Newborn Essentials Checklist

Preparing for a newborn can feel overwhelming. This checklist focuses on the basics you’re most likely to use in the early weeks, without pushing brands or extras.

What parents usually get wrong

Buying too much too soon. You can add items once you see what your baby needs.
Confusing “nice to have” with “essential.” Essentials are about safety and daily care.
Assuming every family needs the same setup. Your home and support network matter.

Key things to consider

Safe sleep setup. A cot or bassinet that meets Australian Standards.
Transport. A safe, compliant car seat. A pram if you’ll use it early.
Feeding. What you need depends on feeding method. Keep it simple.
Nappies and hygiene. A small, repeatable routine is more useful than lots of gear.
Clothing. A short rotation of easy layers works well.

Australian standards and safety notes

Check that cots, bassinets, and car seats meet Australian Standards. Avoid second‑hand sleep products if you can’t verify their safety or full parts.

Keep all cords and soft items out of the sleep space. A clear cot is safest.

Age‑based guidance

Newborn

Focus on sleep safety, feeding, and transport. Keep everything close and simple.

6 months and older

You may add items for mobility and play, but the early essentials still carry you far.

Toddler

Essentials shift toward safety gates, toddler‑appropriate seating, and larger sleep setups.

Budget expectations

You don’t need a full nursery before baby arrives. Prioritise safety‑critical items first and spread purchases over time.

When to worry / when not to

If you feel under‑prepared, remember that many essentials are simple and available quickly if needed. It’s fine to start small.

Conclusion

A calm, minimal setup is often the most useful. Start with safety and daily care, then add items as your routine settles.

For more guidance, see: