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Have you noticed that whenever someone has a baby around it involves so much stuff? In order to be prepared you need ALL. The. Things. Am I right? And then half that stuff just sits there after one use, maybe you haven’t used it at all. Here you have it. A minimalist baby registry.

Designed by FreepikAfter living in Finland for the past few years, I’ve really grown to love the minimalistic approach when it comes to babies.

Before I say anything more I need to admit that I use this as a general concept for our lifestyle. We are definitely not minimalists. We still have way more stuff than we NEED (we’re working on it). So we like to use this concept when we are out and shopping. It makes us think twice (or three or four times) about if we really need the item.

Minimalism is more about appreciating what you have, making do with what you already have, and buying only what you need and will use regularly. But, true minimalists will tell you it’s not about the stuff; it’s about the mental peace and clarity you get from not having clutter.

My husband and I are an “opposites attract” sort of a situation. It makes for a really nice balance in our home. I have not always felt that minimalism is a comfy way to live. Luckily I have him to help me out with that side of things and when it comes to baby, I have changed my tune. Now if only he could help me in the kitchen with that concept….

Benefits to Minimalism:

Minimalism, in any degree of application, has some true benefits.

Less clutter = less stress. Most people don’t function well in a cluttered environment
More Free Time (because you’re not having to constantly deal with the clutter)
Financial Freedom/ Saves Money
Mental Clarity/ Better Focus.

I did a poll of my favorite Mama’s group on FB with almost 2000 members. For the most part, of those that participated, their answers to my questions were right in line with mine.

When our baby girl came along, we definitely had a few extra things that we didn’t need. And, I got a lot of use out of some things I didn’t think I would need at all. The things listed here are what I used almost every day and could not live without. The bare bones basics, if you will.

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A Minimalist Baby Registry

1. Clothes

Babies grow so fast but at the newborn stage. With all the busted diapers and spit up, they actually DO go through quite a few outfit changes in a day. Plan for about 10 outfits in total per size up through about 6 months. This way you don’t have to wash baby clothes every day. 10 sets would last me about 3 days.

We particularly loved the kimono style onesies. They were so much easier to get on and off for the frequent clothes changes.

I will say clothes have been the hardest for me. Shopping for baby clothes is fun!! I mean look at these. I want every single set. CuteOn Unisex Baby Side Snap Long Sleeve Cotton Bodysuit with Pant Set Sheep 3 Months

2. Breast Feeding Pillow

This was one of the items that I really doubted if I would use it and wasn’t planning on buying one. Thank the Lord someone gave it to me as a gift. We didn’t just use it for its intended use, either; bottle feeding, when she napped on me, even Mr Cold Texan would steal it from me every chance he got because it was so comfy.

I would even carry my Boppy Nursing Pillow all over the house so she could sleep on me while I did some work on the computer, etc.

Get 2 slip covers for it. Again with the spit up and busted diapers. We had to change the cover multiple times a week for the longest time.

Boppy Nursing Pillow and Positioner, Love Letters/Ivory

Boppy Pillow Slipcover, Classic Plus Confetti Dot and Stripe Turquoise

*This one was one of the hit or miss items according to my mama’s group. The ladies that didn’t like it tended to mention that they were taller and had to slouch to use it. If you share in their tall-ness, you might go for a fluffier option.

3. Baby Carrier

We actually have two of these. When Baby Cold Texan was super small we used the Moby Wrap Evolution Baby Wrap: Soft Baby Carrier Made from Breathable Bamboo Fibers

As she’s gotten bigger we’ve been using the Baby Bjorn. Even now, she’s over a year old, and we use it every day. She prefers it to the stroller. And when she’s fussy, some days, it’s the only way I get anything done (including my workout). Even Mr Cold Texan will wear her with Baby Bjorn Carrier One.

I know quite a few mamas who prefer the Maya Wrap ComfortFit Ring Sling & Baby Carrier. Either way, it’s unanimous. Carriers are VERY well loved by mamas and munchkins. They definitely deserve a spot in your minimalist baby registry!

4. The Baby Swing

This was another one we weren’t planning on getting, and then when she wouldn’t sleep it was the single thing that all the experienced moms said “you NEED this”. The only downside was it took up a lot of room, but some days it was the only way she would nap in the beginning. I was pretty sad when she outgrew her Graco Slim Spaces Compact Baby Swing. It was her favorite thing for the first 9 months of her life.

5. A Bouncy/Rocker Seat

The first 6 weeks we didn’t get as much use out of this as we thought, simply because she was clingy. But up through 8-ish months, she LOVED her Baby Bouncer….and then she outgrew it. We’d hang out while I cooked dinner or did some work on the computer, she could hang with her furry buddy, and play with her toys. This was our first purchase for her, and we used it all the time.

Things we did NOT use before 6 month old

*The answers from the mamas were unanimous on this. You probably should not include these in your minimalist baby registry

Toys – not even stuffed animals
A high chair
Her crib – We spent 150 Euros on a beautiful rocking basinet. She only used it months 6-8. We ended up co-sleeping. It’s what worked for us.
The stroller – ours preferred the carrier. She would scream non stop like the devil was out to get her if she had to be in her stroller.
a pacifier – I know. She had no interest no matter how many different shapes I bought. Then teething started and she took interest. but only for a short time.
Mittens (only in the cold weather)

As a new mom it was difficult navigate and figure out what we needed the most. What we ended up with was much different than what we thought. But we are proof that a minimalist approach and mentality can be taken with a baby, and even into toddlerhood. So, use the Minimalist Baby Registry as a starting guideline. Good luck in your adventures with baby!

The Minimalist Baby Registry: What you REALLY need.