose food that is easy to store and heat and suits your household.

Category 07

Arrangements

Healthcare, legal choices, leave, insurance and government schemes in one place.

Register for maternity care1 arrangementBasisShare your medical history, medicines and previous pregnancies at the intake appointment.

Apply for kraamzorg1 applicationExtraIf you want kraamzorg, register early and check the intake process, availability and your personal contribution.

Discussion about prenatal screening1 choiceExtraRead about NIPT and ultrasound scans and decide freely which tests you do or do not want.

Discuss vaccination options1 conversationExtraAsk about the 22-week vaccination, seasonal flu vaccination and the different routes for RSV.

Check acknowledgement and parental authority1 checkIf it suits youUse the personalised government checklist, especially if legal parenthood does not arise automatically.

Register the birthWithin the statutory time limitBasisRegister the birth in the municipality where the baby was born. Check in advance who will do this and which documents are needed.

Register your baby with a health insurerWithin four monthsBasisCompare both parents’ policies and keep the confirmation of registration.

Apply for and record leaveFor each working parentIf it suits youCheck with your employer and consult your collective labour agreement and UWV for time limits and income during leave.

Check SVB and allowances1 contact listIf it suits youFollow the SVB letter if needed. Apply for childcare allowance within three months after childcare starts and keep your details up to date.

Category 08

First year

Check-ups, development, vaccination choices and safety as your baby grows and moves.

Read information about the heel-prick screening and hearing test1 practice runExtraBoth screenings are voluntary. Read about consent, the result and possible follow-up.

Contact with the consultatiebureauAs invitedExtraYou decide whether to use this service. Take along any questions about growth, feeding, sleep, behaviour and development.

Check the personalised vaccination scheduleWith each invitationExtraUse the schedule for the year of birth and record vaccinations received.

Check the RSV antibody offer1 practice runExtraThe timing depends on the date of birth and the season. The injection for the baby is not a vaccination.

Safe play area for tummy time1 placeBasisPractise only when your baby is awake and stay right beside them.

Plan for first solid foodsBetween four and six monthsBasisStart when your baby is ready and ask for personal advice first if there is a risk of allergy.

Stair gates at the top and bottom2 items per staircaseIf it suits youInstall them before your baby starts crawling and check the closure and fittings regularly.

Lock away medicines and cleaning productsAll low storage areasBasisStore products high up, locked away and in their original packaging.

Paediatric first aid course1 courseExtraChoose a recognised provider and practise what to do in cases of choking, burns and unconsciousness.

Your baby checklist.

Sleeping

Care

Clothing

Feeding

Out and about

Giving birth

Arrangements

First year

It does not have to be perfect.

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