Having a baby is exciting, overwhelming, magical—and let’s be honest—just a little bit chaotic. With so many baby products out there (and a million opinions), it can be hard to know what you actually need. Do you really need a wipes warmer? Probably not. But don’t worry—we’ve done the hard work for you. We’ve rounded up the top 9 necessary baby items every parent needs to survive those early days, so you can skip the stress and focus on the snuggles. Let’s keep it simple, practical, and baby-approved (well, parent-approved at least).
1. Car Seat
If there’s one thing you legally can’t leave the hospital without, it’s a car seat. And trust us—you’ll want a good one. A properly installed, rear-facing car seat is essential from day one - so add this to your checklist of things to do before baby arrives. Whether you’re taking bub to their first check-up, heading to a friend’s house, or just going on a drive to get them to nap (yes, that’s a thing), a car seat is non-negotiable.
There are heaps of options, from capsule-style seats that click in and out of a base, to convertible ones that grow with your child. Some prams even let you attach the capsule for easy transitions—no waking the baby! The key is to find one that fits your car, is easy to install, and meets all safety standards. And don’t forget to have it professionally fitted if you’re unsure.
Basically, a good car seat = peace of mind. You’ll know your little one is safe and snug while you navigate the (sometimes chaotic) world of parenthood. Because let’s face it, you’ll already have enough to worry about—your car seat shouldn’t be one of them.
2. Feeding Essentials
Feeding a newborn is a full-time job—and whether you’re breastfeeding, pumping, bottle-feeding, or doing a bit of everything, you’ll need some breastfeeding essentials to make it all work. A good breast pump (manual or electric) is a game-changer if you’re breastfeeding and want a break or need to build a stash. Bottles and teats are must-haves, even if you’re not planning to bottle-feed right away—you never know!
You’ll also want a comfy feeding pillow, muslin cloths for spills, a steriliser, and maybe a bottle warmer if your baby gets fussy with cold milk. Nipple cream and breast pads? Yes, please. And don’t forget snacks and a giant water bottle for you—feeding makes you so hungry and thirsty.
It can take a little trial and error to find what works best for you and your baby, but having a solid setup from the start helps heaps. The goal? Keep your little one fed, and you (somewhat) sane.
3. Baby Book App
Those newborn days fly by in a blur of feeds, nappies, and tiny yawns. You think you’ll remember the first smile or the cute thing they did at 3am—but sleep deprivation says otherwise. That’s why a baby book app (like Dujourbaby) is a total lifesaver.
Instead of feeling guilty for not printing photos or writing things down, the app makes it ridiculously easy. It sends gentle reminders, so you can jot down memories in real-time (or at 2am while rocking the baby). You can upload photos straight from your phone, write little notes, and at the end of the year—ta-da!—you get a printed keepsake full of those magic moments.
No glue sticks. No fancy pens. Just a super simple way to actually make a baby book without adding anything to your already overflowing plate. Trust us—you’ll thank yourself later when you’re flicking through those pages, teary-eyed and nostalgic.
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4. Nappies & Wipes
You’ll go through a wild number of nappies in those early weeks—like, a lot. Whether you choose disposable or cloth, nappies are one of those everyday essentials you’ll never want to run out of. Newborns can go through 10–12 changes a day, so stock up!
And where there are nappies, there are wipes. Gentle, fragrance-free wipes are your new best friend—for nappy changes, sticky hands, milk-dribbled cheeks, and even cleaning up the odd explosion (you’ll see). It’s worth trying a few brands to see what your baby’s skin likes best.
A nappy caddy is also handy—keep all your changing supplies in one spot, especially if you’re doing changes in different rooms. Oh, and don’t forget nappy cream! It’ll help prevent or soothe any little rashes that pop up.
Bottom line: nappies and wipes are the unsung heroes of babyhood. Not glamorous, but totally necessary.
