Congratulations, you beautiful thing! You’re expecting 🤍
And if you’ve spent even five minutes Googling “what do I need for a newborn,” you’ve probably found yourself staring at a 200-item checklist, wondering how on earth you’re meant to have all of this ready… and feeling a little overwhelmed. I was the same!
Take a breath and hear this.. because it's the truth: you don’t need most of it.
As a Perth-based baby boutique (and a mum myself), I have seen firsthand what actually gets used… and what ends up sitting in a drawer. This is the honest, no-noise version for the real essentials, what can wait, and a few beautiful extras that genuinely make those early days feel a little more special.
The Real Newborn Essentials (From One Mum to Another)
1. Sleep
Sleep becomes your whole world for a little while and anything that helps everyone get more of it is worth its weight in gold. But in saying that, every baby is different, and some things that work for some may not work for others.Â
What you’ll actually use:
- A safe sleep space (bassinet or cot that meets Australian standards AS/NZS 2172:2003)
- 2–3 fitted bassinet/cot sheets (because yes… there will be many middle-of-the-night changes)
- A good swaddle or sleep bag, which is definitely one thing most mums wish they had invested in sooner. This one was an absolute must for me.
- A white noise machine (not essential, but so many mums swear by it)
What you can skip for now:
All of the “Pinterest-perfect” extras like cot bumpers, elaborate bedding, and decorative pieces. They look beautiful, but they don’t help at 2am.
2. Feeding
However you choose to feed your baby, whether that is breastfeeding, formula, or a mix of both, this stage can feel like a lot. Keep it simple!
What you’ll actually use:
- 8-9 burp clothes wraps from Kmart/Target (I used them every feed due to a colicky baby, and they were scattered all over the house!)
- A couple of bottles (even if you plan to breastfeed)
- Breast pads (you’ll go through more than you expect)
- A decent Maternity Bra/Bralette to allow for easy access when breastfeeding
- A nursing pillow (you might not need it day one, but it quickly becomes your best friend)
- Milk Collectors/Breast Pumps such as the Haakaa silicone Pump (great for let down) and one of those things mums recommend over and over again
What you can wait on:
Expensive pumps and sterilisers! See what you actually need first (I boiled my bottles on the stove for a while to see if it warranted buying a steriliser). There is a lot of this Instagram perfection which just isn't reality. If it works it works and it doesn't have to cost hundreds.Â
3. Clothing
This is where it’s very easy to go overboard (I get it, baby clothes are so cute and hard to resist).
What you’ll actually use:
- 9-10 onesies/growsuits in 0000 and 000 (depending on the size of your baby)
- 5-6 0000 singlets as these act as a versatile base layer that regulates their body temperature
- 2–3 TOG rated sleep suits for sleeptime
- 2- 3 Beanies for their little heads (especially in Australian winter)
- A couple of warm layers (such as jumpers/cardigans)
- Socks or booties (yes, they will fall off constantly but are great to help keep them cosy)
A little mum tip:
Newborn skin is sensitive, and you’ll be doing a lot of washing so any breathable, organic cotton fabrics really do make a difference.
What you can skip:
Shoes, complicated outfits, anything impractical. If it’s hard to put on, you won’t reach for it.
4. Bathing & Skincare
Less really is more here.
What you’ll actually use:
- A baby bath or support
- 2 soft bath towels
- A gentle, fragrance-free wash
- A simple moisturiser (especially in WA’s dry air)
- A few soft cloths
What you don’t need:
A shelf full of products. Newborn skin doesn’t need it.
5. Getting Out of the House
You might not feel like leaving much at first, but when you do, these matter a lot!
What you’ll actually use:
- A pram that suits your lifestyle (you may be planning on more than one child, so finding one that will adapt to your situation is ideal)
- A baby carrier or wrap (this can be a lifesaver in those early weeks, especially with a clingy baby!)
- A car seat (ready and installed around 35/36 weeks to allow for if the baby comes early)
- A couple of warm blankets for when the baby is in the pram
What can wait:
Extras like fancy bouncers or play gyms. Every baby is different, and you can add these later.
6. Nappy Essentials
Not glamorous but very necessary.
What you’ll actually use:
- Nappies (don’t stockpile huge amounts of newborn size)
- Nappy cream
- Nappy bags
- Water-based gentle wipes
- A simple change mat (I kept one in the back of my car and in my nappy bag!)
- A few cloths incase of any spills
That’s it. It doesn’t need to be complicated.
A Quick Note on Dummies/Pacifiers
Some babies love them, some don’t, and unfortunately, you won’t know until you try. Having one or two on hand can be helpful (and sometimes sanity-saving).
We stock Frigg and Bibs Dummies/Pacifiers, and also have packs such as the Baby's First Pacifier Set, which actually has 4 different teat materials and shapes to see which one your baby likes best.
There is also the Bibs Gift Sets, which come in 4 different colours and has a bottle and 2 dummies (these are great as a baby shower gift)
The “So Worth It” Extras
Not essentials, but the things mums often say they’re so glad they had:
- A wool wrap, such as the Bundl Wool Wrap (this thing was honestly a godsend and I used it daily!)
- A beautiful soft toy that becomes “their” comfort item, whether that is a Moonie bear or a Senger Goose.
- A change mat, like the Leander Matty Changing Mat, to allow for changes anywhere in the house
- A nursery chair that you feel comfortable in for those late-night feeds
- A calm, simple nursery space that feels good for you to sit in during those long feeds
Don’t Forget About You 🤍
Somewhere between buying tiny clothes and setting up the nursery, it’s easy to forget this part: you matter too.
Recovery, feeding, hormones, and sleep deprivation. It’s a lot for anyone to handle! Having a few things ready for yourself can make a real difference.
Think:
- Nursing support (nipple balms, hydration and hot/cold packs, etc)
- Postpartum care (Perineal products to help the healing process, supportive briefs and even pads with soothing witch hazel!)
- Small moments of self-care (even if it’s just a face mask while baby sleeps on you)
You’ve just grown and are about to birth a human, so you deserve to be looked after as well.
A Little Honest Advice
If there’s one thing I would tell every new mum, it’s this: buy less but buy better.
You don’t need a house full of things. You need a small collection of pieces that are thoughtful, practical, and made to support you in this season.
Everything we stock at Olive + August is chosen the same way we’d choose for our own babies. With intention, care, and a focus on what actually matters.
And if you’re feeling unsure or just need a chat? Reach out and send me a DM or an email. I would love to help you navigate this time.
Don't doubt yourself. You HAVE got this.