
Natural Baby Shower Checklist – Everything for a Sustainable Start
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Congratulations on your pregnancy! You are probably already enthusiastically preparing and want to know how to care for your little one as naturally and sustainably as possible. You consciously choose high-quality materials and want to create security and peace for your baby and yourself. At Atelier De Wevershoek we understand this like no other - we stand for a loving, natural start.
What do you need for a natural maternity outfit? Below we give you our tips and a handy checklist for a complete natural baby outfit . You decide for yourself what suits you.
Tip: You may also have chosen Natural Maternity Care; these specialized maternity nurses know our products and can help you with them.
Clothes for a newborn baby
Did you know that your baby's skin is not yet fully developed and therefore extra sensitive? The skin cells are still further apart, the sebaceous glands still have to develop and the protective acid mantle is not yet finished. That is why we prefer pure fabrics for clothes that come directly onto the skin - such as organic cotton or, even better, wool and silk . These materials are especially ideal for underwear.
Why wool/silk? Wool keeps your baby warm when it's cold, while silk has a cooling effect when it's hot. Both materials breathe well and feel soft on delicate skin. They also help your baby to stay warm without using up too much energy. Energy that is not needed to keep warm, your little one can use to grow !
Wool has an insulating effect, is water-repellent and can absorb up to 30% of its own weight in moisture without feeling wet. Silk provides a nice covering and protection against external stimuli. Another nice advantage: wool has a self-cleaning effect. Airing is often enough to freshen up woolen clothes (hang a worn woolen item outside or in the bathroom overnight). Frequent washing is not necessary - good for the lifespan of the clothing and for you as a busy parent.
Wool clothing is a bit more expensive to buy than cotton, for example, but because it lasts longer and does not need to be washed daily, you save money in the long run. A sustainable investment ! In addition, these clothes can later be worn by any brothers, sisters or friends. ♻️
Recommended clothes for the start (size 50/56):
- 3 (wrap) rompers with long sleeves made of wool/silk
- 2 onesies made of soft material
- 3 sweaters or long-sleeved shirts
- 2 cardigans or sweaters
- 2 pairs of pants or leggings
- 2 wool or wool/silk bow bonnets (a must-have; see our blog about bow bonnets for why this is so important)
- 1 jacket or warm vest for outside
- 2 pairs of woolen socks or slippers
With this base you ensure that your baby stays warm and secure. If necessary, use the cotton suits that you already have as a supplement. Woollens combine well with cotton.
Changing and bathing
Natural care is also about heat retention and comfort during changing and washing. For example, by using a woolen underlay on the changing table, your baby will stay warm and dry when you clean it with water. We recommend using cotton (organic) pads with lukewarm water for the bottom instead of moist disposable wipes. This way you can postpone the first real bath if necessary - you retain the natural vernix on the skin a little longer, which has a protective effect and prevents unnecessary stimuli. The result: hygiene and peace.
Changing and bath supplies:
- Changing pad (preferably with a cover made of natural material)
- Heat lamp (infrared baby heat lamp) for above the changing table – this way your baby stays nice and warm during changing
- Baby bath (you can postpone the first bath for a while, but it is nice to have one ready)
- Organic cotton pads – for cleaning the bottom
- 2 small bowls – one for warm water and one to put the used cotton pads in
- Natural baby oil or shea butter – to care for the skin after changing or bathing
- 5 hydrophilic cloths – to gently dry your baby (soft and absorbent)
- Soft baby hair brush
- Wecesin dusting powder from Weleda – for drying the navel (natural navel powder)
These items allow you to change your baby in a gentle, warm way without harsh wipes or cold baby wipes.
To sleep
Sweet dreams, little one… Good sleep is crucial for your baby’s growth and development (and for mom’s recovery!). Of course, your baby won’t always sleep exactly when you want him to – after all, a newborn needs to get used to life outside the womb . You can help your baby feel safe, for example with a canopy over the crib or co-sleeper. Such a mosquito net or crib canopy creates a cozy, safe environment that eases the transition to the big world. A woolen blanket or sheepskin can also provide that extra warmth and familiarity.
Essentials for sleep:
- Co-sleeper or crib (depending on your preference, both are suitable for a safe start next to the parental bed)
- Crib canopy made of silk or other breathable natural fabric (for a calm, enclosed sleeping environment)
- Mattress made of natural material, e.g. coconut fibre (firm and well ventilated)
- Sheepskin (optional, but often used in natural parenting for warmth and comfort in crib or playpen)
- 2 fitted sheets (matching the mattress)
- 2 sheets (to use under the blanket)
- 2 molton cloths (approx. 80x80 cm, to protect the mattress/crib)
- 1 wool blanket (airy in summer, extra layer in winter – wool regulates temperature perfectly)
- 2 hot water bottles (especially necessary in winter or when the house is cool, to preheat the bed)
- 2 natural rubber pacifiers (if you want to use pacifiers; natural rubber is free of BPA and plasticizers)
Ensure a safe sleeping climate: not too hot, not too cold. With the above items you lay a good foundation.