5. Baby Carrier
A good baby carrier can be a total lifesaver. It lets you keep your baby close while having your hands free—because life doesn’t stop for laundry or snacks. Whether it’s a structured carrier or a soft wrap, babywearing is brilliant for bonding and soothing fussy babies.
Some babies love being held all the time, and having a carrier means you don’t have to choose between holding them and making a sandwich (or, you know, peeing). It also helps with naps on the go and can be a total sanity-saver during those witching-hour walks.
Make sure you choose a carrier that supports baby’s hips and feels comfy on your back and shoulders. There are heaps of styles, so test a few if you can.
Bonus: it’s also a sweet way for your partner to get some baby snuggles in, too. Everyone wins.
6. Swaddles
Swaddles are magic. Truly. They help your newborn feel snug and secure, just like they were in the womb. Swaddling can calm a fussy baby and even help them sleep longer (hallelujah). It stops the startle reflex from waking them up every five minutes and gives you a tiny window of rest.
You can go old-school with muslin wraps or make life easier with zip-up swaddles that take all the guesswork out of wrapping. There are different types—arms in, arms out, ones that convert as baby grows—so you can find what works best for your little sleep thief.
You’ll probably want at least three: one in the wash, one in use, and one as backup for inevitable spit-ups and leaks.
Plus, they double as light blankets, pram covers, burp cloths, or even impromptu change mats. Swaddles = multitasking legends.
7. Bassinet or Cot
Your baby needs a safe space to sleep (even if they prefer your chest). A bassinet is perfect for the early weeks—it’s small, cosy, and portable, making night feeds a bit easier when they’re right beside you.
Many parents choose a bassinet for the first few months, then move to a cot as baby grows. Others go straight to a cot—totally up to you and your space. Just make sure it meets current safety standards and has a firm, well-fitting mattress with no loose bedding.
A cot that converts into a toddler bed is a great long-term option. Add some fitted sheets, and you’re set.
And just a heads-up: babies make so many weird noises in their sleep. Prepare to spend the first few nights wondering if you should check on them every five minutes. Spoiler: you will.
8. Pram
A pram is your ticket to leaving the house with some sense of control. From coffee runs to park strolls, you’ll be grateful for something that lets you wheel your baby around with ease.
Look for a pram that suits your lifestyle—something compact if you live in the city, all-terrain if you’re into nature walks, or a travel system with a car capsule for easy transitions.
Key things to consider: how easy is it to fold? Will it fit in your car boot? Can you steer it one-handed while wrangling a toddler or latte? You’ll also want good sun coverage and some decent storage underneath (because babies = stuff).
Some parents swear by travel prams, others prefer sturdy everyday ones with all the bells and whistles. Either way, a reliable pram is worth the investment. Bonus points if your baby actually naps in it.
9. Baby Clothes
Tiny clothes are irresistible—but resist the urge to overbuy. Babies grow fast and often skip sizes, so stick to the basics: comfy onesies, singlets, soft pants, and zip-up sleepers (trust us—zips are everything during 3am nappy changes).
Look for soft, breathable fabrics like cotton, and avoid anything too fiddly or covered in buttons. A few cardigans, socks, and hats are handy too, depending on the weather. You’ll probably do laundry more than you thought humanly possible, so 6–8 outfits per size is a good start.
Also, expect a few outfit changes a day—hello, milk dribbles and surprise poonamis.
And don’t worry if your baby lives in onesies for months. They’re cosy, practical, and honestly the cutest thing you’ve ever seen.
Don’t Stress, You’ve Got This
Getting ready for a baby is such an exciting time, but it can also feel a little overwhelming with all the stuff out there. The good news? You don’t need everything—just the essentials to get started. Use this list as a guide and add the must-haves to your baby registry. Friends and family will love helping you get prepared!
And here’s a little reminder: you don’t have to buy everything before bub arrives. You can always pick up extra bits later, once you’ve figured out what you really need (and what your baby actually likes).
Take it one step at a time, trust your instincts, and enjoy the ride. You’ve got this—and your baby won’t care if you forgot a bottle warmer. They just want you.