I see that there is alot of good advice out there the ones about 2nd hand bay clothes at car boots sales (brocante) is a must.

The advise about car seats, spot on.

When we knew we were expecting our first, one of the few things we bought new was a good quality push chair/ pram/ stroller. One chassis three optional seats as baby grows. First one a landau (baby carriage), this is more a bed for the new born and has served as such. Keeps the baby's back straight so my wife informed me and we used it until she was too big for it. Then we went on to the first seat which reclines so that baby can sleep comfortably. The third was a real seat which she's into now (she's 21 mths). While this combination at the beginning proved to be very useful it soon became apparent that it takes up an enormous amount of room. I have a Renult Scenic a great people carrier or a one baby carrier as all her accessories stuff the car. In fact now she's older a lightweight cane puch chair works well and we regret (a little anyway) our earlier investment. Which now resides in our basement. It won't have to wait long as were expecting number 2 in early August.

Some of the advise concern hospitals is good as well, especially about food. I believe hospital staff just assume that you know where the canteen is and don't ask you if you've eaten. That was my case it was only when they thought I was going to pass out that they asked, plus with the heat didn't help much, so take what you can, and find out as much about the layout of the hospital as you can.

One thing we've done which some may not have heard about is "Haptonomy" ( not too sure of spelling?) . Its a form of massage for the baby and the mother during the pregancy. It also has the advantage that it helps the father feel part of the pregancy. As the father can calm the baby when it starts to kick, some say it helps the baby understand that there is another presence than just the mother. I enjoyed yet it may not be to everyone's liking.

As others have said here, it's agreat advanture your embarking on, it is enjoy it, both of you.