Washable diapers
More and more young parents are choosing washable diapers , because they are both sustainable and skin-friendly. It requires a bit more work than disposable diapers, but it is better for the environment and often also for your baby's bottom (no chemical gels or plastics). If you go for washable, this is useful to have at home:
- ~20 washable diapers (e.g. cotton diapers with a tie)
- 3 woolen diaper covers (wool diaper covers that you put over the cotton diaper; these keep out moisture – the lanolin in the wool makes them naturally water-repellent)
- Stool liners (biodegradable liners that catch stool, for disposal or flushing)
- Healing wool (tufts of sheep's wool, can be used for red bottoms or skin irritation - has a soothing and healing effect)
- Lanolin (wool grease to treat wool overpants – see our blog “ lanolinisation ” for instructions on how to waterproof wool overpants)
- Wool detergent and ox gall soap (mild products to properly clean woolen pants and any stains)
- Diaper pail with two laundry bags (or large cotton laundry bags/pillowcases) to store the dirty diapers until you do the laundry
Our advice: try out washable diapers first during the day in the maternity week. You will see that it is less hassle than you thought - and you will immediately produce a lot less waste.
Breastfeeding
When you start breastfeeding, you are actually the most important “instrument” for your baby. In principle, you don’t need much extra for this – skin to skin and latching on is the beginning. However, there are a few things that can make you as a mother a little more comfortable during this period. Remember: in addition to caring for your baby, caring for yourself is also crucial. Stay warm (warmth promotes milk flow) and get enough rest and fluids.
These items are nice to have on hand for yourself during the breastfeeding period:
- 1 box of disposable nursing pads (biodegradable) – useful for the first few days when milk production starts
- 6–10 pairs of washable nursing pads (organic cotton or wool/silk) – soft, reusable pads to catch leaking milk that you can wash
- Nursing pillow – supports your arms and baby during feeding, prevents muscle pain (preferably with a cover made of natural material)
- 2 nursing bras (without underwire, in a larger cup size because your breasts can be fuller)
- Comfortable outerwear or pajamas that are easy to feed in (wrap top, button up or nursing tops)
- Warm slippers or socks for mom – keep yourself warm, especially on your feet, this promotes circulation
- Breastfeeding tea (e.g. from Weleda) – a herbal blend that supports milk production and offers a moment of rest
- Heilwo l, lanolin ointment or shea butter for the nipples – natural soothing for sensitive or slightly damaged nipples, to prevent cracks
Tip: Make sure you have a nice corner in your home where you can comfortably nurse – with that nursing pillow, a blanket and maybe some drinks/snacks within reach. Your comfort is just as important.
Bottle feeding
Are you giving formula or are you going to express and bottle feed (after a while)? Then you need a few basic things. Try to choose safe, BPA-free materials here too.
- 2 baby bottles made of glass or BPA-free plastic, with natural rubber teats (natural rubber feels most like a mother's breast)
- Bottle brush (to clean the bottles properly)
- Organic infant formula based on cow's milk or goat's milk or a breast pump (depending on whether you are going to give expressed breast milk or formula)
Please note: Always sterilise new bottles and teats before first use. And prepare bottle feeds according to the instructions on the packaging for your baby's safety.
With this checklist for your natural baby shower, you are well on your way to a sustainable, warm start for you and your little one. Remember that every baby and every mother is different: ultimately, you make the choices that suit you. Hopefully, this list will help you not forget anything important and go into the maternity period with confidence. Enjoy the preparations – this time is so special. 💛
Summary & additional tips:
- Choose natural materials: Wool, silk and organic cotton are your best friends for your baby's skin.
- Less is more: Invest in a few really good basics. Quality lasts a long time (often for multiple children) and feels better than a closet full of synthetic stuff.
- Warmth care is key: A newborn cannot yet keep itself warm. Layers of wool/silk help enormously, as do heat lamps and warm cloths for changing and feeding. (Also read our blog newborn woollens advised by Natural Maternity Care .)
- Ask for help: Do you have a maternity nurse via Natural Maternity Care ? She is familiar with this approach and products – make use of her knowledge. And of course you can always send us a message or ask the community for advice via Instagram!
Lovingly composed by Atelier De Wevershoek , so you can focus on what really matters: enjoying your newborn in peace and security. ❤️