I'm often asked by new parents what to buy before the baby arrives. I truly believe that 99% of what your baby needs is YOU. Your arms, your breasts, your warmth, your voice, your presence. Sure, a few blankets depending on the weather, and diapers but really, much of what is promoted to parents before they have a baby is completely unnecessary.

However, there are some items now available to parents that make life happier all around. Baby carriers like wraps and slings promote bonding and allow you to use your hands while still holding your baby securely. Nursing pillows make it easier to begin the breastfeeding relationship without hunching over and giving yourself a neck ache.  Some strollers and car seats are better than others, if you need a stroller or car seat. And probiotics may even help with colic!

So I'm a huge fan of anything that makes it easier to meet your baby’s needs, and your own. Since you won't be shopping with a newborn, you do want the necessities in advance. Here's my short list:

ESSENTIAL:

• Diapers -  The rule of thumb is ten diapers/day. Wondering about cloth vs disposable? Disposables are more expensive over time and experts agree that they're worse for the environment. Cloth can be used for more than one child, and are much easier to use than they used to be. However, many parents say they just aren't absorbent enough to keep their baby comfortable all night, so some parents still use disposables at night.  Here's a link to a forum at Mothering.com that has many links within it to start you on your decision-making journey:  http://www.mothering.com/community/t/244102/making-a-diaper-choice-cloth-vs-disposable.
• Infant car seat if you will be taking baby home in a car. You might consider one that converts to a stroller so you don't wake your sleeping baby
• Sling, Wrap or other baby carrier - Essential. I recommend the Moby wrap, below, but here's a great forum at Mothering as you start thinking about which is best for you: http://www.mothering.com/community/t/1297854/baby-carriers-wraps-slings.  You can even make your own!
• Changing pad - You don't need anything fancy. You can fold up washable baby blankets and toss them in the wash every day.
• Either washcloths or newborn wipes.
• Undershirts or onesies, socks, hats.
• Baby gowns with the opening at the feet are so easy for dressing newborns.
  
• Blankets- Several receiving blankets & a warmer one.
• Diaper bag - You can use anything, including an old backpack, but internal pockets are really helpful to stay organized.
• Salve to prevent cracked nipples. Lansinoh is great, cheap & readily available (below), or go organic with Earth Mama Angel Baby. Many moms swear by Motherlove Nipple Cream, which is petroleum-free and can be used on baby's skin as well as yours.
• Nursing bras and nursing clothes/nightgown so that you can nurse easily. Other nursing apparel is great but you can buy it later. 
• Reuteri infant drops made by Biogaia (Probiotics to prevent colic)
• Swaddle blanket- Swaddling keeps the newborn feeling more like she felt in utero, meaning held and cushioned. Otherwise, babies often startle easily, wave their arms around, and wake themselves up. You can use a receiving blanket, but a swaddling blanket makes it easier.

NICE TO HAVE:

• Nursing pillow - Makes getting started with breastfeeding much easier.
• Glider (or other comfortable rocker)-- not a necessity but oh so comfortable and smooth for nursing baby. BUT if you have an older child, I strongly advise that while that child is awake you nurse on the couch or in a big chair where all three of you can fit. Less sibling rivalry!
• Baby bag (instead of snowsuit/coat)
• Breast pump and bottles to express milk if you'll be giving bottles.
• Baby monitor
• Stroller
• Infant "bouncy" seat (a place to put the baby down so she can watch safely while you cook or whatever.)
• Baby bath tub- Bathing with baby is great.  Especially good to nurse in tub. Nylon/mesh sling is good if you won’t be bathing with baby.
• Fan for the baby's room. New research shows that circulating air can reduce the incidence of SIDS.
• Humidifier to keep the air moist in the winter.