BG - whatever you decide, someone will critise so do what is right for you and DH and forget everyone else. You've waited a long time for this baby and it is YOUR baby so you have every right to purchase what you like when you like.
We bought everything ourselves and when people gifted us things, it was considered a bonus. It was lucky that we bought the things we did because we have different tastes to most people and NOONE bought anything we had already purchased. Plus we couldn't rely on family to buy us big ticket or bulky items as they all live interstate (SUCH a blessing!). IF people are being insistent on providing you with gifts, perhaps suggest they make some dinners for you to put in the freezer (I know you will already have a fully stocked one with your slow cooker but it makes people feel special ) or to give you vouchers for house cleaning or something. Or perhaps even pop on the list at your Mum's a nappy service and suggest to your Mum that if people want to contribute they can chip in whatever they feel comfortable with and your Mum can pass that info on.

I hope I make sense. But above all - do what suits you guys best!

MG

ETA: We had DD christened at 3 months (roughly) and it was brilliant. If we have #2, they will also be Christened early in life