Brace yourself. You will be spending much more than expected to buy things you never even thought of. Start planning financially for having a baby as soon as you can - before conception if possible.

Set aside as much as you can every month in a savings account. The actual event of birth can be expensive as well as all the first time purchases you'll make. Don't forget to save some money for your maternity or paternity leave. This is usually unpaid time off work.

How much do you need? As much as you can save. Any funds left over make a great starter for a college fund. If you've amassed a considerable amount well before the due date, you can invest in a short-term CD or other insured investment. But don't tie up your entire fund in investments. Babies will not sign contracts and they have not agreed to your schedule.

Have a brainstorming session with an experienced parent to figure out all the things you need to purchase before the delivery. It will be extremely helpful to have most of what you need before the baby is born. Your spare shopping time after birth is reduced drastically. If you need to shop after the baby is born, try the Internet. Nobody on the Internet cares how loud your baby is crying, what you are wearing or what time it is when your baby gives you a free moment to shop.

Here's a starter list for your brainstorming session. This is far from a complete list, but it will help get you thinking.

• Car seat - By law, you can't even take the baby home from the hospital without one.
• Crib - You want one that meets the highest safety standards.
• Bedding - If your baby's gender is going to be a surprise, consider getting neutral colors.
• Changing table - You could use the kitchen counter. But do you want to?
• Rocking chair - Many mothers feel a special attachment to rocking chairs after spending so much special time with their babies in them.
• Dresser - The baby won't be using it, so feel free to use a spare dresser you already have.
• Bassinet - One with wheels will add to your mobility around the house.
• Stroller - Consider getting one that's part of a stroller/car seat combo. It makes transitions easier.
• Diaper Bag - A diaper bag will be your constant companion. Get one you like.
• Baby monitor - "Baby calling Parents, come in, Parents."
• Diapers - Decide on disposables or earth-friendly cloth diapers. If you go cloth, you might want to consider a diaper service.
• Bath tub - It's easier to bathe baby in his or her own tub than cleaning out the kitchen sink each time.
• Formula - If you decide not to breastfeed, formula can cost up to $1000 a year.
• Safety gate - As soon as your child is mobile (about six to nine months), it will be impossible to keep up with the little speed demon.