Are you expecting your first bébé (baby) and do you plan on teaching them French? Or are you currently raising a French-speaking toddler and awaiting a new addition to your family? This French baby vocabulary list, while not exhaustive, will come in handy as you prepare for the arrival of your nouveau-né (newborn).
Note that it is based on my personal experience and that of my mommy friends and is by no means a definitive list for new parents. The items included are meant to help introduce newborn-related vocabulary in French.
Related: French books for big brothers and sisters
Disclosure: Please note that if you click through the affiliate links and make a purchase, I will earn a commission (at no extra cost to you).
Baby clothes – les vêtements pour bébé
There are so many articles of clothing for newborns and infants that it can be overwhelming to decide what to buy for your child, especially if it’s your first pregnancy. These are the baby clothing items that I found most useful during the first few months.
Onesie, bodysuit – un body
Sleeper – une grenouillère, un pyjama
Beanie, hat – un bonnet, un chapeau
Socks – des chaussettes (feminine)
Related: French clothing vocabulary: fall/autumn
Related: Clothing vocabulary in French: winter
Bath time – l’heure du bain
These bath time essentials will help ensure it’s a great experience for all.
Bathtub – une baignoire pour bébé
Baby shampoo – un shampoing/shampooing pour bébé
Baby soap – un savon pour bébé
Baby lotion or cream – une crème hydratante pour bébé
Washcloth – une débarbouillette
Hooded towel – une cape de bain
Diaper change – le changement de couche
The number of diaper changes that a newborn requires is just mind boggling!
Diaper – une couche
Baby wipe – une lingette
Wipes dispenser – un distributeur de lingettes
Changing table – une table à langer
Sleep time – l’heure du dodo
Since pillows and covers are discouraged for newborns and young infants, a sleeping sack (worn over the sleeper) is about all bébé needs in order to get some rest at night.
Sleep sack – une gigoteuse, une douillette, une turbulette
Bassinet – un berceau
Crib – un lit (de bébé, d’enfant)
Feeding time – l’heure de l’allaitement
Whether you’ll be breast feeding or bottle feeding, here are a few items that will make the experience more comfortable.
Nursing pillow – un coussin d’allaitement
Rocking chair – un fauteuil à bascule
Bib – un bavoir, une bavette
Baby bottle – un biberon
Outings – les sorties
Although going out with a newborn can be intimidating, the fact that they’re always sleepy means that you can enjoy a meal or walk while they snooze.
Car seat – un siège bébé
Stroller – une poussette
Baby carrier – un porte-bébé
What other French baby vocabulary would you like to see on this list?
