Top 10 Must-Have Baby Items for the First Year
Welcoming a new baby is exciting, but it can also feel overwhelming. With so many products available, it’s hard to know what you truly need.
At Bubs n Grubs, we’ve helped Aussie parents choose safe, high-quality essentials since 2006. Every item on this list is carefully selected for safety, comfort, everyday practicality – backed by our in-store expertise and commitment to Australian guidance and standards.
1. A Safe, Adjustable Cot
Your baby’s cot is the centrepiece of safe sleep. Choose one that meets Australian Standard AS/NZS 2172 for household cots. For portable/folding cots, look for AS/NZS 2195.
Convertible cots like the Babyhood Kaylula Sova Cot or Babyhood Classic Sleigh grow with your child, offering long-term value and beautiful design.
2. A Supportive, Breathable Baby Mattress
A firm, flat mattress is critical for safe sleep in the first year. Follow Red Nose guidelines and ensure a snug fit inside your cot. Where applicable, look for sleep surfaces tested to AS/NZS 8811.1 (sleep surface firmness).
Our cot packages include mattresses made to provide optimal support and breathability for newborns.
3. A Quality Convertible Car Seat or Capsule
A safe car seat is one of the most important purchases you’ll make. Choose a convertible car seat or capsule that allows extended rear-facing for maximum protection and complies with AS/NZS 1754.
We recommend trusted brands like Maxi Cosi and Mother’s Choice.
4. A Reliable Baby Monitor with Night Vision
You can’t be in the room 24/7 – but the right baby monitor helps you keep watch. Remember, monitors provide reassurance but are not life-saving devices.
Models like the LeapFrog LF920HD and VTech RM7764HD offer advanced features.
5. A Versatile Pram or Stroller
A quality pram should be newborn-ready, comfortable, easy to manoeuvre. In Australia, prams must comply with standards based on AS 2088.
The UPPAbaby Vista V3 and Silver Cross Wave 3 are parent favourites.
6. A High Chair for Starting Solids
Around six months, your baby will start solids and a sturdy high chair becomes essential.
Consider the UPPAbaby Ciro or Kaylula Ava Forever High Chair.
7. A Supportive Baby Carrier or Wrap
Options like BabyBjörn and Ergobaby provide ergonomic support.
8. A Bath Support or Infant Bath Tub
The Shnuggle Baby Bath and babyhood Bath Support help make bath time safe.
9. Health & Grooming Essentials
A basic kit should include thermometer, nail clippers, nasal aspirator, and brush.
10. Daily Nappy Change Essentials
Keep nappies, wipes, and creams within easy reach.
Talk Soon,
Frank
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 2009. 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 2009. 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.
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