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The Minimalist Baby Registry Checklist
Putting together your baby registry is zilch if not overwhelming.
There are over threescore,000 options on Amazon.com alone.
You already know you don't need everything marketed to parents-to-be.
plume your nest?
As soon as you enter the world of, say, the "baby" category on Amazon, you're bombarded with things you may have never even considered, along with marketing messages preying on your fears and concern for your baby's wellbeing.
After all, throughout pregnancy, yous're biologically primed to "feather your nest" with anything and everything yous may demand to keep your baby safe and comfortable.
Plus, you lot may have conversations with other well-pregnant parents in which they mention things you never even though well-nigh, things like "pee-pee tents," and "diaper genies."
(Scroll down to see the "What to Skip" list for more than on this.)
Having been there, done that, twice (and come up out on the other side with a six year old and a one year old) I tin tell you definitively that you lot don't need most of what is suggested.
Hither'due south what we did
My husband and I created our minimalist baby registry six years ago for our first baby. Nosotros were planning to continue our low-stuff nomadic lifestyle, then everything we purchased needed to travel with us or be like shooting fish in a barrel to pass along when we were washed with it.
I'll share the results of hours of pre-purchase research and road testing. I take recently updated this list with what I've learned years downward the road, including what I did the same — and differently — for baby #2.
Who it'due south for
The checklist will be helpful for you or whatever friends or family unit members y'all take who are expecting a infant and are on a upkeep or living a minimalist or low-clutter lifestyle.
Traveling with a infant
This list will also be helpful for nomadic families or travel lovers who don't want to requite upwardly those weekend getaways and vacations abroad just because they are having infant. If you travel frequently, it'southward important for your babe's condolement (and your own!) that you tin hands create a like environment on the road equally the ane at home. Therefore, you don't want likewise many specialty items at home that y'all can't easily take with yous to be part of your infant'southward daily routine.
time range covered
The list is intended to provide for newborns and babies up to half dozen months former, merely many things will serve long past that 6-month mark.
-—-The Registry Essentials Checklist-—-
This postal service contains links that may be affiliate links. Every bit always, all opinions are 100% my own and not for sale.
ane. The sleeping state of affairs: a play m with mattress, protector, and 3 fitted sheets
We use a portable play yard for a safe and comfy identify for our baby to sleep all the time. No crib. Our version from Graco (not an affiliate link) came with a removable bassinet that hangs within it and can be used in the early on months for sleeping.
Once he passed the weight limit (listed on the product), nosotros removed the upper bassinet and he sleeps in the bottom, an on boosted mattress purchased separately. It'southward fine for babies to sleep on the thin mattress that comes with the play one thousand, but I wanted something a bit thicker on top of that for every twenty-four hour period sleeping. Make certain the mattress fits very snugly so you don't accept gaps between the mattress and the sides of the bed. Become fitted sheets that fit your play g added mattress.
If I were going to be in the same place for years, I might buy a traditional crib, merely a foldable play yard is a keen choice for full-time sleeping for us. Information technology travels well, and our starting time baby slept well when nosotros traveled since it was the aforementioned surroundings he was in at home. At present it's the same with our second babe.
A play yard is also lite in weight and has ii wheels, and so it can hands be dragged into another room, if say, you want to take hold of upward on your email while the baby naps next to yous in your office space. I did this for a while dorsum when our baby was napping in a dissimilar room than where he sleeps in at dark.
2. Baby carrier for baby wearing
I made a determination to avert strollers for the first iv months and I'd make the same decision over again. Having but the carrier was nifty for bonding with my baby, gaining strength, and losing the pregnancy weight. But more often than not information technology'southward about bonding with baby and keeping that little cherub's ear right on your heartbeat, skin to pare, as often as possible.
At that place are a lot of options, then here I've saved y'all the hassle of looking through every 1. It's really important to get i that suits newborn upward to 40 pounds and that yous can choose from lots of placement options. Significant you'll want to have the option practice front inward-facing deport, front forward-facing behave, rear forrad-facing carry (backpack style), and side hip carry.
