What to buy before the birth

Equipment for beginners

• Changing mat (the changing surface should be level with your waist to prevent backache, but doesn't need to be specially designed for babies)
• Moses basket, brand new mattress, and stand (raises it above the draughts on the floor)
• Baby alarm (so you can hear the baby from downstairs - a plug-in model with a night light is a good idea)
• Car seat (the best you can afford, plus head support for the new baby. Use only in the car - they are not comfortable enough for use around the house)
• Dummies (helps to soothe your baby. Not fashionable but terrific for very sucky babies to save your nipples - they should be thrown away when the baby is around four months and finds its fingers or thumb)
• Baby sling (make sure you can carry the baby high enough to kiss his or her head - otherwise you get backache)
• Bouncy cradle (simple design of fabric stretched over a collapsible frame - gives the baby a view of the world right from the start. Use the car seat head support to begin with and never leave unattended on a table top or other raised surface)
• Baby bath, or baby support for the big bath, and baby wash solution (soap makes the baby slippery and early baths are nerve-racking enough)

Washable nappy essentials

• Two nappy buckets
• Napisan or Nappy Fresh sterilising powder
• 24 best quality terry squares
• Or first-size fitted nappies (much more expensive and difficult to dry)
• Nappy pins (stick them in a bar of soap to help penetrate the nappy)
• Dozen pairs first-size waterproof pants
• Disposable liners