Shopping for a baby? Confused? You are not alone.

There is so much stuff out there for babies and there are plenty of people who will give you a long list of apparently essential baby items. It can be really hard to sift through it all and work out what you do and don’t need.

At a bare minimum, you need a way to get baby home, somewhere for baby to sleep, and somewhere to put baby down so you can get on with things. Beyond that, you’ll need some clothes, wraps and maybe a dummy or two if you’re keen.

Here’s a list of a few things I found helpful for my babies..

1. Maxi-Cosi Euro NXT Convertible Car Seat.

It is more than just a convertible car seat, it is an ISOFIX compatible seat that keeps your child safer in the rearward-facing position up to 30 months, and up to four years in the forward-facing position. Baby is safe, and with a life span of four years, that makes it a very cost-effective option.

2. Stokke Sleepi Bed.

It starts as a mini-crib and slowly grows with your baby up to a toddler bed. You can keep your child sleeping in that thing until they’re five or six. It also looks beautiful.

3. Playgro Ball Playnest Activity Gym.

I put my babies in an activity gym from a very young age. You might like to remove the toys when baby is very little, just to reduce the stimulation.

As baby grows you can add more in. I love the Playgro Ball Playnest Activity Gym. It converts to a ball pit for an older baby and it keeps my 10 month old quite occupied.

4. Aden and Anais muslin wraps.

These stretchy and breathable wraps are perfect for swaddling baby.

5. Ergococoon summer swaddle and sleep bag.

My son spent pretty well every night of his first year in one of these sleep bags. He was a little Houdini and there was no swaddle that could contain him.

Yes, they look a little like strait jackets. No, I don't care.

I particularly like that there are armholes that you can undo when baby is ready to get their arms out.

6. Happy Baby Cherry Soother.

These dummies are cheap as chips and came to me recommended by a midwife. Sure, they’re less than orthodontic, but for the first few months it’s not a big deal. Both my babies found them more soothing than other dummies.

7. Qubies.

These freezer trays literally have turned an ice cube tray upside down. It makes storing and retrieving baby food much easier.

8. Gaia bath and body wash and Gaia baby moisturiser.

If your baby has dry or sensitive skin, this is a lovely bath and body wash and baby moisturiser. It smells great and helps keep baby’s skin soft and supple.

9. Bonds Zippy Wondersuits.

Cute prints, super handy double ended zips and built-in mittens and socks. What more could you ask for?

What's on your 'New Baby' shopping list?

While we've got babies on the brain, here are some of our fav parenting eCards: