Newborn Essentials to Help You Prepare For Your Little Babe

Bringing a newborn into your home is a beautiful and joyous occasion, but it's also a time of adjustment and learning. As you eagerly await the arrival of your little babe, ensuring you have all the essential items ready can help ease the transition into parenthood. 

At Coco & Bundle, we understand the importance of preparing for your baby's arrival, which is why we've curated a collection of newborn essentials to help you navigate this exciting journey with confidence and ease.

So, what does your newborn need in these first weeks? Save yourself from endless Google searches and frantic to-buy lists – we’ve got all your newborn essentials right here in one easy guide.

What’s inside?

• Clothing, Feeding, Bedding and More
• Our Favourite Newborn Products
• Tips for Organising Your Newborn’s Wardrobe
• Essential Items You'll Need More Of
• Create a Nurturing Environment With Coco & Bundle

Clothing, Feeding, Bedding and More

When it comes to caring for your newborn, having the right products on hand is essential – but with so many products on the market all claiming to be 'newborn essentials', how do you know what to buy now vs later?

A great way to navigate newborn prep is to break things down into essential categories. From clothing and feeding essentials to bedding and playtime accessories, we have everything you need to create a nurturing environment for your baby.

Baby Clothing

Ensure your newborn is dressed in soft, comfortable garments perfect for their delicate skin. Mostly, it is practical for newborns to be dressed in zip suits, sleepsuits and body suits however it doesn't hurt to have a few stylish pieces on hand as well. Some of our favourite brands are;

• Susukoshi - Known for their soft organic GOTS-certified zip suits and bodysuits. They also offer a range of stylish essentials.
• Bencer and Hazelnut - A gorgeous collection of cotton zip suits
• Ziggy Lou - Known for their beautiful knit keepsakes. Boasting stylish prints and gorgeous colourways.
• Belle and Sun - Premium neutral knit pieces including baby rompers, dresses, knit jumpers, leggings and more.
• Little B's Nursery - A stunning collection of Newborn Announcement and Going Home Outfits
• Illoura the Label - Beautiful pieces for when you need something more stylish.

When deciding what clothing to buy your newborn we recommend choosing organic cotton clothes wherever possible. Cotton is the best material for newborns and babies due to its natural softness, breathability, hypoallergenic qualities, and durability – in short, it’s perfect for babies ultra-delicate skin.

Baby Skincare

Invest in gentle newborn-friendly skincare products tailored to your baby's needs, providing nourishment and protection.

Stock up on nappy rash balms, fragrance-free moisturisers and bath oils, and eventually baby-friendly sunscreen (once your bub reaches the 6-month mark). Below are a few clean, non toxic brands that we love!

• Malo Nappy Rash Spray and Nappy Rash Cream
• Being Skincare Bootie Balm
• Mama & Bird Baby Wash and Baby Lotion

Further reading: The Royal Women’s Hospital Skin Care For Your Baby Guide

Feeding: Must-Haves for Mama and Little Babe

Equip yourself with bottles, breast pumps, and accessories to facilitate feeding, whether breastfeeding or bottle-feeding.

Other must-haves here include feeding or burping cloths and breastfeeding care essentials like nipple balm to help soothe cracked nipples. Some of our all time favourite nipple balms include;

• Bare Mum Nipple Balm
• Mere Botanicals Nipple Cream
• Being Boobie Balm
• Mama and Bird Mama Balm

Play Time 

Stimulate your baby's development with toys, books, and linen play mats crafted to engage and entertain.

Remember, though, you don’t have to buy tonnes of products in order to foster stimulation and development in your little babe. 

Newborn playtime can also look like singing, gentle dancing, baby massage, and simple face-to-face time – all beautiful and simple bonding activities that your bub will love!

Sleep and Comfort

Offer soothing relief with soft blankets, teething toys, and dummies to promote self-soothing and comfort.

Create a cosy and comforting sleep environment for your little one with soft cotton blankets, swaddles, sleeping bags and bedding essentials such as mattress protectors and cot sheets.

Further reading: raisingchildren.net.au’s guide on newborn sleep: what to expect

Our Favourite Newborn Products

At Coco & Bundle, we understand that every baby is unique, which is why we've carefully curated a selection of newborn-specific products to meet a variety of needs for both little babe and new mama.

