Setting Up a Baby Nursery: Essentials & Safety for Australian Homes
We’re often asked: “What do I need when setting up a baby nursery”? Here’s our expert checklist with linked references from trusted Australian organisations for nursery safety.
Nursery Essentials
- Cot – Must comply with the mandatory standard. See the ACCC’s Household Cots Guide for safety details.
- Cot mattress – Should fit snugly, with no gaps. Guidance on sleep safety is available at the same ACCC link above.
- 5 Cot sheets
- Cot valance
- Bumper pad – Remove once baby begins pulling up; mesh alternatives are safer.
- Sleeping bag or blanket – Follow Red Nose Safe Sleep Recommendations: Safe Sleeping.
- Musical mobile (remove when baby pulls up)
- Changing table or chest changer with safety pad
- Comfortable breastfeeding glider chair
- Nursing pillow
- Night-light or lullaby-capable baby monitor
- Digital baby monitor
- Toy storage (choose no-heavy-lid chest)
- Wall-mounted shelves/hooks (secured, lightweight)
- Window treatments – Ensure cords are secured via ACCC’s blind safety advice (linked via Household Cots Guide too).
- Clothes basket
- Nursery lamp/night-light
- Cool-air humidifier
Nursery Safety Principles
- Secure blind or curtain cords using cleats or safety mechanisms.
- Install and regularly test a working smoke alarm near the nursery.
- Use window guards to prevent falls; avoid placing furniture near windows.
- Cover unused power points with safety plugs.
- Use toy boxes without heavy lids to prevent entrapment.
- Use only cool-air humidifiers; clean and empty when not in use.
Changing Table Safety
- Always fasten the safety belt during use.
- Keep baby care items (powder, creams) out of reach.
- Avoid leaving baby unattended, even briefly.
- Use a non-slip mat underneath.
Cot Safety Checklist
- Remove bumpers, toys, pillows when baby can sit or stand.
- Remove mobiles when baby is mobile in cot.
- No elevated corner posts or decorative cut-outs.
- Keep the mattress snug; ACCC’s household cots guide outlines proper spacing.
- Regularly check and tighten screws, bolts, supports.
- Keep cot free of plastic bags or small choking hazards.
- Always lay baby on their back on a flat, firm surface (refer Red Nose Safe Sleep).
Designer Nursery Packages
Save time and money with our designer nursery packages-starting at $999-which include safe NZ timber cots and full décor coordination.
About the Author
Frank is a founding owner of Bubs n Grubs. He is also the sole author of the Bubs n Grubs Baby Blog. He has been personally evaluating baby products & testing them before offering them to our customers since 2006. In addition, he is consistently giving manufacturer’s feedback & product development advice, reviewing & getting customer feedback. He has been doing this since the business started in 2006. He is proud to be one of the rare baby store owners who regularly engages with customers in store. Frank values the constant feedback and regularly seeks it out. He has been featured on the Morning Show & the Today Show on Channel 7 and Channel 9 and is a recognised expert in baby products as a result.
Important: This guide provides general safety information only and does not replace professional advice. Always check product instructions and comply with Australian safety standards. For emergencies, call 000.