I bought an Ergobaby outset, but later on replaced it with the EVEN more adjustable and ergonomic LILLEbaby. I felt a bit fooled by Ergobaby into buying a special infant insert that I then had to store, unused, considering he chop-chop grew out of it. I couldn't donate it because it's such a specific piece. Also, the 1 I bought couldn't do forepart forward-facing comport. Turns out they have i that does information technology all, I just bought the incorrect 1.
The LILLEbaby doesn't require whatsoever actress accessories. At that place's a strap within that easily folds abroad when yous don't need it; you lot put a folded coating over the strap to support your newborn. (You could exercise this with Ergobaby but LILLEbaby actually suggests information technology instead of offering a pricey insert that will only last a couple months).
The LILLEbaby also has other advantages over Ergobaby, including a few small simply very thoughtful blueprint improvements, such as a pad to protect your chest from the front strap when doing a backpack style carry. Overall, my sense was that the LILLEbaby designers care more about moms and dads because the product is slightly more than adjustable, a touch on better designed. And just a little better makes all the difference.
One more than fault you can avert because I made it for you: buy one that is 100% cotton wool, and avert options listed equally "airflow" fabric. It just isn't. That layered mesh fabric is harsher against infant's peel, and the tiny holes catch any curd-textured effluvia, including cotton cheese, poop, and throw-up, locking them deep in the fibers where they are hard to wash out. Yes, I know this from personal experience. Expect closely at the photos equally they change and update oft. Despite my fault, I totally dear my LILLEbaby. Heartily recommended.
three. Automobile seat
Ever a must. And please, delight, become 1 that is easy to uninstall and reinstall. Especially if you lot travel a lot.
You may want to get one that is role of a travel (stroller) organization. Meet beneath for a recommendation on a stroller travel system.
4. Stroller
We didn't become a stroller until our baby was more than 4 months onetime. When we did buy a stroller, we got abroad with a overnice umbrella stroller.
Afterward, I bought a used BOB running stroller which I take mixed feelings about. (The feelings: they are not allowed in airports due to their large size, but that size is useful sometimes for protection in a crowd, and information technology's certainly prissy to run with your baby, but on the other hand, running is important alone fourth dimension if you can go a sitter, friend, or partner to intendance for your baby while yous accept care of yourself.)
If you want to make a travel system stroller office of your registry, someone I trust only did a whole lot of inquiry and settled on an UPPAbaby travel system which works from newborn up to preschool age and includes a car seat. It'due south a pricey option but you may be able to clasp information technology into the budget since you're going quality over quantity equally a minimalist. it is really squeamish to take a system that works seamlessly.
For baby #2 I was gifted a pre-loved travel organisation and I have really enjoyed it.
5. Video or audio monitor
This was not on my original list and I regret it. I spent too much time anxious about my baby when he was napping. I didn't have a way to check him without going into his room, which would potentially wake him upwardly. I'd recommend a video monitor so you tin can exercise a quick visual check every time your "mommy anxiety" kicks in.
Even so, I've heard that it'southward best to avoid the monitors that go with you when you lot're running errands or on a date nighttime. Get someone you trust to watch over your babe, and trust them. Otherwise yous'll be on the monitor the whole time y'all're out.
1st Update - And so far I have NOT used a monitor with my 2nd babe. We'll meet if that changes. This list is an ongoing experiment. I think what I've learned is I have less anxiety infant #ii.
2nd Update - I've come to the conclusion that a babe monitor is non necessary if yous are low anxiety (anxiety may be lower with a 2nd babe) and live in a home where y'all can hear your baby cry from any room. Those of you with higher anxiety and/or a big or soundproof home may desire a sound or video monitor so y'all tin hear or come across when you baby wakes upwards from a nap or at nighttime if yous're not room-sharing.
6. Diapers and wipes
We started with size newborn diapers and we had to size up nearly once a month, so don't buy too many. Those little bums grow fast! We used well-nigh 100 per month in general, and maybe more those first couple months when we inverse him more ofttimes than was necessary since we were learning his habits (and the amazing capacity of diapers). We used disposable.
