1. Pacifiers – The pacifier debate centers around how much you want to create a dependency on comfort aids, your threshold for unsettled babies and the potential of gum issues.

2. Routines – Some parents swear by routines and others let their babies automatically fall into them. You and your partner should decide what would work best with your life and parenting style.

3. Sleep Training – Similarly, sleep training is one of those hot topics that all parents have a strong opinion on. The idea of leaving your baby to cry themselves to sleep can offend some, and be a boon to others. You and your partner need to decide if you’re going to do it, when you’re going to do it and for how long. Often, it’s the father’s strength that helps the mum go through with it if you decide to go that way.

4. Co-sleeping – There is mixed opinion around whether it is safe to share your bed with your baby and if it creates sleeping problems for your baby. Unfortunately there is no right or wrong decision on this one, but just beware of the risk of rolling onto your baby in your sleep as this could potentially be very dangerous.

5. Bumpers – Bumpers in cribs are meant to be a risk for SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome). Your sense of spatial relationships will help assess the real threat for your child.

6. Costs – Both parents can be at fault for overspending on a new baby, and it’s hardly a fair criticism as new parents are such a sucker market for retailers. That being said, you can be the voice of reason when things get out of hand. You really don’t need a $2000 crib, unless it turns into a Porsche after 18 years.

7. Walkers – Walkers have been so controversial that they are actually banned in Canada. They have been criticized for causing accidents in children and for impeding the development of spatial and motor skills in babies. However, walkers have changed in styles and have been modified to eradicate factors that were issues in the past. Regardless, you and your partner should both decide whether or not you want your child to use one.

8. Activities – You are a cellist, she is a gymnast. Or more likely, you are a sports freak, and she is an artist. It’s important to have both parents’ input so that the child gets a well-rounded education and is not forced into one activity or another too soon. Yes, we all secretly want our children to fulfill our dreams but we have to let them have their own dreams first.

9. Circumcision – Unless your religion or culture has a stand on circumcision, you will venture into the research and find that the official medical stand on circumcision changes every 10 years. You and your partner should get the scientific low-down but there are two considerations that only a man can understand: Firstly, boys want to look the same as other boys in the locker room and secondly, boys want to look like their dads. If these two are in conflict, chances are you have a better shot at the right decision than your partner.

10. Immunization – Some people are not believers in immunization but choosing to vaccinate your child is definitely a joint decision to make. Be sure to consult your doctor if you decide not to immunize your child so you are fully aware of the risks associated.

11. Schools – From day cares to kindergarten and finally day school, the choices are daunting and the competition is stiff. You and your partner need to both be fully engaged.

12. Wills and contingency planning – What will happen to your baby if something happens to both you and your partner? Who will the guardians be? Plus, how she/he will inherit all your wealth?

13. Names – Naming your child is a decision that should be made jointly. Do you name him after your grandmother or do you branch out and introduce
new names into the family.

1. Car seat – There are many options out there so do your research. Many hospitals won’t let you leave if you don’t have a car seat properly installed so be sure to have it organized before your discharge date.

2. Stroller – Once again, there are many options so try to go into a baby store and test them out. Strollers vary greatly based on size, shape, cost and storage, so depending on your needs, you’ll have options.

3. Change table – You will be changing your child’s diaper about 10 times a day, so a change table at is a worthwhile investment – particularly one at the correct height.

4. Bassinet/cot – Many parents have their newborns in their rooms in a bassinet before moving them to their own room. Further, babies find movement extremely soothing so a bassinet in which you can rock your baby is a bonus. After 4-6 months, your baby will ‘graduate’ to a cot. If you are looking at buying only the bare essentials, you can always just place your baby into the cot first without buying a bassinet.

5. Baby sleeping wrap / muslin wraps – Your baby will need some form of a sleeping aid. Babies like to feel safe and secure and therefore a baby wrap can be a life saver – for the parents that is! These wraps emulate the feeling in the womb and prevent the baby from waking herself up with jerking limbs in the middle of the night.

6. Diapers – For a newborn, you will be changing diapers 8-10 times a day. Depending on the size of your baby, you may graduate from “newborn” diapers within the first month, so pay attention to the weights on the boxes.

7. Clothes – Newborn babies grow incredibly fast, so resist the urge to buy them heap of clothes. It is best to have enough clothes to last a month factoring in at least two changes a day (at a minimum!). Baby onesies are the best for this age, and come in different lengths and styles suitable for varied weather conditions.

8. Feeding time – If your partner chooses to breastfeed, it will certainly make feeding time less preparation. If you are going to bottle feed, you will need about six 4- to 5-ounce bottles, plus nipples, rings, and a sterilizer.

9. Bath time – You will need a baby bath or seat, a baby wash and a moisturizer. Avoid anything with strong fragrances and scents as the baby may be allergic to them. A gentle wash cloth is also advised as baby skin is very soft and sensitive.