Bassinets or cradles may be useful if you are not ready to put the young one into a crib. Without taking up a lot of space, they are perfect for babies like Amanda-May Gordon. - File

Becoming a mother is a big deal to first-time moms. To ensure the comfort, well-being and of course, safety of your newborn, there are some essential items that have to be readily available at all times.

Going into the final stages of pregnancy, parents should prepare a comprehensive list of all the items they think they will need for their newborn. This list should include only the things that are necessary before the baby is born since there are some items that can be bought after.

Below is a checklist of things mothers will need before the precious one arrives.

List

Car seat

Stroller

Crib and mattress

Bassinet/cradle, ideal for the first few months

Baby blankets

Diapers, both disposable and cloth

Diaper pail

Diaper bag

Clothes: Sleeping outfits or one-piece sleepers with attached feet, Side-snap T-shirts, baby cap, etc.

Socks/booties

Baby washcloths

Baby body wash that doubles as shampoo

Baby-sized nail clippers

Zinc-oxide-based diaper rash ointment

Soft brush and comb

Mild laundry detergent

A pain-and-fever reducer

Cotton pads/swabs

Nasal aspirator

Digital rectal thermometer

Rubbing alcohol

Petroleum jelly

Pacifier

Nursing bras

A box of washable or disposable breast pads

Breast pump if you expect to use one (manual or electric)

Baby bottles with newborn nipples. These can be used for storing expressed breast milk

Bottle-drying tree

Bottle brush

Insulated bottle holder.

Diaper bag for diapers or burping cloths.

Nursing cover-ups which attach at your neck and allow for privacy if you have to breastfeed in public.

- Source: http://www.consumerreports.org

These one-piece suits are ideal to give newborns the comfort they need. - Peta-Gaye Clachar/Staff Photographer