What Do I Actually Need on My Baby Registry

The Minimalist Baby Registry Checklist

Putting together your baby registry is zip if not overwhelming.

There are over lx,000 options on Amazon.com lonely.

You already know you lot don't need everything marketed to parentshoped-for.

feather your nest?

Every bit soon as you enter the globe 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 business organisation for your baby'south wellbeing.

After all, throughout pregnancy, you're biologically primed to "plume your nest" with anything and everything you may need to keep your babe prophylactic and comfortable.

Plus, you may have conversations with other well-pregnant parents in which they mention things you never even though about, things like "pee-pee tents," and "diaper genies."

(Roll down to see the "What to Skip" list for more on this.)

Having been there, washed that, twice (and come up out on the other side with a six year old and a one yr old) I tin can tell you definitively that you lot don't need most of what is suggested.

Here'due south what nosotros did

My hubby and I created our minimalist baby registry six years ago for our first infant. Nosotros were planning to continue our low-stuff nomadic lifestyle, and then everything we purchased needed to travel with us or be piece of cake to laissez passer along when we were done with information technology.

I'll share the results of hours of pre-buy research and road testing. I have recently updated this list with what I've learned years down the road, including what I did the aforementioned — and differently — for baby #2.

Who information technology's for

The checklist volition exist helpful for you or any friends or family members yous have who are expecting a baby and are on a budget or living a minimalist or low-ataxia lifestyle.

Traveling with a baby

This list volition likewise be helpful for nomadic families or travel lovers who don't want to requite up those weekend getaways and vacations abroad just because they are having babe. If y'all travel frequently, it'southward important for your baby's comfort (and your own!) that you can easily create a like surround on the road as the one at dwelling. Therefore, you lot don't want likewise many specialty items at home that yous tin't easily take with you to exist part of your infant's daily routine.

time range covered

The listing is intended to provide for newborns and babies up to six months erstwhile, but many things will serve long past that vi-month mark.

-—-The Registry Essentials Checklist-—-

This post contains links that may be affiliate links. As always, all opinions are 100% my own and not for auction.

i. The sleeping state of affairs: a play yard with mattress, protector, and 3 fitted sheets

We use a portable play yard for a safe and comfy place for our infant to slumber all the fourth dimension. 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 months for sleeping.

In one case he passed the weight limit (listed on the product), we removed the upper bassinet and he sleeps in the bottom, an on boosted mattress purchased separately. It's fine for babies to slumber on the sparse mattress that comes with the play yard, but I wanted something a bit thicker on peak of that for every twenty-four hours sleeping. Make certain the mattress fits very snugly so you don't have gaps between the mattress and the sides of the bed. Get fitted sheets that fit your play 1000 added mattress.

If I were going to be in the same place for years, I might purchase a traditional crib, just a foldable play yard is a great option for full-time sleeping for us. Information technology travels well, and our first baby slept well when nosotros traveled since it was the same surroundings he was in at domicile. Now it'due south the same with our second baby.

A play yard is likewise low-cal in weight and has two wheels, then it can easily exist dragged into another room, if say, you want to catch up on your email while the baby naps next to yous in your function space. I did this for a while back when our babe was napping in a different room than where he sleeps in at dark.

two. Babe carrier for infant wearing

I made a decision to avoid strollers for the get-go four months and I'd make the same decision again. Having simply the carrier was cracking for bonding with my baby, gaining forcefulness, and losing the pregnancy weight. But mostly it's well-nigh bonding with baby and keeping that lilliputian cherub's ear correct on your heartbeat, skin to skin, every bit often as possible.

There are a lot of options, so hither I've saved you the hassle of looking through every one. It'south really important to get ane that suits newborn upwardly to 40 pounds and that yous can choose from lots of placement options. Significant you'll desire to have the choice practise front inward-facing deport, front frontwards-facing carry, rear forward-facing carry (backpack way), and side hip conduct.

I bought an Ergobaby outset, but after replaced it with the EVEN more adjustable and ergonomic LILLEbaby. I felt a scrap fooled past Ergobaby into buying a special infant insert that I then had to store, unused, because he quickly grew out of it. I couldn't donate it because information technology's such a specific piece. Too, the one I bought couldn't practise front forward-facing behave. Turns out they take one that does information technology all, I merely bought the wrong ane.

