Baby equipment
or essentials for your coming angel

What DO i need?
This is the cry of many a mother to be, and a confusing time with so many things on the market,
all aimed at being the best most important item your baby MUST have.
Im a three times mum, and fell into the trap with my first child of buying everything under the sun, that i thought i needed for my new baby.
What a fool i was, as half of it was never used.
The best advice i can give is think carefully what space you have, and your budget,
then shop wisely, taking into consideration that friends and family will all buy you 'useful' items too.

Here is a list of the very basic things you might need, working from my own experience.

For the nursery: A crib or cot (make certain it conforms with the latest kitemark for safety)
sheets, approx 6, 'babies tend to leak from one end or the other'.
Blankets cellular are best in my opinion.
No pillows or quilts, these are not safe for a baby, as he can wriggle underneath, but cant get out.
A baby monitor,a good mobile one is essential i think, as you can hear baby every second, yes, even on the loo.

Everyday use: A travel system is good value for money, as it can be used from birth up untill he is about 6 month old, then replace the travel seat for a car seat that can be used up to 11 years old.

A changing mat and unit, this unit can be used for many things, storing baby creams/nappies/bath stuff.
and the top for changing baby/bathing baby
Later on as baby grows you will need a highseat, or table seat suitable for a small child.
and of course some well thought out toys.. not only sweet soft teddies, but articles of different textures and fabrics,
you can touch with babies hands from birth, and help to stimulate them.

For Feeding: Depending on how you intend to feed baby
Bottles, bottle cleaner, spare teats, and a steriliser.
Breast wipes and pads, and a breast pump ( dad can take a turn feeding baby too if you express milk for him)

Now clothing: This is the main thing where advice from well meaning people mean you spend a fortune on things you may well never use.
Babygrows and vests, 10 of each is ample
Cardigans, hats etc.. everyone knows someone who can knit, and they will be so honoured to make these for baby.
3-4 boy or girl outfits when baby is born, unless you know beforehand which sex you are having.
socks, scratch mittens and bibs.
 and if its winter, a good quality snowsuit.
This all you need to start out with.. OH not forgetting a good washing machine, as you will need it!

So as you can see, there really isnt any need to buy everything you see in the shops, babies are very expensive in the first years, so cut costs where you can,
and buy ONLY what you need.