As soon as the test is positive, the shopping list seems to grow every week. The good news: a newborn needs far less than many lists claim – but the right things, in the right quantities. Here's a realistic checklist for Switzerland, with honest quantities, a look at the weather and what to pack in the hospital bag.
The golden rule: buy just a few pieces per size
Babies grow incredibly fast in the first few months. A lot of newborn-size clothing only fits for three or four weeks. So buy just a few pieces per size and top up once you see how quickly your baby is growing. If you're not sure which size suits your due date, our size guide will help. And for everything worn directly against the skin, 100% cotton is best – soft, breathable and easy to care for.
The checklist at a glance
| Item | Quantity | What for |
|---|---|---|
| Bodysuits (wrap bodysuits are handy) | 6–8 | base layer, worn every day |
| Sleepsuits or trousers | 4–6 | comfortable, without tight waistbands |
| Cardigans or jumpers | 2–3 | second layer for layering |
| Socks | 5+ pairs | they tend to go missing – better one pair too many |
| Hats | 1–2 | for outdoors, even in summer |
| Muslin swaddles (112 x 112 cm) | 3+ | burp cloth, light blanket, privacy screen |
| Bibs | 3–4 | needed from the very first burp |
| Bandana bibs | 2–3 | catch dribble, keep the neck warm |
| Baby blanket | 1–2 | for the pram and at home |
| Sleeping bag | 1–2 | in the right size |
Clothing: the base layer
Bodysuits are the workhorse of your newborn essentials – six to eight will get you through the week, even if you sometimes need two changes a day. Ribbed styles like the ‘Little One’ bodysuit set are practical because the fabric grows with your baby. You'll find more combinations among our bodysuit sets. As for socks: they vanish faster than you can blink. A 5-pack of 100% cotton socks is a far more relaxed choice than two single pairs.
Out and about
For the pram and baby wrap, you need less than you think: a hat, a blanket or a large muslin and, depending on the season, a cardigan. Muslin swaddles like our set of 3 muslins are the unsung all-rounders – burp cloth, light summer blanket, mat and privacy screen in one. Bandana bibs stand in for a third bib when you're out and keep the neck warm at the same time. You'll find more choice in our muslins and blankets.
Care basics in a nutshell
Apart from clothing, you only need a few things to start with: size 1 nappies, a changing mat, soft washcloths, a baby brush and a bath thermometer. There's no need to stock up on creams and lotions – wait and see what your baby's skin actually needs, and ask your midwife for advice.
Swiss weather: layering
Whether it's the Bise wind in Zurich, fog over the Swiss Plateau or a cool summer evening in the mountains – Swiss weather can throw everything at you in a single day. That's why layering works better than thick single pieces: a bodysuit, a sleepsuit or top over it, and a cardigan on top. That way you can quickly take a layer off or put one on while you're out. A tried-and-tested rule of thumb: your baby wears one layer more than you do.
The hospital bag
Most Swiss hospitals and birth centres provide clothing for your baby during your stay – so a small selection is enough for your own bag:
- 2–3 bodysuits in newborn size or 0–3 months
- 1–2 sleepsuits and a cardigan
- a hat and socks
- 1–2 muslin swaddles
- a going-home outfit to suit the weather
It's best to check quickly with your hospital what they provide – that saves space in your bag.
Money-saving tip: complete sets instead of single pieces
If you put everything together piece by piece, you almost always end up paying more – and the pieces rarely match in colour. Complete sets like the ‘Teddy Bear’ newborn essentials set cover the basics in one purchase and look like they belong together. You'll find an overview of all sets in our newborn essentials collection. And if a godparent or the grandparents ask what to give: a gift set of bibs and socks is an answer everyone will be happy with.
One last practical note: we ship from Switzerland – for CHF 5.90, or free from CHF 50. You'll find all the details on our shipping and delivery page. That way your newborn essentials arrive in good time, before the big adventure begins.