Preparing for a baby in Australia can feel overwhelming. Walk into any baby store and you'll find hundreds of products marketed as "essential"—but what does your newborn actually need in those first weeks?
This checklist cuts through the noise. It's based on practical experience, feedback from Aussie mums, and a realistic view of what matters in those early days. You'll find straightforward guidance on the must-haves, what can wait, and how to avoid the overspending trap that catches so many new parents.
Whether you're shopping in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, or regional Australia, this guide is designed to help you prepare confidently without breaking the budget or cluttering your home with things you'll never use.
Trusted Australian references (worth bookmarking): Red Nose – Safe Sleeping · ACCC – Infant sleep product standards · Raising Children – Making & storing formula · PregnancyBirthBaby – Cleaning & sterilising bottles · Kidsafe – Child car restraints
Quick Checklist
Here's your at-a-glance newborn essentials list for Australia:
- Safe sleep space – bassinet or cot meeting Australian safety requirements, firm mattress, fitted sheets
- Nappies & wipes – newborn size disposables (or cloth setup), change mat, nappy cream
- Feeding supplies – if bottle feeding: 6-8 bottles, steriliser; if breastfeeding: nursing bras, breast pads (and optional pump)
- Clothing basics – 6-8 onesies, 4-6 singlets, 2-3 sleepsuits, 2 wraps/swaddles, weather-appropriate layers
- Bathing essentials – baby bath or insert, soft towels, gentle wash, nappy rash cream
- Car safety – if you’re driving home, an approved rear-facing infant car seat fitted correctly
- Health basics – thermometer, nail scissors, basic first aid items
Who This Checklist Is For (And Who It Isn't)
This checklist is for you if:
- You're a first-time parent in Australia preparing for a newborn
- You want practical, no-nonsense guidance without the marketing fluff
- You're trying to balance being prepared with not overbuying
- You appreciate realistic budgets and honest trade-offs
- You're shopping in Australian stores (online or in-person) and want advice that reflects our climate, safety standards, and pricing
This checklist may not be for you if:
- You're expecting multiples (twins, triplets) – your needs will differ significantly
- You have specific medical requirements for your baby – always consult your healthcare team first
- You're looking for brand-specific product recommendations (this guide focuses on categories and features, not specific products)
How to Use This Checklist (So You Don't Overbuy)
The biggest mistake new parents make? Buying everything at once before the baby arrives. Here's a smarter approach:
Before birth: Focus only on the absolute essentials – safe sleep, basic clothing, nappies, car seat (if you drive), and feeding supplies for your chosen method.
First 2 weeks: See what you actually use. Every baby is different. Some love swaddles, others hate them. Some settle in a bassinet, others need more motion. Let your baby's preferences guide your next purchases.
Weeks 3-8: Fill in the gaps. By now you'll know what you're missing and what would genuinely make life easier.
Key principle: If you're unsure whether you need something, you probably don't – yet. You can usually pick up essentials quickly from local retailers or order online.
Accept hand-me-downs selectively: Clothing, towels, and toys are usually fine. For safety items (car seats, cots, highchairs), only accept if you know the full history and they meet current Australian safety requirements.
The Essentials (Must-Haves)
These are the non-negotiable items you'll need from day one. They're listed in priority order based on what matters most in those early weeks.
Sleep & Settling
Safe sleep is your absolute priority. In Australia, Red Nose recommends placing baby on their back to sleep in their own safe sleep space, in the same room as a parent/caregiver for at least the first 6 months.
Official guide: Red Nose – Safe Sleeping Guide for Parents
What you need:
- Cot that meets current Australian safety requirements (e.g., AS/NZS 2172 for household cots)
- If using a folding cot, ensure it meets relevant folding cot requirements (e.g., AS/NZS 2195)
- Firm, flat mattress that fits snugly (no gaps)
- 3-4 fitted sheets (cotton is breathable for Australian climate)
- 2-3 cotton wraps or swaddles for newborns
- Safe sleeping bag (once baby outgrows swaddling, usually 3-4 months)
How many:
One safe sleep space is essential. You might use a bassinet for the first months (convenient for night feeds) and a cot for later, or start with a cot. Both can work depending on space and budget.
Simple tips:
- Check product safety requirements (Australia): ACCC – Infant sleep product mandatory standards
- Nothing else goes in the cot: no pillows, toys, bumpers, or loose blankets
- Room temperature matters in Australia – aim for comfortable room temp and dress baby in layers rather than adding loose bedding
Nappies & Changing
Newborns go through 10-12 nappies a day. You'll become very familiar with this routine very quickly.
What you need:
- Newborn-size disposable nappies (or cloth nappy setup if preferred)
- Water-based wipes or cotton squares + warm water
- Change mat or towel
- Nappy cream (barrier cream can help protect skin)
- 2-3 muslin cloths (multi-purpose: burp cloths, clean-up, light cover)
How many:
Start with one box of newborn nappies (around 100-120 nappies). Don't stockpile – babies grow fast and might move to size 1 within weeks.
Feeding (Breast or Bottle)
Fed is best. Whether you're breastfeeding, formula feeding, or combining both, here's what you'll need. This section provides practical guidance without judgment – every family's feeding journey is different.
For breastfeeding:
- 2-3 well-fitted nursing bras (many mums prefer fitting later in pregnancy)
- Nursing pads (disposable or reusable)
- Nipple cream (optional)
- 1-2 bottles (optional) + a simple pump (optional for flexibility)
- Breastfeeding pillow (optional)
For bottle feeding (formula or expressed milk):
- 6-8 bottles (start with smaller sizes)
- Steriliser (electric steam, microwave, or cold water method)
- Bottle brush
- Formula suitable for newborns (if using formula)
How many:
If exclusively bottle feeding, 6-8 bottles lets you sterilise in batches. If combination feeding, 2-4 bottles is usually enough to start.
Simple tips (Australia-focused):
- Follow the tin instructions exactly for scoop-to-water ratio and storage timing.
- Use trusted Australian guidance for safe prep & storage: Raising Children – Making & storing formula
- It’s recommended to clean and sterilise bottle-feeding equipment until baby is 12 months old: PregnancyBirthBaby – Cleaning & sterilising / Raising Children – Equipment cleaning & sterilising
- Breastfeeding support (Australia): Australian Breastfeeding Association – Helpline
Clothing & Laundry Basics
(Your section stays the same — no safety edits needed here.)
Bathing & Hygiene
(Your section stays the same — no safety edits needed here.)
Getting Out & About
You won't be going far in the first weeks, but you'll need safe transport and a way to carry your baby for short trips.
What you need:
- If you drive: an approved rear-facing infant car seat fitted correctly (Australian Standard AS/NZS 1754)
- Pram or baby carrier (or both – different situations suit different options)
- Basic nappy bag with essentials (or use any bag you already own)
- Portable change mat
- Sun shade or muslin cloth for pram/car
Helpful links:
Health & Safety Basics
A small first aid kit and basic health items will cover most situations. For anything concerning, contact your GP/midwife/child & family health nurse or use these Australian services:
What you need:
- Digital thermometer
- Baby-safe nail scissors or file
- Saline nose drops
- Contact numbers: GP, local hospital, healthdirect, Poisons Information
Optional (but worth it): A baby/child first aid course: PregnancyBirthBaby – First aid for babies & children / Australian Red Cross course
Important disclaimer: This information is general guidance only and not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals for specific health concerns about your baby.
Transparency Note
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Last Updated: December 2025
