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So you are expecting your first baby?. New parents can easily get carried away when purchasing items for a new baby, but for many families, it can be a hard time financially and even more so if one parent is going to stay at home after the baby comes.

I am the mother of 5 children and I have made some good and bad choices when it comes to purchasing items for my babies.

My advice to you, the new expectant parents, is to talk to other new parents. Ask them what products they use the most and what they don't like to use. You can then begin to compile a list of the items that you would like to purchase or have given to you as gifts.

Make sure that you tell your family and friends exactly what you need especially if you are having a baby shower. You could even ask a friend or family member to take control of your wish list for you.

Some items that I have found to be unnecessary are:

Change tables I have never used a change table. I have always just used a change mat, which can be bought for around $15 to $20. I use the mat either in the cot for when the babies are really little and as they get bigger I move the mat to a bed or on to the floor at change times. This is also a good idea if you are short of space.

Mobiles Mobiles are cute but are a really unnecessary item for a new baby.

Baby Bath This is another item that I have never used. I have used a baby support in the big bath with all of my children. These are much cheaper and take up a fraction of the space that a baby bath takes up.

Babies clothes rarely wear out before a baby grows out of them so it is very easy to find brand new looking baby garments at garage sales, markets, thrift stores and online auctions. Make sure you take your list with you and stick to it. Babies grow so quickly that you don't want to go overboard when buying clothing for your baby because chance are your little bundle will only wear garments a few times before they grow out of them.

Don't go crazy stocking up on disposable nappies either. An average sized baby really doesn't stay in the newborn sized nappies for all that long and you don't want to be stuck with a heap of nappies that are too small.

Now here is a list of things you will need for your new baby:

- A baby car restraint
- A cot It is not essential to have a bassinet or a cradle as the baby will only sleep in this for a couple of months at the most.
- A pram or stroller.
- Bedding - sheets, blankets, mattress protector.
- Soft bath towels (2) and face washers (6).
- Nappies - 2 dozen

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