Newborn Essentials: 15 Best Buys for Baby – Enter to Share in Almost $6,000 in Prizes!

The start of August marks the start of a very special month at Mum Central – it’s Baby Month! This year we are celebrating by GIVING AWAY 15 NEWBORN ESSENTIALS to get you started on your baby’s journey. Choose from a co-sleeper, car seat, baby carrier, oh my! Plus, a baby monitor, sound machine, baby bottles, nappies and more!

Featured below are the 15 beautiful baby products and newborn essentials we have up for grabs, with a total prize value of almost $6,000! Make sure you enter by completing the entry form below, and be sure to select which draw/s (or all) you’d like to go in the running for!

What you could win: 

• FOR THE NURSERY: roomie™ glide bedside co-sleeper, Dreamsense Smart Baby Monitor, a Drift Away White Noise Machine (x2), One Little Day Blanket and Comforter Set, and a large Little Wiwa® Playmat.
• FOR OUT AND ABOUT: iCandy Orange pram, Armour FX Convertible Car Seat, Savvy Baby Carrier and a Bambino Bagz Nappy Bag.
• FOR POSTPARTUM: TheRY Restorer Postnatal Support Compression Leggings.
• FOR FEEDING, PLAYTIME AND CHANGING: Tyhan S12 Pro+ Breast Pump, NUK for Nature Bottles, MiChair High Chair, Natralus Bath and Skincare (x2), and Cuddlies Bamboo Nappies (x2).  

Enter via the form below, but first, let’s take a look at our roundup of best newborn essentials 2023!

What to Buy for Baby? Mum Central’s Newborn Essentials 2023

Nursery Musts

Let’s start our newborn essentials checklist in the nursery with a few items you’ll most certainly need, including somewhere for bub to sleep, a monitor, and a white noise machine.

1. Our Pick for a Co-Sleeper

Joie Baby’s roomie™ glide bedside co-sleeper

RRP: $449
Where to buy: Joie Baby

There are a few options when it comes to baby’s first bed – a cot, a bassinet or a co-sleeper. Our choice is the roomie™ glide bedside co-sleeper because it allows you to sleep closely side by side without sharing a bed with Bub. Feed, soothe or snuggle from the comfort of your own bed and enjoy every moment of the newborn stage without losing sleep over whether they’re snoozing safely.

roomie™ glide offers all the incredible features you want in a co-sleeper including a sliding slide panel to lift and lower with just one hand, ideal for those midnight feeds, together with a cushioned yet firm mattress for extra comfort. There are 11 height adjustments to fit nearly any sized bed and it easily secures to your bed with a simple strap and clip attachment.

The co-sleeper offers a gentle incline to help your little one comfortably digest their bedtime snack and washable woven fabrics for easy cleaning. You’ll also love the lockable wheels, double mesh windows on both sides for ventilation and lightweight but strong aluminium frame. Take it from room to room or even away with you with its easy assembly and included travel bag.

ENTER BELOW TO WIN: 1 x roomie™ glide bedside co-sleeper, valued at $449 

2. Our Pick for a Baby Monitor

Dreamsense Smart Baby Monitor

RRP: $399
Where to buy: Tommee Tippee

Dreamsense Smart Baby Monitor is one of the newer baby monitors by the experts in parenting products – Tommee Tippee. The Dreamsense Smart Baby Monitor comes with all the features you want in a monitor but is also incredibly easy to use and ensures ultimate peace of mind.

The Dreamsense Smart Baby Monitor comes with a camera, parent pod plus an app to offer complete viewing of your little one. The monitor includes HD night vision plus a pan, tilt and zoom camera, two-way audio, a lullaby player, and a pink noise player.

The Dreamsense parent pod uses coloured lights and sounds to notify you of changes to the baby or the nursery’s environment. It’s also able to sense sound, light and even humidity and can distinguish between the sounds of your baby and other background noises. Very clever!

