• Baby car seat - even if you don’t often have the use of a car, a safety seat is vital for when you do travel by car, and you will need it for that first trip home if your baby is being born in hospital
• A sleeping place such as a Moses basket, a pram carrycot that lifts off the chassis, or a crib, plus the appropriate bedding, and blankets or shawls
• Transport to take your baby out and about, such as a baby carrier, a pram with a carrycot, or a pushchair suitable for a newborn baby to lie flat in
• First baby clothing - you’ll need six to eight stretchsuits, four to six vests, socks, cardigans, hat and mittens, and a pair of scratch mittens in case your baby’s sharp new nails scratch his skin
• Changing equipment - nappies and cotton wool (used with water or baby lotion) or babywipes to clean the baby’s bottom. A changing mat is essential and most parents find nappy disposal sacks for disposable nappies useful too. You may need a barrier or nappy rash cream
• A baby bath or bath support, with baby toiletries, sponge, flannel and towel. A bath isn’t essential: new babies don’t need a full bath every day, and you can bath your baby in the sink, use a clean washing up bowl, or take him in the bath with you
• A front baby carrier or sling to keep your baby close to you and leave your hands free
• A monitor that enables you to hear your baby when you’re in another room
• A room thermometer so you know the temperature is right for your baby

Think about how you plan to feed your baby:

Breastfeeding

• Nursing bras - buy a couple of weeks before your due date to ensure a proper fit
• Breast pads - useful to catch leaks
• A shaped nursing cushion or triangular pillow - a great asset when you’re learning to breastfeed, as it makes it easier to hold the baby at the right position to latch on well

Bottle feeding

• Six bottles
• Six teats
• Infant formula baby milk powder
• A sterilising system: either an electric steam steriliser, one that fits into a microwave oven or a cold water and chemicals system which uses tablets dissolved in water

You can buy many of these items in the babyworld shop. Click here to have a look around >>