Essential Products for your Newborn Baby

. Fitted sheets (at least 3)

. A good quality mattress

. Fleece or cotton blankets (at least 3)

. Swaddling blankets (at least 3)

You'll also want to invest in a changing table. It helps to have a special area for changing your baby due to the number of accessories that you'll need on hand. If you can't afford one straight away then don't worry, a towel or changing mat will do just fine to begin with. At your changing area you'll need the following:

.Diapers

. Baby Wipes

. Baby Powder

. Waste bags

Babies can be quite messy so it's important that you have quite a few outfits ready to go from the outset. It's also important that you anticipate that your baby may not necessarily fit into newborn size clothing, with many infants going straight to 3 month so make sure you have something larger on hand just in case. Even if you don't end up needing it straight away your little one will eventually grow into it.

It is recommend that you have 5-10 of each of the following:

. One piece suits (Onesies)

. Shirts

. Pants

. Pyjamas

. Socks

And at least a few of the following:

. Socks/booties

. Hats

. Jackets

One of the most important items you'll need is a good car seat. If you plan to bring the baby home from the hospital in your own car then it's essential that you have a car seat, and that it's installed properly to ensure your baby's safety.

If you plan on leaving the house with your little one then you'll also want to invest in a stroller. There are many different varieties from lightweight umbrella strollers, to the heavier, bulkier joggers. It really depends on how often you'll use the stroller and where you'll use it as to which will suit you better. Just make sure that you spend some time testing it out in the store before you buy. This means not only pushing it around but also folding and lifting it.

Many parents also like to use a baby carrier or sling as it can not only be used as an easy and convenient way to carry your baby around while you're out and about, but also because it's a great way to get things done around the home without having to put baby down.

Feeding

If you plan to formula feed, express milk or a combination then you'll also need some additional items including:

. Bottles (at least 6)

. Bottle brushes

. Steriliser (optional)

. Breast Pump (optional)

. Formula (optional)

. Brest Milk bags

. Baby Bibs

. Towels for cleaning up

Bath time is also very important for infants and is yet another activity that requires a few accessories. These include:

. Baby bath tub

. Towels (at least 2)

. Washers (At least 5)

. Baby shampoo

. Baby soap (natural soaps like goats milk are often great for babies sensitive skin)

. Moisturiser

A great way to keep baby entertained is with a bouncer or swing. Especially ones with toys attached that baby can play with and swipe at as they get older. Just watching the colours will be enough stimulation for them at the start.

A few toys with bright colours and interesting textures will be more than enough to keep a young baby entertained for the first months. You'll find that as they grow they'll find new and inventive ways to interact with the same toy.

Books are also a great way to keep your little one entertained. Even if they don't seem too responsive at first, it's extremely important to read to your baby as it helps them learn and understand language and communication patterns.

A play mat that baby can lie on and play with the toys that hang overhead is also a great accessory to have as it gives them some valuable play time to learn how to move about.

Additional items

In addition to the above you'll also want to make sure you have the following items ready to go.

. First aid kit

. Pacifiers

. Teething toys

. Thermometer

. Baby nail clippers

Don't worry if you don't have absolutely everything or if you forget a few things. As long as your baby is clothed, fed and warm then you can always get the rest of what you need later. Hopefully the above list gives you a good guide to go by when preparing for that very special moment when you first bring baby home from the hospital.

Source: http://www.parenting.co.uk/help/Newborn-Baby.cfm