Coming to the end of your pregnancy is an exciting, frightening, life-changing time. You're about to bring a new life into the world, a new life that you're responsible for for the foreseeable future. 

The last thing you want during the hustle and bustle of bringing this new human into your home is realise you forgot to get a crib.

To avoid that little mishap, follow this checklist - designed by mums, for mums on Mumsnet.com

Nappies

While this may seem like an obvious one, it can be so much so that it is overlooked. It's also crucial to get nappies suitable for newborns - especially ones that don't cover the umbilical chord stump.

Remember: There is no such thing as having too many nappies.

Baby wipes and cream

No one likes nappy rash - least of all your new bundle of joy. Invest in a good cream or ointment to prevent it.

It's best to go for perfume and scent free wipes, but you can always opt for reusable cloths.

Vests, newborn baby grows, sleepsuits and bodysuits

Mumsnet say it's best to stick to eight of each at the start, and get more as you need them. Cotton should always be a go to for baby clothes.

Coat and cardigans

No need to go overboard with these, two cardigans and a decent coat or warm jacket should suffice.

Socks and booties

Five to ten pairs of socks or booties will do, depending on how often you do the washing.

Mittens and hats

Scratch mittens are essential to stop your little one from hurting their face when they sleep.

Snowsuit

This one might seem a bit over the top, but if you give birth in autumn/winter a snowsuit will be your best friend.

Car seat

Mumsnet recommend you purchase a seat (must be rear-facing) from the group 0 or group 0+ nevause3 they designed for babies between 0-12 and 0-15 months.

Hospitals won't let you leave with a baby in a car without a car seat.

Nursing bras and breast pads

Oh the glamour of life with a newborn . If you choose to breastfeed, these are a godsend. Maternity bras will support and give you comfort while breastfeeding.

Breast pads are there to absorb and leaks. Cream will relieve sore or cracked nipples.

Bottles and formula

Five to ten feeding bottles, starting at four ounces with teats of different flows will start you off. Bottles need to be sterilised so invest in a steam steriliser or a cold water steriliser and a bottle brush.

Blankets and muslin squares

Bibs won't really be useful for you until your baby is that little bit older, absorbent muslins, flannels and receiving blankets will make feeding times that bit easier.

Buy about twelve cloths to start off with.

Buggy or sling

Most buggies are made so that they adapt to your child as they grow. Others come will detachable seats/baskets so that you can have a buggy and car seat all in one.

Baby carriers are handy if you want to get bits done around the house.

Moses basket or crib

Experts recommend that your baby sleeps in the same room as you until they're six months old. A Moses basket is handier for portability.

Buy a mattress, sheets and blankets separately.

Changing mat

This is an absolute must have, especially one with a wipe-clean fabric.