Hey there, mama! 👋.
So you're expecting a little one — first of all, congrats! This is such a pretty an interesting one, and yes, slightly overwhelming! Whether it’s a baby registry, Pinterest nursery board or the go-ahead from 10 different people, it can be easy to feel like you need to buy all the things.
But let me be real with you.
Babies don’t need much.
You don’t need a messy house or an overloaded credit card to feel prepared.
When you are the mom of two and live in a small house, you become a minimalist by default. I have been both the mom who over-prepared and the mom who prepared just enough. Let me show you how to do it! Here is what you really need for your baby, what you can skip, and how to make it all functional without the extra stuff.
Let’s keep it simple, shall we? 💛.
🍼 the Minimalist Parenting Begins Years Before You have a Baby
Minimalism isn’t about deprivation — it’s about intention. Instead of asking, “What should I buy?” ask.
"What will ultimately support our baby and our lifestyle?"”.
Your home doesn’t need to look like a catalog. It needs to work for you. And your baby? They’ll love you whether or not you own a wipe warmer.
Our approach to baby gear is all about function, longevity, simplicity
🎒 Useful Baby Items You Actually Need
Let’s categorize things so it’s easier to decide what’s essential and what’s not. These are what I won’t do without as a minimalist parent.
🛏️ Sleep
- ✔ Crib OR bassinet.
You don’t need both. A simple crib with a firm mattress will last longer. The best bassinets for cosleeping are the simple ones. - ✔ 2–3 fitted crib sheets.
Trust me — you’ll be doing midnight sheet changes. Skip the bumpers and fancy sets. - 3 to 4 swaddles or sleep bags.
Different babies like different styles. Try a few and stick with what works. - ✔ White noise machine (optional).
Helps drown out household noise and create a sleep cue.
🍽️ Feeding
- ✔ Nursing pillow.
Helpful for positioning, especially in those early weeks. - ✔ Burp cloths (4–6).
Old cloth diapers or soft hand towels work perfectly. - Bring 4-6 bottles with formula or pump if required
Keeping it to one bottle type (and one basic manual or electric breast pump) will make bottle-feeding or pumping much easier. - ✔ High chair (later).
Don’t purchase this product until your baby is around 6 months old. A minimalist one like the IKEA Antilop works great.
👕 Clothing
Babies grow fast. Don’t overbuy.
- ✔ 6–8 onesies.
Short- and long-sleeved depending on the season. - Zippered Pajamas or Sleepers for 4-6
Zippers = lifesavers during late-night changes. - ✔ 2–3 hats (seasonal).
Sun hat for summer, warm knit for winter. - ✔ 4–6 pairs of socks.
But don’t expect them to stay on 😅. - A couple of outfits suitable for outings
You’ll probably default to cozy basics at home.
🧼 Diapering
- ✔ Diapers.
Cloth or disposable — whatever fits your lifestyle. - ✔ Wipes.
Start small. You may find a brand your baby tolerates better. - ✔ Changing pad.
You don’t need a fancy changing table. Just use the pad on a dresser or floor. - ✔ Diaper bag.
Minimalist Tip: Opt For A Bag You Have!
🛁 Bathing & Health
- ✔ Baby bathtub (optional).
The sink works fine for the first few weeks. - ✔ 1–2 hooded towels.
Regular towels work too. - ✔ Soft washcloths (4–6).
Can double as wipes in a pinch. - Nose aspirator, thermometer, and baby nail clippers.
You’ll use these more than you think.
🧸 Soothing & Play
- ✔ Pacifiers (if using).
Babies may have preferences — buy just one or two brands. - 1 or 2 simple toys or rattles
Babies honestly just want your face and your voice. - It could be a play mat or blanket to give your baby some tummy time.
No need for flashy bells and whistles. - ✔ Baby carrier or wrap.
Look for one that supports both of you comfortably.
You Probably Won’t Need These but They Will Try and Sell You This Stuff
The demand for getting baby gear is huge because it is a whole industry out there. Here are the things I personally found I didn’t need.
- ❌ Wipe warmer.
Seems nice, but babies adjust just fine without it. - ❌ Bottle sterilizer.
Hot soapy water or a basic microwave sterilizer is enough. - ❌ Fancy clothes & shoes.
They grow out of them in a week. Prioritize comfort. - Diaper pail with special bags.
A trash can with a lid works just fine. - ❌ Tons of themed toys.
They won’t need much in the early months. Believe Me.
Every bouncer, swing, lounger, and gadget promises sleep. In reality? Some babies love them. Some hate them. Try secondhand or wait until after birth to decide.
🛍️ Minimalist Baby Registry Tips
When creating your registry or wishlist, make sure it’s narrow yet flexible.
✅ Tips.
- Register for gift cards — useful for last-minute needs.
- Include essentials only. Skip themed “must-have” lists.
- Pick an item that has multi-purpose usage. (for example, crib that will be converted into a toddler bed).
- Encourage secondhand gifts — babies don’t care if it’s new.
- Return or donate the extras you don't need if people still insist on buying them. You’re the gatekeeper of your space now. 👏.
What Your Baby Actually Needs Most
In the end, your baby does not care about colors, décor, designer clothes or bumper stickers.
They want.
- Warmth.
- Safety.
- Milk.
- Snuggles.
- Your calm energy.
If you can give them that, you’re already giving them everything they could possibly want and need.
There’s no need to build a perfect nursery or fill your closet with baby gadgets. When you arrive, all you need to do is show up with love, intention and faith in yourself.
💬 Final Thoughts
Minimalist parenting isn’t about going without. It’s about going forward with intention. It means asking, “Is this necessary? Is this useful? Is this aligned with how I want our home to feel?”.
If you have been feeling pressured to buy all the latest baby things, I hope this gave you permission to step back, take a breath, and remember
You are enough. Your baby doesn’t need everything. They need you.
Here’s to a gentle, simple start. 💛.
