What to buy before the birth

Be absolutely certain that you can erect and collapse pushchairs correctly and safely before use. Older equipment, such as playpens and cots, must be tested for stability. It is better to strip off any paint. Lead was a component of paint until quite recently, and babies love to try everything with their emerging teeth.

Sweet little garments

Kind friends and family are bound to turn up with useful items. These can vary from dustbin bags of withered babygros and vests, to pristine Baby Gap outfits in perfect condition. Both are welcome. A new baby needs to be changed all the time, and you soon run out of lovely garments. Just wash everything first.

As a result of presents from adoring relations revelling in the smallest size, hand-me-downs, and the rate of your baby's growth, there should be almost no need to buy many new first-size garments yourself.

Essentials to obtain before the birth

Layette

• Cotton crib sheets, wool cellular blankets, cotton cellular blankets
• First-size disposable nappies (even if you intend to use washable nappies - see below)
• Cotton vests with poppers between the legs, all-in-ones and/or nighties, cardigans
• Small soft hat or bonnet (particularly for winter babies - for use outside only)
• At least two soft and stretchy shawls for swaddling and cuddling(the most desirable and impossible to wash are called 'cobwebs')
• Muslin squares (used to be known as Harringtons - brilliant for protecting shoulders from baby sick and general mopping up. Also can be used as a soft surface for the baby's head to sleep on in pram and crib)
• Barrier cream such as zinc and castor oil (essential for every change to begin with, as poos are frequent) and calendula or medicated cream for nappy rash (pretty rare at new-born stage)
• Wipes (choose perfume-free - terrific for late-night changes)
• Cotton wool (it is gentler to use with water to clean the tiny bottom)
• An all-in-one warm suit (to bring the baby home from hospital - the car-seat harness does up between the legs)
• Baby nail scissors (nails grow unbelievably fast, and your baby may begin to scratch him or herself)