You do not need to buy the whole first year before your baby arrives. Start with the things you will use in the first few days: somewhere safe for baby to sleep, a suitable car restraint, a simple changing setup, clothes and feeding supplies.
Then build around your home and routine. A small bedroom, stairs, a compact car or two adults of different heights can change what is useful. This checklist helps you decide what to organise now, what to try in person and what can wait.
- A suitable cot or bassinet, its correctly fitted mattress and fitted sheets.
- An approved rear-facing car restraint suitable for a newborn, installed in your vehicle.
- Nappies, wipes, a change mat and a few changes of clothes.
- Feeding supplies suited to your plans.
- A pram with a newborn-suitable setup, if you plan to use one from the start.
- A comfortable place for you to sit, feed and settle baby.
Buy for the first weeks. Plan for the months after.
Swipe across on a small screen to see every column.
| Have ready before birth | Consider once you know your routine | Choose when baby is ready |
|---|---|---|
| Cot or bassinet; mattress and sheets | Extra sheets and clothing based on your laundry routine | Move out of the bassinet at its weight or developmental limit. |
| Newborn car restraint | A second restraint if another car is used regularly | The next restraint stage based on fit, markers and instructions. |
| Nappies, change mat, everyday clothing | Additional storage, a nappy bin or a second change station | Clothing and sleepwear in the next size. |
| Feeding supplies for your chosen approach | Additional bottles, expressing equipment or feeding accessories as needed | High chair and suitable feeding items when developmentally ready. |
| A suitable pram if needed from birth | Carrier or extra pram accessories that solve a real need | Toddler-seat use when the model’s requirements are met. |
1. Set up a safe place to sleep
Measure the space beside your bed before choosing a cot or bassinet. Check its full footprint, room to walk around it and how you will reach baby. You can start with a cot if it fits; a bassinet is an option for the early stage rather than an extra every family must buy.
For a bassinet or bedside sleeper, check the supplied mattress, assembly instructions, warnings and any bed-attachment requirements. Use it only in the positions and modes the manufacturer permits.
Start with two or three fitted sheets, then adjust to your washing routine. Choose the mattress specified for the product rather than adding padding for softness.
2. Make the nursery work around you
A coordinated nursery can be lovely, but leave room for the everyday jobs: opening drawers, changing sheets and reaching nappies. Measure the furniture and the path it needs to take through the house before ordering.
Check whether a mattress, changing top or toddler conversion pieces are included. If you buy furniture with drawers, follow the supplied anchoring instructions. Keep cords, heaters and items baby could pull down away from the sleep space.
3. Keep nappy changes within easy reach
You need a suitable changing surface, nappies, wipes or cloths, spare clothing and a way to dispose of used nappies. Place the items where you can reach them while staying beside baby.
A stable floor-level change area is a practical option when space is limited. On a raised surface, keep a hand on baby and never leave them unattended. Raised edges on a mat do not prevent a fall.
4. Try the chair you will spend time in
A nursery chair can make feeding and settling more comfortable, but it is worth sitting in one before choosing. Can you rest your feet, support your arms and stand up easily? Is there room to recline without hitting a wall or nearby furniture?
Compare manual and electric controls based on what feels easy for you. Keep charging cables out of baby’s reach. A nursery chair is for awake feeding and settling; return baby to their own safe sleep space before you fall asleep. See Red Nose’s safe-sleep advice.
5. Sort out the car restraint before the first trip
Choose a rear-facing restraint suitable for a newborn and for your vehicle. Check the Australian Standard label, the child-size requirements and the installation instructions. If possible, try it in the car before buying, particularly if you need to fit more than one restraint across the back seat.
Arrange installation before your due date and ask the fitter to show you how to adjust the harness. Follow the restraint’s shoulder-height markers and instructions as baby grows. Transport Victoria explains what to check when choosing and installing a restraint.
When comparing a capsule with a convertible car seat, think about how you travel: the fit in your car, carrying weight and how long you expect to use each stage. Check any pram compatibility against the exact capsule and adaptor list.
6. Choose a pram for your routes—and your boot
Think about the trips you will make most often. Footpaths and parks, a lift or stairs, shopping aisles and school drop-offs all ask something different of a pram. Practise the fold and lift, then check the boot with the other things you normally carry.
If you want one chassis that can adapt from one child to two, the VEVO single-to-double pram offers single-seat, bassinet and two-seat packages. For newborn use, choose the appropriate bassinet-equipped setup. Its listed folded size is 63 × 34 × 81 cm with one seat attached or chassis only.
See the VEVO fold, boot illustrations and comparison guide →
The everyday items: start with a manageable amount
Swipe across on a small screen to see every column.
| Area | A useful starting point | Shopping tip |
|---|---|---|
| Clothes | Around 6–8 bodysuits or growsuits, plus layers for the season. | Buy a small selection across sizes; fit and laundry frequency will guide the rest. |
| Changing | A small supply of newborn nappies, wipes or cloths, change mat and spare clothes. | Try fit and suitability before stocking up heavily. |
| Feeding | Burp cloths and supplies for your chosen feeding method. | Add equipment as you learn what works; seek feeding support when needed. |
| Bath and care | A suitable bathing setup, towels, thermometer and basic grooming items. | Keep bathing supplies within reach and stay with baby throughout the bath. |
| Outings | A nappy bag, portable change mat and spare clothes. | Add model-compatible pram accessories for the conditions you actually use. |
What can wait?
A high chair, large toy collection, extra pram attachments and a fully furnished playroom can wait until they have a clear use. Keep a short “later” list and revisit it as baby grows. If family or friends ask what to buy, fitted sheets in the correct size, everyday clothing or a contribution towards a planned purchase can be more useful than duplicates.
Before the due date: a final walk-through
- Confirm delivery dates and assemble the cot or bassinet using the instructions.
- Wash fitted sheets and a small set of newborn clothes.
- Install the car restraint and practise adjusting the harness.
- Pack a simple nappy bag and organise your hospital bag.
- Try the pram fold and make space for it at home and in the car.
- Put everyday changing and feeding supplies where you will use them.
You are aiming for a home that is ready to welcome your baby, with room to learn what works for your family. The finishing touches can come later.
Bring your checklist. We’ll help you work through it.
Tell us your due date, room measurements, car model and budget. Our team can help you compare nursery furniture, chairs and pram packages around your needs.