By using the free app, you can track bub’s sleep patterns and gain access to live-stream viewing of your baby regardless of where you are. This monitor also comes with a 4.5/5 star rating from one of our Mum Central reviewers. 

MUM CENTRAL READER OFFER: 
SAVE: 25% ALL OF AUGUST
NO CODE NEEDED

ENTER BELOW TO WIN:  1 x Dreamsense Smart Baby Monitor, valued at $399 

3. Our Pick for a White Noise Machine

ergoPouch’s Drift Away White Noise Machine

RRP: $64.95
Where to buy: ergoPouch

Affordable, portable and sure to be a sleep staple in your household, the Drift Away White Noise Machine offers 7 calming white, pink and brown noises to help settle for sleep faster.

Designed to be super simple to use and also take anywhere, Drift Away is compact, lightweight and accepted by most airlines. Simply plug it in and let it do its thing. There’s no need to connect to an app or read a confusing manual to set it up.

It comes with 48 hours of battery life on a single charge when using sound only, plus a maximum setting of 65db – safe for a baby’s developing auditory system. Place it on your baby’s dresser from birth as an effective sleep aid that will grow with them.

ergoPouch is a winner for all things sleep – be sure to also check out their range of gorgeous organic Cocoon swaddles and sleeping bags!

ENTER BELOW TO WIN:  2 x Drift Away White Noise & Cocoon Swaddle 1.0 TOG, valued at $114.90 each ‌

4. Our Pick for a Baby Blanket or Comforter

One Little Day Beige Diamond Blanket and Puppy

RRP: $133.90
WHERE TO BUY: One Little Day

Every nursery needs a little bit of love and One Little Day delivers the goods. The whole range of baby gifts and keepsakes are divine but our pick to personalise the nursery and provide Bub with a comfort toy they will cherish forever is their Beige Diamond Blanket and Puppy Set.

Made from high-quality cotton, the beige diamond knitted blanket is soft and gentle on the skin, useable in all seasons, made to last and makes a gorgeous addition to any photo shoot.

The puppy comforter loves tiny cuddles and will be instantly adored by your baby. He’s extremely soft and easy for small hands to manipulate and is an excellent companion for naptime or on outings.  The sand-coloured baby shoes are very comfortable, durable and easy to slip on and off your baby’s feet. They can be worn every day or saved for special occasions.

All items can be personalised  and are sure to add that extra something special to any nursery.  The knitted blanket and comforter are also both machine washable on a gentle wash.

ENTER BELOW TO WIN: 1 x Beige Blanket & Puppy Gift Set & pair of adorable personalised baby shoes, valued at $133.90 

5. Our Pick for a Play Mat

Little Wiwa® Coastal Seabreeze Generös Play Mat

RRP: Large mat for $189.00
Where to buy: Little Wiwa®

Searching for a play mat that brings a splash of that dreamy vacation home vibes that have us all wanderlusting? Consider your search over. Little Wiwa®’s Coastal Retreat Collection has got all the island charms that you love, and ticks all the boxes for your kids’ safety!

Over 50,000 parents have bought and raved about these gorgeous kids’ floor mats. In fact, Little Wiwa® has earned over 1,400 5-star reviews plus has taken home several awards too!‌

They are the pioneer of minimalist-style baby foam play mats and their 2023 collection took our breath away. The reversible designs come together in a marriage of beachy chic and quiet luxury, with a multi-tone natural palette. There’s something for everyone in this collection, whether your home aesthetics range from a bohemian, modern, minimalist, Scandinavian styles and beyond.

Select from small, round or large play mats – ideal for any nursery or playroom, they are designed to blend effortlessly into your decor while providing bub with a space all their own.‌ Every Little Wiwa® play mat is reversible, waterproof, non-toxic, eco-friendly and thickly padded to provide a safety guard and comfort for tummy time support of our little adventurers. Minimalist in style, mighty in impact – you’re going to love Little Wiwa®.

