What do I actually need for a nursery?

The essentials are a safe cot that meets Australian Standard AS/NZS 2172, a new firm mattress that fits snugly, 2-3 fitted cot sheets, baby sleeping bags in the right TOG for the season, a change mat or table, nappies and wipes, a baby monitor, a dim night light for feeds, and blackout blinds or curtains. Everything else is a nice-to-have.

When should I set up the nursery?

Most parents set up the nursery between 28 and 36 weeks of pregnancy. This gives you time to order furniture, wash sheets and sleeping bags, and get everything organised before the baby arrives. That said, babies don't need their own room straight away — Red Nose recommends babies sleep in the same room as their parents for the first 6 to 12 months.

Can baby sleep in my room instead of a nursery?

Yes — in fact, Red Nose (formerly SIDS and Kids) recommends that babies sleep in the same room as their parents for the first 6 to 12 months. You don't need a separate nursery at all. A cot or bassinet next to your bed is perfectly safe and makes night feeds easier.

nursery essentials checklist

by Jessie Willcox·9 april 2026

Jessie is a mother of two and early childhood educator from Melbourne. she writes about preparing for baby on a real-world budget.

setting up a nursery can feel overwhelming — especially when every baby store wants you to believe you need a $3,000 furniture package and a matching set of everything. the truth? babies need very little.

this checklist breaks it down into what you actually need, what's nice to have, and what you can skip entirely. we've also included tips for small spaces, tight budgets, and gender neutral styling.

must-haves

safe cot (Australian Standard AS/NZS 2172)

new mattress, firm and flat. if buying secondhand, check the cot meets current standards and has no missing parts.

firm mattress that fits snugly

no gaps between the mattress and cot sides — if you can fit more than two fingers, it's too small.

2-3 fitted cot sheets

cotton or bamboo. you'll want spares for middle-of-the-night changes.

baby sleeping bags

0.2 TOG for summer, 1.0 TOG for mild weather, 2.5 TOG for winter. sleeping bags replace blankets and are safer.

change table or change mat

a change mat on the floor or on top of a dresser works perfectly — you don't need a dedicated change table.

nappies + wipes

stock up before baby arrives. newborns go through 10-12 nappies a day.

nappy bin

any bin with a lid works. you don't need a special nappy disposal system.

baby monitor

audio is fine — video is optional. check the range covers your home.

dim night light

for feeds and nappy changes without fully waking baby. warm/amber light is best.

blackout blinds or curtains

help baby sleep during the day and through early morning light.

nice to have

-nursing chair or rocker
-white noise machine
-dresser or chest of drawers
-small bookshelf
-rug (for tummy time and play)
-mobile (remove before baby can pull up — usually around 5 months)

what you don't need

xcot bumpers — suffocation and SIDS risk — banned in some countries
xpillows — not recommended until at least 2 years old
xdoonas or quilts — not safe until at least 2 years old — use a sleeping bag instead
xstuffed toys in the cot — keep the cot clear for safe sleep
xexpensive furniture sets — baby doesn't care about matching furniture
xwipe warmers — unnecessary — room temperature wipes are fine

nursery on a budget

you don't need to spend thousands on a nursery. here's how to keep costs down without compromising on safety.

-buy the cot secondhand but ALWAYS buy a new mattress — you don't know the history of a used one
-skip the change table — a change mat on the floor or on top of a dresser works just as well
-ask friends and family for hand-me-downs (clothes, sheets, sleeping bags)
-check Facebook Marketplace for furniture — people sell near-new nursery items constantly
-IKEA basics work perfectly — the SNIGLAR cot is under $130 and meets Australian standards
-you don't need a separate nursery at all — Red Nose recommends baby sleeps in your room for the first 6-12 months

small nursery ideas

working with a small room (or a corner of your bedroom)? these tips help you make the most of the space.

-use vertical space — wall-mounted shelves keep things off the floor
-choose a cot with storage underneath (or add baskets below)
-over-door organisers are great for nappies, creams, and small items
-use baskets and labels to categorise — it makes a small space feel less cluttered
-skip the armchair if there's no room — feed in bed or on the lounge instead

gender neutral nursery ideas

whether you're keeping the sex a surprise, having a second baby, or just prefer a neutral palette — here are some ideas that work beautifully.

-earthy tones — sage green, cream, warm white, terracotta, soft mustard
-nature themes — leaves, eucalyptus, mountains, clouds
-animal prints — Australian natives (koala, wombat, cockatoo) work well
-wooden furniture — natural timber looks great and lasts
-there's no need to 'reveal' gender through room colour — pick what you love

safety checklist

anchor furniture to walls

dressers, bookshelves, and change tables should be secured with anti-tip brackets.

keep cot away from blinds and cords

blind cords are a strangulation hazard. position the cot well clear of any window coverings.

no heaters near the cot

heaters, radiators, and electric blankets should not be close to where baby sleeps.

smoke alarm in or near the room

check it works and replace batteries every 12 months.

room temperature 20-22°C

use a room thermometer. dress baby appropriately for the temperature — a sleeping bag with the right TOG rating helps.

this guide is for informational purposes only. product recommendations are general — always check that any cot or mattress meets current Australian Standards (AS/NZS 2172 for cots, AS/NZS 8811.1 for mattresses). safe sleep advice is based on Red Nose guidelines. mini mode is not affiliated with any product manufacturer or retailer.