Make Way - Baby Approaching

You've got used to the idea of being pregnant, you've told everyone you want to know about it, but what now? When should you start shopping? What will you need for the first few weeks and months with your new arrival? Here are a few ideas to get you off the mark.

If your friends are in a similar position to you and have a child already, you will probably find yourself being handed bags of pre-worn baby clothes from an early stage in your pregnancy. These can be a godsend in the early days when you bring your baby home as babies wear newborn clothes for such a short time. They never have time to wear out and are usually in 'as new' condition.

A newborn sized sleepsuit may only last a week or two, so it makes sense to have a variety of sizes ready, washed and sorted out for your baby's arrival. During the first few weeks and months he or she will get through at least two to three changes of clothes per day, so be prepared for lots of washing.

There are a few 'big' purchases to be made if this is your first baby. An infant carseat is a must if you intend taking your baby anywhere by car - this includes home from the hospital by taxi or in friend's cars if you do not drive.

You will of course need somewhere for your baby to sleep and a moses basket is often used for the first few months, but be aware that it will soon be grown out of. After that your baby will need a cot or cotbed - of course there is no reason why he cannot go straight into one of these.

Wheels next. There are many types of baby transport on the market, from travel systems (complete with car seat), three-wheeler pushchairs, three-wheeler travel systems, umbrella folding buggies, traditional prams and so on. Decide what your priorities are: babies like to face you when they are tiny; a newborn baby must lie completely flat for the majority of the time; do you mainly travel by bus?

Do you live in the countryside and go for muddy walks, or in a town where an 'off-roader' is unnecessary? These are all considerations to be weighed up when choosing. Perhaps the best idea if you are bewildered by the amount of choice in the high street is to talk to friends and see what they think of their pushchairs.

It helps to be organized so write a list - many online sites will be able to help with this. Shopping for a new baby is a fun if bewildering task but enjoy it and start early enough so that you are not traipsing round Mothercare when you are overdue and can barely walk!