Planning for baby

04.Buying checklist

Essentials

• Cot 
• Pram or stroller 
• Child car restraint 
• Nappies— a packet of small-size disposables to get you started; or three dozen cloth nappies.
• Bucket with a secure lid. Two buckets if you’re using cloth nappies; one if you’re using disposables
• Six to eight singlets, size 000
• Six to eight all-in-ones (jumpsuits) and/or nighties, size 000 - you may need some in size 0000 for the first few weeks.
• Two long-sleeved tops or jackets for cool days
• Soft sunhat for summer, warm hat for winter
• Two pairs small socks
• Bibs
• Bottles and teats; bottle brush; and sterilising equipment. You’ll need six bottles if you’re bottle feeding, while breastfed babies might need a bottle or two for water or expressed milk
• Bedding as appropriate (sheets, blankets and mattress protector)
• Three or more bunny rugs or muslin wraps
• Soft towel and face washer; baby soap or wash; cottonwool balls; sorbolene and glycerine cream (for cleaning and moisturising); soft hairbrush; round-tipped nail scissors
• Thermometer

Useful

• Baby carrier
• Baby bath
• Baby sleeping bag
• Change table (for more information see change tables review and compare) 
• Highchair (after about 5 months—for more information see high chairs review and compare)
• Bouncer or rocker
• Breast pump
• Breast pads—four pairs of reusable pads or one pack of disposables
• Baby bag for outings
• Safety equipment such as gates, child-resistant locks and catches, stove guard and door knob covers
• Cottonwool squares or wipes; baby wipes; zinc-based cream (for preventing and treating nappy rash); petroleum jelly

Optional

• Bassinet or cradle for first few months
• Baby monitor
• Portable cot (for more information see portable cots review and compare)
• Portable highchair
• Day clothes—a special outfit or two for when baby’s on display — although you’ll probably get some as presents
• Playpen (for more information see playpens review and compare)
• Toys and other amusements
• Dummy
• Olive oil for massage or moisturising

Not recommended

• Baby walkers
• Cot bumpers
• Quilts, doonas, duvets and pillows are not recommended for the first year
• U-shaped pillows are not recommended for the first two years
• Baby fruit juices and snacks