MUM CENTRAL READER OFFER:
SAVE: 10% OFF ANY PURCHASE 
CODE: MUMCENTRAL23
EXPIRY: 31 AUGUST 2023

ENTER BELOW TO WIN: 1 x Little Wiwa® Coastal Seabreeze Generös Play Mat, valued at $189.

OTHER NURSERY MUSTS: Take a look at our nursery product round-up for tips on styling your baby’s nursery and additional musts including nursery decor, cot and change tables and bedding. 

GETTING OUT AND ABOUT

Oh, the places you’ll go with Bub! There are three out-and-about essentials that every mum needs – a good pram, a good carrier and a good car seat. Our top picks for each of these are below.

1. Our Pick for a Pram

iCandy Orange

RRP: $2,299
Where to buy: iCandy

Never underestimate the magic powers of a beautifully designed pram! The iCandy Orange is the ultimate companion when it comes to parenthood and the stunning multi-functional pushchair is ready for the adventure, every step of the way.

Everything about the iCandy Orange has been thoughtfully designed and delivered from the softer suspension and optimised tyre tread to the streamlined chassis, super spacious basket and freestanding fold. Not only is it easy to go from A to B, but you’ll also do so in signature iCandy style with a sophisticated and refined aesthetic, and premium padded fabrics available in a range of stylish shades.

Included with the iCandy Orange is also a gorgeous changing bag and Duo Pod, worth over $400. But what really sets the iCandy Orange apart is not just the design but functionality. iCandy Orange comes newborn-ready thanks to the carrycot (approved for overnight sleeping too) and is full travel system ready with included car seat adaptors.

Use the built in RIDE-ON-BOARD for your older toddler or convert it from a single or double pram. In fact, iCandy Orange offers over 30 different configurations so you’re going to be covered! Add their five-year warranty into the mix and you’ve got yourself a pram that grows with your family.

ENTER BELOW TO WIN: 1 x iCandy Orange pram, valued at $2,229 

2. Our Pick for a Car Seat

Joie Baby armour™ FX

RRP: $499
Where to buy: Joie Baby 

Go from newborn to approx 4 years with armour™ FX which comes with all the features you’d expect in a car seat and for under $500 too! With extended rearward facing to approx 30 months or forward facing from approx 12 months to approx 4 years, your precious cargo will be protected no matter what adventures lie ahead.

Expect nothing but exceptional safety standards including the reinforced steel inner seat shell for increased structural integrity and the Guard Surround Safety™ panels which provides extra side protection. armour™ FX comes with easy ISOFIX installation and AutoAdjust™ for easy headrest adjustments as bub grows. The innovative Grow Together™ feature also allows you simultaneously adjust the headrest and harness system (no rethreading needed).

Extra easy to install and adjust, armour™ FX also offers extra comfort with cooling fabrics for the ideal temperature, a cosy newborn insert and 4 forward-facing recline positions. There’s also an expandable side pocket for storage and the cover is washable for quick and easy cleaning.

ENTER BELOW TO WIN: 1 x armour™ FX car seat in two-tone black, valued at $499 

3. Our Pick for a Baby Carrier

Joie Baby Savvy Baby Carrier

RRP: $199
Where to buy: Joie Baby

The Savvy Baby Carrier is designed to hug, not lug, your little one, making baby wearing a welcoming experience for both the wearer and the baby. After all, the snuggle is real, especially in the early stages and Savvy makes it easy to wear your little one four different ways.

The four carrying positions offer your baby optimal support and a change of scenery while keeping them close. You’ll also love the autoclick™ magnetic buckles on the shoulder straps which allow you to easily put on and adjust the carrier by yourself, no arm twisting or extra set of hands necessary.

