Best Baby & Kids Gear for Australian First Homes
Buying guides for the nursery, the lounge room floor and the school run, from EarFun kids headphones to the Maxi-Cosi Minla high chair.
97 guidesRefreshed 5 October 2026
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The three that matter first
Updated Sep 2026
The first thing you'll set up and the last thing you'll switch off, and the VTech BM3350N does the job with its own colour parent unit and two way talk.
Updated Sep 2026
The Ingenuity Baby Base 2-in-1 attaches to a dining chair as a booster seat and doubles as a floor seat.
Updated Jun 2026
The thing you'll wear more than your own shoes, and the Infantino Carry On is the convertible place to start, from newborn facing in to curious facing out.
A due date is the one renovation deadline that doesn't slip, and the nursery has a way of staying theoretical until the third trimester. The load bearing buys are simpler than the catalogue suggests: a VTech video monitor, a Regalo baby gate measured to your actual doorway, and the Lekebaby nappy bag backpack that's really a grab bag for leaving the house at all.
The rest of these guides cover what sees daily use in year one: a bottle warmer for the 3am shift, the Momcozy wearable pump, and kids' headphones with a hard decibel ceiling.
Feeding, day and night
The 2am shift and the dinner shift, covered: wearable pumps, microwave sterilisers, bottle warmers, nursing pillows, and the chair where most of the dinner ends up on the floor.
Book CoveringFive ways to cover Australian school exercise books, compared on roll width, thickness, finish and format. The 450 mm Contact roll wins for a standard book list, with a value roll and a zip sleeve for library books alongside it.
Nursing Chair
Baby BottlesA first-home buyer's guide to seven baby bottles listed on Amazon Australia, comparing anti-colic venting, teat flow, glass versus plastic and wide versus standard necks, all with live ratings and prices.
Learning Towers
Baby Wipe Warmers
Nursing PillowsA nursing pillow lifts your baby to the breast or bottle so you are not hunching over and holding their weight in your arms for every feed: the difference between a sore back at week six and a feed you can actually relax through. The right one comes down to style. A firm wrap-around pillow buckles to your body and builds a shelf that holds baby in a consistent latch position, a soft positioner is comfier and cheaper but less structured, and a memory-foam pillow holds its shape and stays firm rather than going squishy. We weighed firmness, support, fit and the washable cover. These six run from a 44 dollar Labtec up to a 149.57 dollar Momcozy memory-foam pick.
Teething Toys
Pram FanA finger-safe grille, honest battery life and a clip that actually grips matter more than a big mAh number. Our top pick is the JISULIFE Stroller Fan 4 for its stated runtime of up to 38 hours on speed 1 and detachable desk mode, the Gaiatop SF40 is the budget buy with more ratings than any other fan here, and the SWEETFULL S20 is the runner-up for its battery display and night light.
Kids Ride-On Cars
Kids Play TentsA play tent is one of the cheapest ways to buy a toddler an hour of quiet, imaginative play. We compared the best kids play tents on Amazon Australia across teepee, castle and pop-up styles, weighing size, safety certification, washability and price. The EagleStone 2-in-1 is our top pick, the HONEY JOY dome is the value sweet spot, and the JOYIN princess castle is the budget winner.
Baby Milestone Letter Boards
Kids Art SetsA kids art set should keep a child busy without falling apart in a week. Our top pick is the KINSPORY 168 Wooden Art Set for its complete range and sturdy case. The Crayola Inspiration Art Case is the safe value buy, and the Faber-Castell Ultimate Creativity Set is the best cheap starter.
Baby ThermometerWe currently recommend one baby thermometer: the Origin Medical Digital Forehead Thermometer. It is the only thermometer from this page we could match to an ARTG entry. On Amazon Australia, the listing ships from Amazon and is sold by FrontidaHealth. This guide also explains forehead, ear and underarm thermometers using Healthdirect guidance.
Baby Nasal Aspirators
Baby Keepsake Boxes
Baby Food MakersA baby food maker steams then blends fresh fruit, veg and meat into smooth puree, saving you the pot and blender juggle. We compare two: the Babymoov Nutribaby(+) is our pick for batch cooking, and the Baby Brezza One Step Deluxe is also great if you want steam and blend in one bowl at the press of one button.
Baby Comforter Toys
Rocking Horses
Nursery Wall Decals
Kids Sandpits
Kids Climbing Frames
Kids Bean Bags
Kids Basketball Hoops and RingsA freestanding adjustable hoop that grows from toddler to tween beats a fixed-height toy every time. Our top pick is the EagleStone adjustable stand (35 to 67 inches, weighted base), the value pick is the JOYIN 4-ball arcade set, and the budget pick is the no-assembly LACCHOUFEE toddler hoop.
