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Baby essentials
Babylove Saturn Layback Stroller - $99, available at Kmart.
Shopping for your new baby can be a fun and exciting experience, as you lovingly furnish the nursery and stock up on everything you need for your new arrival.
However, as you soon discover, babies need a lot of stuff. So it can also be daunting, confusing, tiring and expensive! With that in mind, we’ve prepared a checklist to help you sort through the essentials.
NURSERY
Cot and/or bassinet
Bassinets are ideal if your baby will be sleeping in your bedroom for the first few months, as they are portable and take up less space. However if your baby will be sleeping in their nursery from birth a cot is fine for newborns.
Mattress for cot and/or bassinet
Make sure to check the size of your cot before going shopping as cot sizes vary and the mattress fit needs to be exact to meet safety requirements.
Bedding
3 fitted sheets, 3 flat sheets, 3 mattress protectors and 1-2 blankets
Wraps and sleeping bags
3 muslin or cotton wraps for swaddling. There are also specifically designed swaddling wraps that are great. If your baby doesn’t like to be wrapped a Grobag is ideal.
Furniture
- Chest of drawers and/or wardrobe
- Change table and change mat
Baby toiletries
Newborn nappies (fitted cloth or disposable) nappy wipes, barrier cream, cotton buds, moisturiser, massage oil, sunscreen.
BATH TIME
Baby bath or bath seat
The ‘seats’ that allow baby to lie back in them are ideal for using inside a larger bath. They prevent aching backs and free up your hands as they support the babies weight and hold them in place.
Baby care items
- 2 Towels, 3 washers, baby bath and shampoo, nail scissors, baby hairbrush, water temperature thermometer.
SAFETY PRODUCTS
Stair gates, safety plugs for powerpoints, door fasteners, tap guards, etc.
You won’t need these until your baby is mobile, so you can hold off on buying them for a while.
PLAYTIME
Keep baby amused with a mobile, activity mat, bouncer, cradle swing, assorted toys, rattles, baby books, and teethers
OUT AND ABOUT
The following items are essential for getting around with your baby:
- Pram
- Sun shade and rain protector for pram
- Baby capsule / convertible car seat
- Nappy bag
- Baby carrier / sling
Find our which products our members recommend in EB's in our Buying for and dressing baby forum.
