Pregnancy brings with it many special moments – and one of them is definitely putting together the baby’s initial layette. Amidst the anticipation, to-do lists and countless products, the question quickly arises: what does a baby really need?

 

As we’re expecting our second child, choosing what to buy is much easier than it was the first time round. From our own experience, we now know which products really make everyday life easier and which ones we wouldn’t want to be without this time either.

 

In this post, I’ll show you our personal list of essential baby items – featuring products that have won us over with their quality, functionality and beautiful design.

 

The nursery – a place to feel at home

 

 

Long before our baby is born, the nursery gradually takes shape, bit by bit, to become a very special place. For me, it was important that the room not only looked lovely, but was also practical and created a peaceful atmosphere.

 

For our nappy-changing corner, we’ve chosen several products from Vertbaudet:

• Changing unit
• Changing mat with replaceable covers
• Wall shelf
• Teddy bear storage basket
• Flower mobile
• First rompers and bodysuits
• Gift sets for mum & baby

 

 

I particularly love the thoughtfully coordinated designs. The soft colours and little details, such as the bear pattern or the mobile, instantly give the room a warm atmosphere.

 

You spend a lot of time every day changing nappies – which is why it’s worth making this area both practical and cosy.

 

Use the discount code PRISCILLA15 to save 15% at Vertbaudet (Valid until 31 December 2026, can be redeemed once only, cannot be combined with other offers, excluding Basics, Les Essentiels and external brands).

 

The perfect cot: Why we chose the Stokke Sleepi 3-in-1 Bundle

 

 

One of the most important – and most expensive – pieces of furniture in the nursery is, of course, the cot. Not only because this is where our baby spends most of the day, but also because it is one of the bigger purchases for the nursery. After extensive research, many hours spent online and even more discussions, we opted for the Stokke Sleepi 3-in-1 Bundle. We made that decision – and we haven’t regretted it for a single second.

 

Why the Stokke Sleepi and not a standard cot?

 

 

What makes this bed special is its well-thought-out growth concept, which allows it to be used for several years. The baby starts off sleeping in the cosy Sleepi Mini, can later move into the larger version with ease, and can even use the bed right up until they start school. It isn’t just a ‘cot’ – it’s a bed that grows with your child.

 

Particularly in the first few months, the oval shape – unlike standard square beds – conveys a special sense of security. This shape, reminiscent of a cocoon, helps our baby feel safe and secure, especially at night. Psychologically, this should not be underestimated: the child stays in the same, familiar bed, whilst their sleeping space simply grows with them. No moving around, no new surroundings – just continuity.

 

The accessories that make the experience perfect

 

To really get the most out of the Sleepi, we invested in the following accessories:

• Stokke Sleepi Mattress – The special oval shape is not just marketing hype; it’s genuinely important for comfort and safety. A standard mattress simply doesn’t fit properly.
• Organic Bedding for the Sleepi – For delicate baby skin – organic materials without chemicals are essential here.
• Stokke Sleepi Fitted Sheets – Specially cut to fit the oval shape, so nothing slips.
• Bed Canopy or Nest Bumper – For extra coziness in the early months and to prevent drafts.
• Bumper Pads – Optional, but many parents love the extra cushioning for added security and comfort.

 

Baby Brezza Formula Pro Advanced

 

 

The bottle dispenser I could have done with when I had my first child

 

To be honest, preparing bottles at night with our first baby wasn’t my favorite task. Measuring powder, warming water, checking the temperature, mixing, waiting – with a hungry baby in your arms, every minute feels like an eternity. That’s why this time, the Baby Brezza Formula Pro Advanced is moving in with us.

This is what the machine does

 

The machine automatically measures out the formula, mixes the water and powder perfectly, and prepares the bottle at the touch of a button – in seconds. You simply set the desired portion, and the bottle is ready. Various temperature settings and the option to dispense water only make it highly versatile.

 

Why it’s worth it

That saves me 30–45 minutes every day – time I can put to much better use. The preparation is always exactly the same, with no mistakes, less stress at night, and it’s psychologically reassuring to know that everything is prepared perfectly.

Yes, it costs more than preparing it by hand – but for me, the Baby Brezza is one of the best items in the starter kit for my second child.

 

An often underestimated must-have: the baby bath

 

A lot is said about strollers, car seats, and baby beds. But the right baby bathtub? Not so much – yet bathing is one of those beautiful shared rituals that starts very early with your baby.

 

Especially in the first few months, relaxed bath time is so valuable – for both baby and parents. That’s why having a practical, high-quality, and beautiful bath set was especially important to me.

 

The Twistshake bath set really convinced us in our daily routine and is one of those things I would definitely include in my essential baby gear again.

 

That’s what makes the set so handy

Ergonomic design – The shape is perfectly suited to a newborn. The baby lies safely and securely, and you can hold them with one hand whilst washing them with the other.

 

Easy to use – Everything you need for bath time is included in the set and arranged logically. No hidden handles, no complicated parts.

 

High-quality craftsmanship – The material feels premium, is durable and easy to clean. It doesn’t have that cheap plastic feel.

 

Modern, minimalist design – It looks not only functional but also attractive. It makes the bathroom look tidier, rather than like a toy shop.

 

The price tip

 

With my code THECHICADVOCATE, you save an additional 20% on everything at Twistshake – plus the already available discounts of up to 60%. This makes the high-quality set much more affordable.

→ Get the Twistshake Bath Set with Discount

Clothes for the first few weeks

 

Buying baby clothes is definitely one of the most enjoyable parts of getting ready for the baby’s arrival.

 

I find gift sets containing the following particularly handy:

• matching bodysuits
• pyjamas
• rompers
• hats

 

Especially in the early days, you don’t need an endless number of items of clothing. It’s better to have high-quality basics that are lovely and soft and easy to put on and take off.

 

We’ve found just what we were looking for at Vertbaudet.

 

Our personal checklist for a baby’s first essentials

 

For us, these things are absolutely essential:

 

Sleeping

• Cot
• Mattress
• Fitted sheet
• Sleeping bags
• Mobile

 

Changing nappies

• Changing unit
• Changing mat
• Storage baskets
• Nappies
• Wet wipes
• Baby care products

 

Clothing

• Bodysuits
• Rompers
• Pyjamas
• Socks
• Hats

 

Nutrition

• Bottles
• Formula Pro Advanced
• Burp cloths

 

Bathing

• Baby bath
• Bath set
• Hooded towels
• Washcloths

 

Less is often more

 

Especially with your first baby, you’re tempted to buy absolutely everything.

Now I know that you don’t actually need many of those products straight away.

Instead, it’s worth investing in things that are used every day and really make family life easier.

For us, that’s why high-quality furniture, a well-organised nappy-changing area, an extendable cot, practical aids such as the Formula Pro Advanced and a good bath set are definitely part of the essential kit.

Every home and every family is different – but it’s precisely these products that already give us the feeling of being well prepared.

 

Frequently asked questions about essential baby items

 

When should you start putting together your baby’s initial layette?

 

Many expectant parents start between the 20th and 30th week of pregnancy. This leaves plenty of time to choose larger purchases at their leisure and to set up the nursery.

 

What are the essential items for a newborn’s starter kit?

 

The most important items include a safe place to sleep, nappy-changing equipment, baby clothes, care products, bottles or breastfeeding accessories, and a baby bath.

 

Which products make everyday life particularly easier?

 

In our experience, an extendable cot, a well-organised nappy-changing area and an automatic bottle warmer make life so much easier – especially in the first few months.