The Top 100 Baby Essentials Checklist For Your Gift Registry

Are you having trouble figuring out the essentials for your baby? Preparing for your newborn can be a daunting task. What do I need? Where do I start? How do I choose the right pram to suit my lifestyle?

Well, you've certainly come to the right spot. We've compiled a comprehensive list of all the baby essentials you will need to get you started. Many items here have been tried and tested by our team (afterall, we share 14 kids between us) so take your time working off this list and feel free to reach out to our team if you need any further advice on what to purchase. We are here to support your journey.

The ultimate baby essentials checklist for your gift registry: download now!

Start building your gift registry:​

Sleeping​

Preparing for your nursery is always a good and fun place to start. Our Top Baby Room Tips has a lot of helpful ideas and themes for you to explore a range of babies essentials for your nursery.

Bassinet​ 

Whilst not absolutely necessary, a bassinet is certainly handy for the first few months of your baby's life. Depending on the size of your baby and the bassinet, most can even last between 6-12 months. You will also require bedding for your bassinet. Consider getting three sets - one for your current use, one being washed and one for any emergencies.

Check out our list of the Top 13 Baby Bassinets in Australia in 2022.

Cot 

All new cots have to comply with Australian safety standards. Read our Ultimate Baby Cot Buying Guide for some further guidance when choosing a cot that is right for you. You should also consider purchasing three sets of bedding for your cot for the same reasons listed above, these are certainly baby essentials for any nursery.

Check out our list of the Top 10 Baby Cots in Australia in 2021.

Mattress 

Investing in a good mattress is a great idea to add to your list of baby essentials, especially if you're invested in encouraging a great sleep for baby. Many mattresses you can buy offer a dual-sided system, which offers a firmer side for infants, and a more cushioned side as your child grows into a toddler. A good quality mattress will provide good back and next support to children, who according to Red Nose Guidelines, should not be sleeping in the bassinet or cot with a pillow. Likewise, purchasing a quality mattress will service multiple children you may have in the future.

Bedding 

Investing in good quality cot sheets and bassinet sheets is absolutely essential for any babies nursery, as the bed should promote a breathable environment that's also both cooling and comforting. Silk, cotton and linen are some of the most popular fabrics on the market when it comes to baby bedding, and it's essential to stay away from fabrics such as polyester and rayon, which can cause baby to overheat, as they are not breathable.

Sleepsuits and Sleeping bags 

Many parents refer to sleep suits and sleeping bags as the ultimate sleeping aid, as they help to make baby feel secure as they sleep, restrict the startle reflex, which can cause them to wake up, and stop them from scratching themselves as they sleep. Sleep suits can also help to regulate baby's temperature, which means you don't have to worry about them being too cold or too hot overnight.

Check out our list of the Top 10 Sleeping Bags in Australia in 2022.

Swaddles 

Swaddles are an essential baby must-have for any parent, as they can be used in a multitude of ways. Most commonly they're used to swaddle babies to keep them feeling snug and secure, and ensure their arms are secured away from their face, either up under their chin or down by their side. Swaddles can also be used as blankets and as a sunshade for prams. 

When choosing a swaddle for your baby, it's important to choose a lightweight, breathable fabric that won't overheat your baby, such as muslin.

Baby Monitor 

Buying a baby monitor is one of the most essential purchases for any new baby. Parents need something that will provide them with reassurance as their baby sleeps that everything is okay, as well as alert them when their baby wakes or cries. When purchasing a baby monitor, it's important to identify how you intend to use it and read reviews to find the most reliable baby monitor within your budget.

Check out our list of the Top 11 Baby Monitors in Australia in 2022.

Baby Mobile 

A baby mobile is a beautiful addition to any baby nursery as it brings a touch of whimsical joy. These are purely a nursery decor item and it's generally always possible to find one within your budget. Sometimes mobiles make noise to help calm baby, other times they're simply decorative.

Changing/ Bathing 

There are many change table options depending on your needs, space and budget. A change table is important for your baby essentials list as it can also protect your posture and back because you will be doing a fair few of nappy changes during the first few years of you baby's life.

Some other baby essentials you will require is a baby bath, skincare - shampoo and bath, bath towel, face cloth, baby cream (for skin and barrier protection), nappy wipes and nappies.

Change mats also comes in handy so you always have a clean surface to change your baby on.

Change Table 

Having a safe and secure space to change your baby is a must for any new parent. A change table that comes complete with storage is equally as important, as baby's come with a lot of stuff! It's also important that new mothers are changing baby at a comfortable height and position as to not interfere with their healing.

Baby Baths 

Baby baths are a great way to ensure your baby is safe and in a comfortable position during bath time. Many seats available allow newborns to lay down in the bath while parents wash them, through to options that are catered to when children are older and can sit up.

