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When your baby is born what you really dont need is to be rushing off to the shops for muslins and another nursing bra. So weve put together a shopping checklist which includes everything youll need to see you through those first six weeks.

Do remember that the only two things you need to buy new are the carseat and your babys mattress. Everything else clothes, travel system, baby bath etc can all be borrowed or snapped up at a local NCT sale. And dont forget to write a wishlist. Friends and family are going to shower you with gifts galore so steer them gently (but firmly!) towards what you actually need.

Sites like Raising Kids, Think Baby and Babyworld have heaps of advice and product reviews so before you splash out do your research!

And when youre ready to hit the shops make life easier by doing it online. Our favourite stores like John Lewis, Mamas and Papas and Daisy and Tom all have excellent websites with good customer service and returns policies.

Carseat, check. Change bag, check. Baby, check!

Equipment
New car seat
Cot (including sheets, blankets and a new mattress)
Travel system, pram or buggy
Sling or baby carrier
Baby monitor

Clothes
Six sleepsuits/long sleeved suits
Six vests/ short sleeved suits
Two cardigans/ jackets
Shawl or snow suit
Hat, mittens and bootees

Feeding
Breast pads

If bottle feeding or mixing breast and bottle youll need:
Nursing bra and Bottles/teats/bottle brush
Breast pump
Steam steriliser
Bibs and muslins (galore!)

Changing and bathing
Changing mat
Nappies
Cotton wool pads
Baby lotion
Baby wipes
Bath thermometer
Baby bath
Nail scissors
Nappy sacks or nappy disposal system
Change bag

Danny Concannon writes for Baby Says Hello website. They pride themselves on helping you to create high quality beautiful birth announcement cards