The Australian Newborn Essentials Checklist

Thanks for subscribing. This is the checklist, built around Australian standards and what parents report actually using. Print it, tick it off, and ignore the “must-haves” that don’t appear here. Where we have a researched shortlist, the link takes you to it.

Must have before the birth

• Car seat or capsule, AS/NZS 1754 certified, rear-facing, fitted and checked before your due date. Our picks · The rules
• A safe sleep space: bassinet, bedside sleeper or cot with a firm, flat mattress that fits snugly, mesh or slatted sides, no bumpers or pillows. Our picks
• Fitted sheets (2–3) for that mattress size. Nothing else goes in the sleep space.
• Swaddles or arms-up swaddle bags (2–3), TOG matched to the season. Stop swaddling at the first sign of rolling. Our picks · TOG guide
• Pram with lie-flat seat or bassinet, AS/NZS 2088, or a capsule-compatible frame. Our picks
• Newborn nappies (one box; sizes change fast), fragrance-free wipes, barrier cream, a change mat.
• Clothing: 6–8 bodysuits/zip suits in 0000 and 000, 2 cardigans, hats for the season, socks. Buy less than you think.
• Feeding, if bottle-feeding or mixed feeding: 4–6 bottles, a steriliser, formula if planned, a bottle brush. Setup guide · Our picks
• Feeding, if breastfeeding: nursing bras, breast pads, nipple balm; a manual pump is enough to start.
• Health kit: digital thermometer, saline drops, nail file or clippers, infant paracetamol as advised by your pharmacist.
• Car and home basics: window shades, a nappy bag, muslin wraps (3–4), burp cloths.

Useful in the first weeks

• Baby monitor, once baby sleeps in another room (Red Nose recommends sharing your room for the first 6–12 months). Our picks
• Carrier or wrap for settling and hands-free time; follow the TICKS rule. Our picks · Safety guide
• White-noise machine (optional), placed more than a metre from the cot at moderate volume.
• Baby bath or bath support, a soft towel, plain water for the first weeks.
• Play gym for tummy time from the first month. Our picks

Can wait until 4–6 months

• High chair (from about 6 months, when sitting with support). Our picks
• Sleeping bag with arms free, for after swaddling ends.
• Travel cot or portacot (AS/NZS 2195), only if you’ll travel.
• Teething toys, first cups and bowls, bibs with a catch pocket.
• Next-size car seat: not until the shoulder marker says so.

Skip, or think twice

• Cot bumpers, pillows, quilts, sleep positioners and inclined sleepers (against Red Nose guidance, and inclined sleepers are banned).
• Baby walkers (the ACCC has warned about them for years).
• Overseas car seats, however good the brand; they are illegal to use in Australia.
• Second-hand car seats or cots of unknown history; check recalls.gov.au for anything second-hand.
• Bottle warmers, wipe warmers and formula machines unless you already know you’ll use them.
• Large newborn wardrobes: babies outgrow 0000 in weeks.

Questions or something we’ve missed? Use the contact page. This checklist reflects Australian guidance at the time of writing and is general in nature; your maternal and child health nurse can tailor it to your baby.