Naturally you’re excited about starting a family, and want to give your new arrival the best of everything.

But when a first baby comes along, it’s easy to let a mixture of excitement and hormones send you into overspend. Then you’re saddled with a whole bunch of stuff you don’t need or use.

As a mum-of-two I’ve learned the hard way what to buy – and what to avoid because you’ll never use it!

Of course, there may be many things you’d like and it’s your choice. But when it comes to what your baby really needs, follow this comprehensive list and you can’t go far wrong.

Get savvy with spending from the beginning (and don’t forget to ask for hand-me-downs) and you’ll have the extra cash when it really matters.

The links below will guide you to good value options for these essential baby buys so you don’t need to spend the time searching!

Clothing

Infants live in babygros or all-in-one sleepsuits during the first few months. Buy at least 10, to allow for washing and a few changes per day. Vests or body suits to go underneath, and a cardigan or jacket over the top, will cover the basics.

Well-wishers are likely to stock your baby’s wardrobe with gifts of outfits. Wait until baby has arrived before purchasing more – if only to discover what size you’ll need.

Don’t believe the hype: Baby shoes are unnecessary until your little one is walking – usually at around 12-18 months – and may even impede foot development. Socks or bare feet are fine, depending on the weather.

Nappies and changing

Newborns need changing 10-12 times a day, so get nappies to keep you going for the first few days.

Reusable cloth nappies will save you a lot of cash – an estimated £600 a year. Babykind offers two great trial options. Either hire cloth nappies for two weeks, or buy them and claim back 70% if you change your mind.

For disposable nappies, look for starter packs and free trials for new mums. Joining store Parenting Clubs will mean you get the best deals. Check store’s own brands, which can be almost half the price of the well-known varieties. Packs vary in size, so always see how much you are paying per nappy. For example, these Huggies and Pampers newborn packs are 14p per nappy, whereas the Boots own range are 10p each and the Asda Little Angels pack offer great savings at 8.1p per nappy.

You’ll need a foam change mat, and cotton wool or baby wipes too – supermarkets’ own brands cost as little as 17p a packet.

Don’t believe the hype: A changing table looks pretty, but you really don’t need it, and some claim they’re unsafe once baby starts to roll. Stick with the simple foam type, which can be used all over the house.

Sleeping

A cot bed is a great investment which will see your baby through their first four to five years, until they need a full-size bed. But expensive designer brands can still spiral beyond £500. Be sensible. You can purchase a sturdy cot bed for less than £100. Most won’t include the mattress, which can be another £50.

A cot divider like the Safababy Sleeper will make it cosy enough when your baby is very small, and promote the feet to foot position which reduces the risk of cot death.

Base sheets and a couple of grobags or baby sleeping bags will ensure your infant doesn’t get cold by kicking off the covers.

Don’t believe the hype: Moses baskets, rocking cribs and bassinets can cost as much as a cot and only last between three and six months, depending on how fast your child grows. If baby feels too exposed in a large cot, swaddling with a blanket should help.

Bathing

Believe it or not, you don’t need a baby bath. Many parents use the kitchen sink or a washing up bowl instead in the early months, but it’s your choice.

Don’t believe the hype: Baby bath products are big business, but in most cases baby’s naturally soft skin only needs a bit of warm water – and some gentle soap.

Feeding

If your intention is to breastfeed, a couple of nursing bras and some washable breastpads will help you get started.

For bottle feeding, buy six bottles, teats and a steriliser. Sterilising tablets in cold water will do the trick, if you need time to research the best steriliser for you.

Don’t believe the hype: You shouldn’t express milk until your baby is six weeks old, so don’t buy an expensive breastpump until you’re sure how well feeding is going.

When it comes to high chairs, why bother spending more than £100 on a freestanding one which takes up so much space? Get a booster seat which attaches to a dining chair, so baby can join the family for meals.

Travelling

A rear-facing car seat, if you’re a motoring family, is a must.

A baby sling is perfect for keeping your infant close and your hands free while shopping.

One or two blankets to wrap up the little one are also useful.

Might be nice: A pushchair can be left for a few months in favour of the baby sling. While most slings will still take a child up to 35lbs in weight (about three years old) you’d probably want a break from carrying them around all the time.

Which? recently pronounced the Baby Jogger City Mini a best buy. Compatible as a travel system with up to 14 different types of car seat, it lasts until your child is four and can be bought online for as little as £175.

But no frills strollers can do the same job, in the £30-£40 price range.

Don’t believe the hype: A pram looks cute but is bulky for getting in the car boot or on the bus, and baby will grow out of it and need a pushchair. Why bother?

Playing

A baby bouncer, in which to play, sleep or watch the world go by, is useful and costs as little as £15.

A couple of rattles, brightly coloured teethers and fabric books will keep them entertained.

Don’t believe the hype: Electronic toys are largely a waste of money. Your baby needs to explore and self-stimulate with bright colours, sounds and textures.