The Minimalist Baby: The Nursery

As you may know, we are trying to live a minimalist life.  That doesn't mean that we never buy anything, or that we hate stuff, we it means is that we want to bring things into our home intentionally and keep the things that actually are used and bring joy and value to our lives.

Anyone who has kids knows that you end up with a whole lot of baby stuff, even if you don't mean to.  Babies just require a lot of stuff.  Clothes, toys, diapers, furniture, bath time stuff, etc.  Seriously, lots of stuff.  Going to the baby section of most major retailers like Target or Walmart is absolutely overwhelming.

Over the next few weeks, I want to talk about some of the main points of keeping the baby stuff minimal and recognizing what is totally vital (diapers and wipes), and what you don't really need, if you are trying to go minimal on the baby stuff.

This is a tricky topic to split up, because there is SO much to talk about.  However, I am going to take the plunge and start from the beginning (ish) with the nursery!

You are prepping your baby's nursery, and want the perfect set up.  That is great and well, but it is expensive.  I have an incredibly easy baby, so you may need some of the things I say to skip, but as far as essentials go, this is what you really need to have when you bring your baby home from the hospital.

My main rule about buying baby stuff (the big stuff, not diapers, wipes and onesies) is "don't get it until you need it."  If you aren't sure if you will need it, wait and see if you actually do. Then, if you do need it, see if you can borrow it from a friend.  That way, when you are done with it, you can give it back, and not have to store it, and you will give them a break from storing it until they need it again. A win-win!

Now onto the part you have been waiting for!

The Essentials: 

- crib: My parents bought us a mini-crib that fits in the closet, where Fox sleeps.  If you don't want to buy a real crib at first, you can also use a pack'n'play for the first few months or year.

- crib sheet: important for going on the bottom of the crib when they are first born.  Plus, then if they poop or throw up on it, you can remove it and wash it. I am not sure what the current guidelines are for this, but it should fit very tightly so that the baby can't get tangled in it, and it won't restrict airflow.  

- blankets: I would get 2 of each weight: 2 swaddle blankets, 2 lightweight flannel blankets, 2 heavy baby quilts.  If you want to go super minimal, get 1 swaddle blanket (for swaddling, obviously) and 1 heavy quilt for laying them on the floor.  Just know you will have to be really careful about when you wash them, so you always have one available.

- pacifier: the hospital gave us 2 of these, and I bought one other pack.

- hat: The hospital will give you one of these, too if you are planning on having your baby there.  This will keep your baby really warm the first few weeks, which is great, since they are still learning how to be a human outside the womb.

- burp rags: get a few, if you baby has reflux, do laundry more often or buy a few more.

- diapers and wipes: buy a small pack of newborns, and a large set of size one to start with.  I like to buy the big packs of diapers, because they are cheaper, but for newborn, I would get a small pack, because your baby might outgrow them in 2 weeks, or need them for 2 months, you just never know.

- sleepers: 6-9 newborn sleepers (Fox kept pooping through these, so it was nice to have more than 2 or 3), then when you hit 3-6 months, I would reduce it to 3-4 sleepers.

- baby outfits:  you can totally get by with 4-6 outfits.  I liked outfits that included a onesie, because it kept my baby warm. When Fox was a tiny baby, I was really glad that he had sweats, because they were so soft and comfy.  I love stylish baby clothes, but with a newborn, I am all about comfort!

- baby socks: We don't want those toes to get cold!

Recommended by Me:

- nursing pillow:  I had a Boppy, and I used it all the time. It isn't necessary, but I felt like it was worth the space that it took up.

- video monitor: My friends at work gave one to me, and we love it!  It is great knowing what is going on with your baby, without having to run in there to check and make sure they are okay.

- sleep sacks:  We have had some kind of sleep sack for Fox his whole life, and they are great, because he moves a ton while he sleeps, and always wanted to sleep with his arms above his head, so swaddling him was out of the question.  Sleep sacks are a great alternative, because they keep your baby's toes warm, and you don't have to worry so much about a blanket ending up over their face!

What You Can Skip (according to me):

- the swing: some people swear by this, but I found it totally unnecessary (I did have a super easy baby, though. If you think this is necessary, I totally get it, but maybe wait to buy one until after you have your baby).  This is one of those items that you can only use for a few months, then your baby is too big and too mobile. If you are trying to save space, skip it.

- the bouncer:  Fox was totally okay on the floor and he didn't roll over for many months, so he was perfectly content and safe there.  You might want one for a second child though, so you can put them out of reach of the first child.

- bassinet:  We borrowed one from a friend, but because we had a crib, we just put the crib next to the bed, and used that instead.  I think the bassinet got used 5 times.

- changing table:  The floor, a large desk or your bed with a blanket on it works just fine.  Just make sure the baby is supervised at all times, so they don't fall off!

- glider:  Occasionally, I wished we had one, but with minimal space, you can definitely do without.  Feed your baby on a chair, the couch or your bed, with pillows propped up behind you.  I found a nursing pillow was my best friend and could make up for not having a glider.

- wipe warmer:  Totally fun, and makes you feel like an awesome mom, but holding the wipe in your hands for 10 seconds before wiping your baby's bottom is a much more cost effective method, and works pretty well, too.

- noise machine:  This is another controversial baby item, because some people think it is the best invention ever.  And it probably is, but I wouldn't know.  We just bought one and never, ever used it.  I would say give your baby a few weeks, and if they can't sleep because you make too much noise during nap time, order yourself one off of Amazon.

Baby needs are super subjective, and this is my opinion, based on my experience.  You are absolutely welcome to hate my ideas and think they are crazy, but please be kind if you comment!  

Also, this post was NOT sponsored, nor are there any affiliate links.  Someone asked me to post about baby essentials a few months ago and I thought it sounded like fun.  I just had a baby a year ago and thoughts about what to buy are still fresh on my mind.  The links are to items that we actually own.