Savvy’s innovative design means it’s comfortable and safe for everyone with supportive back straps to lighten the load and a secure strap that distributes weight evenly and adjusts easily too for a fine-tuned fit. Bub will remain in the optimal position as the carrier cradles your babe’s naturally C-shaped spine, hugging them in their favourite fetal position and ensuring they remain in the ergonomic M-shaped position for healthy spine and hip development.

Certified hip healthy by the Hip Dysplasia Institute, Savvy Baby Carrier is also weather-safe with a sun hood and windshield and is made of airy lightweight fabrics to be extra soft against bub’s delicate skin. Carry-in comfort and clean-up is a breeze too with a removable absorbent infant bib that pops off.

ENTER BELOW TO WIN: 1 x Savvy Baby Carrier in the modern Marina colour, valued at $199 

4. Our Pick for a Nappy Bag

Bambino Bagz Sofia Convertible Nappy Backpack

RRP: $197.95
WHERE TO BUY: Bambino Bagz

For a nappy bag that can do it all, you can’t go past the stunning Sofia! She is both an ultra-stylish shoulder bag and a super practical nappy backpack all in one. Plus, she slides over your hand luggage to make travelling with your family a breeze. Magic!

Sofia can be worn four different ways too – as a shoulder bag, nappy bag, tote and crossover bag. No matter how you choose to wear her, expect a comfortable design with padded straps and plenty of pocket space for all your baby things. Sofia features seven internal pockets including two insulated pockets and a signature baby wipes dispenser pocket.

Crafted from waterproof, luxury vegan leather, liquids just roll right off and spills wipe away in a jiffy. The perfect bag to go from a park play date to lunch with the girls or a meeting at work. She can do it all!  Luxurious, practical, and stylish, it’s easy to see why Sofia was voted the best nappy bag in the She.com awards for 2022.

MUM CENTRAL READER OFFER:
SAVE: 10% 
CODE: Mumcentral

ENTER BELOW TO WIN: 1 x Sofia Convertible Nappy Backpack in black, valued at $197.95.  

OTHER OUT AND ABOUT PRODUCTS: In addition to these baby essentials, you may also want to invest in a porta cot if you plan on doing a lot of travelling. 

POSTPARTUM PRODUCTS

Postpartum products are a little bit different from the other must-have baby items you’ll need because they aren’t designed for bub, but instead for you. Trust, us, you’ll need them and LOVE them! Compression leggings will become your best friend!

1. Our Pick for Compression Leggings

TheRY Restorer Postnatal Support Compression Leggings

RRP: $179
Where to buy: TheRY

Hands down the most important thing for your recovery is a good pair of compression leggings and TheRY Restorer Postnatal Support Compression Leggings come with rave reviews and extensive research and testing. These compression leggings are specially designed with unique features to provide new mothers with the best postpartum support and assist with c-section recovery, abdominal separation (diastasis recti), and even fluid retention.

The leggings are TGA-listed and are designed to improve circulation which is really important, especially during postpartum when recovery can result in blood clots, postpartum varicose veins and swollen body parts.

Expect extreme comfort and style from TheRY Restorer Leggings, made from premium fabrics with a soft compression panel that won’t irritate stitches or wounds and ankle zips to make the leggings easier to put on and take off. You’ll love the extra large side pockets for your essentials and the clean lines with no embarrassing extra seams – ideal to wear around the house or out and about too.

A portion of your purchase will also go to charity, such as Send Hope, Not Flowers, which helps prevent unnecessary maternal deaths during childbirth.

MUM CENTRAL READER OFFER
SAVE: 10% OFF
CODE: MUMCENTRAL10

ENTER BELOW TO WIN: 1 x pair of TheRY Restorer Postnatal Support Compression Leggings, valued at $179

FEEDING, PLAYTIME AND CHANGING

Now onto the fun stuff – the messy moments filled with smiles, laughs and plenty of spills along the way. Prepare for the journey with our picks for a high chair (plus rocker), breast pump, baby bottles, bath care, of course, nappies!

