Ah nesting — that overwhelming urge to turn everything in your house upside down and rearrange it just so. Your mad dash to finish the nursery and squirrel away a year's supply of diaper wipes is an instinctive reaction to baby's upcoming arrival. You're preparing a safe haven for your little one and assuring yourself that all his needs and wants will be adequately met.

A Space for Baby the First Few Weeks

Keeping baby within arm's length during her first few weeks home will improve your rest and peace of mind. A bassinet, which is about the size and depth of a baby carriage or pram, can make her feel safer and more secure than in the open space of a crib, after spending nine months in close quarters. And you can roll a bassinet right next to your bed to give those 4 A.M. feedings with ease. It's also an inexpensive way to bunk her down if you're still saving your pennies for the perfect crib.

Stocking Up on Essentials

Don't go crazy buying supersized cases of baby supplies. You may not like the brand or configuration you purchase, which leaves you with a lot of unwanted merchandise on your hands. Instead, buy small so you can sample. Once you've decided what works best for you and baby, you can stock up at the warehouse store.

And now is the time to start thinking about whether you want to go cloth or disposable with diapers. If you're thinking green, cloth diapers have the advantage of not ending up in a landfill, although they do require additional fossil fuels and water resources to wash and transport (if you use a service). Cost can be an advantage, but it's probably a slight one if you use a service. Call local diaper services to get estimates and a rundown of what's included. You can wash them at home, of course, but be sure you have the time and the strength to be doing laundry daily. If your baby has sensitive skin, you might find cloth less irritating. Like most things in parenting, it's trial and error — have a supply of both and see how each works for you.

Some baby essentials you should have on hand prior to her arrival: diapers (of course), wipes, alcohol swabs (for her umbilical cord), baby shampoo and soap, diaper-rash ointment, waterproof pads (a huge plus for cutting down on laundry), bottles (even if you're breastfeeding you might pump milk), a thermometer, and a fever-reducing product (for example, Tylenol) recommended by your pediatrician.