Getting the home ready

You need far less than the shops suggest, and most of what you do need can be second-hand. The exceptions are a car seat, which should be new or of known history, and a mattress. A safe place for the baby to sleep matters more than a beautiful nursery, and in the early months that place is usually in your room. Beyond that: somewhere to change a nappy that does not wreck your back, more muslins than seems reasonable, and clear floor space. Everything else can be bought later, quickly, once you know what you actually use.