You don't have to have a separate room for your baby. If space is an issue and your baby will be sharing your room, your baby "area" should be a quiet, peaceful and comfortable place. The lighting should be subdued and if possible should not be a bright over head light.
Your newborn's sleeping needs are going to be simple: A bassinet (on wheels or a Moses Basket) with a firm mattress will be fine for baby for at least 3-4 months. Bassinets are usually portable, and are easy to move from room to room so you may keep a close eye on baby. You will need at least 2-3 fitted sheets.
As baby gets older, you will need a crib. New cribs must meet the safety regulations, but if you borrow a crib make sure that:
The slats are no more than 2 3/8 inches apart
The mattress fits snugly (no more than two finger gap all around)
The side rail no longer lowers
Make sure that you remove all stuffed animals, plush toys, pillows, fluffy blankets and crib bumpers from the crib, to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant death Syndrome.
List of bedding Items needed:
2-3 fitted sheets
mattress pad
6-8 receiving blankets
List of items needed to change Baby: Changing table: You can buy a new changing table, or you can use another flat surface (dresser top for example) covered with a soft changing pad. You may want to keep all supplies within your reach to make changing baby easier. Important: never leave Baby unattended on the changing table. List of changing items needed:
2 Packs of Newborn Diapers
24-48 Cloth diaper if using a service ( 800.80.dy-dee)
Unscented Baby Wipes
Diaper Pail (diaper genie
Wipes warmer *love this in colder weather!
Cotton balls
Gauze squares and Vaseline tubes (if baby is circumcised)
Newborn zinc rash ointment (Desitin, Balmex for example)
Newborn Thermometer
Small plastic bowel for warm water for diaper changes