Cot and mattress

The mattress should be firm and fit very snuggly. You'll also need a couple of fitted sheets and a waterproof mattress protector.

Bassinet

For the first 6 months, your baby should sleep by your side in a bassinet in your bedroom.

Change table

Any firm surface will do for getting your baby changed, but a change table can be really useful to have everything you need stored in the one place and also is usually the ideal height.

Chest of drawers

It won't take long for you to have a stack of clothes for your baby.

Clothing and accessories

• six jumpsuits (all-in-ones) for the day
• two nightdresses or jumpsuits for the night
• two cardigans or jackets (for winter) - light wool or cotton
• six singlets
• three tops
• couple of cotton hats
• few pairs of socks
• sun hat for outside
• three cotton blankets (for winter) or muslin wraps (for summer)

Other ideas

• night light
• baby monitor
• playmat

Bath time

• bathtub (or you can use a regular bath or kitchen sink!)
• baby towels (thinner and usually have a hood)
• face washers

Getting out of the house

• pram
• car seat - properly fitted and to Australian Standard
• nappy bag - stocked with all the essentials

Call Pregnancy, Birth and Baby on 1800 882 436 to speak to a maternal child health nurse 7am to midnight (AEST), 7 days a week.