Having a baby and knowing what to buy is an overwhelming tasks when there is so much available to you! In this post, I am going to share with you my list of essential baby items and why I am using minimalism to be mindful. These are the basics you'll need to have a simple and practical baby registry!
A Little About Me:
If you're a frequent reader or follower, you can skip this section. For all those that are new, hello! I am a 27 year old mother to two children and currently pregnant with our third and final baby. We have a daughter (8), a son (4), and our third (due in June 2022). Our first and second are 4 years apart! I wanted kids closer together, but it wasn't in my cards apparently. Our third will have a 5 year age gap from our son. My transition from 1 to 2 kids was challenging. It was hard for me to go from a very independent and potty trained 4 year old to a very dependent newborn. It was a transition I wasn't well prepared for, some days were better than others and thankfully having an older child made a lot of days easier. This next child, I feel like the transition won't be nearly as bad, since I've done this once, and now I have two older children. I'm making it work!
Now that I've had two babies and donated everything after the second baby (thank you husband), I only want the bare essentials for baby #3. Being minimalist is a way of having the fewest and simplest items to have the biggest impact. Basically, being mindful of what you need to buy and only having the essentials. We don't need 50,000 newborn outfits and every baby toy under the sun to have a happy and healthy baby. We also don't need all the things when this is our last. When we are done using each item during that phase of babyhood, I will find a way to donate it or pass it along to someone else who can benefit from it.
I want my third time around babyhood to be minimalist because we are also on a budget, we live in a 1,000 sq ft three bedroom house, and we just don't need all the things that are available to us. I just want to be practical. I want to be mindful. I want it to be calming and stress free. I want it to be easy! You don't need a lot to have a baby.
The Best Baby Registries
If you're not even sure where to start, then create a list of what you think is going to be essential for yourself to care for your baby. Every mom is going to have a different list and a different set of essentials. My list is going to reflect my needs, my parenting style, and what I feel is needed. Start by thinking about your favorite places you shop, like Target, Amazon, Walmart, or somewhere else. All three of these places have baby registries and even give out baby registry gift boxes! The best baby registry is BabyList.com. BabyList also has a baby registry gift box that is packed with great items! Baby List makes baby registries easy for guest to navigate by compiling all your registries into one big registry. You can add your favorite items from any store or website into your Baby List registry. Although, I do like using Amazon alone by it's self and Target as well. Whichever way works best for you!
My Top Baby Essentials
1. Crib
I really like this crib for a couple reasons. Its a simple clean design, its extremely affordable ($129), transforms into a toddler bed, and it comes in natural wood color too ( 6 color options total). This is the Davinci Union 4-in-1 Convertible Crib from Amazon.
Other Essentials You Will Need:
infant mattress
waterproof mattress protector
crib sheets
2. Pack n Play
This pack n play just released not too long ago and we've been hunting down the perfect "deluxe" pack n play. We are considering buying just a pack n play for our next baby to sleep in. Now before you judge, I have done the research and they are perfectly safe for an infant to sleep in daily as long as it meets the latest consumer product safety ratings. Again, we do not plan on having any more children, so buying a crib seems a tad silly. We also would use a pack n play more often. We travel, camp, visit family, etc. I also discovered you can buy mattresses made for a pack n play. I never knew this! I love this Graco Day2Dream Playard. I really like the neutral colors, the added storage, it comes with a removable changing station, and not only a removable/portable bassinet, but the bassinet has legs that extend so you have a true portable bassinet that can be set up safely in any room. This pack n play is a tiny bit more than I intended to spend at $234.99 on Amazon, but I kinda love this one more than the others I originally thought I would buy. Note: we never used or had bassinets with our other babies. They truly are not a essential product you need for baby. This would be our first time having one if we bought this product.
Other Essentials You Will Need (if using as a daily sleeping arrangment):
pack n play infant mattress
pack n play waterproof mattress protector
pack n play mattress sheets
3. Car Seat & Stroller Combo
Personally, I want my car seats to have impact padding and look like they would actually protect my child in case of a car accident. This Safety 1st car seat has exceptional side impact protection. I looked at a ton of car seats in an affordable range (less than $120 for just the car seat alone) for my sister. Every car seat I saw had really thin side impact protection. They just didn't meet my standards. I bought this exact car seat for my sister and it's so nice! I feel very good about putting a baby in it. I loved it so much for her, that I plan to buy the exact same one as a stroller combo for myself! This is the Safety 1st Smooth Ride Travel System and it is $179.99 on Amazon.
Other Essentials You Might Need:
back seat car mirror
4. Baby Bottles
Every baby is going to need baby bottles. Whether you formula feed or breast feed, having bottles on hand is always a must have item! I am going to be a little bias, I LOVE the Philips Avent brand. I had a couple with my daughter and with my son they were the only brand I wanted! I love the chubby little 4oz bottles for newborns and they also come in larger 9oz and 11oz sizes. Avent bottles can be found in plastic or glass bottles too! They also make bottles design for colicly babies. You can purchase this 4 pk of 4oz bottles on Amazon for $23.99.
