Shopping lists grow fast before a birth and budgets are quickly exceeded. Yet a newborn needs very little in the first weeks. This guide splits the pre-birth checklist into three: items that must be new, items that are smart to buy second-hand, and items you do not need at all.
1. What must be bought new
Some items should be new for hygiene and safety reasons. A crib mattress must be firm and hold its shape so the baby can breathe when face down; a used mattress may sag or hold moisture. Dummies, bottle teats and breast pump parts are personal-use items.
- Crib and stroller mattresses
- Dummies, bottle teats, breast pump accessories
- Car seats with unknown accident history (known history is fine second-hand)
- Expired or recalled products
2. What is smart to buy second-hand
The most expensive items of the newborn stage are also the shortest-lived. Cribs, bedside cots, bouncers, carriers and size 50–62 clothing do their job within months and turn up on the second-hand market in near-new condition.
On Büyüdü the listing page already covers the condition declaration, accident history and recall check; message the seller to ask for a label photo and the manual.
- Crib and bedside cot frames
- Bouncers and swings
- Carriers and baby-wearing systems
- Size 50–62 sleepsuits, bodysuits and blankets
- Changing tables
3. What you do not really need
Bottle warmers, sterilisers, baby monitors and dedicated baby washing machines remain luxuries for most families. Waiting a few weeks and buying only when a real need appears prevents wasted purchases and cluttered cupboards.
4. What goes in the hospital bag
The hospital bag should be ready by week 36. For the baby, two size 50 sleepsuits, a hat, socks, a blanket and the car seat for the trip home are enough. Test that the car seat fits your car before the birth.
- Two size 50 sleepsuits and bodysuits
- Hat, mittens and socks
- A light blanket
- Group 0+ car seat (already fitted in the car)
5. Timing: when to buy
Buy the big items (crib, stroller, car seat) between weeks 30 and 34 so there is time to compare second-hand listings. Complete the clothing once you know the birth weight; size 50 never fits some babies.