It's been a few years but hers my list.
Pushchair - A travel system is a lifesaver for the first few months. We had the Quinny Buzz and it was fab, looks like it's been replaced by the Zapp now, it was sturdy and versatile and I loved that you could have the forward facing for when they're older and the rear facing so you can see them while you're out and about. One handed fold down and it was really easy to clean too!
Clothes - They do some cracking little outfits but most of them might get worn once and others not at all, invest in good quality vests and onesies/sleep suits then team up with a cute jumper or cardi easy to get on and off and comfy for baby. Bibs/dripple bibs are a necessity along with muslin cloths, you cant have too many of these things. Look out for age bundles on ebay/facebook, I've bought stuff second hand that been through my eldest, my niece, my youngest and then sent on for my other niece, it's the nice dresses that only get worn a handful of times that seem to last forever.
Changing - really you just need a blanket on the floor for most situations, we had a velvety waterproof dog blanket for when we were out and about to go on public changing tables, warm, hygienic, compact and easy to clean! A good big changing bag with lots of compartments makes life a lot easier.
Sleeping - Crib and cot-bed for child two and didn't miss the Moses basket we also had first time round, the baby swing was a good investment to steal a few minutes of peace. We tried the swaddling and tucking in, eventually we invested in baby sleeping bags and never looked back, fancy mobiles look great too but the batteries last about 10 seconds and they quickly drive you bonkers, my two loved a star projector for the ceiling and a bit of Classic FM
Bath time - we had the baby baths and baby bath seats and slip matts and bubble machine ect first time round, child two was washed in the sink and when she got too big she was plonked in a bumboo seat (£5 off eBay and definitely my best investment) in the bath, she loved it and it was loads easier.
Feeding - I switched to bottles after a month or so for both, if expressing it definitely worth investing in a motorised rather than manual pump - I learned this the hard way. We found the Tommee Tipee bottles worked best for combined feeding and just stuck with them afterwards, pay attention the the flow/age recommendation for the teats. The bottles lasted forever but the teats needed replacing every few months. We just had a plug in 6 bottle steriliser on the kitchen side.
Other stuff - Baby monitor, ear thermometer, nappy bags, wipes, nappy rash cream, dummies if you want them - they were a god send for the first few months then we gave up when they managed for find their own thumbs (at about 4 months) Stock up on nappies, you will use more than you think, get a few different brands and see what suits, same with formula if bottle feeding.
Most importantly
- Try to enjoy it, they change so quickly when they're tiny and every day is an adventure.
- Everyone will have an opinion about everything BUT only yours and your partners opinions matter.
- No baby comes with instructions, baby will tell you when he/she want's something, just try not to drop it and trust your instincts.
- The first 6 weeks are the hardest without a doubt, it does get easier as baby goes longer between feeds and you all settle into a routine.
- It will take you three days to leave the house - every time you leave the house, the answer is a well stocked change bag always ready to go and a basket in the the main family room with spare everything in it too.
- Always have at least 3 spare outfits in your change bag.
Last but not least - Baby vests pull down too!