Once the baby is born you can get carried away buying things for the new born. There is no doubt that you will enjoy buying things for your baby, but you will have to be careful not to buy things you do not need. It is important to remember that babies grow quickly and buying a lot of things that they use only in the first few months will be a waste of money. It would be best if you could borrow some of things from family or friends. Costly items like prams; rockers, high seats etc. can be bought second hand as they are used only in the first few months. You will find clothes, in a second hand shop in good condition, as they are used only for a few months. Your family and friends will gift a lot of the things that are required by the baby for the first few months. It is a good ideas to talk to friends who have had babies before you and find out what they thought was necessary for the baby during the first few months. Here are a few suggestions on what you will need in the first few months:

Nappies: If you are using reusable cloth nappies, then you will need a large supply of cloth nappies so that you do no run out of them in between washes. Two or three Changing Mats to place the baby on, while changing nappies so that your sheets do not get stained, if you are not using a changing table. Soft wash cloth or cotton wool to clean the baby. The washcloth will have to cut into medium sized squares; you will need a few of these.

Separate bucket to collect, soak and wash the soiled nappies.

Bath time: Small babies do not get dirty, so they do not need a bath everyday. Many babies do not like having a bath. You can just sponge your baby using a damp soft towel and then pat him dry and change him into fresh clothes. Some parents let the baby have a bath along with them. If you do this you will have to ensure that the temperature of the water is right for your baby. Some parents use a baby bath or their sink to bath their baby. Again you should ensure water is just warm enough for the baby. Other things that you might need are:

* Cotton wool to clean the baby's face.
* Sponge to bath the baby.
* Baby soap and shampoo.
* A baby bath rest would be useful as it will make your baby feel more secure and you will feel that he is better supported as well.

Bedtime: Things that you need for bedtime for your baby will depend on where you baby is going to sleep. Some parents prefer to let their baby sleep independently. Some babies do not like to sleep alone as they fee insecure and lonely. If the baby sleeps with you, it would help to have:

* A small mattress that you can place over your mattress.
* Cotton sheets to cover the mattress and the baby. It would be better to have a few spares as well.
* Cotton blankets for the baby, the number you use will depend on the time of the year.
* Pillows placed on the side of the baby to ensure that he doesn't roll off the bed at night.

If your baby sleeps in a cot, you will need:

* A mattress that is firm and fits the cot well.
* Cotton sheets to cover the mattress and the baby with. Keep a few spares to use when those being used are washed.
* Cotton blankets, the number you need depends on the time of year it is.
* Baby monitor
* Room thermometer to monitor the temperature of the room the baby sleeps in.
* Night-light will make the baby feel more secure.

No matter where the baby sleeps make that his bed clothing is separate from yours.