From glass bottles and organic skincare to soft newborn swaddles and adorable baby clothing, our collection has everything you need to welcome your little babe into this world.

BIBS Glass Bottles

Credit: BIBS

Made from high-quality borosilicate glass, our range of BIBS bottles are designed to mimic the natural breastfeeding experience, making it easier for your baby to transition between breast and bottle feeding.

The bottles’ nipples are equipped with an anti-colic valve to reduce air intake during feeding. They’re also produced from natural rubber latex, offering a gentle and natural feeding experience. 

Post-Newborn Tip: Once those precious newborn days are coming to a close and you’re gearing up to introduce your baby to the world of starting solids, it can help to have a few essentials already on hand. 

See our selection of feeding utensils, bibs and baby and toddler recipe books including the popular Baby Food Bible By Julia Tellidis and Lauren Skora of Bable.

Ollie + Harper Silicone Teethers

Meet the Ollie & Harper baby teething toy, crafted from beechwood and silicone to provide soothing relief during the teething phase. Designed for durability and safety, this teether is easy for your baby to hold and chew on. 

With its combination of textures, this teether helps alleviate discomfort while stimulating exploration. Easy to clean and maintain, this simple yet functional teething toy is sure to become a favourite for your little one!

Bootie Balm

Pamper your baby's delicate skin with our nourishing Bootie Balm by Being. This award-winning nappy rash balm goes beyond its primary function, making it a hands-down (or should we say, bottoms-up) newborn essential. 

Safe to use all over, this multitasker prevents and calms nappy rash, fights bacteria, treats cradle cap, and moisturises dry skin. Formulated with natural ingredients, it gently protects and cares for baby’s delicate skin.

But that’s not all—Bootie Balm also provides relief for skin irritations like eczema, minor cuts, burns, and insect bites. Designed without essential oils, it's suitable even for the most sensitive skin.

Rompers, Booties & Beanies

Dress your little babe in style and comfort with our collection of adorable baby wear. 

We stock some of the most gorgeous (and hands-down adorable) pieces from local Australian-made newborn clothes boutiques, including Ziggy Lou, Little B's Nursery, Silly Silas, Petite + Co and more. We have a beautiful selection  of rompers, booties, beanies, and full sets crafted from the softest fabrics for maximum comfort.

Some of our current favourites include:

• Petite + Co’s Bubble Romper, an easy-to-dress button-up romper that’s soft and stretchy with warm fleece inside.
• Petite + Co’s Classic Ribbed Set, including a pullover with matching pants in easy-breezy neutral colours.
• Petite + Co’s Chunky Knit Jumper, the perfect and newborn knitwear addition.
• Ziggy Lou’s Bodysuit, a staple everyday piece made with functional press snaps for easy changes.
• Ziggy Lou’s Booties and Beanie, stunning consciously-crafted pieces that keep your bub’s toes and head warm in all seasons.
• Little B's Nursery newborn Booties, Beanie and Romper, the perfect newborn announcement outfit.

Warren Hill Quilted Linen Play Mats

Crafted from 100% Pure French Flax Linen, the Warren Hill Quilted Linen Play Mat is a must-have for those adorable tummy-time sessions and bonding moments. 

The mat features a soft polyester filling, providing gentle cushioning and support for your baby's delicate skin. 

With its stonewashed finish, it offers a luxuriously soft feel and is naturally hypoallergenic, durable, and eco-friendly—a sustainable choice for your little one.

Charlie Crane Activity Arch and LEVO Rocker

Oh, now this one is a fabulous find! A perfect combination of snuggly comfort and gently stimulating play, the Charlie Crane Activity Arch paired with the LEVO Rocker is a timeless piece that wraps your little babe up in a soft pillow of cosiness and creativity.

Designed specifically for the LEVO rocker, the activity arch features natural wooden toys—cloud, ring, and wooden beads—that are perfect for enriching your baby from birth. Keep your little one entertained and engaged while they relax in their LEVO rocker.

Buying Tip: If you’d prefer to purchase a LEVO rocker on its own, or perhaps start with the rocker and then look at introducing the activity arch, that’s a great option, too. 

Charlie Crane has an exquisite selection of colours and woods to choose from, including organic nude walnut + soft pink and organic white beech + cream.

