Initial Equipment for Babies

The following list is intended to help you prepare: 

Clothes Care & Nappy Changing  

•  3–4 rompers, size 56/62 
• 4-6 bodysuits, short and/or long, made of cotton or silk wool, size 56/62
• 2 jackets or jumpers to cover/change your baby 
• several pairs of socks or baby booties
• in winter: 1 warm overall, 2 warm hats and gloves
• in summer: 2 thin cotton hats
• high-quality, pure oil without additives (e.g. almond oil, jojoba oil)
• nappy cream
• baby nail kit
• soft washcloth
• washable cotton pads or wet wipes to clean the nappy area
• disposable or cloth nappies
• changing station (changing table or changing mat)
• baby bathtub (a deep washbasin or a sturdy laundry bin may also be suitable)
• bath towel, possibly with a hood
• soft baby brush or baby comb
• water thermometer
• a good addition in winter: heat lamp (often available second-hand)
• 6–8 cheesecloths as burp cloths
• bucket with lid for dirty nappies

Sleeping & Cuddling

• seasonal baby sleeping bag
• bedside crib or bassinet/baby nest
• firm baby mattress
• Cherry stone pillow
• thin baby blanket or swaddle blanket

Transport

• baby car seat (legally mandatory when baby is transported in the car)

Note: ÖAMTC lends out baby car seats for a deposit and a fee

• sling/carrying aid
• stroller/buggy including rain and sun protection
• diaper bag

Medicine Cabinet for Newborns

• clinical thermometer that can also be used rectally (rectal measurement is the most accurate, especially for babies)
• tweezers (e.g. for splinters or when small children stick small things in their noses/ears)
• nappy cream 
• saline solution (for blocked noses or clogged eyes) 
• sterile swabs 
• nasal aspirators

Items for babies who are not breastfed

Note: if you are planning to breastfeed, you do not need to get the following items 'just in case'

• 3 baby bottles with lid and teat
• bottle brush
• bottle warmer
• steriliser if necessary
• 1 packet of baby Pre formula
• soother with flat or transverse oval sucking element and a soother shaft that is as flat as possible

Items for mothers for the first time at home:

• nursing pillow or firm cushion for a comfortable position
  nursing bra or nursing tops

Note: as the breasts change as a result of breastfeeding, a larger size than usual is usually required.
nursing pads 

• maternity pads or thick 
• sanitary towels (without plastic coating, often available online) 
• period underwear if necessary 
• pain medication compatible with breastfeeding 
• teas, possibly breastfeeding tea or tea for flatulence for the mother (e.g. fennel, aniseed) 
• quark wraps or cooling pads to cool 
  any birth injuries 
• wool grease/lanolin ointment for nipple care
• linseed, psyllium, prunes or natural fruit juices to stimulate digestion
• cosy breastfeeding area, possibly with cushions and storage space for snacks/drinks 
• prescription for a breast pump (you can obtain this from the hospital or your doctor)

Note: with a prescription, you can borrow an electric breast pump for a deposit and do not have to buy it. 

Tip: you can save a lot of time with a double pump set. Alternatively, there are hand pumps that are easy to use but less effective.

Support and advice for parents:

• Find a midwife  
• Find a breastfeeding counsellor 
• Family support through the Early Intervention Programme in the event of particular stress 
• Support for the household from parents, friends, relatives or a specialist

Note: second-hand not only saves money, but is also good for the environment and children's health.