The internet is full of baby checklists. Most of them are overwhelming, expensive, and full of things you'll never use. This one is different. Whether you're a new parent in Sydney, Auckland, London, or Los Angeles, this is the honest, edited list of what you actually need — and what you can skip.
The Golden Rule: Less Is More
Babies need warmth, nourishment, safety, and love. Everything else is in service of those four things. The most common mistake new parents make is buying too much — filling a nursery with gadgets and gear that ends up unused. Start with the essentials, add as you discover what your baby actually needs, and resist the urge to buy everything in advance.
The Essentials: What You Actually Need
Sleep
- A safe sleep surface (cot, bassinet, or bedside sleeper) that meets your country's safety standards
- 2–3 fitted sheets in organic cotton
- A firm, flat mattress — no pillows, doonas, or bumpers for newborns
- 3–4 organic muslin swaddles — the most versatile item you'll own
Feeding
- If breastfeeding: nursing pads, a good pillow, and lanolin cream
- If bottle feeding: 4–6 bottles, a steriliser, and formula
- Burp cloths — you'll need more than you think
Clothing
- 6–8 onesies in newborn and 0–3 month sizes (babies grow fast — don't over-buy newborn)
- 2–3 sleep suits
- 1–2 warmer layers depending on your climate
- A hat for the first few weeks
Bathing & Care
- A baby bath or bath insert
- Gentle, fragrance-free wash and moisturiser
- Soft towels and washcloths
- Nappy cream
Getting Around
- A pram or stroller suited to your lifestyle (city vs. suburban vs. rural)
- A baby carrier or wrap — invaluable for the fourth trimester
- An infant car seat that meets your country's safety standards (mandatory in AU, NZ, US, and EU)
The Memory-Keeping Essentials
This is the category most checklists skip — and the one you'll be most grateful for later.
- A baby memory book — start it before your baby arrives if you can. The early pages fill up fast. Explore our Keepsakes & Gifts collection for beautifully designed options.
- A milestone card set — keep them in your nappy bag so you're always ready to capture a first. Browse our Milestones & Memories collection.
- A milestone blanket — for the monthly photo series you'll treasure forever. Find certified organic options in our Organic & Natural collection.
What You Can Skip (At Least Initially)
- A baby monitor with video (a basic audio monitor is fine to start)
- A wipe warmer
- A nappy bin (a regular bin with a lid works just as well)
- Shoes (babies don't need shoes until they're walking)
- A baby food maker (a regular blender works perfectly)
- Most "smart" baby gadgets — your instincts are better than any app
The Gift List: What to Ask For
If you're building a gift registry or wish list, prioritise consumables (nappies, wipes, formula), quality basics in multiple sizes, and keepsakes. Our Baby Shower Gifts collection and gift bundles are designed with exactly this in mind — thoughtful, practical, and lasting.
And if you're not sure where to start, our Most Loved products are the ones parents across AU, NZ, the US, and Europe keep coming back to. That's usually a pretty good sign.
Welcome to parenthood. You've got this.