Parents and soon-to-be parents! If you're gearing up for bub’s arrival or looking to stock up on essentials, chances are you've found yourself scrolling through online stores at odd hours of the night (hello, 2 a.m. feeds or pregnancy insomnia!). Shopping for baby items online can be super convenient—no need to wrangle a pram through crowded shops—but it can also feel a bit overwhelming. With so many options, how do you know what’s actually good and, more importantly, safe?
Let Marmalade Lion break it down and help you shop smart from the comfort of your couch—Ugg boots and all.
Start With Reputable Retailers
When shopping online, your safest bet is to start with trusted Aussie retailers or well-known international stores that ship to Australia. Big names like Baby Bunting, The Memo, and even online sections of places like Big W and Target are often reliable when it comes to quality and safety standards.
Smaller online boutiques can offer gorgeous, unique pieces too, but make sure they’re legitimate. Look for Australian Business Numbers (ABNs), customer reviews, and secure checkout systems.
Hot Tip – If the prices seem too good to be true, they probably are. Be wary of knock-offs that may not meet safety standards.
Check for Safety Certifications
Babies are curious little creatures, and they’ll chew, pull, and tug on just about everything. That’s why it’s essential to buy products that meet Australian safety standards.
For example –
· Cots and bassinets should comply with AS/NZS 2172.
· Car seats and capsules must meet AS/NZS 1754.
· Toys for kids under 36 months should not have small parts and should meet AS/NZS ISO 8124.
If the item isn’t certified or doesn’t mention standards in the description, it might not be safe.
Read the Reviews (Like, Really Read Them)
Customer reviews are absolute gold. Look beyond the star rating and read what parents are actually saying. Are they raving about the quality? Or are there warnings about things breaking, being smaller than expected, or not lasting long?
Also, check for photos shared by buyers. It helps you see what the item looks like in real life, not just in a perfectly lit marketing shot.
Know the Essentials vs. the Extras
It’s easy to get swept up in the “buy everything” mode when shopping online. But not every product you see on Instagram is necessary—or even helpful.
Some must-haves –
· Cot or bassinet
· Car seat
· Pram or stroller
· Nappies (reusable or disposable)
· Baby clothes (keep it comfy and simple)
· Feeding gear (bottles, steriliser, breast pump if you're expressing)
Nice-to-haves (but not urgent) –
· Nappy bin (helpful but not essential)
· Wipe warmers (cute, but regular wipes are fine)
· Fancy nursery décor (up to you, but baby won’t notice!)
Being clear on what you need can help cut down costs and avoid buying things that just end up collecting dust.
Compare Prices—But Don’t Compromise Safety
We all love a good bargain, and comparing prices is part of smart shopping. Tools like Google Shopping or even just opening a few tabs to check different sites can save you some dollars.
However, don’t buy an item just because it’s cheaper. Make sure it still ticks the boxes for safety, quality, and positive reviews.
Check Return Policies and Warranties
Babies grow fast, and sometimes what you buy doesn’t quite work for your lifestyle or space. Before you hit ‘add to cart,’ check the return policy.
Questions to ask –
· Can you return the item if it’s not what you expected?
· Will you get a refund or just store credit?
· Are you responsible for return postage?
· Does the product come with a warranty?
Having these details sorted can save you a massive headache later on.
Follow Baby Product Safety Recalls
It’s a good idea to stay updated on any product recalls. Sometimes even reputable items get pulled due to safety issues.
Bookmark this site – www.productsafety.gov.au
They list current recalls and safety alerts on baby products and toys. It’s worth a quick check now and then, especially if you’re buying second-hand.
Be Cautious with Marketplace Buys
Speaking of second-hand, places like Facebook Marketplace and Gumtree can be brilliant for saving money, but you’ve got to be extra cautious.
Avoid buying used –
· Car seats (you never know if they’ve been in an accident)
· Mattresses (due to SIDS risk)
· Breast pumps (unless they’re hospital-grade and sealed systems)
If you’re buying anything used, ask for photos, check condition thoroughly, and make sure the model is still current and safe.
Sign Up for Newsletters (But Don’t Go Wild)
Many baby stores offer discounts for first-time subscribers—hello, 10% off! Signing up for newsletters can also give you early access to sales and bundles.
Just be careful not to fall into the trap of “Oh wow, it’s 30% off—I must need that wipe warmer now!” Use your wishlist or registry to keep focused.
Join a Parent Group for Honest Advice
Online parenting groups (local Facebook groups, forums like Bub Hub, or the Peanut app) are great places to ask questions and get real feedback on products from other Aussie parents. They’ll often give the lowdown on what’s worth it, what’s a waste, and where the best deals are.
You don’t have to navigate this parenting journey—or online shopping maze—alone!
Finally, Trust Your Gut
At the end of the day, you know what’s best for your baby. Take your time, do your research, and if something doesn’t feel quite right—don’t buy it. There’s no shortage of baby stuff online, so you’ll find the right thing eventually.
Happy shopping, and enjoy the nesting!
