A first pregnancy is so overwhelming that we are vulnerable to suggestion from all angles. We seek information on every aspect of our condition from family, friends, the medical profession and the media.

How much is enough?

Marketing people would like you to believe that you need to spend thousands of pounds on completely new 'essential' equipment to go with your completely new human being. There is the subtle yet common suggestion that you prove your love through conspicuous consumption.

Nothing could be further from the truth. Even if you have the money to spend - and so many of us take a dive in income at this time - caution is still a good policy. Before the birth, it is difficult to imagine what your baby will require. There is nothing to stop you filling in the gaps after your baby arrives.

Remember that your baby will grow rapidly in the first weeks. Nothing will fit for long.

Baby equipment has no long-term use in the average family. (Except baby baths which made terrific party wine chillers.) Friends and family who have finished reproducing are only too happy to pass it on, otherwise it just gathers dust in the attic.

It's worth looking out for second-hand prams and pushchairs in good, clean condition, unwobbly and made by reputable manufacturers.

Safety first

Do check all items for safety. It is better to know where, and from whom, your equipment comes, rather than buying it second-hand from strangers. Good second-hand shops and NCT sales are also worth exploring.

You must find out if a car seat has ever been in an accident. Buy the best you can afford new, unless you know the seat's full history, and have checked it is a recent design. Use it for every journey, without exception. Don't use it in the front seat if your car is fitted with a passenger air bag.

Before the birth, make sure you know how to fix the seat into your car and baby into seat.

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)
• 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

Useful Links

Kirklees Libraries Huddersfield Town The Statistics Office Ten Downing Street European Commission United Nations