Nursery Essentials Checklist: What Do You Really Need?

A beautiful nursery is lovely. A nursery that makes everyday life easier? Even better.

When you’re preparing for a baby, the shopping list can quickly grow. A cot, a bassinet, a chest, a change table, a chair… where do you actually start?

The nursery essentials are a safe sleep space with the correct mattress, suitable bedding and sleepwear, nappy-changing supplies and somewhere to organise everyday items. Extra furniture and decorations can be added around your space, budget and routine.

Here’s a practical nursery checklist to help you focus on what matters.

1. A safe place for your baby to sleep

Start with a cot or bassinet that meets current Australian safety requirements and is suitable for your baby’s size and development. Assemble and use it according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

You don’t need both immediately. If you choose a bassinet, check its limits and move to a cot when your baby reaches them.

You also don’t need a separate nursery ready before birth. Red Nose recommends babies sleep in their own safe sleep space in their parents’ room for the first six to twelve months.

Measure the cot’s assembled footprint where your baby will actually sleep. Explore the GroTime cot collection to compare styles and features.

2. The correct mattress and simple bedding

Always use the mattress size and thickness specified for your cot or bassinet. The mattress should be firm, flat and correctly fitted.

Start with well-fitting sheets and suitable sleepwear, with a few spares for washing days. Keep your baby’s head and face uncovered, and always place them on their back to sleep.

Pillows, cot bumpers, soft toys and sleep positioners do not belong in your newborn’s sleep space. Add personality through decorations safely positioned outside and away from the cot.

3. A practical nappy-changing setup

You need a clean, safe place to change nappies. A dedicated change table is optional; a suitable changing mat on the floor can also work.

Keep nappies, wipes and spare clothes together so they’re easy to find. If you use a raised change table, never leave your baby unattended, even for a moment.

Plan around where you’ll change your baby most often.

4. Storage for everyday essentials

Baby clothes may be tiny, but there are plenty of them.

A chest of drawers, an existing wardrobe or organised baskets can keep clothing, bedding and changing supplies easy to reach. Choose storage based on what you need to put away and the space you have.

Secure furniture that could topple with suitable anchors, following the manufacturer’s instructions.

For a coordinated room, explore GroTime nursery bundles. Compare what each includes and check the individual furniture dimensions before planning your layout.

5. Somewhere comfortable for feeds and settling

A comfortable place to sit can be useful for feeds, cuddles and settling, whether it’s in the nursery or elsewhere at home.

A dedicated nursery chair is optional. Consider whether a chair you already own works for you before adding another piece of furniture.

For sleep, always return your baby to their own safe sleep space. A chair or sofa is not a safe place to sleep with your baby.

What nursery purchases can wait?

You can build the room gradually. Depending on your home and routine, these purchases may be able to wait:

• A dedicated nursery chair.
• Extra storage beyond what you currently need.
• A toy box and extensive toy collection.
• Decorative furniture and matching accessories.

Start with the essentials, then add pieces that solve a practical need or make the room feel more like yours.

Nursery essentials: your quick checklist

Before baby arrives, organise:

• A suitable cot or bassinet.
• The mattress specified for that sleep space.
• Well-fitting sheets and appropriate sleepwear.
• A safe nappy-changing area and supplies.
• Storage for clothing, bedding and everyday items.
• A layout that keeps cords, heaters and other hazards out of your baby’s reach.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a separate nursery for a newborn?

No. Red Nose recommends your baby sleeps in their own safe sleep space in your room for the first six to twelve months. You can organise their essentials without a separate room.

Do I need both a cot and a bassinet?

No. You can start with a suitable cot, or use a suitable bassinet within its stated limits before moving to a cot.

Is a nursery furniture bundle worth considering?

A bundle can simplify choosing coordinated pieces. Compare its contents and total price with buying the items you need individually, and check that everything fits your space.

Create a nursery that works for your family

Your nursery doesn’t need to be finished in one shopping trip. Start with a safe sleep space and the essentials that support everyday care, then build from there.

Explore GroTime nursery furniture and create a space that feels like home.