Motherhood is one of the most challenging, gratifying and fulfilling phases of any woman’s life. It's an entirely a new world which makes you the creator and guardian of a new life. No experience can compare to the experience of becoming a mother and having that small little baby to take care of. The advent of a new baby means buying a lot of new things, which are needed to make you and your baby comfortable. A good amount of planning is required and these things need to be bought before the arrival of the baby since you may not get time after your little bundle of joy arrives (or you may just not want to leave him!)

Since there are a lot of things needed to make you and your baby comfortable, the best way to simplify stuff is to prepare a checklist. Here are some of the essential items that are required:

1.Baby crib: The baby needs to have her own place to sleep away from mommy, no matter how much mommy may not want the separation.

2.Baby monitor: This will help you to keep an eye or ear or both on your child while they take their naps during the day so you can do other things.

3.Infant car seat: You will have plenty of trips to the doctor after the baby is born and other than it being the law that they are properly secured you will want to make sure your baby is safe.

4.Baby sling/baby stroller: There will be times you may get tired of carrying your baby around. In such times baby slings and strollers are an asset to have.

5.Diapers: You can either buy disposables or cloth diapers depending upon your preferences. Cloth diapers are as good as the disposable ones and cheaper too.

6.Baby wipes/washcloths: Baby washcloths and wipes are needed to clean your baby every time you change her. Fragrant wipes may look tempting but you don’t want to expose your baby to chemicals and preservatives, particularly in the first few days. You can also use baby washcloths and warm water.

7.Burp cloths: In the initial days most babies tend to spit up a lot of milk. Prevent your or baby’s clothes from getting soiled during spit ups.

8.Newborn sleeper pajamas: Single piece gowns with snaps are great for changing diapers as opposed to the traditional pajamas. Footed pajamas are a good choice as babies tend to kick off socks a lot.

9.Blankets: You will also need receiving and swaddling blankets to hold, swaddle, change and play with the baby. It’s a great idea to have spares since they tend to get dirty frequently. You will also need some light blankets or quilts for the baby's crib.

10.Booties, caps and t-shirts: These are essential to keep your baby warm especially at night since babies kick off their blankets.

11.Baby Bath: A baby bath is the best way to bathe your baby without getting wet.

12.Baby shampoo/baby wash: Though water is sufficient to clean your little angel, there may be times you may want to clean her thoroughly.

13.Diaper cream: Diaper rashes are a common occurrence in the first few months so keep a natural, chemical free diaper cream handy.

These are some of the essential things required to make life easier for you and the baby in the first few days.