Other Essentials You May Need:
Bottle Brush
Formula (if formula feeding)
Bottle Nipples with different flow types (you'll discover what works best for your baby)
Burp Clothes
5. Avent Bottle Warmer
This product may not be a essential for you and it was not a essential for me in the past. Although, this product is a must have essential for me for this baby. I want this Avent Bottle Warmer for a few reasons. We don't own a microwave anymore and microwaving baby bottles is not safe. I work from home and unfortunately won't be able to constantly leave my desk to make bottles in the kitchen. With this product, I can set it up in my office and be able to warm and prep bottles within reach while I am required to be working. I will be able to multitask more efficiently with this product. This bottle warmer goes for $49.99 on Amazon.
6. Diaper Bag with Portable Changing Pad
To be honest, I probably would never spend this much on a diaper bag. I want this one so bad, probably because it's lined in my favorite color, but I can't see myself spending $70.00 on a diaper bag. Do you want to buy it for me? It doesn't matter if this is your first or your last, a diaper bag is a must need item to take all the baby items with you when on the go. Backpack styles are great for hands free! It's best to try to find one that comes with a portable changing pad. They're very handy to lay on public changing tables. Just be sure you wipe down your baby pad after! You can find this diaper bag on Amazon.
7. Binky & Binky Clips
Using a pinky is totally parents choice. It may or may not be something you use or need. For me, it's a useful tool! Babies can be really picky about what style binkies they like best, so try a couple different styles. Therefore I will not list an actual binky, but I will share with you a binkys' best friend: The Binky Clip! Do you know how many times my kids have spit out their pinky onto a public place floor or in the parking lot? Then there's those moms that suck/lick the germs off the binky and hand it back to their kids. YUCK. No thanks. Binky Clips are a life saver and I absolutely love the style of these! A Binky Clip attaches to the binky and clips securely onto your child's' clothes. This fun and funky clip comes in 8 different set colors and ranges in price from $9.99 to $12.99.
Other Essentials You May Need:
binkys
7. Baby Carrier or Baby Wrap
I had this exact carrier with my son and we loved it! My husband even loved wearing it. I haven't personally used a baby wrap, but I have heard they're great. A lot of moms say they're great for newborn to 3 months best. We will at some point buy this carrier again. They're great for fussy babies in a grocery store that like to be help, going on trips like the zoo, camping/hiking, and really any other situation you may find it to be useful. Of course, this may not be a essential item to you. This is an item we absolutely loved owning in the past, but it's not something I need right away. This carrier goes for $24.99 on Amazon.
Other Essentials You May Want:
Baby Wrap
8. Baby Swing
For us, a baby swing was a nice item to have. It was so handy. Our babies loved being rocked in these. There is an adjustable setting on the swing for what pace you want it to swing the baby. These are nice for you when you can't get baby happy and you just need to set them down. I prefer these over a bouncer. A bouncer you have to sit and manual bounce, which gets old. Of course you could invest in a high end product that does it for you. I'm also not a fan of baby walkers at all. They are super bulky and our kids hated to be in them. You will find what works for you and what your baby likes, this is just what worked best for us. This is a hands down must have essential item in my book! There's a bunch of different styles and types, but if you're looking for an affordable option, this baby swing runs $79.99 on Amazon.
9. Diapering Essentials & First Aid
Okay, this is a given. I think we all know we need diapers, but there's a few items you will need to go along with your diaper station to be fully prepared for baby! You will need diapers, wipes, baby rash cream, and a good baby first aid kit! Most First Aid Kits will include a nose sucker, a thermometer, hair brushes, baby nail clippers, and a tooth brush. These kits make great baby shower gifts for first time parents! We still have the majority of all these things. I listed one I found on Amazon I liked and it comes with a cute storage bin for $30.00. You can find similar versions at Target ranging from $6.99 to $32.99. As always, you can also invest in high quality items. A ear or temple thermometer is really nice to have and more accurate than an oral thermometer for babies in my opinion. There's also battery operated nose suckers that I've heard are so much nicer and work better than the old fashion nose suckers that come in this kit. Either way, all these items work as is! If you feel splurging is the right decision for you, then absolutely do it!
10. Baby Clothes
Everyones favorite thing to shop for is baby clothes! They are itty bitty and oh so cute! I praise my family for this, they all try to buy 3 month sizes and up verses a bunch of newborn sizes. I find it to be super nice, because I don't want a ton of newborn clothes that my kids only wear for a few weeks before they are needing to jump up to the 3 month size. It's easy to go totally over board on shopping for clothes. Trust me, been there done that! Sometimes it isn't a bad thing. Especially when you have poop blow outs or vomit or baby food that stains your favorite sleeper!
