Sleepyhead are dangerous for sleep (even supervised sleep as you can't tell the difference between a sleeping baby and one that has stopped breathing). This is from the Lullaby Trust: "Items such as cushioned sleeping pods, nests, baby hammocks, cot bumpers, pillows, duvets and anything that wedges or straps a baby in place can pose a risk to babies under 12 months. Evidence shows that sleeping a baby on anything but a firm, flat surface, or using soft, heavy bedding, can increase the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). They can lead overheating or potentially obstruct a baby’s airway if they roll or their face becomes covered by loose bedding."
I know that can be triggering but safe sleep is so important and just because something is being sold doesn't make it safe for sleep.
OP, we are due around the same time and my must haves from my first baby are:
Baby Bjorn bouncer (again, not safe for sleep but perfect for awake and keeping baby occupied while you get stuff done/shower)
Baby Bjorn soft carrier
Aden Anais muslin blankets (I just bought a pack of them and that was enough)
two baby towels
four baby flannels
2 cot sheets
2 bassinet sheets
8 footed pjs in newborn and 0-3 months
4 pack leggings in newborn and 0-3 months
pack of baby shirts in newborn and 0-3
(I bought a couple of 1 month outfits from M&S which helped when baby was too big for newborn but too small for 0-3 months).
Love to dream baby swaddle
baby bath (baby bjorn bathtub, works from newborn and still use it on our toddler and I like that I can fold it up and get it out of the way)
I like glass bottles and think they hold up better than plastic. We used Nattursutten and really loved the Nattursutten soothers too. I have heard good things about Tommee Tippee bottles too.
Bottle cleaning brush
Bottle sterliser
Bottle drying thing
Spectra Breastpump if you are breastfeeding (I used mine right from the start and didn't have issues with oversupply and found that it allowed me to get more sleep as I could pump and DH could do the first feeding of the morning).
car seat (really like Cybex and they always rate highly on the safety tests).
Pram
Baby nail clippers
Baby nose aspirator
Baby saline for nose
Thermometer
And a list for you for postpartum:
Lanolin cream
Frieda Mom labour recovery kit
meal service to deliver healthy foods/stock freezer with healthy soups, meals, etc.
Massive water bottles for around the house. You will feel very dehydrated after birth and if you are breastfeeding.
ear plugs (babies are very noisy and it can be hard to sleep through their little sleep sounds, I wore ear plugs and could still hear baby cry in the night/hear the alarm I set to wake up to feed baby).
Remember that your basic needs have to come first, you can't take care of baby if your basic needs aren't being met so remember to prioritise feeding yourself, getting enough water, being able to take a few minutes alone and showering, etc. Always sleep when baby is sleeping, don't worry about housework but get as much sleep as possible so that you can be mentally healthy.
Books:
The First Forty Days: The Essential Art of Nourishing the New Mother
Elevating childcare: Janet Lansbury
No Bad Kids: Janet Lansbury