1. Our Pick for a Breast Pump

Tyhan S12 Pro+

RRP: $250 for single, $480 for double
WHERE TO BUY: Tyhan

If you’re planning on breastfeeding, an efficient breast pump will be your breast friend! Wearable, wireless and hassle-free, the Tyhan S12 Pro+ is a winner. It delivers the ultimate in breast pumping convenience and quality.  Most importantly the Pro+ has incredibly powerful suction that will work to produce the most milk possible in the least amount of time. 

Tyhan’s S12+ Pro comes with 4 modes – massage, lactation, expression and automatic and 12 adjustable suction levels, making it one of the most customised pumps on the market. The lactation mode is also unique to Tyhan and something mums absolutely love.

It also holds 180ml of milk and includes an LCD display for easy, touch-and-go readings plus up to 100 minutes of pumping power in one session. The pump features powerful suction (max 250 – 300 mmHg) and Air Pressure Pulse Technology, making it ideal for any mother who wants to express milk quickly and easily. Tyhan is Australian owned and the S12 Pro+ ships from Australia and comes with five-star reviews.

MUM CENTRAL READER OFFER:
SAVE: $10 OFF
CODE: MUMCENTRAL

ENTER BELOW TO WIN: 1 x Tyhan S12 Pro+ Single Wearable Breast Pump, valued at $250 

2.  Our Pick for Baby Bottles and Dummies

NUK for Nature 

RRP: Starting at $129.95
Where to buy: Big W and selected Woolworths

Brand new to the baby market is NUK’s eco-friendly range, NUK for Nature! This adorable new range of baby bottles, sippy cups and dummies ticks all the boxes – safe, sustainable, durable, affordable – and cute to boot!

NUK’s eco-friendly products are made from sustainable materials (mass balance process*) including sustainable plastic*, natural rubber and sustainable silicone*. They contain natural ingredients and zero nasty chemicals or preservatives so you can feel good about making small steps towards a more sustainable future for your children.

Even the packaging is sustainable with the bottles and teats packaged in 100% cardboard boxes that can go straight in the recycling bin (easy!) while NUK for Nature Soothers come in a clever box that can be used for storage and hygienic cleaning in the microwave. Just add water and sterilise for 4 minutes!

The NUK for Nature bottles feature the same great NUK features you already love including their temperature control gauge to ensure their bottle is at just the right temperature. They also come with the special NUK shape teat designed to mimic the breast and shaped to encourage healthy jaw development. You can pick up this sustainable and affordable range at Big W and selected Woolworths.

ENTER BELOW TO WIN: 1 x NUK for Nature Baby Bottle Bundle valued at $100, including 4 x NUK for Nature Baby Bottles and 6 x NUK for Nature Silicone Soothers 

*These sustainable materials are linked to 100% natural raw materials. Compliant with the mass balance approach and certified by ISCC PLUS (plastic) and REDcert² (silicone), or natural rubber latex.

3. Our Pick for High Chair (plus Baby Rocker)

iCandy MiChair 

RRP $539 for MiChair + $329 for MiChair Pod
Where to buy: iCandy

For the ultimate in feeding luxury, the iCandy MiChair is a dream come true! This ultra-stylish piece blends effortlessly into your modern interior all the while ensuring comfortable, safe and fun mealtimes with your little ones as they grow.

The iCandy MiChair is a highchair that turns into a beautifully crafted piece of furniture for your child and includes everything you need to start the weaning journey – the chair, a baby-safe set with a safety harness, crotch barrier, and safety bar, a dishwasher-safe eat/play tray, extension legs and an adjustable footrest for additional comfort and support.

As your baby gets older and no longer needs a highchair, the MiChair transforms into a stylish child’s chair that is suitable for up to the age of six.