My favorite brand of baby clothes is and forever will be Carters. I think they're one of the best quality brands and I love their styles. For each stage (NB, 3, 6, 9, & 12), I recommend having at least 7-10 onesies, 5 pairs of pants, a jacket or sweater, 7-10 zipper sleepers, and two packages of baby socks. Surely, you will probably end up with more than this. I know as for me, I will want every sleeper and every onesie that is just too cute to leave the store without purchasing.
Other Essentials You May Need:
onesies/ short sleeve/ long sleeve/ tanks
pants
jumpers/ one pieces
zip up sleepers
jacket or sweater
baby socks
season depending: snow bunting or swim suit
11. Bibs
I learned after two babies that bibs are probably one of the most important items to me and I am PICKY! My daughter had a bunch of cute bibs that were terrycloth fabric on the front and a light plastic material on the back. She only wore them when we ate food or drank a bottle. Then all day long while she was little, he clothes would be soaked from drool or I was changing clothes around the clock due to spit up. When I had my son, this was around the time that bandana bibs became a new baby fashion staple. I loved them! Not only did they look cute on a little baby boy, but it kept his clothes dry from drooling and the occasional spit up. I could swap out the bibs without needing to change clothes ten times in a day! You can purchase large packs of bandana bibs on Amazon ranging from $16.99 to $24.99. They come in a wide range of colors and patterns. We also loved the bandana bibs with silicone teething tips!
A new type of bib I am eager to try is the silicone bib! Meal time is messy!!!! Sure, when I had kids we had plastic bibs and some had these pockets to catch food and some were oversized cloth bibs. Both types were just awful. They would didn't exactly help the mess and they would just get gross over time, even after washing. I am super excited that silicone bibs are a thing! Do you know how easy it will be to wash these in the sink?!?! The food is gonna rinse right off and not cake in any seems! I'm telling you right now, these are genius and I will own a million! A 3 pack costs between $13.99 to $16.99 on Amazon. You can also get these in fun prints too!
12. Space Saving High Chair
I've had the folding tall high chairs in the past with our first baby. They're bulky, take up floor space, take up closet space, and you don't really know what to do with them. Honestly, they're kind of a eye sore and just a pain in the butt. When we had our second baby, Fisher Price came out with these Space Saving High Chairs and I was hooked! I loved that it just attached sucurely to one of our dinning room chairs! We didn't have to find closet room for it, it didn't take up floor space, they're very cute, and easy to clean! PLUS, you can take them with you easily to family functions or out to restaurants if you really wanted.
You don't necessarily need this item before baby gets here. You won't need it till their about 6-9 months old. We waited to purchase ours when we were closer to the stage of feeding baby food. This is 100% on my baby registry again for our third! They range around the $55 mark on Amazon and come in tons of fun styles for baby!
Other Essentials You May Need:
Baby Plates, Cups, and Bowls
Baby Serving Spoons
Baby Utensils
13. Baby Bath Tub
I hate baby bath tubs. There I said it! If you're an experienced parent, you probably totally understand why I hate baby bathtubs. If you're a new parent, good luck. I haven't found a baby tub that I love. There are many versions of baby bath tubs out there and you can go crazy trying them all. The most popular style that you'll find in most department stores is this one. Now, they've gotten better by adding a mesh sling for newborn infants. I'm curious to see if this helps at all. My problem with baby bath tubs are the babies just slide around. They fall from one side to the side, they slip down, you're constantly picking baby back up and propping them up where you want them. It's an aggravating experience. Some people don't use these and just do a sponge bath or shower with baby. I guess you'll find what works best for you and I'll continue my struggle of finding a baby bath I can actually recommend proudly. Until then, I'll be using one of these again I'm sure! haha. None the less, a baby bath tub is an essential item and you will want one!
In addition to bath tubs, you will want some baby wash cloths and baby towels. These hooded animal towels and robes from Carters are just the most precious things ever. You can find similar products at department stores and Amazon.
Other Essential Items You Will Need:
Baby Wash Clothes
Baby Towels
Baby Lotion
Baby Shampoo
Baby Body Wash
Baby Bath Toys- because they're a great distraction for baby.
14. Baby Toys & Play Gyms
There are TONS of baby toys you can buy. My favorite baby toy to have was a activity mat or activity play gym like the one above. It provides a safe place for baby to interact with toys or enjoy tummy time. Do you really need this? No. Would a blanket and a couple toys do the same thing? Yes. Would this be considered a splurge item? Maybe. Baby doesn't need a ton of toys those. Most of the time, baby is going to play with toys until they're able to support their heads during tummy time, sitting up, and crawling. Some of my favorite baby toys to have include:
Board Books
Teethers
Rattles
Toys that play lullabies
I hope you found this list of my minimalist baby essentials to be helpful when you create your baby registry! Remember, every Mom is going to have a list that is a bit different. We all have different wants, needs, and patenting styles.
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