Where do I start? Many of you will ask this question in preparation for a newborn as there are so many things out there that you can buy for baby so we have made this list of essentials items of what we found useful for when your baby arrives. We have added links to some items we recommend.   

Feeding

Breastfeeding

•   nursing bras - at least enough for a laundry cycle
•   nursing tops - normal loose tops or those with buttons/zips at the front are just as practical and perhaps more cost effective if you don't want to buy the specific nursing tops.
•   nursing nightwear - or pjs/nighties that you can unbutton at the front will do too.
•   nipple cream - especially for the initial period of breastfeeding. 
•   nursing pads - you'll need at least one pair a day depending on how much you leak. 

Bottles feeding

•   pick from a variety of bottles and teats to find the one baby likes best
•   steriliser to keep them squeaky clean too 
•   feeding pillow - added comfort and ease for you and baby whilst feeding. 
•   muslin cloths - at least one a day for leaks/spills/possets/vomits, varies from
• baby to baby
•   breastfeeding cover - we highly recommend a cover for mothers who prefer to be discreet when breastfeeding their child in public places.

Sleeping

It is recommended that your baby stays in the same room as you for the first six months of life.

•   crib/cot/cotbed - a crib usually lasts til the baby is around 6 months, a cot until they're around 2-3yo depending on the size of cot/child and a cotbed until around 4yo.
•   lightweight Moses basket - although not essential, these are useful for the initial newborn stage before transitioning to the static bed or for use when moving around the house. These basket have an age limit of around 6m, however we found they do quickly outgrow these.
•   waterproof mattress cover, fitted sheets and cellular blankets - two sets for laundry
•   baby sleeping bags for a winter baby x2
•   room thermometer
•   baby monitor - although not a very essential equipment - having one gives you peace of mind whilst you leave the baby in another room.

Clothing

•   vests - if you have a winter baby you only need plain ones as they will get covered up by baby gros and body suits. Usually only 1 a day is required but on days where you may have a few more leaks, then I would factor 2-3 a day to last your wash cycle.
•   body suits - usually only 1 a day but again factor potential leaks.
•   mittens - 2 pairs 
•   a hat whilst out and about - they do not need to wear it at home
•   a cellular blanket x 2
•   bibs - for dribbles - not necessary at newborn stage but when your baby starts to dribble a bit more then usually one a day unless teething when you can go through 5-6 a day
•   non-biological detergent - avoids allergic reactions in babies as they're free from enzymes

Nappy changing

•   nappies - initially around 10 a day if not more
•   cotton wool balls
•   baby wipes - for when you're out and about
•   nappy sacks - basic brand is good enough
•   changing mat
•   Travel changing mat - for when you're out and about
•   nappy cream - babies tend to get a little nappy rash particularly in the newborn stages so we recommend lots of nappy free time

Bathing

Newborns usually just need a quick top and tail at first, using cotton wool or a sponge but once you start giving them a bath you will find these useful.

•   baby bath
•   bath support - gives you confidence whilst bathing your baby. We recommend Angelcare.
•   soft hooded baby towels x 2
•   baby shampoo/wash - not required as plain water is perfect for a newborn baby but as they get a little bit older, you may want something to give them a wash. We recommend Weleda.
•   bath thermometer - see room thermometer

Health

•   medical thermometer
•   paracetamol liquid (over 2 months old) and ibuprofen liquid (over 3 months old)
•   baby nail scissors or clippers - perfectly sized for those tiny nails

Day to Day

•   baby carrier - a life saver, a must in our opinion
•   buggy organiser - for those who walk and use your travel system often, we found the buggy bags so useful to keep things at hands reach, such as water bottles, phone, wipes.
•   car seat - this is a legal requirement if you want to transport your newborn back home in a car. We also recommend you use a car seat protector to protect your car seat from indentations.
•   car seat mirror - perfect to check on your baby
•   travel system/pram/stroller - your baby needs to be lying flat for the first 6 months. We also recommend using a stroller bag to keep all your essentials within easy reach when out and about
•   stroller liner for all seasons