Now that you've got the baby's room decorated, you'll need to fill it with some major pieces of equipment. But with all of the equipment out there, it's hard to know what you absolutely need and what's optional. For instance, do you really need a room monitor, or is this something you can do without?

Bassinet/Cradle

Optional. Some parents feel better when the baby is sleeping closer to their bed; that's why bassinets or cradles work so well in the first few weeks after birth. On the downside, you may spend a lot of money for something the baby can stay in only a short period of time (only up until the third or fourth month). Also, the bassinet or cradle doesn't replace the crib by any means. A bassinet will also require a separate mattress, sheets, and bumper set that cannot be used in the crib.

Crib with Mattress

Required. Whatever your taste in crib furniture, try out the floor model to see how easily the side rail comes down. This is an important feature: Look for ease of use and safety for the baby. Most makes and models conform to U.S. standards and carry certification from the Juvenile Product Manufacturers Association (JPMA).

In the crib itself, look for the following features: adjustable mattress heights, wheels, and the ability to convert to a toddler bed if you are not planning on having other children.

Carriage Stroller

Required. Carriage strollers are beautiful but can be heavy. A carriage stroller is defined by the feature of allowing the baby to rest in a flat, horizontal position. Also, the seat is supported by a frame that moves on four wheels. Large, set wheels allow for a smoother ride, and are recommended for mothers planning on lots of walking activities. Carriages set on smaller, swiveling wheels are better suited for quick turns and shopping. Carriage or full-size strollers are recommended for at least the first six months, as the baby will need to fully recline.

Carriage strollers also usually come with some sort of basket — either mesh or a wire rack — that is handy when hauling lots of extra items, or for shopping excursions. These strollers can weigh as much as 25 pounds, so consider how much you can lift in and out of your trunk before purchasing. Also consider how easily the carriage folds, some models have a one-hand fold option.

Umbrella Strollers

Optional. Umbrella strollers are designed for portability. They are completely compact, and fold into themselves for easy storage. These strollers do not typically recline to a flat position. However, they can weigh as little as seven pounds, and are great for traveling.

Car Seat

Required by law. You have the option of buying a car seat that is strictly for infants (rear-facing only, and handles an infant up to twenty pounds) or one that is for both infants and toddlers (can convert to front-facing once your child is twelve months old and weighs at least twenty pounds; most car seats hold infants or toddlers to forty-five pounds). Also, for baby, you can opt for a rear-facing infant-only seat that doubles as an infant carrier. If it's sheer economy you're going for, however, a combination infant/toddler car seat will probably do the trick.

Changing Table or Changing Table/Dresser Combo

Optional — but extremely useful. Some new mothers prefer changing their babies on a table. You may, on the other hand, feel more comfortable changing baby on a floor mat. Either way, you're going to need a place to store baby's clothes and diaper paraphernalia; so decide which method will work best for you as soon as you can. In the worst-case scenario, if you choose later on not to use a changing table, you'll have a lovely piece of furniture that you can resell later.

Baby Carrier

Optional — but useful. These kangaroo-like carriers strap around your waist and shoulders and hold baby close to your chest. They are very useful when baby is still too small for a stroller, and they are amazingly easy to tote baby around in. And dads can get that “bonding” feeling from carrying baby around.

Playpen or Porta-crib

Optional — but useful. Baby needs a safe place to play during the daytime, especially when you're busy. You can choose from either a stationary fold-up playpen or a porta-crib. The obvious advantage with the porta-crib is its ability to be transported to Grandma's or to any other visiting spot on baby's busy schedule — and some even function as a bassinet. Whichever style you choose, stock the playpen with soft, safe toys.

Rocker

Optional — but oh so nice. There's nothing in the world like soothing a crying baby by rocking it back to sleep. You can choose either the old-fashioned wooden high-back rocker or the more modern (and some say more comfortable) glider with ottoman variety.

Baby Monitor

Essential. For years, mothers and fathers have been able to raise children without these types of products. And let's face it; you should always be close enough to monitor the baby yourself. However, since you can't be everywhere at once, they really do come in handy. And if you have portable phones already, make sure the monitor is compatible.

Sling Carrier

Optional. Sling carriers keep baby in a good position for breastfeeding and are useful for carrying baby around the house with you as you go about your household duties. You can buy one of these used (and in good condition) at a consignment store, or you can purchase one new and resell it later. If you have a history of back trouble, skip this item.

Backpack

Optional. Some parents are more outdoorsy than others; if you like hiking in the park with baby, this is a terrific product for you. If, on the other hand, your major explorations take place in the mall, it's better to have a carrier that keeps baby in front of you. Backpacks are convenient; yet they can be a little dangerous since baby can't tell you if a branch is about to hit her face. Backpacks cannot be used with newborns.

High Chair

Required. Although you won't need it at first, since baby can't even hold his head up until about three months, you will eventually get lots of use out of your high chair. Baby does need to be confined during feeding time, and high chairs accomplish this most safely. Plus, there's a tray to protect you from wearing all of the food baby doesn't take a liking to. The tray will also serve as a “finger food” testing ground for baby.

Swing

Optional. This is a battery- or crank-powered ride that keeps baby in continuous motion. Some babies like them and some don't. You can't really know until you try; so it might be wise to take baby for a test drive. This is a great piece of equipment to borrow.

Baby Bouncer

Optional. Here, stick with the bouncer/ saucer variety, which offers baby a view and mobility in all directions, yet spins and tilts in one place.

Jumper

Optional. A jumper hangs from a doorway and allows baby to swing, or push off the floor. Some children like them; others aren't the least bit interested. The safest ones are those with “bumper guards” that keep baby's body from making contact with the wall. This is another good item to borrow.

Booster Seat

Optional — but nice to have. After about six months, baby will be able to sit up. And a booster seat (with a safety belt, of course) would be especially nice for travel. They're perfect for restaurants — or when visiting relatives — that don't have their own high chairs.

Safety Gates

Required. Gates need to go at both ends of any staircase, as well as in rooms you don't want baby to have easy access to. You should equip your nest with gates, electric-socket covers, and other precautions to keep baby from doing himself harm. Safety precautions need to be taken care of as soon as baby is in any way mobile.

Diaper Pail

Required. No matter whether you use cloth or disposable diapers, you'll need something to put the dirty ones in. Deciding which to choose will depend on your choice of cloth or disposable.