Babies are tiny little things, but they come with a whole lot of needs for which you’ll need a mountain of supplies. If you’re a first-time parent, you’ll find this all very overwhelming. But never fear, we’re here to decode some of these mysteries for you. What should you look for in a stroller or a car seat? When should you start shopping? What should you splurge on, and what should you save on? Follow this easy baby shopping checklist and you will be fully equipped (but not broke and drowning in baby gear) for the first six weeks and beyond.

1. Get your shopping done in advance

The last thing you’ll feel like doing once your baby arrives is making a trolley dash to get all those essentials. So, just in case of an early delivery, head to the shops before you hit the 38-week mark and tick these off your list:

-    Onesies and rompers – have a few sets ready.

-    Hooded bath towel – this will get them drier and warmer faster than a regular towel.

-    Bibs and burp cloths – we think these are really cute

-    Nursing pillow – this will be a godsend for your back

-    Nipple cream and breast pump - if you’re breastfeeding

-    Bottles and sterilizer – if you’re not

 -    Car seat

-    Moses basket

2. Prepare for going out with your baby

It’s one of the biggest baby buys – the stroller or buggy. But it’s also the one that leaves parents-to-be the most baffled. Check for the following before you wheel your purchase away:

-    Does it have a lie flat option or carrycot, which is essential for all newborns?

-    Can you attach a car seat?

-    Can you easily fold it and fit it in your car boot?

-    Is it easy to collapse?

-    Does it have a forward-facing option?

3. Nappy changing? Get everything you need

There’s no getting away from the mountain of dirty nappies – as many as ten per day in the first few weeks. So, start buying early for nappies, baby wipes and nappy cream from the second or third trimester, to help spread the cost. Also, a practical changing mat with a wipeable vinyl surface is much easier to keep clean. And don’t forget to invest in a changing table – a proper one will help you stay organised better than a makeshift surface, as they come with storage space, and are built to accommodate your baby with high sides to prevent them from rolling off easily.

4. Get smart with your baby shopping budget

We won’t lie, having a baby will add a significant cost to your regular budget. Save your money for big-ticket items like the stroller and cot and look for ways to save money on clothes and toys. Keep your eyes peeled for seasonal sales, Buy 1, get 1 offers or bundles. Don’t go overboard buying multiple clothes in the same size, but stock up on clothes in varying age ranges as your little one will grow faster than you think.

5. Don’t scrimp on the car seat

Safety is a huge consideration, so you need to pay attention while picking a car seat. Check that the seat meets international safety standards, and make sure that you have the correct seat for your child’s age and weight; a baby from newborn up to 13 kg will need a rear-facing car seat. It’s worth paying extra for a seat with an ISOFIX fitting system – it’ll save you fiddling with seatbelts while trying to calm a screaming baby – and one that can be easily fitted to your pushchair.