First and foremost, do not buy everything in sight! What is advertised as absolutely essential may collect dust on your cupboard shelf for years!

Here is a list of some of the items you must buy:

Toileting

Nappies, obviously. If you are using the cloth variety, then pick at least 36 pieces! Disposable diapers are to be purchased by the truck load. Cotton for cleaning the baby and a nappy pail for soiled nappies is a must.

Clothing

Whether shirts or T-shirts - do not buy too many as babies grow at a phenomenal pace. Twelve pieces of the front-open variety should suffice.

Stretch suits with feet are a blessing for night time as they keep your baby warm and comfortable. Throw in a few bibs, booties, caps and about half a dozen swaddling cloths.

Bathing

The variety of bath tubs available in the baby market is amazing, but most of them will be used only till about six months of age. Three large, thin, soft towels, baby soap and shampoo is about all you need to make bath time fun for you and baby.

Sleep

A separate bed with a firm mattress for your baby is best so that she sleeps safely and you sleep comfortably. Do not clutter the bed with extra pillows and accessories. They can be unsafe for the baby.

Bed sheets, covering sheets and water proofing are required in abundance in the early months.