Birth list: what do you need?

1. During pregnancy

   Ready for the first drive home and the first nights.

   
   • Pram With a carrycot your baby lies flat for the first months.
   • Infant car seat (40–87 cm) You need it for the first drive home.
   • Crib or bedside crib Close to your bed for the first months.
   • Changing unit Changing at a good working height saves your back.
   • Changing mat With raised edges and a wipe-clean cover.
   • Baby bath A small bath is easier than the big tub.

2. 0–3 months

   Feeding, caring and a little sleep.

   
   • Bottles and teats Handy even when you breastfeed.
   • Breast pump So someone else can do a feed too.
   • Bottle warmer Evenly warm, without hot spots.
   • Bouncer A safe spot beside you while you do something else.
   • Baby monitor Once your baby sleeps in their own room.

3. 3–12 months

   As your baby grows, sits up and wants to see more.

   
   • Cot When the crib gets too small, often at 4–6 months.
   • Playpen A safe place to play.
   • Highchair When your baby sits up unaided, usually around 6 months.
   • Pushchair Lighter and nimbler once your baby sits up.

4. Toddler (1–3 years)

   Bigger, faster and more often on the go.

   
   • Toddler car seat (76–105 cm) When your baby outgrows the infant seat.
   • Travel cot For sleepovers and holidays.
   • Travel pushchair Folds small, handy on the train or plane.

A list to start from, not a must. What you really need depends on your situation.