Nana Huchy Rattles

We’ve saved some of our cutest must-haves for last! The charming Nana Huchy plush baby rattles are not only irresistibly cute and cuddly but also offer sensory stimulation with their gentle bell sound. 

Crafted from soft plush material, they’re gentle on your little babe’s delicate skin, ensuring safe playtime. The interactive bell inside each rattle encourages exploration, allowing your baby to engage with their environment.

Available in different animals like Sophie the Sheep, Benny the Bear, Max the Dog, Pixie the Rabbit, and more, these are the perfect newborn play additions. Plus, they might just end up being your little babe’s most favourite soft animal for years to come!

Tips for Organising Your Newborn’s Wardrobe

So, now you've stocked up on some essentials, it's time for the next stage of preparation for your little babe: wardrobe organisation.

Some parents-to-be will love this process, while for others, it can be daunting. Whichever way you're feeling, we've found that putting a little time into wardrobe organisation helps dramatically during those first brand-new weeks with your newborn.

Here are some tips to help you organise your newborn's wardrobe and streamline your daily routines:

• Sort by Size: Start by sorting your baby's clothing by size to ensure easy access to outfits that fit.
• Label and Categorise: Use dividers or labels to categorise clothing by type (like rompers, sleepwear, sets, and accessories) for quick and easy outfit selection.
• Rotate Seasonal Items: Keep seasonal items within reach and store out-of-season clothing in labelled bins or storage containers to maximise space.
• Keep Essentials Handy: Store frequently used items, such as nappies, wipes, and burp cloths, in readily-accessible locations for quick access changes and feedings.
  
  

Essential Items You'll Need More Of

As a new mama, you'll quickly discover that some items are essential for your baby's daily care and comfort. 

Here are a few things you'll likely need more of than you realise:

Baby Wipes 

You’ve probably heard this one before, but trust us – there are truly never enough baby wipes in the world! 

Stock up on your chosen wipes to keep your little one clean and comfortable throughout the day, and to wipe your own hands (or face, neck, arms, legs, you name it) when little bub spits up or, you know…do all the things newborns do!

Nappies

Invest in a supply of nappies in various sizes to accommodate your baby's growth and changing needs. 

You don’t need to buy a hospital’s worth of nappies in one go, but it’s a great idea to buy in bulk and stock up on these newborn essentials.

Feeding or Burping Cloths

Keep plenty of burp cloths on hand to catch spit-up and protect your clothing during feedings. 

We love cloths as they’re washable and reusable, but you also don’t want to have to put loads of washing on three times a day.

We recommend buying 10-15 burp cloths in preparation for your little babe’s arrival to ensure you’ve got plenty on hand whenever you need to rotate them.

Nipple Cream 

If you’re breastfeeding, nipple cream can help soothe and protect sore nipples, promoting a more comfortable breastfeeding experience. 

Every woman is different, just as every breastfeeding experience is different. You might find that a little nipple balm goes a long way for you, but most new mums often need quite a bit to calm dry or cracked nipples.

Our top pick: The Bare Mum nipple balm is highly nourishing and soothing, with a natural non-stick formula and a cooling applicator. This is a great balm that you can stock up on to make sure there’s plenty in the house to last throughout your breastfeeding journey.

Baby Clothes

Babies go through multiple outfit changes a day, so it's essential to have a sufficient supply of baby clothes on hand for easy changes and laundry rotations.

It’s also a great idea to purchase a few sizes up to accommodate those quickly-growing little bodies. Some babies might stay in their 000s for some time, while others will outgrow them before you know it. 

Plan ahead and stock up on some easy-to-dress rompers, onesies, and outfits to take the stress out of baby shopping during your first weeks as a new parent. Plus, it’s pretty fun buying all those adorable baby clothes!

Create a Nurturing Environment With Coco & Bundle

Preparing for your little babe's arrival is an exciting and rewarding journey. By stocking up on essential items and organising your newborn's wardrobe, you can ensure a smooth transition into parenthood and create a nurturing environment for your beautiful little babe to thrive. 

At Coco & Bundle, we're here to support you every step of the way, offering a curated selection of high-quality newborn essentials to help you prepare for your little one's arrival with love and care.

Above all, enjoy this nesting time in the lead-up to your little babe’s arrival. There’s no better feeling in these final weeks than knowing you’ve got all the best newborn essentials to help welcome your bub into the world!