When I was pregnant, I did a lot of research and scoured through lots of lists. Now that my baby is born, I have a better idea of the items which are absolutely necessary, nice-to-have, and those which are more like a want than a need. 

Baby Checklist
*Nice to Have:

• CocoonaBaby
  I bought a pre-loved one and was skeptical about using it because guidelines recommend that babies sleep on a flat surface but Elise slept SO WELL in the CocoonaBaby. It can only be used for a few months though.

Preparing for Baby’s Room

• Baby co-sleeper
  For the first few months, it is more convenient to have a co-sleeper like the Arm's Reach for easy access to the baby. We use a Moses basket.
  Anything is fine as long as it is a flat enclosed cushioned space. Babies in Finland sleep in cardboard boxes.
• Playpen
  Not needed until baby is older. Haenim is a popular brand. 
• Play mat/Baby gym
• Wind-up mobiles/ Merry-go-round
  Not very necessary. Babies are easily soothed by cuddling if they aren't hungry or uncomfortable.
• Bumper
  I have a Breathable Baby mesh bumper for her cot.
• Cot sheets
• Mattress protector
• Changing table
  Not needed. We have an IKEA inflatable babycare mat which has been extremely useful. We have two, one near our bed for easy changing and another one near her cot.
• Chest of Drawers
  or storage chests from Muji or Toyogo, whichever works. Mine's a chest of 4 drawers from IKEA
• Swaddles
  We have a few muslin cloths, but the SwaddleMe is a godsend. Not even the best escape artist can escape a SwaddleMe. Swaddling helps curb the startle reflex in newborns and lets them sleep more soundly.
• PacifiersThere are positive and negative effects of pacifiers, but I prefer not to introduce pacifiers to her. 
• Mittens
  Necessary until baby is 6 weeks old
• Bootees
  Necessary until baby is 6 weeks old
• Diapers
  Disposable diapers or cloth diapers, if you don't mind the extra laundry.
  For disposables, Merries and Huggies are more absorbent compared to the rest. 
• Nasal cleaner
  I use the bulb type from Pigeon. Some mothers prefer the tube cleaner.
• Clothes
  If you're on a budget, pre-loved is the way to go. 90% of Elise's clothes are pre-loved.
• Long and short sleeves
• Rompers
  Bodysuits are pretty but a huge pain to put on and take off. I recommend the front button baby bodysuits from Uniqlo or zippered types. 
• Handkerchief
• Safety pins
• Face towels
• Cotton balls etc.
• Nail clippers
  Babies come with sharp nails but it's recommended to cut them only after 1 month. I have the Pigeon baby nail scissors and little 
• Cream to prevent nappy rash
  I use Bepanthen, but Desitin Blue is highly raved among mummies.
• Ruyi oil/Minyak Telon
  For relieving wind in the tummy which causes discomfort.
• Thermometer
  
  Easy to put on and take off. I have no idea why she hates changing clothes.

  Trapped

  
  
  SwaddleMe helps to stop her from attacking my boob. 

Preparing for Baby Bathing

• Wipes
  Jeju wet wipes for the budget conscious, or Pigeon. 
• Baby bath tub
  Use one with a bath sling such as the Fisher Price Sling 'n' Seat or Summer Infant Baby Bather so you don't have to handle a wriggly baby with one arm.
• Bath towel
  Mothercare hooded bath towels have been very useful in drying her up after her bath. 
• Baby soap/shampoo/lotion
  Mustela, Baby Gaia, California baby and Cetaphil Baby are widely used brands that are gentle on baby's skin. 
• Cotton buds
• Baby oil