For baby #2, nosotros're using disposable diapers and cloth diapers. I utilise disposable when it's easier (traveling, night fourth dimension, and out of the house) and material diapers occasionally — around the house or when I desire to go along a few diapers out of the landfill and save some coin.
I bought a few 2nd-mitt cloth diapers from a friend whose kids are all at present potty trained. I found that information technology wasn't quite enough. They were a few dissimilar brands, and some had Velcro that had worn out, so I couldn't use all of them.
Then, for the terminal four months, I've been testing these Alva Baby cloth diapers with my second child. And I really like them. I like that they come in a gear up, and they are like shooting fish in a barrel to make clean. The just thing I'd change nigh the Alvas is I wish they had hook and eye (Velcro) closure. The snaps take well-nigh 1.5 seconds each to close, and there are iii on each side. One of the other brands I have (pre-owned) has a hook and eye closure that takes nigh one second on each side. Ii seconds vs nine seconds to close upward a fresh diaper may not seem like a lot, but when your babe is wiggly and eager to get back to exploring, information technology is a long time.
I'll keep using the well-rated ones I accept, linked above, but if I were to exercise it over again, I might try something like the Bambino Mio Onesize, although they are significantly more expensive. Update: At virtually fifteen months my fiddling one figured out how to undo the Velcro on our one hook-and-heart material diaper, so now I say, stick with the potent snaps of the Alva Infant diapers .
7. White noise automobile
We love this this white noise machine. It'southward small and portable. It has lasted us for years. We used the one motorcar with both babies and it is still going strong, five years later. Information technology has helped me get great slumber in a urban center hotel under structure. Information technology helps our kids sleep while we're watching Netflix. Highly recommended.
viii. Easy clothing
Sometimes I think the designers of baby dress don't actually have children themselves. I was shocked by how difficult many baby clothes are to use. Seriously. I get sweaty only dressing my baby. This is an area that a expert designer needs to take on.
In the meantime, buy a few onesies, rompers, pants, soft hats, and socks. Make sure everything is soft. Your friends are: zippers and minimal snaps. Your enemies are: buttons and too many snaps. Besides, easy access to the diaper expanse is key. Kids grow really fast (and in spurts) then wear is a purchase-as-needed area.
Update: My sis introduced to me to this brand and I dearest it. They are the easiest and cutest organic babe wearing apparel I accept discovered so far. The two-style zipper on the romper makes diaper changes easier.
9. Large washable underpads (4)
I didn't know these existed until I went to the hospital to give nascency. And so nosotros sort of not exactly accidentally stole one from the hospital. (It was my bed pad giving me a little extra security of non staining the sheets during recovery. ) When I chosen the hospital to confess our crime, they told me, understandably, to but continue it.
It has been astonishing for and so many things. For changing diapers on, we just placed information technology on the floor or bed and changed the baby there. We'd throw information technology in the washer and dryer and information technology would e'er come out clean and like new. Oh, it's besides good for tummy time. It travels well likewise, folding upward to the size of a low-cal jacket. At present it doubles as a "in case" pad under our older kid'southward sheets for dark potty training. We bought more to utilise for our new baby.
It's likely the infirmary sourced information technology from a medical supply company. However, I think I found it on Amazon for you. Check out this 4-pack. Amazing. Too adept for pets? What? How many uses does this product have? And they are So washable.
ten. Packaged snacks stashes and (very specific ) water cups with lids. (for yous, breastfeeding mom)
Those commencement few weeks of breastfeeding were tough. When I'd finally get my baby latched on, I'd settle back into the chair, couch, or bed, and immediately become striking with undeniable, dying-in-the-desert thirst along with hunger pangs. Simply I couldn't motility because that would disrupt the latch nosotros'd but worked so hard for. So unremarkably I'd yell for my husband to bring me water and snacks. But sometimes he couldn't hear me or wasn't home.
And then hide PACKAGED SNACKS effectually your house. Before you go into labor, put them nether your mattress, betwixt couch cushions, inside of decorative pottery, EVERYWHERE !
