Pregnancy Baby Checklist: What to Buy in Each Trimester
The average first-time parent receives conflicting advice from 12 different sources and ends up buying things they'll never use and missing things they genuinely need. This checklist is sequenced by trimester, buy what you need when you need to decide it, not all at once.
Before you buy anything: the European healthcare advantage
In Germany, France, Belgium and most EU countries, your Krankenkasse or health insurance covers certain baby items, including a breast pump (DE: Krankenkasse covers rental; FR: Sécurité Sociale covers purchase with prescription) and potentially a breast milk scale. Check your coverage before buying. In the UK, NHS vouchers and Healthy Start may apply. Don't buy what your healthcare system will provide.
First Trimester (Weeks 1–12): Buy Nothing, Research Everything
The first trimester is too early to buy most things. Miscarriage risk is highest, the anatomy scan hasn't happened, and you don't yet know enough about your specific situation to make informed product decisions. Use this time for research, not purchasing.
What to do in the first trimester:
- Research stroller options, these have long lead times and need decision at ~20 weeks
- Start reading about car seat regulations (R129 i-Size) so you understand what you'll need
- Think about the nursery space, where will baby sleep? What are the room dimensions?
- Research your healthcare coverage for baby items (breast pump, etc.)
Second Trimester (Weeks 13–27): Research → Decisions
After your anatomy scan (typically week 20), it's appropriate to start making decisions and deposits on long-lead-time items. The second trimester is the energy window, use it.
| Item | Why this trimester | Our pick | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stroller | Popular models sell out; some need ordering months ahead | Cybex Balios S Lux or Bugaboo Fox 5 | 🇩🇪 🇬🇧 |
| Car seat (infant) | Must arrive before baby; compatibility with stroller needs checking | Cybex Cloud G i-Size | 🇩🇪 |
| Crib / bedside crib | Nursery setup takes time; bedside cribs ship slowly | Chicco Next2Me Magic (bedside) / IKEA Sundvik (full crib) | 🇩🇪 |
| Mattress | Must buy new; firm flat and right size, order with crib | Buy with crib, see crib guide | |
| Nursery furniture | Assembly takes time; delivery windows unpredictable | IKEA is fastest, click and collect |
Create your baby registry in the second trimester, around 20–24 weeks. This gives guests time to buy gifts before your shower. See our full baby registry checklist →
Third Trimester (Weeks 28–40): Buy Essentials
By week 32, buy everything you need for the first 2 weeks home. By week 36, have your hospital bag packed.
| Category | What to buy | Our picks |
|---|---|---|
| Sleep | Sleep sacks (1.0 and 2.5 TOG), swaddles ×3, fitted sheets ×3, blackout blind | 🇩🇪 Swaddles |
| Feeding | Bottles ×4, steriliser, nursing pillow, nipple cream (Lansinoh), breast pump (if not covered) | 🇩🇪 Steriliser |
| Nappies | Newborn ×1 pack, Size 1 ×2 packs, nappy cream, cotton wool | 🇩🇪 Nappies |
| Bath | Baby bath tub, bath thermometer, hooded towels ×2 | 🇩🇪 Bath |
| Clothing | Bodysuits ×7 (sizes 56+62), sleepsuits ×5, hats ×2, scratch mitts ×2 | H&M Baby or Polarn O. Pyret |
| Monitor | If needed for your home layout | 🇩🇪 Monitor |
Hospital Bag Checklist (Pack by Week 36)
- For you: birth plan, insurance card (Versicherungskarte/carte vitale/tarjeta sanitaria), comfortable nightgown or 2, nursing bra ×2, maternity pads ×2 packs, comfortable slippers, toiletries, phone charger, snacks
- For baby: going-home outfit in newborn + size 56, hat, socks, scratch mitts, car seat (in the car), muslin cloths ×3
- For partner: change of clothes, phone charger, snacks, camera/phone
- Documents: ID, insurance card, birth plan, hospital pre-registration if applicable
What to Wait Until After Birth
- Baby bouncer, you don't know if your baby will use one until they arrive
- Play gym. not needed until 4–6 weeks at earliest
- Baby carrier, fit matters; better to try in a specialist shop after birth. Can borrow or rent first.
- Baby food equipment. not needed for 6 months; wait to see if you want a maker vs regular blender
- Lots of newborn clothes, many babies skip this size. Buy 2–3 outfits max before birth.
What to Skip Entirely
- Wipe warmer, creates bacterial growth, unnecessary
- Nappy disposal units (Sangenic type), a bin with a lid is identical; proprietary refills add ongoing cost
- Baby food pouches in bulk before weaning, don't stockpile; preferences change
- Very expensive nursing pillow, a rolled towel or standard pillow works as well
- Activity jumper (Jolly Jumper), discouraged by EU paediatric physios; delays motor development