Deciding what to buy, or borrow, for your baby can be quite overwhelming. The choice of baby equipment is enormous and safety should be an important consideration. The following information covers the types of equipment you may need when you arrive home with your baby for the first time. Of course you may decide you need much more than this, but most mums would probably tell you to wait and see before outlaying a lot of money.

Baby Car Seat

These will need to be fitted properly to your car before you are allowed to leave the hospital. Although there are many brands to choose from there are really only two styles. One is the reversible car seat that starts out as a rear facing car seat and converts to a forward facing car seat as your baby grows.

This type of car seat means you have to take your baby out of the seat and harness whenever you are moving from the car. The capsule, which is fitted within a protective outer layer, allows you to remove baby from the car while still strapped into the harness. This means you do not have to disturb your baby if they are sleeping.

If you are buying a second hand car seat or capsule, it is essential to find out the safety history of the equipment. Never use a restraint that has been involved in an accident. Ensure the straps show no signs of wear, and the protective outer layer of a capsule is not cracked or damaged.
You may wish to purchase a head support for use in your car restraint. This simply helps to stop your baby's head from moving around too much from the movement of the car.
Hiring your baby's car restraint is an option this service usually includes fitment of the restraint. When you attend your antenatal classes or clinic visits ask for some information on local companies that offer this service.

Stroller

Before purchasing a Stroller you need to identify the features you need.

Ask yourself a few questions -

What sort of walking will I be doing? For example, will you be using your Stroller to walk around the streets for exercise? If so you may need one with good suspension.
Do I want this Stroller to be suitable for my newborn and as he grows into a toddler? If the answer is yes you will need to ensure that the seat retracts to laying flat for your newborn. You may also consider having a reversible handle that allows you to look at your newborn and then as he grows older and wants to look around more, he can face away from you.
How large is the boot of your car? Take some measurements of your boot or better yet, ask to try putting a number of Strollers from your local baby shop in and out of your car.
Will I need to carry it on public transport? You will need to make sure that it is not too heavy and can be folded quite compactly.
How easy will it be to fold and store? Trial all of the Strollers you are considering in the store. Try to do it one handed as well. It is likely that you will end up having to do this at some time.
How tall are you and your partner? Stooping to push a Stroller over a long period of time can cause you to have back pain.
How large is the basket under the Stroller? What sort of shopping will I be doing with this Stroller or what will I want to store under the Stroller?
Will this Stroller be used for two children? Can it accommodate a toddler seat or a 'skateboard' attachment for your toddler?

Safety Issues -

What sort of harness does the Stroller have? Ideally it will have a "five point harness". This means a strap that comes between the legs, two lap straps and two shoulder straps. This type of harness ensures that a child cannot slide out from the bottom of the Stroller, nor can he climb out of his lap strap, similar to a restraint in a car. Make it a habit to put the harness on to your baby even when they are little. It will prevent them from falling out if the Stroller is tipped over and it will form a habit for them and they will hopefully be less resistant to wearing it when they are older.
Does the Stroller have a safety mechanism to prevent the Stroller from collapsing while your baby is in it?
Are the wheel locks easy to put on, and do they remain secure if the Stroller is moved while the Stroller is locked?
Is the Stroller well balanced? Is it likely to tip over?

Change Table or Mat

A change table is not essential as long as you have somewhere that is safe and comfortable for your baby. Ideally it will not be in a drafty location and you will be able to have all of your baby's toiletries at your fingertips for when you are Changing Your Baby. Many mothers choose to use a plastic covered and cushioned change mat for changing their baby. This can then be moved around the home, as you need to. Where ever you choose to change your baby make sure you have checked the area for potential safety hazards.

Ensure the surface you are changing your baby on is stable and secure.
The mat should have raised sides of at least 10cm to prevent your baby from rolling.
Make sure sharp objects are not within easy reach of your baby.
Ensure the mat is not near any power outlets, and that your baby cannot easily reach any electrical equipment.
Ensure your baby cannot become entangled in any curtain or blind cords.
Never leave your baby alone on a change table or raised surface for any length of time. Serious injury could result from a fall. Also do not leave your toddler alone with your baby while they are on a high surface as they may accidentally pull or push them off.

Baby's Bath

Your baby can be washed anywhere, baby bath, normal bath, laundry sink, and even the shower. Baby baths are great but are quite large items to store after they have grown out of them, around 12 weeks. If you do purchase a baby bath ensure that it is easy to drain, is a reasonable length and if possible can fit an anti slip seat. The anti slip seat can then be used in the large bath as they grow. Never leave your baby alone near water.

Baby's Cot

There should be no more than the equivalent of a woman's two fingers between the mattress and the side and end of the cot. If you are borrowing or purchasing a second hand cot here is a list of some safety aspects that you should be aware of. The following information is provided as a guide when purchasing:

There should be a minimum of 600mm from the base of the mattress to the top of the cot.
The space between the bars should be 50mm-85mm.
The space between the cot sides and the mattress should not be more than 25mm.
Be aware of holes/spaces where your baby's arms, legs, head and fingers could become trapped.
Try to choose a cot that has no more than two legs with castors.
Look for fixed-base cots with the lowest possible base. If it has an adjustable base, change it to the lowest base setting as soon as your baby can sit up.

Portable Rocker or Bouncer

These can be very useful when your baby is young and they can grow with them. Some rockers have adjustable heights to the backrest and if it has this feature can be used as their first chair for feeding. Check for these safety features:

Ensure the base is wide and sturdy to prevent it from tipping over.
Ensure the rocker/bouncer has a "five point" safety harness.
The rocker is designed to be used only at floor level.
Always check the area for potential hazards.

Feeding Equipment

If you are breastfeeding your baby you will need very little in the way of feeding equipment.

A comfortable chair that supports your back.
Breast pads and at least 3 well fitted feeding bras.
A cushion that provides support for your arms and baby. A "V" shaped cushion is ideal.

If you have chosen to use a milk substitute or formula to feed your baby you will need to have some provisions in place for when you return home.

Sterilising equipment. This could be an electric or microwave steriliser, or simply boiling your bottles etc with a sterilising solution.
Approximately 6 bottles with teats appropriate for a newborn.
Formula that is appropriate for a newborn and also the measuring scoop to make the formula up.
Ensure you have a bottle and teat cleaner to thoroughly clean your baby's bottles.

Baby Monitor

Here are some worthwhile features to look for when you are selecting a monitor. Remember that these are for listening to your baby while they are in another room to you and should not be used for you to leave your baby and travel any great distance from them.