Introduction
Between the idealized baby 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 avoid, and how to prioritize your purchases before baby arrives.
1. The Baby's Room
Essentials:
- A crib with a firm, suitable mattress (10-12 cm). No pillows, no soft blankets, no bumper pads — risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
- A sleep sack (sleeveless, free arms): the only bedding accessory allowed in the crib according to official recommendations.
- A baby monitor: video recommended for the first few weeks.
- A baby play mat: usable from the first days for supervised tummy time, from birth up to 3-4 years old: Treelys play mat
To avoid or postpone:
- A freestanding changing table: a changing pad on a stable surface is just as safe.
- An electric bouncer: wait to see if your baby needs one.
2. Bath Time
Essentials:
- A suitable baby bath: foldable freestanding bath with integrated thermometer and drain hose. Buying guide: How to Choose a Baby Bath: Complete Comparison (Freestanding, Foldable, Classic) 2026 — Product page: foldable freestanding bath
- A bath thermometer (37°C mandatory).
- An unscented, superfatted 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: 6 bottles minimum, 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 subject to precautionary recalls in France (traces of cereulide in ARA oil — source: Ministry of Agriculture, January 2026). Always check RappelConso.gouv.fr before each purchase.
4. Hygiene and Diaper Changing
A newborn is changed 8 to 12 times a day.
Essentials:
- Changing mat with raised edges (never leave baby unattended on a raised surface)
- Diapers suitable for birth weight
- Liniment or water wipes without alcohol or fragrance
- Protective diaper cream
- Cotton wool for face cleaning
5. Travel
- Stroller suitable from birth (reclined position — sitting position not recommended before baby can sit independently).
- Car seat / infant carrier group 0+: mandatory from hospital discharge.
- Foldable play mat for your changing bag: Treelys play mat — see also: Outdoor Play Mat for Babies: Enjoying the Outdoors Safely
6. What you do NOT need
- An 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 general public breathing monitors: generate more anxiety than they reduce.
Conclusion
The essentials are few: a safe sleeping area, an ergonomic and certified bathing area: foldable freestanding bath, an organized changing area, and a quality baby play mat: Treelys play mat. The rest can be adjusted as the weeks go by. Contact: contact us
