What is needed, is useful…
- a big room/space: certainly useful, especially when he starts to crawl, but as long as it is safe and suitable for children;
- stair gates: essential if you have internal stairs, at least until the child has learned to go up and down independently and safely. In that case you will need two gates at both ends of the staircase;
- cot: very useful.There are several possible options but it is advisable that the mattress is quite rigid, breathable and made with materials that allow ventilation. The pillow should be avoided until the child is one year old; subsequently it can be used, but in any case it is good that it is made in such a way as to allow ventilation. The bed linen should be made in natural fibres;
- high chair: calmly, you don't need it before 6 months. Keep it simple: any highchair light to move, that can be washed easily and with a removable shelf is excellent… those that recline, cradle, play (and maybe even dance) are not practical (you want to have as little parts to clean every day, several times a day!);
- clothes: according to size and age, buy just what you need ... your baby grows faster than it seems and you would end up not using everything you bought for him. To save money, try to think if you like the idea of second-hand clothes;
- shoes: some are super cute … but useless up to 8/9 months or until the child starts trying to walk. Wait until around 8/9 months and based on the size of the child’s feet, try to buy "first steps" shoes; softer and more suitable for a foot not used to walking;
games: what we have indicated for the 0-6 month range is even more valid at this age: it is better to think of small soft toys that can be easily washed, objects that you already have at home as the well-known "treasure basket" by Eleanor Goldsmith [learn more about treasure basket] or made by adapting/recycling what is found in the house. All of these are much more appreciated and stimulating for children. For when they are a little older, green light to constructions (in wood or bricks to fit together), games of threading, interlocking or gripping ... [learn more about Montessori games]; - books, books and when in doubt, books: follow your child's tastes and interests and prepare him for the big changes that are about to take place in his daily life (e.g. separation from his parents when he goes to a kindergarten, the arrival of a little brother /little sister…).
… and what is not necessary
- box: not essential; apart from exceptional cases in which there are dangers for children, from 6 months onwards they can sit on the floor, on carpets or suitable surfaces, and experiment with movement (and you with them!);
- walker: harmful! Absolutely not recommended by paediatricians because it causes hip problems and is counterproductive for his motor and psychological development: he cannot gradually go through the natural stages that lead to taking his first steps;
- electronic games: the more complex and automated the games are (lights, sounds, strong colours), the less stimulating they are for your creativity.