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Gearing up for baby can be an overwhelming -- and bank-breaking -- undertaking. But experienced parents know that not every item pitched as a "must-have" necessarily deserves that label. Whether you're working with a budget or ready for a buying spree, this guide will help you figure out what to put on your list.

At Home
• Necessity: a crib. This is a big-ticket item with a big price tag. If you're tempted to get a used model or a hand-me-down, make sure the crib adheres to current safety standards.

Niceties: cradle or bassinet (compact and portable, but babies outgrow them very quickly, and can sleep in a crib from day one), Co-sleeper (an infant bed that fits securely against your bed; the safest choice if you're planning on a family bed).

• Necessity: well-fitting crib sheets. It's important to use sheets specifically made for cribs, and that fit tightly and securely around the mattress. Invest in top-of-the-line sheets designed to stay tucked.
Niceties: matching bedding sets (bumper pads are cute but not needed for baby's comfort, plus quilts and pillows can't be used in the crib for safety reasons), mobile (a wind-up version that plays music can be a great soothe-to-sleep tool, but make sure it conforms to safety standards).

• Necessity: changing pad with a safety strap. Why invest in a piece of furniture just for diaper duty? Instead, consider a sturdy changing pad with sloped sides and a safety strap, set atop a regular, waist-high chest of drawers. The chest can be used until baby goes to college; a changing table will be taking up space in the attic in a few years.
Niceties: changing table (flip-side argument: it's designed for the task at hand, is often safer, and may be worth the investment if you're planning to have more than one child or if it converts to another use); extra covers for the changing pad.

 
• Necessity: diaper pail. We all want our darlings' dirty diapers to disappear quickly and completely, hence the popularity of those fancy diaper disposal pails that whisk the evidence into coils of tightly sealed, odor-preventing plastic sheeting. But the cost of such pails and their refills can add up. Plus, when have to open the contraption to empty it, the stench of the stored diapers can be enough to knock you off your feet. If you want a budget option, consider a simple diaper pail and a supply of plastic grocery bags. This can be emptied nightly into an outdoor trashcan.
Niceties: fancy diaper pail (many parents swear by their Diaper Genies), diaper stacker (cute, but who has time to constantly refill it?), baby-wipe warmer (a nice touch, though they sometimes cause the wipes to dry out, and some models have been recalled for safety reasons)

Necessity: a comfy chair for feeding times. You should have a special place where you can put up your feet and relax during those countless feedings. The traditional rocking chair is a classic, and can be used for years after the baby is grown, in any room of the house. A good recliner or armchair will also do.
Niceties: glider chair (expensive, and very nursery-specific, but some moms love them), special nursing pillow and footstool (both can help a breastfeeding mom get comfortable, but you can also improvise with regular pillows and footstools).

• Necessity: a nightlight or a lamp with a dimmer switch. When you stumble out of bed for night feedings or just want to check on your baby at night, the last thing you want to do is turn on a bright light. Having a dim light that can be safely left on or used as needed is a life-saver, easing the transition between waking and sleeping for both you and baby.
Niceties: a baby monitor (may be a necessity if you have a big house -- but in a more modest setting, this isn't always needed)

• Necessity: a baby tub or tub/sink liner. Baby bathtubs are not too expensive, and help keep a squirmy infant safe at bathtime. If you're looking to save space or money, consider a tub or sink liner, a thick sponge that cushions the baby in the sink or tub. A bath thermometer is another inexpensive purchase with a big safety pay-off.
Niceties: hooded towels (handy, cozy, cute, but not essential), baby washcloths (any soft cloth can be used).

• Necessity: a gadget for baby to sit in and play in. If you're really pinching pennies, you can use an infant car seat or carrier (see above), but most parents find that they need a more entertaining contraption as baby reaches the end of the first six weeks. Options range from simple bouncing seats to battery-operated swings to baby gyms and (for slightly older babies) activity centers. If you can, let your little one give the various options a test run when visiting friends with babies, then invest in the gadget he or she likes best. These items are also easy to pick up cheaply at garage sales, but make sure any model you buy has not been recalled, is in excellent repair, and meets all safety standards.
Niceties: musical swings (may drive parents insane), baby jumpers (fun, but must be installed correctly) On the Road
• Necessity: a car seat This is the single most important item you can purchase for your baby -- nothing will do more to protect your brand-new bundle of joy, and hospitals generally won't allow you to take the baby home without a car seat. It's best to get a new seat rather than a used one or a hand-me-down. See ourprint-out guide to using and choosing a car seat for tips.
Niceties:car-seat toys, sunshade (these often provide only a tiny patch of protection for baby, so look for a big one), extra mirrors for parents to look at baby (these can be dangerously distracting for drivers).

• Necessity: a stroller or travel system You might want to think about skipping the elaborate carriage-style stroller, which is only used for baby's first three or four months. Consider a combo car-seat-stroller travel system instead (especially good for suburban lifestyles with lots of driving), or save up for a well-made umbrella stroller, which can be used from when the baby is able to sit on her own until she's a three or four years old. In the meantime, try to borrow a fully reclinable baby carriage (check first to make sure it hasn't been recalled) or use a front carrier or a sling to tote your newborn.
Niceties: Fully reclinable carriage stroller, all-terrain stroller, jogging stroller.

• Necessity: front carrier, sling, or infant carrier When a wheeled carrier isn't appropriate or needed, these other options come in very handy. Front carriers and slings free up your hands, are great for baby-parent bonding, and are very packable. Some models have been recalled, so check first if you are borrowing one. An infant carrier, usually a molded bucket seat lined with soft cushioning, often doubles as a car seat (see above) and/or part of a travel system. Some parents also find that babies love to sleep in their infant carriers, even at home.
Niceties: backpack-style carrier (some parents swear by them -- but you can't carry a newborn this way), special fleece cover for keeping infant warm in front carrier (nifty, but you could also wrap a blanket or your coat around baby).

Before you buy, always check to find out if a product has been recalled. Recall information is available from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, (800) 638-2772; www.cpsc.gov.