While you won’t need a high chair until bub is weaning (around 4-6 months), the iCandy MiChair Pod (sold separately) docks onto the highchair to bring baby up and away from the ground, to parent height when feeding, making mealtime fun and engaging for your curious tot. The iCandy Pod can also be used as a rocker on the floor with two height positions, one for rest and one for play and comes with a rocker, newborn insert, toy hanger and safety harness.

ENTER BELOW TO WIN: 1 x Hi Chair Prize is a White MiChair, valued at $539 

4. Our Pick for Skin and Bath Care

Natralus My Little One Bundle

RRP: From $72.50
WHERE TO BUY: Natralus

Get five fantastic Australian Made, cruelty-free, naturally effective and dermatologically tested skincare products in the My Little One Bundle from Natralus. This set will have your little one fully ready for bath time and ensure Bub’s skin is protected.

Featuring products for their skin, bum and adorable baby hair, this clever bundle includes Nappy Barrier Cream, Gentle Cleanse Shampoo & Body Wash, Gentle Massage Oil and Loving Care Nourishing Lotion.

You’ll love the Make it Better Soothing Repair Balm to help with dry, irritated skin as well as minor rashes, grazes, scratches, insect bites and cracked nipples (for yourself). The Happy Bottom Barrier Cream is also featured in the Baby Bundle, a NSW initiative for all new mums.

Each Natralus product is all-natural, artificial fragrance-free, vegetarian, certified toxic-free, and proven effective and non-irritative on the skin. The range is paediatrician recommended and is 100% Australian-made and family-owned. 

ENTER BELOW TO WIN: 2 x Natralus My Little One prize pack featuring Happy Bottom Nappy Barrier Cream, Make it Better Soothing Repair Balm, Gentle Cleanse Shampoo and Body Wash, Nourishing Lotion and Comforting Touch Massage Oil, valued at $72.50 each

6.  Our Pick for Nappies (and Wipes)

 Cuddlies Bamboo Nappies

RRP: From $36.95
Where to buy: Cuddlies

We’ve saved one of the most important products for last! Nappies! Cuddlies Bamboo Nappies are an ideal choice for your baby and for our planet. Created with the softest bamboo fibres, Cuddlies Bamboo Nappies are breathable, hypoallergenic, non-toxic, vegan friendly and contain zero nasties (that’s no chlorine, fragrances, dyes or other harmful chemicals). Even their wetness indicator is plant-based!

Nappies should never outlive us and Cuddlies Nappies are 75% biodegradable in under 100 days and their wipes are 100% biodegradable. They are also the Organic Baby Awards Gold Winner for the last two years and Australia-certified toxic-free, cruelty-free and allergy-certified too.

Buy by the box or consider the Cuddlies nappy subscription which is not only great value but also ensures you never run out of nappies. Cuddlies offer free shipping on all orders too. Feel good about your nappy choice and ensure ultimate leak-proof protection and comfort thanks to Cuddlies.

MUM CENTRAL READER OFFER
SAVE: 15% OFF
CODE: MUMCENTRAL15 
EXPIRY: 31 AUGUST 2023

ENTER BELOW TO WIN: 2 x $100 Cuddlies vouchers 

ADDITIONAL FEEDING, PLAYTIME AND CHANGING MUST HAVES: In addition to the items below, we also recommend buying a few more newborn essentials including a bottle steriliser, a changing table and a nappie genie. 

DON’T KNOW WHAT TO BUY FOR YOUR BABY?

We hope our newborn essentials guide has helped ensure you’re ready for baby! Of course, you will need a few more items than just the 15 listed above.

Check out our full downloadable list of newborn essentials every parent will need, downloadable here. 

Be sure to also put your name down below to WIN one (or more) of the prizes above.

Take home one of our top picks in our 2023 Newborn Essentials Giveaway!

We have 18 different prizes (15 different products) up for grabs with a total prize pool of nearly $6,000. Will you be one of our lucky winners? Simply select the newborn essentials prize packs you’d like to win (select just one or choose them all).

Enter Now & Good Luck!