Important checklist after birth What does the baby really need?

Babies need love and air to breathe, but also a lot more. Fresh parents face an ocean of "good advice," which is supposed to be important to the little one. Here are the basics for the baby so you keep track.

Bassinet and cot
That needs in the first few months infant a cot of about 90 x 55 cm and a bassinet. Soon the baby explores its surroundings and wants to go to the parents' bed, and the bassinet becomes too small. Tip: Look for a used cot and bassinet.

A carrying strap complies with the natural posture of the baby because it corresponds to the primates clinging to the mother's breast (gradt / fotolia.com)

The cot
The cot of 120 x 60 cm follows the cot and holds until the second year of life. Larger beds with 140 x 70 cm and removable bars can serve as cots even up to the age of six. Even such beds are very good second-hand, but you should buy the mattress new.

baby bath?
If you do not have a bathtub at home, get yourself a baby bath. This is not "too tight", because newborns feel safe within safe limits.

Or bathtub?
But you can also bathe the baby without problems in the large tub, if you keep it in a delimited area of ​​the tub. Doctors warn, however: Do not wash children in the bathtub daily.

The carrying strap
A carrying strap or a sling are essential and enormously healthy for the baby. This posture on the mother's breast side corresponds to the biological child seat of our human ancestors and even other primates whose young cling to the mother's coat. In addition: Babies in cold weather on the body wear.

Versatile use
A sling, unlike a bassinet or carrycot, can be used in a variety of ways when the little one gets bigger - as a tablecloth or a duvet, as a shoulder or a scarf.

Radiant heaters?
Babies are more sensitive to heat and cold than adults. Nevertheless, a radiant heater is recommended during winding only for premature birth and winter children, if the room is not heated. With a heat radiator, you do not need a new product; what is important is that it still works. Does an acquaintance give up his hobby "desert terrarium"? He gladly leaves them his useless heat radiator.

diapers
Except Pampers there are cloth diapers and ecologically sustainable diapers. When creaming, make sure that the creams have as few additives as possible. For example, study Ökotest to see which resources are appropriate.

The stroller
The stroller is almost as important as the bed. There are strollers that have a use for babies and can be used without this commitment until the second year of life. Cotton is better than synthetic fabrics because it lets the air through and prevents the baby from having colds. Baby stroller covers protect small children from air pollution.

Book tip - The first year. Our baby day by day
The guide of the same name by Ilona Bedefy provides an overview of all important questions about the baby in the months after birth from breastfeeding to sleep, to baby diseases, baby education or the first solid food - based on child psychology, midwife knowledge and pediatric medicine. The collaboration between doctors and midwives provides practical practical tips, such as how to identify and handle baby developmental issues, to ask whether you should pump milk or use convenience foods. Bathing, wrapping, giving a bottle and breastfeeding are just as much a topic as playing. Especially valuable are the advices for appropriate games for mothers and fathers. As a support for the first year is "the first year" good.

ISBN 978-3-8310-2349-3
January 2013
213 x 255 mm, bound
More than 800 photos and illustrations