The problem is that everyone else is not you, so you're probably going to want different things for your baby. Therefore, here is a handy list of questions to ask yourself as a process of figuring out what you'll need. In no particular order. I would recommend figuring out your car seat/pushchair first if you want one of these because this seems to be the most complicated and expensive item combination, and it makes sense to work out what you want/need first and then you can keep an eye out for good deals. The other things you can work out early or leave until later.
This is just for baby care, nothing relating to birth, and only items which will be immediately needed, nothing which starts later.
Sleeping:
1. Where is your baby going to sleep? At night? During the day?2. For how long? Does your chosen item cover this, or will you need another one later?
3. Are you likely to have another baby waiting to move into the item before your first one has finished using it?
4. Does your item have any parts which can be changed if puked on? Spares are useful.
5. What's the temperature likely to be at night? How are you going to keep your baby comfortable?
6. Do you want any kind of soothing lights or sounds?
7. Will you need to monitor your baby while they're sleeping?
8. If there's a special sleeping room/area, does it need decoration?
Feeding:
1. Babies need milk. You'll need to pick a milk and a method of delivery. Bottle, breast, pump, etc.2. Consider how this milk is produced and whether any equipment would help.
3. If you're planning to store milk, do you need the bottles to be sterile?
4. It would be useful to have some way of catching spit up.
5. What would help you to feel comfortable while feeding - at home? Out and about?
6. How/where are you planning to transport and store feeding supplies?
Nappies:
1. How are you going to deal with pee and poo?2. What are you going to use to clean your baby?
3. What will you do with used nappies? Do you need anything to facilitate this?
4. Where are you going to deal with changing/toileting at home?
5. Where will you store nappies, wipes etc ready to use?
6. What will you do differently when out, and how will you transport anything you need?
Transport/parking:
1. If you need to put the baby down when you're at home, where will you put him/her?2. When you go out, will you use a car? (If yes, you need a car seat.)
3. How will you transport the baby when not in the car? BTW, carrying the car seat is awkward except over short distances.
4. Are there special situations which may require different options?
5. Will cold, heat, sun or bugs be likely to be a problem? How will you protect your baby?
6. What if you need to put the baby down when you're out?
Clothing:
1. What do "baby clothes" mean to you - little sleepers or mini real person clothes?2. Is your baby likely to be small (buy mostly newborn), large (buy 0-3 months) or average (a couple of newborn things, mainly 0-3 months)?
3. How many will you need of different items assuming the baby might dirty their clothing a couple of times a day, and remembering you will be tired and disorganised?
4. Where are you going to dress your baby?
5. Where will you store their clothes?
6. Are there seasonal clothes needed, e.g. sun protection, warm clothing?
7. Do you want different clothes for them to sleep in?
Washing:
1. Where will you wash your baby?2. What will you need to wash them with?
3. How will you safely dry them?
Health:
1. How will you cut their nails?2. Will you start to acclimatise them to the idea of a toothbrush?
3. Do you prefer to have medication available for e.g. nappy rash, pain/fever, allergies, or buy when needed?
4. How will you determine if they have a fever?
5. Do you know how and when to contact a doctor?
6. Is sun protection or bug repellent required and recommended for their age?
Entertainment:
1. Are there any specific situations around the house you would like to entertain your baby, e.g. when having their nappy/clothes changed, or when waking up alone?2. Is there anything you've seen and thought "That looks cute, I really want to have that?"
