10 essentials to have before a baby’s birth

Advice for expecting moms on the must-haves to stack up on before the newborn arrives

You've read books on what to expect when you're pregnant from cover to cover, and have decorated the baby room with flourish. But have you made a list of the most essential items you'll need when the baby comes home? Read through this list of the absolute must-haves.

1. Crib
Find a crib with a mattress and crib sheets that are fitted. Look for one that is comfortable and secure enough to hold a bonny baby.

2. Bouncy seat
A bouncy seat is required since you won't be able to put your baby in her crib every time you go over to the kitchen to cook, or the bathroom to the do laundry. Find a simple and regular sized model for the newborn. Bouncy seats are mobile so you can even bring one into the bathroom while taking a shower.

3. Formula
Irrespective of whether you are breastfeeding or bottle-feeding your baby, keep a few cans of milk-based formula handy in the kitchen cabinet for emergencies - like delays getting home from an errand. Before you stock up, though, make sure the brand suits your newborn.

4. Feeding bottles
You don't need many if you are nursing the infant yourself. Otherwise, you will need about 10 bottles a day. This number sounds bloated since you could consider washing and reusing the bottles. However, having a few extras will save you the time taken to wash them frequently. Pick full-size bottles since the baby will grow out of tiny ones pretty soon.

5. Diapers
Decide whether you want to use disposable diapers or cloth. With cloth, have a set of 24 in the beginning. As for disposable diapers, get a pack of newborn size and two packs of size one.

6. New car seat
This one's for car owners, of course. Put the baby car seat at the top of your priority list since hospital staff is usually not allowed to let you drive out without one.

7. Digital thermometer
Since babies can't mouth their unease, it is important to be able to take your newborn's temperature. If you infant's fever gets serious, it could spell trouble. Get a basic digital thermometer that you can use rectally.

8. Breast pump
Using a breast pump to fill bottles takes the pressure off you so your husband - or parents - can feed the child when you are busy. If you are nursing the child, have one ready when you get home from the hospital.

9. Diaper rash cream
Diaper rash is a common problem with most newborns. If you don't have enough time to go to the supermarket, use petroleum jelly.

10. Maxi-pads
This one's for new mothers. Pick up two packages of ultra-absorbent maxi-pads for the post-delivery period. The locia discharge slows down in two or three weeks, so get a box of panty liners too.

7 tips for men to understand women better

A new survey has helped compile seven tips on how men can rise above others in their dealings with women.

Firstly, communication should not be a problem, as for the women there is nothing as appealing as a man, who listens to them. If a man wants to tell them something they wouldn't mind knowing it but face-to-face is always preferable and if that is not possible men can contact them via texts, the Sydney Morning Herald reported.

Secondly, complimenting women is nice, as sometimes they do need a bit of verbal assurance.

Phrases that might help men in a crisis: "Your hair looks awesome tonight!" "Is that a new dress?" "You blitzed it in that tennis match/speech/insert other awesomeness here!"

Thirdly, a man should not be a penny pincher instead he should pay on his first date if they want to see the lady again.

Fourthly, they should organise their social life and there are two obvious problem areas there:

First, the man who never does anything off his own bat, women may find it nice if they went and did something interesting occasionally.

Second, a male who simply does too much, women would like that person to take out some time for them.

Fifthly, some thought should be put by men in the presents that they give to women.

Sixthly, men should try to get a bit stylish and should invest in a fool-proof man outfit: nice jeans, a T-shirt and unscuffed trainers and for more smart-casual occasions, substitute in a good quality shirt and some leather shoes.

Lastly, when men don't know the direction of a place they should admit it and not pretend about knowing it.

10 first-time experiences for newlyweds

Transition to married life is filled with many milestone "firsts," which strengthen the relationship with a spouse.

The Huffington Post has compiled a list of things that happen for the first time after a marriage:

The first ever fight between a couple is a lot more different and is a lot more charged, the Huffington Post reported.

Secondly, getting together with friends after the wedding is a little strange as some of them may feel that their married-by-30-clock is ticking, or become bitter that the newlyweds have "the perfect life."

Another first that a newlywed has is their first major purchase together.

The in-laws' problem is another first for the newlyweds as a husband is used to his family's flaws: He's learned how to tune out Mom's criticisms, Dad's elitisms, his sister's jealousy. And he just wants his wife to let their comments roll off their back too.

The first time a couple is asked when they are having a baby also makes the list.

It is also a must-do for many newlyweds to host a dinner party.

Another first is when a husband is approached by the first "flirty girl."

Then comes the part when the couple establish their first tradition together while honouring established rituals that were passed down from both of your families.

The married holiday together is one more first.

And lastly, the time you get scared of losing your loving spouse.