One of the most exciting things for expectant parents is getting ready the stuff – either second-hand or new – for your baby when he arrives. 

You do not need to prepare a lot of things. It is most important to provide a safe place with a firm mattress that is not too far away from you for your baby to sleep. 

Items You May Wish To Prepare

Below is a list to check off some of the other items you may wish to prepare before the baby's arrival:​ 

• ​Towels. Handkerchiefs, bath and face towels for the baby. 
• Wash basin. For bathing the baby. 
• Toiletries. Baby wash, nappy wipes, nappy rash cream. 
• Nappies. Cloth diapers are washable and cheaper over the long term. Some come with Velcro fasteners or you can use nappy pins. If you are using disposable diapers, buy just a few packs in “newborn” size; your baby may outgrow this size quickly. 
• A changing pad. More practical than buying a changing table as a pad is light and portable and allows you to change your baby's diapers anywhere you want. 
• Baby clothes. Buy just enough to last him through each growth spurt. You may consider choosing one-piece body suits (or onesies) with an opening so that you can change diapers easily without having to undress your baby. Also prepare enough socks, booties and mittens.​ 
• Small table lamp or night light. Very useful during night feeds. 
• Baby cot. The cot should be sturdy with smooth moving parts so that fingers or clothing would not get trapped. If you are recycling a borrowed or old cot, make sure you get a new firm mattress. 
  
  

Tips on selecting a baby cot:

• ​​​The mattress and bedding should fit snugly in the cot to prevent the baby from getting tangled in the excess material. 
• The base should be adjustable so that you do not have to bend too far down to carry your baby during the early months. 
• As your baby grows, you should be able to lower the base so he cannot climb out of bed. One or both of the side rails should also be adjustable. 
• Side rails should be protected with​ a plastic covering. When the baby starts teething, he may chew on the side rails. 
• The distance between the slats should not be more than the width of a soda can so as to prevent the baby’s head from getting stuck in between. 
• There should be lockable castor rollers so that you can move the cot around. 
  
  

• ​Cupboard and/or chest of drawers. Storage space for his clothes and toys. 
• Baby carrier. Baby carrier, also known as a sling, lets you carry your baby in front to keep him warm and close to you. This will allow you to manage your baby hands-free if you are out and about without a pram. Get one that has good support for his head and his back. 
• ​Stroller. Young babies need fully reclining seats. Check the adjustable sleeping positions that allow this. ​

Tips on selecting a stroller:

• Look out for strollers with multiple functions. Some can convert from a pram (with the baby facing the mummy) to strollers. Others can transform from a pram to a bassinet and to a stroller. Some also come with a carry-cot fixed onto the pram, which can later be removed and converted into a stroller when the baby outgrows it. Always ensure that the parts are well anchored and not loose. 
• Make sure the brakes are working well. 
• If you take public transport, consider the weight and ease of opening/closing. Mothers who usually travel alone with their baby may prefer a stroller with one-hand easy-fold mechanism. If you drive, make sure that the stroller can fit into your boot when it is folded up.
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• ​Car seat. It is regulated by law to use a car seat when travelling. Prepare a car seat for your newborn as he will need to travel in one, right from the first ride home from the hospital. Newborn babies should use a rear-facing infant car seat (baby faces the back of the vehicle) which is well-padded. Make sure the car seat is properly installed. If your front passenger seat is fixed with an air bag, do not use a rear-facing baby seat there. Put it in the back seat instead. 

Reference: HealthHub