What do you actually need to have in advance of the baby arriving?

[555ann555]

To get about
Travel system (at the very least a car seat to get home from the hospital, even if you are superstitious about buying the pram early)
Moby wrap (not a necessity, but I really want one!)

Personal Care
Bath support (or baby bath)
Towels (x4)
Baby cloth/sponges (x2)
Changing mat (might be an idea to have 2, one for upstairs for night time changes, one for downstairs for day time changes)
Nappies (estimating 200 for 1st month, that gives 6 per day & 20 extra)
Cotton wool pads for cleaning bottom in 1st month
Nappy bags
Big tube of Bepanthen or other nappy rash cream just in case!
Olive oil (for dry skin/baby massage)

Feeding
Burp cloths (x12)
Muslins (x12)
May consider getting in advance: electric breast pump, bottles & steriliser so it is ready for you to express (though you can hand express)

(If formula feeding you’ll need other stuff, but I haven’t researched that).

For Mum
Nipple Cream
Breast pads (for leaks) (x50)
Thick Kotex Towels without wings (far more comfortable than maternity pads I'm reliably informed! )

Clothes
New Baby Sleep suits (x12)
New Baby Vests (x12)
Scratch mittens (x12 if not built into the sleep suits you buy)
Bibs (x12)
Hats (x6)

Incase the baby is Smaller than expected:
Tiny Baby Sleep suits (x4)
Tiny Baby Vests (x4)

Incase the baby is Bigger than expected:
0-3mth Sleep suits (x4)
0-3mth Vests (x4)

Depending on the season your baby arrives:
Snowsuit (x1 with warm mittens built in)
Jacket (x2)
Warm hat (x2)

Sleeping
Cot/Cot bed/Moses Basket & mattress
(just for my own peace of mind) Angelcare monitor
Swaddle blanket (x2)
Sleeping bag (x2/3) or if preferred:
Fitted sheets (x4)
Top sheets (x4)
Cellular blanket (x4)