How to Make a Minimalist Baby Registry – What You Really Need in 2024
Creating a baby registry can be so overwhelming! There are so many options and you’re often left wondering what you actually need. Based on my experience with our now toddler, here’s a comprehensive list of the essential items for a minimalist baby registry.
When I was pregnant with our first baby, we lived in a small apartment that I didn’t want to unnecessarily clutter. On top of that, I knew we would likely be moving again multiple times within the next few years. Baby stuff I didn’t need was the last thing I wanted to deal with!
The hard thing was I didn’t really know what I needed, and I didn’t want to be running out and buying things all the time with a newborn. After some trial and error with our first baby, now that I’m pregnant with our second, I have narrowed down the list of baby essentials.
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Diapering
Diapers and wipes – Since not every baby wears the newborn size, it’s best to stock up on size 1 and up and start out with just one box of newborn size.
Changing pad – You can set a changing pad on top of most dressers, so you won’t need to buy a changing table.
Feeding
High chair – There are so many styles available, however, I’ve found that the simplest designs are the easiest to use and clean. Avoid fabric that can’t be put in the washer at all costs!
Depending on your decision and ability to exclusively breast feed or not, you may need other items for feeding milk and/or formula.
Clothes
Sleep & play outfits – For the first few months of life, these are the only type of outfit you will likely really need. I like to plan for young babies to go through 2-3 outfits a day. Get however many you need for your washing routine.
Short sleeve onesies – Depending on the weather, you may need to layer these under sleep and play outfits or your baby may spend some of the day wearing nothing else. Plan to go through a minimum of 2 per day.
Newborn hats – Babies can’t control their temperature well at first, so breathable hats are perfect for the first little while.
Other season-appropriate clothing – If it’s winter, your baby may need a warm outdoor jumpsuit and a winter hat and mittens. If you plan to take your baby outside in the summer, they may need a sun hat. A coat or sweater is always great to have and the thickness will depend on the time of year.
Older baby clothing – Once your baby is out of the newborn stage, you’ll likely want a larger variety of clothing options including pants, decorative onesies, dresses (for girls), and socks.
Sleeping
Crib – While many people start with a crib and bassinet, you can use a crib right from the start. I love this mini crib since it fits better in smaller spaces (like our bedroom) but is still big enough for toddlers to sleep in.
Mattress – Most baby mattresses are waterproof, so you don’t need a waterproof mattress pad. If you go with a mini crib, make sure you get a mini crib mattress.
Sheets – 3 sets
Baby monitor – While there are many more modern video monitors, I love the simplicity and functionality of this audio-only monitor.
White noise machine – This is so nice to have to help your baby sleep when it’s not perfectly quiet in the house.
Sleep sacks – While I didn’t start using sleep sacks until my baby was 6 months old, I found that only one was necessary. If you want to use them at younger ages, you’ll need 2-3.
Health Care
Nosefrida snotsucker – At first I thought this was just one of those modern inventions that weren’t really necessary. Boy was I wrong! In my opinion, this is the easiest and best way to take care of stuffy noses. It makes for a much happier, more content baby.
Gentle soap – We use unscented Castile soap for many things including as baby body wash and shampoo.
Baby Gear
Cloth wrap – My favorite item on this list! Wraps are the easiest way to get things done while staying close to your little one and keeping them content. During the newborn phase, I used my wrap while working at the computer, shopping, and doing housework.
Baby bouncer – A baby bouncer makes things like cooking and showering possible while your baby is awake.
Pack n Play – If you don’t plan to spend nights away from home, this may not be necessary.
Play mat – You could always just set up a blanket with toys on the floor, but most babies love play mats. They’re such a great, practical way to keep your baby entertained!
Car seat and stroller set – You can buy these items separately, but it’s often easiest to buy a set that works together.
Other Essentials
Large muslin blankets – You’ll find so many practical uses for these blankets! They can be used for anything from a swaddle to a carseat shade cover to a nursing cover.
Rocking chair
Unnecessary Items for Your Minimalist Baby Registry
While you’ll get a wide variety of opinions on these items, I haven’t found any of them to be necessary. Some I had at the beginning and didn’t need, and others I never had at all.
Nursing pillow – I know some people swear by nursing pillows, but I used a regular pillow from the beginning. When I tried to switch to a nursing pillow, I found it actually made things more difficult.
Bassinet – Babies can sleep in a crib right from the beginning, and you can skip using a bassinet altogether. We used a mini crib since we didn’t have a lot of extra space for a full-size crib in our bedroom.
Wipe warmer – Babies quickly get used to cold wipes, and there’s no need to have another gadget sitting on your dresser.
Pacifiers – This is another hotly debated “essential”, however, it is very common for babies not to accept a pacifier even if they are given one. Also, continued use of pacifiers once their teeth start to come in can lead to dental issues. While you may want to try a pacifier, it’s not an absolute necessity.
Baby bath – This is one of the few non-essentials that I really enjoyed using. However, on the flip side, they can only be used for a few months and there are easy alternatives so you never need one at all.
Baby towels and wash clothes – Adult towels and wash clothes work great even for babies!
Baby laundry detergent – You don’t usually need to take the time to wash your baby’s clothes separate from yours, and a natural, unscented laundry detergent will be all you need for everyone in your home.
Diaper bag – Any large bag or backpack will work and likely be much more affordable. You probably already have one you could use!
Toys – Babies love playing with any object you give them and often prefer random household items over baby toys. Once during a long road trip, I bought our 8 month old a few new toys to keep her entertained. She enjoyed them for a few minutes, but a paper plate ended up keeping her happy for hours!
Minimalist Baby Registry – The Bottom Line
The items that are essential for you will vary depending on your lifestyle. For example, we love getting outside and hiking, so a structured carrier was an essential for us, but it may not be for you. And while we didn’t need any baby bottles due to exclusively breast feeding, that may not be an option for you.
I prefer to start with what you know (or think you know) you will need and buy more if necessary. There’s no point in storing lots of extras just in case you might use them one day!
What items are you adding to your minimalist baby registry that you think you’ll use all the time? Let me know in the comments!
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