Bounty

To look round some of the shops, you’d think that babies couldn’t manage without endless frilly accessories.

But all babies need are their basic needs met – to eat, be kept clean and warm, and to be loved. Here's what you really need:

Clothes

Newborn-size clothes are worn for such a short time, that whatever you can borrow, borrow! But most new mums want some new clothes as well – this is a pretty good checklist to get you started:

• Nappies
• 2 cotton nightgowns
• 6 vests
• 6 stretchsuits
• 2 hats
• 2 cardigans
• 2 pairs of mittens
• 1 shawl or blanket for tucking around baby when travelling
• 1 all-in-one coat for going out in cold weather

Car seat

If you’ve got a car, you’ll need a car seat, as it is against the law for a child under 12 years old or less than 135cm (about 4’5”) tall to travel in a vehicle without a suitable child restraint.   Find out more by reading 'car seats - you and the law.'

Sleep time

Cribs and Moses baskets are used for such a few short weeks after a baby is born, so borrow them from someone if you can. You may want to wait to buy a cot until after your baby is born.

You’ll also need bedclothes. Go for sheets and blankets which can easily be added to or taken away according to temperature changes. Also, pillows, duvets, quilts or fleeces are not recommended for babies under one year old.
Bath time

You won’t need a baby bath for long. You can get away with a clean washing-up bowl for the first few weeks, and then take your baby into the main bath with you. You can put the bowl or bath on a table so you don’t have to bend. And you can use it in the living room if the bathroom is very cold. See our step-by-step guide for more on how to bath a baby.