Before baby arrives, there are some things that you simply must have for your baby's nursery:

1. Diapers of course. Disposable or cloth. If you get disposables, get the newborn ones with the umbilical cord notch, that way the diaper isn't rubbing against the baby's cord. If you don't have that kind, simply fold the diaper down so that it is below the baby's belly button.
2. Baby wipes- You can never have too many of these. If allergies or sensitive skin run in your family, you may want to get the hypoallergenic kind for sensitive skin. Pampers are really good. They don't have dyes, scents, or strong detergents.
3. Nasal aspirator- The hospital will give you one, and it is usually better than the ones you can buy at the store. The battery kind fron Bebe Sounds is pretty good, although the music it plays is kinda loud.My baby hated any kind of aspirator, so in the end, all I could do was try and suck out the mucus when she was asleep.Which usually woke her up.
4. Lots of socks and onesies- Baby's go through an impossible amount of clothes, especially when they are little. If it is winter time, be sure to get some gowns with the drawstring, so baby stays warm.
5. Warm blankets- Stock up on receiving blankets, as blankets get spit up on a lot.
6. Burp Cloths- This is something that is really important, as baby generally use up alot of these on a daily basis.To keep from having to wash everyday, buy plenty. My baby went through at least ten a day.

7. Baby nail clippers- Get the good kind with the guard, so that you won't have to worry about cutting the baby's nails too short.
8. Baby wipe warmer- This may seem like an extravagance, but if your baby is like mine, every touch with a wipe brought instant screams. Especially in the winter, when it is already cool.

9. Baby washcloths and towels- Although you probably won't wash baby a lot in the first few days, soon baby will need the hooded towels to avoid a chill. The soft baby cloths are great for baby's sensitive skin.
10. Baby wash and shampoo- For baby's first few baths especially, Phisoderm Baby is the best kind that I have used. It is kind of expensive, but it is terrific for sensitive newborn skin. Many baby washes can be used for hair also. Just read on the label. If you need baby shampoo, there are lots to choose from. If your family has a lot of allergies, make sure to get the kind with no harsh dyes or perfumes.
11. Bouncer- A baby bouncer is great when baby is little, as it frees up your hands, and gives baby something stimulating to do. Comes in handy when you need to wash the dishes or laundry.
12. Swing- A must have, as it usually calms a fussy baby.The battery powered ones are good because you don't have to constantly wind the swing up.

13. If you are nursing, be sure to get nursing pads, to avoid embarrassing leaks.

14. If you are bottle feeding, make sure to get plenty of bottles and formula. For a newborn, make sure you check the nipple size, since you want the slowest flow available for the first few months. If the hole is too big, baby can choke on the formula.

15. If you are going to bottle feed, even if not, get formula so that it is there for emergency purposes. I breastfed, but also had to bottle feed, since my baby seemed to always be hungry.
16. Sleep wedge or positioner- These are great to make sure that baby stays on her side, as it helps with digestion, and helps prevents SIDS. The back is fine for baby too, but I was always scared that she would spit up in the middle of the night.
17. Pacifiers- The tiny newborn kind. Baby might not be receptive to one at first, but they really come in handy, and also has been shown to prevent SIDS.

I am sure there are probably things that I may have missed, but this should give you a start. Good luck, and relax and enjoy your precious bundle of joy!