Introduction
Between the idealized birth registry and the reality of the first few weeks at home, there's often a significant gap. This guide lists what you truly need, what you can skip, and how to prioritize your purchases before baby arrives.
1. Baby's Room
Essentials:
- Crib with suitable firm mattress (10-12 cm). No cushions, no soft blankets, no bumper pads — risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
- Sleep sack (sleeveless, arms free): the only bedding accessory allowed in the crib according to official recommendations.
- Baby monitor: video recommended for the first few weeks.
- Baby play mat: usable from the first days for supervised tummy time, from birth up to 3-4 years: https://treelys.com/products/tapis-deveil-bebe
To avoid or postpone:
- Freestanding changing table: a changing mat placed on a stable surface is just as safe.
- Electric bouncer: wait to see if your baby needs one.
2. Bath Time
Essentials:
- Suitable baby bathtub: foldable freestanding bathtub with integrated thermometer and drainage hose. Buying guide: https://treelys.com/blogs/guides-conseils-dachat/choisir-baignoire-bebe-comparatif-guide — Product page: https://treelys.com/products/baignoire-pliable-avec-support
- Bath thermometer (37°C mandatory).
- Fragrance-free superfat soap suitable for infants.
- Soft cotton hooded towels (2 minimum).
To avoid: bath rings and seats without constant supervision — they never replace an adult's hand.
3. Feeding
Breastfeeding: nursing pillow, washable breast pads, electric breast pump if you plan to store milk.
Bottle feeding: minimum 6 bottles, electric steam sterilizer, bottle warmer (microwave is not recommended — risk of hot spots).
Vigilance point — infant formula recalls 2025-2026: since late 2025, batches of Guigoz, Nidal (Nestlé) and Blédina have been preventively recalled in France (traces of cereulide in ARA oil — source: Ministry of Agriculture, January 2026). Systematically check RappelConso.gouv.fr before each purchase.
4. Hygiene and Diapering
A newborn is changed 8 to 12 times a day.
Essentials:
- Changing mat with raised edges (never leave baby unsupervised on a raised surface)
- Diapers suitable for birth weight
- Liniment or water-based wipes without alcohol or fragrance
- Protective diaper rash cream
- Hydrophilic cotton for face cleaning
5. Out and About
- Stroller suitable from birth (reclined position — sitting position is not recommended until baby can sit unassisted).
- Car seat / infant carrier group 0+: mandatory from hospital discharge.
- Foldable play mat in your go-bag: https://treelys.com/products/tapis-deveil-bebe — also see: https://treelys.com/blogs/vie-de-parent/tapis-exterieur-bebe-jardin-plage-guide
6. What you do NOT need
- Electric swing: wait to see if your baby needs one.
- Shoes before walking: unnecessary and hinder foot development.
- Pacifier clips with cords longer than 22 cm: dangerous, risk of strangulation.
- Uncertified consumer respiration monitors: generate more anxiety than they reduce.
Conclusion
The essentials are few: a safe sleeping space, an ergonomic and certified bathing area (https://treelys.com/products/baignoire-pliable-avec-support), an organized changing area, and a quality baby play mat (https://treelys.com/products/tapis-deveil-bebe). The rest adjusts over the weeks. Contact: https://treelys.com/pages/contact
