You’ve got this. Getting ready for a newborn can feel overwhelming, so here’s a simple Australian checklist to help you organise the must-haves, add nice-to-haves later, and keep costs sensible. Every family is different. Use this as a guide, not a rulebook!
Hospital Bag Checklist
Pack a calm, practical bag a few weeks before your due date so you’re not rushing when labour starts. Keep essentials easy to reach, and pop the car seat in ahead of time.
For labour & birth
- Photo ID, Medicare card, private health details (if applicable)
- Phone + charger (long cable), earphones
- Lip balm, hair ties, water bottle with straw
- Loose, comfy clothes (front-opening top), warm socks
- Snacks (for you/support person)
For post-birth recovery
- Maternity pads, comfortable underwear
- Nursing bras, breast pads, nipple balm
- Light robe/pyjamas, slippers or slides
- Toiletries (fragrance-free is best for baby)
For baby
- 4–6 zip onesies (season-appropriate)
- 2–3 singlets/bodysuits
- Swaddles/muslins (3–4)
- Newborn nappies & wipes
- Warm blanket for the car ride home
- Approved rear-facing car seat installed before discharge
Optional luxuries
- Portable speaker for music, heat/cool pack, favourite pillow
Nursery Essentials
Aim for simple, safe and easy-to-clean. Focus on a compliant bassinet or cot, a firm mattress and a practical change setup. The clutter can wait.
- Bassinet or cot meeting AS/NZS safety standards + firm fitting mattress
- Waterproof mattress protector and 2–4 fitted sheets
- Light cotton or TOG-rated sleeping bags (season-appropriate)
- Dimmable lamp or night-light
- Change station or portable nappy caddy + waterproof change mat
- Nappy bin/liner (or regular bin with tight lid)
- Storage baskets for clothes, nappies and swaddles
- Laundry set-up (hamper, gentle detergent)
Safety callouts
- No pillows, bumpers, quilts or soft toys in the sleep space
- Keep cords, heaters and blinds out of reach
- Aim for a comfortable room temperature; dress baby in one more layer than you
Nursery checklist (quick scan)
- Cot or bassinet + firm mattress • Waterproof mattress cover – Fitted sheets (x2–4) • Sleeping bags (seasonal TOG) • Night-light/lamp • Change area + mat • Storage baskets • Laundry set-up
Sleep & Settling Basics
Newborns wake often. A simple routine and a safe sleep environment can make settling easier for everyone.
- Swaddles/sleeping bags: Choose a TOG for the season/room temp; once baby shows signs of rolling, stop swaddling and transition to an ‘arms out’ sleeping bag..
- White noise: Low, steady sound can help (keep volume low and constant).
- Blackout curtains (optional): Helpful for day naps and early mornings.
- Room thermometer (optional): Handy while you learn your home’s temperature patterns.
- Baby monitor (optional): Audio or video depending on your layout.
- Safe sleep: Back to sleep, firm flat surface, smoke-free environment, no loose bedding.
Feeding Essentials
Whether breastfeeding, bottle feeding or both, start with a small kit and add as you learn your baby’s preferences. Keep cleaning and sterilising simple and consistent.
Breastfeeding kit
- Nursing bras, breast pads, nipple balm
- Water bottle + easy snacks
- Burp cloths/muslins
- Breastfeeding pillow (optional)
Bottle-feeding kit
- Bottles (4–6 to start) + slow-flow teats
- Sterilising method (steam unit, microwave or boiling)
- Formula storage tins + level scoop
- Bottle brush and drying rack
Mixed-feeding tips
- Try paced bottle feeding to reduce gulping and wind
- Burp mid-feed and after—see how to burp a baby
- Follow formula preparation exactly as per the tin
Nappies & Changing
Set up one main change spot and a grab-and-go caddy for naps and night feeds. Expect lots of changes in the early weeks. Being well stocked saves stress!
