Newborn Essentials Checklist: What You Actually Need

If you are breastfeeding, you need far less than the shops suggest: a couple of muslin cloths, nursing pads and a comfortable feeding pillow. If you are bottle feeding, four to six bottles, a brush and a steriliser cover most days.

A changing mat you can wipe clean, one pack in newborn size, cotton wool or wipes, and a barrier cream. Set up one station properly rather than three half-stocked ones.

Six to eight bodysuits, six sleepsuits, two cardigans, socks and a hat. Newborns grow out of the smallest size fast — buy a little of it and more of the next size.

A firm flat sleep surface, fitted sheets you can change at 3 a.m. without thinking, and sleeping bags or swaddles suited to the season.

Shoes, cot bumpers, dedicated bottle warmers, elaborate toys and most of the gadget aisle. Wait until you know your baby's routine, then buy what you actually reach for.