Baby Muslin WrapsMuslin wraps are the one baby item you will reach for every single day, so buy soft, buy big, and buy several. Our top pick is the KeaBabies Organic 4-Pack for its generous 120cm size and OCS-certified fabric, the LYRICHOM 3-Pack is the best value multipack, and the LifeTree bamboo-cotton wrap is the cheapest way in.
Baby Mobiles
Baby Hooded Towels
Baby Burp ClothsMuslin, organic cotton and bamboo burp cloths compared for absorbency, softness and shoulder coverage. Our top pick is the KeaBabies Organic 5-Pack for its figure-8 shape and 9,800-plus reviews, with the SWEET DOLPHIN 12-Pack as the value buy and the CottCare 6-Pack as the cheapest way in.
Sippy CupsAfter studying the Australian sippy cup market, the b.box Sippy Cup with Weighted Straw is our top pick for its drink-from-any-angle design and leak-proof valve. The Munchkin Miracle 360 is the value choice for dentist-friendly spoutless drinking, and the Nuby No-Spill Flex Straw three-pack is the budget winner.
Potties for Toilet Training
Montessori ToysWe compared the top wooden Montessori toys on Amazon Australia by real star ratings, review counts and age fit. The Coogam Wooden Shape Peg Puzzle is our top pick, the WOODMAM 7-in-1 Activity Cube is the best value, and the Melissa and Doug Shape Sorting Cube is the budget winner.
Kids Water TablesAfter studying the Amazon AU catalogue and the AU retail landscape, the Little Tikes Fish n Splash is our top kids water table for its huge review base and easy no-tools setup. The Plum Surfside wooden table is the value pick that doubles as a picnic bench, and the Lenoxx table is the cheapest way to start.
Kids SuitcaseA ride-on suitcase doubles as a seat and a toy through long airport queues, while a light carry-on teaches an older child to wheel their own gear. Our top pick is the VEVOR 26L ride-on for its balance of price and capacity, with a budget Costway two-piece set for under sixty dollars.
Kids Step StoolsA folding two-step like the Dreambaby 2-Up suits most families because one stool covers the sink, the bench and potty training. The Rainberg 2 Step is the value pick with thousands of reviews, and the Big Softies single step is the cheapest way to get a toddler to the basin.
Kids GlobesAfter studying every children's world globe selling on Amazon Australia, the LeapFrog Magic Adventures Globe is our top pick for its built-in screen and BBC videos. The Exerz Illuminated 20cm is the value choice, and the classic Exerz 20cm is the cheapest way to put the world on a child's desk.
Kids Drum SetsA real acoustic kit teaches technique but it is loud, while an electronic kit with a headphone jack keeps the peace in an apartment. Our top pick is the Donner DED-80 electronic kit for serious beginners, the Music Alley 3-Piece is the best value real drum set, and the VTech Bluey Hooray Drum Set is the budget choice for toddlers.
Baby and Toddler Bath ToysAfter studying the mould resistance question every parent asks, the Tomy Toomies Bath Barista is our top pick for keeping a toddler happy in the tub. The Boon Building Bath Toy Bundle is the best value all rounder, and the mould free Wild Republic rubber duck is the budget buy.
Pram Liner
Nappy CaddyA nappy caddy keeps wipes, creams and a stack of nappies in one grab-and-go basket so you are not crossing the house at 3am. Our top pick is the Blissful Diary corduroy caddy for its soft finish and removable dividers, the PUTSKA felt caddy is the value choice with the most reviews of any caddy here, and the Generic felt caddy is the cheapest way in.
Marble RunsWe compared eight marble runs on Amazon Australia by price, piece count, age fit and owner ratings. The GraviTrax Starter Set is our top open ended STEM pick, the JOYIN 236 piece glowing set is the value buy, and the Galt Super Marble Run is the cheapest of our three headline choices.
Kids XylophonesAfter studying Amazon AU listings, the Hape Pound and Tap Bench is our top pick for its in tune metal keys and 2 in 1 play. The Lehoo Castle set is the best value, and the LOLYSIC 15 tone is the budget choice.
Kids Lunch BoxesAfter researching the bento-style kids lunch boxes Australian parents actually rate, the OmieBox Hot and Cold is our top pick for its insulated thermos and 7,000-plus reviews. The Amathley 5-Compartment is the value choice, and the Hap Tim Bento is the cheapest pick that still seals.
Ball Pits
Kids Lunch BagsThe VASCHY two compartment bag is our best overall kids lunch bag for keeping hot and cold food apart, the CAMTOP is the value buy, and the Smash is the budget pick. Seven insulated soft bags ranked by use case.
