So you're going to have a baby...Congratulations!! Once you get through the "Whoa, I'm going to be a mom / dad" to "Can I do this?" to "Okay! I'm ready!" your next thought should be "What do I need?" Some will give you horrifying lists that will cause your head to spin. As a mother of 2 young children I have figured out that you don't need as much as the lists say, and you certainly don't need it all at once. I have broken my list down into age categories: 0-3mos (thing you should have on hand when baby comes home), 3-6mos, and 6-12mos. Essential Baby List of advice: your baby doesn't care if the onsie she's wearing cost $5 or $50, so save yourself some money and put it towards the important stuff, like college tuition!0-3 MonthsMust haves:- Place for baby to sleep: crib, bassinette, cardboard box (kidding) etc- 10 Receiving blankets - for swaddling baby or cleaning off spit up- 5-10 onsies - good for under layer in winter, or only layer on hot days- 5-10 sleepers- Nail clippers & hairbrush- Baby soap/shampoo- Washcloths- Diapers & wipes- Car Seat- Bulb Syringe- Diaper rash cream- Thermometer- Bottles/Formula/Breast Pump (depending on your choice)- Bunting suit for cold days (if needed)Nice to haves:- Diaper Bag- Baby soap- Other clothes- Baby Monitor- Stroller- Baby Sling- Play Pen- Change Table / Dresser- Rocking Chair- Baby bathtub- Toys, etc- Swing- SoothersTIP - Put all this on your gift registry and you won't have to buy very much!3-6 mos- More clothes (assuming baby has grown)- High chair- Safety items (baby gate, outlet covers, etc)- Age appropriate toys and books- Bibs (a lot of bibs)- Baby spoons- Baby cereal (ie: Pablum)- Jolly jumper6-12 mos- Yes, more clothes!- Baby walker- New carseat (once baby reaches Federal recommended age/weight limit to move to forward-facing seat)- Even more books & toys!