Setting up a nursery: Part 2 - Essential baby equipment

If you're expecting a new addition to the family, it's likely that you've got a lot of considerations on your mind. And while you can only prepare yourself to a certain point, there are many things you can do to make this life transition easier.

Ensuring that you've got all the essential baby equipment is important - the last thing you want or need is to be trawling the shops with your newborn.

Making sure your nursery is fully equipped for your new bundle of joy will make your life just that little bit easier at this often hectic time.

In our previous post we explained the basics for your nursery DIY painting job and once you have that sorted, it is a good idea to start a checklist for all your essential baby equipment.

A cot and mattress is crucial for your nursery - there are so many on the market so it pays to shop around, or alternatively you might want to restore one you already have. If you have enough time you might want to embark on a bit of a DIY challenge - sanding and stripping it down completely.

Purchasing, or building your own if you're super keen, a change table can be useful for changing your new baby. While you can use the floor or bed or a bench with a towel on it, if you're a new parent you may find a specialised table easier.

Some other essential equipment includes -

Nappies - and lots of them!

Blankets - it's important that your new baby is warm, they feel the cold too!

Basic toiletries including, nappy wipes, cotton buds, cotton wool balls and a nappy rash cream.

Pram, stroller or car seat - depending on how you plan to get about with your newborn, at least one of these will be needed.

Bottles and breast pump - depending on whether your baby will be breastfed, a pump may be useful.

Baby clothes - While babies grow at a rapid rate, you will still need a good selection of clothes for your newborn - just remember they will grow quickly, so don't overdo it!