On the internet, you can find baby list pages long. With everything from bath tub thermometers to wipe warmers. One can easily become overwhelmed, not to mention spend a fortune, to get all the baby gear they say you "need" to have.
I went online and searched "Minimalist baby gear" to get an idea of what my friend would need. None of the lists satisfied me, for they were either too incomplete- listing clothes instead of specifics- or a lengthy advertisement- buy this specific brand at this certain store.
What one really needs is so subjective. A marathon runner may "need" a jogging stroller, while a working mama might "need" 8 different bottles. So many "essentials" it can be hard to tell what you really need to have and what simply makes life easier. I took the longest minimalist list and simplified it to the what I believe are the true necessities.
A stress trap expecting parents may fall into is thinking they need everything for the first year before baby has even been born. There are several months between a newborn baby sitting in the bouncer, to the baby crawling towards the top of the stairs. Also, some items are used only for a few months (baby bath, new born clothes, etc) so buying gently used is a good way to save money.
MINIMALIST BABY GUIDE
CAR SEAT
Some fancy car seats can cost $300 or more. I found a nice (high rated) car seat using Amazon Warehouse Deals for $70- normally $90- that will last for all the baby and toddler years.
OTHER PLACES TO SET BABY
swing or bouncer
Baby Carrier- to hold while hands are free. I use a homemade Moby Wrap.
Baby Carrier- to hold while hands are free. I use a homemade Moby Wrap.
FEEDING (NURSING)
disposable or washable pads for the mama
soothing cream for the mama
pump- even a hand pump for those days you wake up full!
4-6 burp clothes
*my sister argues a boppy is essential much like my brother-in-laws says bibs are, but I'm not convinced.
FEEDING (older baby)
High chair
Baby food grinder (saves money!)
Spoons
Baby food grinder (saves money!)
Spoons
DIAPERS & ACCESSORIES*
Newborn diapers (Love the Huggies newborn diapers because of the cut out for the cord)
Baby Wipes
Baby Wipes
Diaper Rash Cream
Diaper Bag- unless you have a very large purse
Diaper Bag accessories: travel size wipes, small changing pad, hand sanitizer, extra set of clothes for baby
Diaper Bag accessories: travel size wipes, small changing pad, hand sanitizer, extra set of clothes for baby
NURSERY
Crib
Crip mattress
Crib
Crip mattress
Chair to sit with /rock baby
BEDDING
2 fitted crib sheets
waterproof crib pad
1-2 Mid-weight blankets/stroller blankets
4-6 receiving/swaddling blankets
waterproof crib pad
1-2 Mid-weight blankets/stroller blankets
4-6 receiving/swaddling blankets
Thick blankets for tummy time or to bundle winter baby if going outside.
(I think you can never have enough blankets)
HEALTH & OTHER ESSENTIALS
First Aid Kit
Baby health and grooming kit
Baby health and grooming kit
Teethers
LAYETTE (Clothes)
short sleeve onesies (in NB, o-3, 3-6 mos)
long sleeve onesies (in NB, o-3, 3-6 mos) (if winter baby)
short sleeve onesies (in NB, o-3, 3-6 mos)
long sleeve onesies (in NB, o-3, 3-6 mos) (if winter baby)
4-6 pants (or dresses if girl)
one nice outfit for picture moments
2-3 sleepers (love ones that have elastic bottoms for easy night-time diaper changes)
4 – 6 pairs of socks
2 – 3 pairs of mittens
hat
Outwear depending on the season
2-3 sleepers (love ones that have elastic bottoms for easy night-time diaper changes)
4 – 6 pairs of socks
2 – 3 pairs of mittens
hat
Outwear depending on the season
coat/jacket/snowsuit
Some recommend having at least 8 outfits just in case of blow outs. But let's be honest, you can get gently used baby clothes for cheap at garage sales and thrift stores. I like to make sure I'm not going to run out before laundry day. (2-3 outfits per day)
I only buy shoes after they take their first step.
I only buy shoes after they take their first step.
BATHING
Bath tub
hooded towel
4-6 washcloths or a sponge
Baby shampoo
Bath toy
hooded towel
4-6 washcloths or a sponge
Baby shampoo
Bath toy
BOOKS
Any child friendly book! Board books, cloth books, touch-and-feel books, books! Contrast like black, red, and white are great for when baby is first born.
I think the library is a great place for elementary kids and up, but baby books often get used as chew toys, so I recommend having a few of your own. Even new born babies benefit from being read to. So read on!
I think the library is a great place for elementary kids and up, but baby books often get used as chew toys, so I recommend having a few of your own. Even new born babies benefit from being read to. So read on!
TOYS
My babies' favorite toys have been a pot with a lid and a wooden spoon to bang on it, and homemade blocks, or anything they can stack. (Empty juice containers- seriously)
You don't need crazy fancy or mountains of Fisher-Price. The best sensory for a newborn is Mama's smiling, interactive, face!
You don't need crazy fancy or mountains of Fisher-Price. The best sensory for a newborn is Mama's smiling, interactive, face!
SAFETY (Not needed when born)
Outlet covers
Cabinet and door latches
Safety gates (if necessary)
Toilet seat locks (or just shut the bathroom door)
Cabinet and door latches
Safety gates (if necessary)
Toilet seat locks (or just shut the bathroom door)
*Notice I left diaper pail and changing mat off the list. For disposable diapers I use the regular garbage for diapers (poopy outside) and just a blanket on the floor for changing. Unless you are using cloth. Then I would say a good diaper pail is essential!
If you are bottle feeding, you will need formula, a bottle brush, and some bottles.
What do you think should, or should not be, on the list?