You've got the nursery decorated and the furniture and equipment all set up. Now, you're ready to start stocking baby's layette. Here, it's very helpful to think in terms of categories.

For Playtime

You'll need five or six undershirts (both full-snap and half-shirt varieties), nightgowns with pull strings at the bottom, and nonflammable sleepers/rompers with covered feet. You will also need at least four pair of socks or booties (depending on the climate), one sweater or light jacket, two to four waterproof diaper covers, and possibly one snowsuit (again, depending on the climate or the time of year).

For Bath Time

You'll need a plastic bathtub or tub liner, baby soap, baby shampoo, baby lotion, two to four bath towels (preferably with a hood) or receiving blankets, three to four washcloths, sterile cotton balls, and alcohol (to keep the umbilical cord area clean until it heals).

For Nap or Bedtime

You'll need a crib set (including a bumper pad, three to four fitted sheets, and two comforters), a bassinet sheet (if you're using a bassinet), waterproof crib liners, a light blanket or sheet for cover, a baby roll for propping baby to sleep on a particular side, and a music box or mobile.

For Meal Time

You'll need four to six bottles (in both four- and eight-ounce sizes for water, breast milk, formula, or juice), a bottle brush, a bottle rack (for easy — and sterile — dishwasher cleaning), six to eight bibs and burping cloths, and, if nursing, at least two nursing bras, breast pads, and a breast pump (either manual or electric).

For Changing Time

You'll need to stock your changing table with four or five undershirts or stretchies, petroleum jelly, baby wipes (alcohol free and hypoallergenic), a thermometer, a nasal aspirator, a pair of baby nail scissors, cotton balls and swabs, washcloths, diaper rash ointment, and, of course, hundreds of diapers!