Hello Emma, welcome to the Forum.
The 550D is a cracking camera and with access to the range of Canon's lenses will do everything you want for many t=years to come.
My advice for coming to grips with your new babay: Take lots of pics to experiment with SS, F Stop and ISO, post pictures in the Critique forum here and ask for advice, join in the 'Weekend Comp' (it doesn't matter that you are new) and have fun.
