Getting ready for your babies arrival

I wasn't sure what we would need to buy before the little one arrived, boy was I in for a shock when my wife showed me a few lists she had been given.

I guess the key to buying things before your baby is born is to try and figure out the essential items and those that can be picked up over the weeks after the birth. The Internet has made life much easier as getting boxes of nappies delivered really can save you money and not to mention the hassle of trying to carry all this stuff to the car.

Here is my list of essential items, you can of course add or remove items from the list as you see fit.

Baby

• 8 x vests
• 8 x sleepsutis (baby grows)
• 2 x socks (pairs)
• 2 x scratch mitts (pairs) 
• 2 x hats
• 3-4 day wear outfits(not essential as baby grows should be ok for the first week)
• 2 x cardigans
• 1 x pramsuit/jacket

Feeding time

  Breastfeeding

• 3 x nursing bras
• 2 x sleep bras breast pads
• breast feeding pillow
• muslin squares
• bibs

   Bottle feeding

• breast pump
• storage bag / bottles
• nipple cream (Vaseline or similar)
• sterilising equipment
• 4 x feeding bottles & teats
• milk formula
• bottle & teat brush

Bath time

• Baby bath
• cuddle 'n' dry robes
• bath thermometer
• baby toiletries (wont need these straight away as plain water is recommended for the first week or so)

Changing time

• Plenty of nappies
• cotton wool
• nappy bags
• changing matt
• changing bag

Sleep time

• moses basket & stand or crib
• 4 x fitted mattress sheets
• 4 x top sheets
• 3 x blankets
• room thermometer
• baby monitor
• 2 x babysleeping bags

Going out

• carry cot / pram
• car seat
• sun blinds (optional for car)

Play time

• baby gym or mat
• soft rattles
• soft fabric books
• soft newborn cuddly toy
• bouncing cradle or swing

There are many other things that you will probably need and will probably be told to get but I'm sure many of these can be purchased once the little one arrives. I would recommend you compile your own lists and be careful not to follow lists from baby shops that often have many items that you will not need straightaway or maybe never need.