Kids Keyboard Piano
Kids Backpacks
Doll Houses
Magnetic Tiles
Kids Walkie Talkies
Kids UkuleleFor most Australian families the Janod Confetti is the best kids ukulele, with the Hape Wooden Ukulele as the value pick and the Bluey 16 inch as the budget option. We compared size, tuning stability, build and price across six picks on Amazon AU.
Kids Table and Chairs
Kids Swing SetsA heavy duty metal A frame like the OLAKIDS 330KG 6 in 1 suits most growing families, while the FUNLIO 3 in 1 is the smartest value for babies and toddlers and the UMIKOOL 3 in 1 is the cheapest way to get a child swinging. We compared eight swing sets on Amazon Australia on ratings, weight capacity and footprint.
Kids MicroscopesFor most Australian families a screen based digital microscope wins, because little eyes never have to squint down an eyepiece. Our top pick is the BEBANG PM1000 for its bright 2-inch screen and big review base, with the WINWEND pocket scope as the value buy and a SETFLAGS handheld as the budget option.
Kids Jigsaw PuzzlesFor most Australian families the Melissa and Doug Beneath The Waves floor puzzle is the best all rounder, with chunky pieces that build a four foot ocean scene and a search and find game built in. The Giant Fire Truck is the best value, and the Ravensburger Airport Central is the cheapest quality pick.
Kids Cameras
Kids Bookshelf
AbacusFor most Australian families the Melissa & Doug Classic Wooden Abacus is the best all round pick, with a top of list rating (tied highest at 4.8 with the Learning Resources rekenrek) and the most reviews of anything we researched. The Cltoyvers wooden abacus is the value choice and the Flzoaveus education abacus the budget option, with a rekenrek and Japanese soroban covering number sense and mental maths.
Baby Change MatsA changing mat is one baby item you will use thousands of times, so it pays to get it right. Our value pick is the KeaBabies Swift for everyday nappy bags, the all in one Skip Hop Pronto is the top travel clutch, and the ZONEY pad is the cheapest way to cover the car and the grandparents' house.
Building Blocks
Play KitchensA wooden play kitchen is one of the longest lasting toys for a toddler, but the choices on Amazon Australia range from gorgeous to flimsy. We compared seven models on owner ratings, footprint and accessory count, with honest notes on the assembly time nobody warns you about.
Nappy Bins
Baby Bouncers
Balance Bikes for Toddlers
Kids ScootersOur top pick is the Micro Mini Deluxe for toddlers and preschoolers, the BELEEV A8 3-wheeler is the best value light up scooter, and the Razor A is the budget classic. We compared seven Amazon AU scooters by age, wheel count, weight limit and real review scores.
Baby SwingsA baby swing buys you both hands back for an hour. Our top pick is the Maxi-Cosi Cassia for its smart auto rocking and 360 degree rotation. The Graco Slim Spaces Compact is the best value, and the Graco Lovin' Hug is the budget choice that still plugs into the wall.
Toy Storage Box
Baby BathsAfter cross-checking Amazon AU ratings, parent reviews and local availability, the Skip Hop Moby Smart Sling is our top baby bath for grow-with-baby support, the Ingenuity Full Comfort 3-in-1 is the best value, and the Jollcma foldable tub is the budget pick for small bathrooms.
Electric Breast PumpAn electric breast pump gives Aussie mums real freedom: to return to work, share night feeds with a partner, build a freezer stash or relieve a blocked duct before it turns into mastitis. The market splits cleanly into two shapes: hands-free wearables that sit in your bra so you can pump while you live your day, and traditional double pumps with a motor unit and tubes that give stronger, steadier output but keep you tethered. This guide weighs both across a 100 to 327 dollar band, looking at suction, flange sizing, noise, battery life and whether a pump is hospital-grade. Our picks run from a 99 dollar Momcozy wearable cup up to a 327 dollar Philips Avent hands-free double.
Bottle SteriliserThe real choice here is method. Microwave-steam sterilisers like the Dr Brown's are fast and cheap but need a microwave. Cold-water sterilisers like the Milton use a tablet or solution, no power, and travel anywhere. UV electric units like the Tommee Tippee Ultra also dry. These six run from a quick microwave Dr Brown's up to the Tommee Tippee Ultra UV.
Bottle WarmerBottle warmers live and die on two things that are genuinely hard to nail: even, gentle heating and speed. It is why the category rates modestly, with uneven-heating complaints common. These six run from straightforward steam warmers up to the premium Philips Avent, and we weigh fit, auto shut-off and steriliser modes too.