- Newborn nappies (expect 8–12 per day initially)
- Unscented wipes or cotton pads + warm water
- Barrier cream
- Portable change mat (for home and outings)
- Wet bag for soiled clothes on the go
- Nappy caddy stocked and ready near your main change area
Numbers are estimates—every baby is different.
Bath & Skincare
Keep bath time simple and brief at first. Gentle, fragrance-free products are best for delicate newborn skin.
- Baby bath, bath support or sink insert
- Gentle washcloths and mild baby cleanser (optional)
- 1–2 soft towels/hooded towels
- Soft hairbrush/comb
- Baby nail scissors or file
- Saline + cotton pads for sticky eyes
- Bath thermometer (optional)
Clothing & Laundry
Start with comfy basics that are easy to zip on at 3 a.m. Wash everything in a gentle detergent and keep a spare set in your nappy bag.
- Zip onesies (6–8), short/long sleeve depending on season
- Singlets/bodysuits (6–8)
- Socks/booties (2–4 pairs)
- Beanie/sunhat (seasonal; remove indoors)
- Mittens (optional; many onesies have fold-over cuffs)
- Drool/feeding bibs (5–7)
- Swaddles/muslins (4–6)
- Gentle, fragrance-free laundry detergent
Sizing tip: Babies outgrow newborn fast—mix in 0–3 months to stretch your budget.
On-the-Go Gear
Plan for safe travel and hands-free cuddles. Try car seats and prams in person to check fit, weight and fold before buying.
- Rear-facing car seat meeting Australian standards (professionally fitted if possible)
- Pram suitable for newborns (full recline or bassinet)
- Baby carrier or wrap (hands-free settling win!)
- Nappy bag with compartments
- Portable change mat, spare clothes, wet bag
- Pram rain cover/sunshade (seasonal)
Health & First Aid
A small kit and key phone numbers save time when you’re tired. Keep everything together in a labelled box or pouch.
- Digital thermometer
- Nasal aspirator + saline
- Baby nail care set
- Soft brush/comb
- Small first-aid kit (include any family essentials)
- Contacts list: GP, child health nurse, after-hours clinic
- “Care folder” for vaccination schedule, growth charts and notes
Optional Extras
These are nice to have, not must-haves. Start with basics and add what genuinely helps your family.
- Night-light with red/amber setting
- Rocking chair or glider
- Nappy bin system (liners reduce odours)
- Bottle warmer/steriliser unit
- Breast pump + milk storage bags (if expressing)
- Activity/play mat, bouncer/rocker
- White-noise machine
- Keepsake box for milestone treasures
Budget-Friendly Tips
You don’t need everything at once. Prioritise safety items, then layer in extras as you go.
- Borrow or buy second-hand for short-use items (clothes, bassinet, caddy)
- Do not buy car seats or mattresses second-hand unless you can verify safety/history
- Start with the basics; add later—multi-use items win
- Create a shared registry to avoid duplicates; shop end-of-season for bigger sizes
Real-Life Newborn Support
Wind and evening fussiness are common, especially in the first weeks. These gentle resources can help you get through the tougher days.
- 10 ways to relieve trapped wind
- Best positions to burp a baby
- Know the signs your baby might have colic
Some families also use Infants’ Friend Colic & Wind Oral Liquid as part of their routine. It contains ingredients traditionally used in Western herbal medicine to help relieve wind, bloating and mild indigestion in babies. See how to use Infants’ Friend for dosage and mixing tips.
Final Checks Before Baby Arrives
A quick pre-baby blitz helps the first week feel smoother. Do these in any order and call it done.
- Install and check the car seat
- Wash baby clothes and sheets
- Prep a nappy caddy for day and night
- Set up a feeding/hydration station for you
- Stock a few freezer meals
- Stick emergency numbers on the fridge
- Line up help for pets, siblings and errands
You don’t need perfection—just the next small step.
AUST L 367810. Always read the label and follow the directions for use. If symptoms persist, talk to your health professional.