And y'all'll usually only have one mitt available, so don't sit down with a bottle of water. (I can't open a canteen of water with 1 hand. Just me?) And don't sit down with an open up top cup because similar me, you might be clumsy from sleep deprivation and that water will spill. You need a jumbo cup with a lid and harbinger.
When babe is hungry, first fill your cup. Literally. You won't want to, considering when your babe is crying all you can call up about is making your babe feel amend, but learn from my experience, please, so you don't spend that precious breastfeeding time feeling thirsty and deprived.
eleven. Breast pump
In some places your insurance visitor is required by law to provide one to you. This is vital to take before the babe comes, equally y'all'll desire to have it on paw during those showtime few days and weeks of learning how to breastfeed – when you're engorged and the baby hasn't learned how to finer nurse on a very full breast.
(Again, acquire from my mistakes. My pump hadn't yet arrived I was one udderly miserable dairy queen that first week. I had to bring a specialist in to help me become the milk to come out the beginning time. A pump would take solved the problem in a few seconds.)
When my pump finally arrived, I loved it. You desire to get for a "infirmary grade" machine. While I didn't try other pumps, (so I can't compare it to others) I do highly recommend the one I chose from my insurance company'southward offerings. I gave it away after the beginning infant and purchased a new i for the 2nd. Information technology is bachelor on Amazon here.
12. ii-4 bottles with nipples for pumped breast milk
If you're going dorsum to work full time, and plan to pump, you may need a libation and more than four bottles.
However, for starters, 2-4 bottles should be fine until you get a feel for things.
If you become the above recommended breast pump, it comes with two bottles. You lot can also register for this bundle which comes with 4 bottles and a tote bag.
13. Bottle brush for cleaning bottles and nipples
Specialized baby bottle brushes come with a larger brush for inside the bottle and a smaller function for cleaning nipples.
14. Chest milk freezer numberless
It's nice to have special bags that look different than regular freezer storage bags. Breast milk bags are alpine and narrow, making them easier to pour into a canteen than your standard zip lock bags.
fifteen. 4-10 lightweight swaddling blankets
These are for swaddling and burping and cleaning random baby messes. These won't final long for swaddling simply will be vital for many months for those sudden spills that come out of babies.
sixteen. Sleep sacks
The swaddling days don't last long for about babies, and blankets get kicked off or become chancy. Go several sleep sacks for chilly nights when your infant's sleepwear won't provide enough warmth on its ain.
Every bit a bonus, a sleep sack keeps the kid safe in bed after that historic period (about a year) when they start trying to put a leg over the edge of the bed to climb out.
17. Baby soap or wash
I haven't formed a preference for 1 detail baby wash. I tend to buy something locally that seems as mild, gentle, and natural as possible.
18. Something for sore nipples
Lanolin is the recommended product. I tried information technology, but then switched to coconut oil. I adopt the smell, and that it's from a found rather than an beast. And it seems to heal my skin fast. Whatever you choose, have it on paw before you requite birth because sore nipples are equally bad every bit they sound.
19. Infant oil/moisturizer
I prefer a natural institute oil like olive, coconut, almond, or jojoba. These seemed to practice the chore simply as well as a cream specifically branded for babies. Moisturizers marketed to parents for babies tend to have long ingredient listings. Information technology seems simpler and healthier to me to put one ingredient at a time on your baby.
20. Diaper rash cream (a tube per month)
If you are lucky, your baby will answer well to coconut oil to heal and foreclose diaper rash, thus items # eighteen, 19, and 20 can all be covered with a jar or 2 of organic coconut oil. For our first infant, coconut oil ended upward being more constructive than the leading diaper rash cream, if a bit messier. Information technology smelled meliorate too!
21. Pacifier (mayhap a couple with different types of nipples for infant to endeavor)
I retrieve being worried that giving my showtime son a pacifier would make him fond to information technology, or confuse him and make it more difficult for him to breastfeed. If I recall correctly, I tried a pacifier after he'd learned to latch on to the breast. And so information technology made my life and so much easier. At some betoken around vii or 8 months old he started dropping the pacifier out of his mouth frequently and I took that as a cue that he was done with information technology. There were a few days of adjustment but then he no longer missed it. Same with my 2d baby.
