Baby checklist: preparing your home

Getting your home ready can be a good way to prepare yourself, your partner and your other children for your new baby’s arrival.

Where your baby sleeps
Wherever your baby sleeps, their airways must be open so they can breathe easily. A safe sleep environment helps to keep your baby’s airways open and reduces the risk of sudden unexpected death in infancy (SUDI).

In a safe sleep environment, your baby sleeps on their back, on a firm, flat and level surface, in a space that’s clear, not too hot and smoke free.

Where to change nappies
It’s safest to change your baby’s nappy on a mat on the floor so your baby can’t fall. But some parents do find it’s easier on their backs to change their baby on a change table or bed.

If you’d prefer to use a change table, you can find out about safe change tables in our article on safe baby furniture. And if you’re changing your baby on a bed or change table, remember to keep a hand on your baby at all times so that your baby can’t roll off.

Where to bath your baby
You can bath a newborn in the kitchen sink or laundry tub, so long as it’s safe and clean. And no matter where you bath your baby, always stay within arm’s reach of your baby.

Where to feed your baby
You can feed your baby anywhere that you can relax and hold your baby comfortably. Pillows can give you extra support if you need it. A night light might be handy for night feeds.

Most of the things you need to do to make your home safe for your newborn are about knowing what to expect, rather than making major changes.

Baby equipment: what to start with

The things your baby needs will change all the time, so the best approach might be to buy, borrow or hire things as you need them.

Here’s the baby equipment you’ll need to start with.

General equipment

• An approved rear-facing child car seat with an inbuilt harness that meets the Australian/New Zealand Standard AS/NZS 1754 – you’ll need this if you’re driving home from the hospital or birth centre. It’s a good idea to have the car seat professionally installed before your baby’s arrival.
• A safe sleep surface for your baby – this could be a safe cot or portacot, bassinet, baby box or pepi-pod.
• Safe bedding – this includes a tight-fitting fitted sheet over a well-fitted waterproof mattress.
• Nappies – even if you plan to use reusable nappies, it’s a good idea to have a few disposables on hand just in case.
• Bottles, teats and bottle-washing items – you’ll need these if you’re bottle-feeding.
• A breast pump for expressing milk – this might be handy if you’re breastfeeding and you plan to express.
• A pram or stroller that meets the Australian Standards AS/NZS 2088:2013 or AS 2088:2022 – this is a safe and convenient way for your baby to travel when you’re out and about.

Things for birthing mothers

• Extra-long and extra-thick maternity or sanitary pads – take plenty to the hospital or birth centre, and have more ready for when you get home.
• Nursing bras and breast pads – you’ll need these if you’re breastfeeding.

Things for your baby

• Baby jumpsuits, singlets and tops – these are good basics for dressing your newborn.
• Cardigans or jackets – this will depend on what time of year it is and where you live.
• Baby wraps – muslin wraps are lighter and better for summer.
• Socks – these will keep your baby’s feet warm if it’s cold.

After you have these essentials, you might decide to hold off on buying a lot of extras. Some equipment can be quite expensive, so it makes sense to decide based on what you think you’ll use, rather than on what advertisers or other people tell you.

Extra baby equipment

It might be helpful to have:

• a baby bath and some soft towels for wrapping and drying your baby after each bath
• a nappy bin with a lid
• individual disposable nappy bags (or old plastic bags) – handy for when you’re out with your baby.

Talcum powder and cornstarch-based baby powder aren’t recommended because they have fine particles that your baby might breathe in.

Don’t use baby walkers. There are dangers associated with baby walkers. For example, they can put babies in reach of many safety hazards. It’s safer for babies to play on a playmat or blanket on the floor.

Saving money on baby equipment

You can save money by buying or accepting second-hand or pre-loved toys, clothes and some furniture like dressers.

You can find these items in many places, including:

• websites like eBay, Gumtree or Facebook Marketplace
• trading papers
• parents groups
• local community advertisements and garage sales
• local markets
• second-hand shops.

Other ways to save include buying only what you really need. It’s a good idea to talk to other parents about what they’ve found useful.

You can look out for sales and special offers on items like nappies and wipes, and stock up when they’re cheap. Just take care to check use-by dates.

Many public libraries lend toys as well as books. Borrowed toys should still comply with Australian Standards. It’s good to check this with the library staff before borrowing any toys.

Safety and second-hand baby equipment

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission recommends that you buy, borrow or accept only second-hand products that meet Australian Standards and have safety features. Products that meet Australian Standards help to protect your baby from serious injury and possibly death.

You can check whether products meet Australian Standards by looking for the Standards label on products or checking the manufacturer’s website.

When you’re choosing a cot, mattress or child car seat, always look for an item with a good safety history. If an item is damaged or you’re not sure about its safety history, it’s best not to accept or buy it. It’s also a good idea to check the item physically before you buy it. It can be difficult to judge the condition of a second-hand product from a photo on a website.