In the excitement of planning for a baby it's tempting to embark on a shopping frenzy and buy a whole load of things you don't really need. We've come up with our own list of what we think are the must haves:

(Of course, with a few exceptions, you don't have to buy everything new. We've borrowed plenty of things from friends or bought items second-hand)

Crib or moses basket
Okay so they won't be in them for long but they do cocoon your baby and a cot seems so large for a newborn. We've always borrowed a moses basket and usually you'll have no problem buying one second hand from the paper. The same goes for a crib. However, make sure you buy a new mattress for your crib and moses basket. You'll also need:

2 x moses or pram fitted sheets, 2 x flat sheets and 2 x cellular blankets
A small wool blanket is great for the winter
Cots and bedding
You can choose from a cot or a larger cot bed which converts to a small bed and will last your child for longer. Again, you'll need to buy a new mattress even if your cot is second-hand. Other items you'll need are:

Waterproof mattress protector
2 fitted sheets and 2 flat sheets
2 -3 cellular cotton cot blankets - babies should not sleep with a duvet or pillow before they are at least a year-old to avoid overheating (which can increase the risk of cot death).
Sleeping bags or grow-bags are brilliant for wriggly babies. The can be used when your baby weighs 10lbs or more. Make sure you use a low tog (cooler) growbag for summer or and a warmer one for winter to prevent the risk of overheating

Clothes for baby
Be careful about splashing out a fortune on clothes for your baby, especially if you don't know the sex. Often newborns can jump straight into 0-3 month clothes if they are big at birth.

6 - 8 sleepsuits/babygrows and vests
A cotton or woolly hat according to the season
A woolly cardigan
A coat or snowsuit depending on the time of year
Socks
Scratch mittens (If your baby has long nails and you're scared of clipping them, try filing them down instead using a fine nail file)
We also love the Tippitoes Star Wrap which makes swaddling easy. Ideal for keeping your baby snug in the day time, especially in prams. (However, don't use it for night time sleeping in case your baby overheats) www.tippitoes.com

Mumknowsbest.co.uk Tip:
The nightie-type sleepsuits which tie or fold over at the bottom are fantastic for newborns, especially at night as they save time fiddling about doing up lots of fasteners.

Muslins
So useful they are a category on their own! A pack of 12 should be more than enough. These multipurpose squares of cloth can be used to protect your shoulder from sick, putting under baby's chin whether bottle or breastfeeding, wiping away dribble, as a comforter and so on and so on...

Bathing & Changing Baby
Baby bath - not vital but makes life a lot easier
Soft baby sponge
Hooded towels - very useful!
Changing mat - put a muslin or towel over the top if it doesn't have a detachable cloth top as babies find the cold plastic uncomfortable
Cotton wool
nappy-rash/barrier cream

Please remember that because a newborn's skin is so delicate and permeable, you should avoid using any hair, skin or bathing products until your baby is at least one month old
Mumknowsbest.co.uk Tip:
Invest in a baby bath seat - great for taking the strain out of your back and leaving you with two hands to wash your little one

Baby monitor

Choose from the basic listening devices, to more sophisticated models that monitor breathing rates or use LED night vision to allow you to watch your child on screen.

Mumknowsbest.co.uk Tip:
We've found black out blinds and dimmer switches in our babies' bedrooms a huge help.

The following are not particularly for day one but certainly worth thinking about in the first few month:

Bouncy chair or reclining baby chair - so baby can watch you about the house! Also useful for the early stages of weaning. Never leave your baby in a chair on a high surface!

Playmat - as your baby grows, he will love the bright colours and soon start making a grab for the hanging toys.

Babysling - slings are often easier than a pram, especially if for a country walk. Many mothers also use them to keep their babies close and calm them when they are young.

High chair - absolutely essential for when your baby sits up and you start weaning. Or you can choose a portable feeding chair with a tray which will double up when you go away. Most attach to a kitchen chair or table.

For further feeding equipment, please go to the Feeding section of the site.

Travel Cot - a must have if you are staying away from home. If you buy a large one they will last until your child is about 3-years-old.

Mumknowsbest.co.uk Tip:
If you go on holiday take a tube of tin foil to black out the windows. Use a damp sponge to moisten the window and the foil literally sticks to it. It takes no time at all and can guarantee some not so early mornings. Worth it even if one of the rooms does look like a spaceship from the outside!