Skincare 

Finding the right skincare for your baby is no easy feat! It's important to look for something nourishing and gentle - and free from nasties. It's important to spot test any new products you use on your baby on a small patch area before using them over baby's whole body.

Bath towels and face cloths 

Bath towels and face cloths used on your baby should be made from soft fabrics that are unlikely to irritate baby's soft, sensitive skin.

Nappies 

When you give birth to your baby, it's important to decide whether you want to use disposable or re-usable nappies. Both options have benefits, some financial, some environmental - and some that simply make life a little easier.

Out and About 

Getting out and about with your newborn is another baby essential not only for your physical well being but mental health as well.

Shielding your precious baby from UV rays in the car is also a great baby essential to add to your list and we love the Snap Shades range. They have the perfect solution for basically every car on the market!

Pram & Strollers 

The best way to choose a pram is to decide how you plan to use it; to go for walks and work out, to get around with baby with ease - or just for leisure. 

Check out our list of The Best 11 Baby Prams In Australia In 2022

Pram Accessories 

Prams come with many accessories to make life easier for parents on-the-go. Decide how you intend to use your pram and then it will be easier to work out which accessories you need.

Nappy Bag 

A nappy bag is one of the most essential items for a new parent, as it acts as a hold-all for everything a new parent and baby needs. A good nappy bag will come with many compartments, some insulated, some pockets, to ensure that all baby's things are kept safe during transit. It's also a good idea to choose a nappy bag that is spill-proof!

Check out our list of Top 11 Best Baby Nappy Bags In Australia In 2022

Car Accessories 

Car accessories involve anything that make baby's car ride easier or more comfortable. From mirrors to see baby clearly when they're facing backwards, to inlays for car seats and capsules to make the ride more comfortable.

Baby Slings & Carriers 

Baby carriers are a handy alternative to prams. One of the many brands we love is Mumma Etc! Click here to watch the demo from Mumma Etc! You can also see the range from BabyDink and Redsbaby here.

Check out our list of the Top 10 Baby Carriers in Australia 2022.

Nursing Covers 

Nursing covers are designed to provide feeding mothers with some privacy during breastfeeding. These should be breathable and easy for mum to put on while juggling a baby.

Feeding Equipment 

Breast Pumps & Accessories 

Breast pumps are an important essential for new mothers who wish to keep up their milk flow and express whenever they need to. When choosing a breast pump, you should decide how you wish to use it, and whether you want a single or double pump, or if you need to use it at work to express throughout the day. These are just some of the variables to consider.

Check out our list of the The Top 10 Best Breast Pumps In Australia In 2022

Feeding 

Feeding accessories are related to anything that assists with new mums to express milk and to help milk supply. This means bottles, microwave bags and even cookies that assist with milk production.

Feeding Chair 

The feedings chair is definitely a statement piece, but also the piece that you will actually use the most because its where those late night feeds, cuddles or book readings take place. Choose wisely.

Clothing 

Soft cotton onesies, cute rompers, roomy pants and bodysuits are just some of the clothing items you'll need when the new baby arrives. Stock up on good quality brands that will withstand washing - and imminent mess!

Teethers 

The baby essential where one just won't do! A great teether will provide baby with relief when they experience sore gums during teething. They also act as a great toy and distraction when you want to stop baby from crying.

Play Mats

The right play mat will provide baby with hours of safe, cushioned play. A few things to consider when choosing a play mat is whether or not it is easily cleaned/wiped down, whether it is reversible and whether or not it is made from safe materials. 

Check out our list of The 11 Best Baby Play Mats In Australia In 2022

Baby Soothers 

Many parents consider baby soothers the ultimate lifesaver when it comes to settling a baby. There are many accessories you can purchase in order to prevent losing them and to ensure your baby always has easy access to their soother!

Decorations and Accessories 

Nursery decorations for a baby's room are key to tying all the baby essentials together. Once you've set the theme with the key components and colour palette, start to the focus on things that will bring character to the room. Soft and cosy things like rugs, cushions, display blankets, wall art, hanging art, wall prints, play mats and the list goes on. You can see a taste below just some of the wonderful brands that are in our One Fine Baby Shop.

Art for your nursery 

Wall art for nurseries is an inexpensive way to make a huge impact on your room. It's definitely an easy DIY task that anyone can do, and at the end of it you feel really proud of yourself!! From basic stickers like stars, moons and flowers to full wall decals, the options are endless.

Baby Gift Registry 

Would it be easier to set up a baby gift registry for your baby shower? Look no further as you can easily do this at the One Fine Baby Shop and create your own ultimate baby essential list.

Our Top Tip!

Make a checklist. Start sourcing the big ticket items and move down your list from there. Try to get everything ready at least 6 weeks before the baby is due to arrive as you never really know if your baby might arrive sooner than expected and you don't want to be caught unprepared.