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Everyone's list of must haves for your first baby is different. Often it is based on opinion. However, there are things you need and things that make life easier. Deciding between what looks like it is a must have and what actually is a must have can be hard to do.

Car Seat.

There is no way around this one. You must have a car seat. It should be rear facing or have the option of facing the rear (some are a two in one). It should be less then five years old and never have been in an accident. Because your baby's safety is important you should never buy a used car seat without knowing its history. Accidents can cause small cracks and soft spots (even if you can't see them) which can make them less safe in an accident.

Place to Sleep.

There are several sleeping options for you and your baby. You can choose to get a bassinet which will be a great place for your baby to sleep for the first three months or until it is 15 pounds. However, if you have a large baby then the period of time that a baby can use the bassinet can be significantly less. There are also cribs (some will convert to a toddler bed and then a full size headboard), portable cribs (smaller and easier to move around), and co-sleepers (a baby bed that hooks to the adult bed so that your baby is near). Whatever you choose it should be a safe place for the baby to be, shouldn't have excess of soft material (no crib bumpers because they present a suffocation risk), and should be separate of your bed (co-sleeping without a co-sleeper bed is dangerous).

Bedding.

Often times it is tempting to buy the wonderful matching sets with sheets, blankets or comforters, and a beautiful crib bumper. However, these items aren't safe. For bedding your should have a couple of fitted sheets. It is sometimes nice to have a waterproof pad in case of diaper leaks. You will also want something to keep your baby warm. When little receiving blankets can be used to swaddle the baby. Whenever using regular blankets swaddling is always best so that the blanket can't get up around the face. Other great options are wearable baby blankets, sleeping sacks, or swaddle blankets (designed specifically for swaddling complete with Velcro for easy use). Avoid covering the baby with regular blankets, pillows, stuffed animals, and crib bumpers which are all SIDS risks.

Feeding Supplies.

Depending on what type of feeding you are choosing to do will determine what you need. Bottle fed babies will need formula, several bottles, and a

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