Baby on the way - need to prepare - where to start?

you could check out babycenter.com its free to register. there are al kinds of magazines (american baby and baby talk are two that are good). there are question forums on baby center that might help you get some answers. good luck and congrats !!

Here's the basics of what you'll need....

Clothing and Layette

* 5-10 onesies or rompers, depending on how often you want to do laundry

* 5-7 baby sleepers or nightgowns

* 1 cold weather sleeper if necessary

* 5-7 pairs of baby socks

* 1-2 newborn hats, depending on climate

Diapers and Bath Items

* 2 packs of disposable diapers or enough cloth diapers for at least two days. Newborns can soil up to 10 diapers per day.

* 1 pack of disposable wipes or 10 cloth wipes

* Waterproof pad for diaper changes

* 3-5 baby washcloths

* 1-2 hooded towels, if desired. Adult towels will work, too.

* 1 bottle of gentle baby wash

* Baby nail clippers

* Digital thermometer

Bedding and Feeding

* 3-4 fitted sheets for crib, cradle, co-sleeper or bassinet

* 5-7 lightweight blankets

* 1-2 heavier blankets, depending on climate

* 10 burp cloths

* 5-8 bottles, if you're bottle feeding

* Breastfeeding pillow, if desired

Target and Babies R' Us are common places to register. Both sites are also great at helping your get ready for your baby. See if the future grandparents or godparents would be willing to throw a baby shower. A baby shower will help pay for the necessities that your baby will need. If you're on a budget try getting your furniture at Once Upon a Child, they sell gently used baby/child clothing and furniture. That or check out some garage sales.

Congrats!

The other folks have great ideas...

I would add Wal-Mart, most places where you do a registry will send you coupons, register with the formula company (if formula feeding), and any brand that you can think of that makes baby things register with them.

Also, we are currently awaiting the arrival of our first boy after having 3 girls so we needed new clothing... I happened to stop in my local thrift shop and Goodwill, I was able to get some great deals on clothes. Majority of what I found was brand name with price tags still attached and most of it was under a dollar.

And my final piece of advise would be: with our last child we purchased a pack of diapers and wipes or baby wash every week. This helped us adjust our household budget gradually rather than being shocked and helped us to have a good amount of needed baby things on hand.

Hope this helps!

Good Luck & Congrats!

got to BABYCENTER online track your babies progress month by month. All you need is due date to get started also has lists of things you will need. Also go to hastings and get the book "WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN YOUR EXPECTING" I would have never made it through my 1st pregnancy without this book. I read it everynight. It goes week by week with you. Yall have already missed the 1st 15 weeks. HURRY GO GET IT

Pampers.com