High ChairsThe real choice here is how long you want the chair to last: a convertible multi-stage seat that grows from infant high chair to big-kid chair, a clip-on table chair that travels and saves space, or a simple booster that straps onto a dining chair. All six have a safety harness, an easy-clean tray and a sensible fold or footprint. They run from a 59 dollar Ingenuity booster to a 488 dollar Maxi-Cosi Minla.Sleep, floor time and supervision
Where the baby spends most of the first year: the Blissful Diary activity gym keeps the floor interesting, the VTech BM3350N watches the cot, and a properly mounted gate keeps a crawler off the stairs.
Baby Play MatsA play mat gives your baby a safe, soft, stimulating place to move, but there are really two different products under the one name. An activity gym is a soft mat with an arch of hanging toys, lights and music, built for a newborn lying on their back to bat, reach and grab in the first few months. A foam or padded play mat is a big cushioned floor surface for tummy time, rolling and crawling once your baby is on the move. The right pick comes down to your baby's age, the kind of play you want to encourage and how easy it is to keep clean. We weighed development stage, materials and safety, washability and capacity to grow with your child. These six run from a 59.99 dollar Blissful Diary gym up to a 119.99 dollar Ingenuity premium gym.
Baby GateThe change table
Nappy changes run to roughly six a day in the early months, so this corner of the nursery earns its keep faster than anything else you buy. The gear here is about keeping the routine quick and the smell contained: a mat that wipes clean, somewhere to put the nappies within arm's reach, and a bin that seals properly in an Australian summer.
Out the door and the big kid years
Leaving the house becomes a logistics operation that a good carrier and a nappy bag backpack shrink back down, and once the nursery gear retires the headphone negotiations begin, from the EarFun wired pair to the Puro Sound Labs Bluetooth pair.
Bubble Machines
Kids SunglassesSeven polarised kids sunglasses on Amazon Australia, split by age bracket and by how your child treats their things, plus an honest read on what the listings do and do not state about lens standards.
Face PaintSeven face paint kits from Amazon Australia, compared on formula, colour count, included brushes and stencils, and how the paint comes off again at the end of the night.
Roller SkatesA first-home-buyer-friendly guide to the best roller skates in Australia, covering quad versus inline, adjustable kids sizing, wheel hardness and the protective gear you actually need.
Kids WatchWe researched seven kids watches sold in Australia across digital, analog time-teaching and basic play smartwatch styles, and deliberately excluded any watch needing a SIM card or live GPS tracking on privacy grounds.
Kids RaincoatsA practical, Australia-first guide to six kids raincoats you can buy on Amazon AU right now, covering waterproof school shells, backpack-covering ponchos, a fleece-lined winter jacket, a toddler duck jacket and a full puddle suit, plus what to look for and how to keep them waterproof.
Remote Control CarsThe best remote control cars on Amazon Australia for 2026, from a licensed Hot Wheels pocket car to a hobby-grade brushless truck, with picks for every age, terrain and budget.
Kids Halloween CostumesSeven kids Halloween costumes on Amazon Australia, from a ghost poncho to an astronaut suit, judged on sizing, spring evening comfort and Book Week reuse.
Travel Prams and Strollers
Water Guns
PramsSix pram and stroller picks from Amazon Australia, led by the Baby Jogger City Tour 2, plus a plain English rundown of the premium UPPAbaby, Bugaboo and Redsbaby tier.
The 7 Best Baby Car Seats
Baby CarrierBaby carriers split into three shapes: soft structured carriers that buckle on and convert through several positions, hip-seat carriers that take the weight off your arms for quick ups and downs, and simple newborn wraps for those early months. The right one depends on your babys age and how you will actually use it day to day. These six run from a 98 dollar Infantino to a 279 dollar Ergobaby Omni 360.
Nappy Bag
Kids HeadphonesThe new homeowner checklist
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Baby & Kids questions, answered straight
Do I need a WiFi baby monitor or a dedicated one?
Dedicated units like the VTech BM3350N pair the camera with a handheld colour parent unit. The full guide weighs both camps.
Do I actually need a bottle steriliser?
If you're bottle feeding at all, yes, until your baby is 12 months old. Dr Brown's microwave steriliser holds up to 4 Dr Brown's bottles and sterilises them in as little as 2 minutes. The Tommee Tippee Ultra UV combines sterilising and drying.
How much should I spend on a high chair?
Less than the baby shops want you to. The Ingenuity Baby Base 2-in-1 is a booster seat that straps onto a dining chair and doubles as a floor seat. The Maxi-Cosi Minla is genuinely lovely, but it's doing the same work, holding a small person still while they redistribute dinner.
From the editor
Get the monitor and the gate early, and let the cot mobile be somebody's gift.
Anish Puri, NestPathKeep furnishing: more rooms
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