Nosotros used the e'er-popular Philips Avent Soothie pacifiers. I think someone gifted u.s. the 1 fastened to a plush toy animal, and that was a big hit because it was hard to lose and gave our baby something to hold onto.
22. Super seat/stuck seat
The gist is: somewhere you can stick your child nearby and you know they're safe and occupied while you take a shower. It'south a peace of mind matter.
Nosotros started using the super seat once baby could hold his head up on his own. Our version was chosen a super seat because it is a supportive chair, a booster seat, a snack tray, and a toy-holder all in one. After, he used the booster part in identify of a high chair. It came with straps to safely adhere to a regular kitchen chair.
We bought something very like to this (aforementioned make, different toy theme). Nonetheless, were I to do it again, I'd probably try to notice ane with higher ratings. There were a few buggy things that could be better. I don't think toys need to be attached. Babies quickly tire of the attached toys and desire to play with something else (see below department on skipping toys). Also, over time the hard-to-make clean toys become undeniably… gunky.
23. A napper or co-sleeper.
It's nice to take something safe y'all tin put your infant down in when yous want them napping near you, but y'all don't want to put them in a crib or elevate a play k to your infinite. They'll rapidly grow out of a napper, and so brand it affordable or get it pre-owned. In Finland they use a paper-thin box! It really just needs to be a flat, safe, comfortable place for your infant to slumber. Do your research and go something that suits your lifestyle and parenting fashion. Ukraine, where I had my second babe, has started doing the aforementioned affair Republic of finland does, giving new parents a big box filled with new infant essentials. The box doubles every bit a crib and includes a thin foam mattress; I used the box the hospital gave us for that purpose in the very early weeks when I wanted my trivial one to nap nearby.
24. Forehead thermometer
I had to pick up one of these in a hurry after our son was born. Although the hospital actually gave u.s.a. a thermometer in a baby gift pack, it was a standard insertion thermometer.
An insertion thermometer is the last matter your baby wants to deal with when she or he is feeling ill. And I can't blame a baby for not wanting cold metal stuck in whatever orifice, at any time, sick or salubrious. So I establish myself delaying taking my son'south temperature when I suspected he had a fever. As before long as we got a forehead thermometer my parental anxiety decreased quite a scrap as it fabricated taking his temperature, and usually finding out there was no fever, easy.
I purchased mine in a CVS store, but if you, wise planner that you are, want to put i on an Amazon Registry, here'southward a suggestion.
25. Baby Movement Monitor
I most left this i off the listing. Information technology had a tendency to slip off my baby's diaper, which meant that there were a few faux alarms that had me upwardly in the centre of the night, heart racing, before I checked on him and saw he was fine.
Withal. Last night I had a vivid dream taking me back to those early on days of caring for my newborn. I call up how difficult it was to really get restful slumber because I was worried he would stop breathing in the heart of the night. And then this detail is going back on the list.
I should also tell you I didn't endure from anxiety before having a babe. Parenthood changes yous in unpredictable ways, and for me in that location was a huge increase in anxiety.
And so my final verdict is that if this device (we bought twice, once for each baby, and recommend the Snuza Hero Baby Movement Monitor) will help you lot have peace of mind then y'all can snatch some good sleep when your baby is sleeping, get it.
I think it'south worth it in those very early weeks if you have a little anxiety or tend to wake up at night just to cheque that your baby's breathing is fine. (Which, merely FYI, is normal new parent behavior.)
What to skip
Now that you know the 25 essentials, hither'due south what you lot can save your money on.
1. Toys
Babies are entertained hands. Crinkling paper. A spoon. Their own ear. Toys are actually non necessary until later. Plus you'll unavoidably collect toys as gifts because they are fun for friends and family to purchase for y'all.
2. Specialized baby moisturizers
As I suggested before, these tin contain nasty chemicals. But stick with pure plant oils like coconut, olive, and jojoba. Always check your babe for signs of an allergic reaction when putting something new on their peel.
3. High chair
I never understood high chairs. They're huge. Why buy such a big thing when you can become a small booster seat and the baby tin can sit with the family unit at the table? Plus their tiptop, higher than a normal chair, means a autumn would be more dangerous. And, here'southward a parenting secret no one talks well-nigh: every baby falls. At that place's gonna exist a fall. All yous tin practise is your best. But they're gonna fall. Make certain it's from as low a signal as possible.
4. A irresolute table
A huge piece of unnecessary furniture. Also a falling risk. Floor or bed changes are piece of cake and safer. Never walk away from your baby when they could roll off the bed or roll into a unsafe state of affairs.
five. Pee pee tent
Alert: if you take a boy, he might pee on y'all when you change his diaper. Pee pee tents are piddling tents you put over his penis during that cursory window of gamble while yous change his diaper. Just put your hand over the stream so it doesn't hit your face. Otherwise, let the guy become some airflow during diaper changes.
6. Wipes warmer
Nope. Go used to the refreshing coolness of wipes in their natural state, kid.
7. Diaper genie
Only put those muddy diapers in a handbag and tie it off. Maybe go a trash tin can with a hat if the smell is really bad. Y'all don't need a specialty trash can (with moving parts liable to break and specialty supplies to be purchased at regular intervals).
8. Annihilation with buttons or beads
Buttons on dress take likewise much time and can popular off and become a choking hazard. Beads, which can also become a choking hazard, are generally patently avoided for babies. However, I've noticed a trend of making babies wear a necklace of bister beads for supposed pain-relieving benefits. Amber may be soothing to wait at or bear on, only has no other helpful benefits when worn, and your babe volition be safer without the potential choking and strangulation run a risk of wearing a necklace.
9. Complicated wraps for baby wearing
Don't buy anything that needs a tutor, class or more than than one person to put on. Just go with one baby wearing production. The already-mentioned easy, highly adjustable, works-for-mom-and-dad LILLEbaby.
10. Crib accessories
Some crib accessories like bumper pads can put baby at risk.
Other accessories to avert include those light upwardly, large, plastic things that play lullabies and have colorful visuals and usually adhere to the side of a crib. Retrieve that any becomes part of your infant'south going-to-sleep ritual must exist repeated every single night and nap, sometimes for years.
You lot really don't want annihilation that is and then specific that it tin can't be easily replaced or repeated. You likely wouldn't travel with the light-up plastic thing, and so I'd recommend skipping information technology if you want to travel easily with your baby.
xi. Bottle/pacifier sterilizer.
Buy things that are dishwasher safe or clean them with hot soapy water and a specialized brush like the one recommended above. Over-sterilizing may rob your baby of a healthy microbiota.
12. Infant bath tub.
You don't demand a bathtub or special insert for your baby. They may make things a bit easier, but they may also increase the take a chance to your baby by adding a false sense of safety when your infant is in the bath. Use the kitchen or bathroom sink (sanitized first, of class) to breast-stroke your infant. Never go out them unattended, even for a moment, and always keep their face out of the water. Utilize a textile or wipes for cleaning the face up. In the early on days, babies exercise non need frequent baths, and can exist wiped down with a warm, damp cloth. One time they tin can sit unaided, you can permit your baby sit in a very shallow tub to bathe, or fifty-fifty have baths with them.
Bonus, babies getting sink baths are and so sinkin' beautiful. Seriously, I cartel you to go search #sinkbath on Instagram. Bad day? It just got amend.
From top left: @amandarosephotography, @this.little.wandering, @fivelittlebirds, @thisisbus, @teraherron_photography, @mamadray88
13. And... everything else not on the above list of essentials.
That's right, yous don't need special baby combs or brushes, breastfeeding pillows (which are remarkably like to regular pillows), or any of the other sixty,000 items in the Amazon baby store alone. Stick with the 25 essentials listed on the checklist in a higher place and you should have everything you need for your infant to thrive.
That's it!
Hither'south a quick summary of what to put on your registry (in epitome form):
Now you know what to go for your packet of joy, and what to skip.
Now get go that registry done!
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