The LILLEbaby doesn't require any extra accessories. There's a strap inside that easily folds abroad when you don't demand it; you put a folded coating over the strap to support your newborn. (You could do this with Ergobaby but LILLEbaby really suggests it instead of offer a pricey insert that volition but concluding a couple months).

The LILLEbaby as well has other advantages over Ergobaby, including a few pocket-sized but very thoughtful blueprint improvements, such as a pad to protect your chest from the front end strap when doing a backpack style carry. Overall, my sense was that the LILLEbaby designers care more about moms and dads because the production is slightly more adjustable, a touch ameliorate designed. And just a little better makes all the deviation.

One more mistake you tin avoid because I made information technology for y'all: buy one that is 100% cotton, and avoid options listed as "airflow" textile. It simply isn't. That layered mesh material is harsher against babe's skin, and the tiny holes catch whatever curd-textured effluvia, including cotton cheese, poop, and throw-upward, locking them deep in the fibers where they are hard to wash out. Yes, I know this from personal experience. Look closely at the photos as they change and update oft. Despite my mistake, I totally dear my LILLEbaby. Heartily recommended.

3. Auto seat

Always a must. And delight, delight, get i that is like shooting fish in a barrel to uninstall and reinstall. Especially if you travel a lot.

You may desire to get one that is function of a travel (stroller) organization. See beneath for a recommendation on a stroller travel system.

4. Stroller

We didn't get a stroller until our baby was more than four months old. When we did buy a stroller, we got away with a nice umbrella stroller.

Later, I bought a used BOB running stroller which I accept mixed feelings about. (The feelings: they are not allowed in airports due to their large size, merely that size is useful sometimes for protection in a crowd, and it's certainly squeamish to run with your baby, but on the other hand, running is of import alone time if you can get a sitter, friend, or partner to care for your babe while you take care of yourself.)

If y'all want to make a travel system stroller part of your registry, someone I trust just did a whole lot of research and settled on an UPPAbaby travel system which works from newborn upward to preschool age and includes a car seat. Information technology'south a pricey pick only you may be able to squeeze it into the budget since yous're going quality over quantity as a minimalist. it is really nice to have a system that works seamlessly.

For baby #ii I was gifted a pre-loved travel system and I have really enjoyed it.

5. Video or sound monitor

This was not on my original list and I regret it. I spent too much time anxious about my babe when he was napping. I didn't have a style to check him without going into his room, which would potentially wake him up. I'd recommend a video monitor then you can do a quick visual cheque every time your "mommy feet" kicks in.

However, I've heard that it'southward best to avoid the monitors that become with you lot when you're running errands or on a date night. Get someone you trust to picket over your infant, and trust them. Otherwise y'all'll be on the monitor the whole time you lot're out.

1st Update - So far I have NOT used a monitor with my 2nd infant. We'll see if that changes. This list is an ongoing experiment. I retrieve what I've learned is I accept less anxiety baby #ii.

2nd Update - I've come to the conclusion that a baby monitor is non necessary if you are low anxiety (anxiety may be lower with a second baby) and alive in a home where you tin can hear your baby cry from whatever room. Those of y'all with college anxiety and/or a large or soundproof home may want a sound or video monitor so you lot can hear or run into when yous baby wakes upward from a nap or at night if yous're not room-sharing.

6. Diapers and wipes

We started with size newborn diapers and nosotros had to size up about once a month, and so don't buy too many. Those fiddling bums grow fast! We used well-nigh 100 per calendar month in general, and maybe more those first couple months when we changed him more than often than was necessary since we were learning his habits (and the amazing capacity of diapers). We used disposable.

For baby #2, we're using disposable diapers and cloth diapers. I use disposable when it'due south easier (traveling, night time, and out of the firm) and textile diapers occasionally — effectually the house or when I desire to keep a few diapers out of the landfill and save some money.

I bought a few second-paw cloth diapers from a friend whose kids are all now potty trained. I found that it wasn't quite enough. They were a few unlike brands, and some had Velcro that had worn out, and then I couldn't use all of them.

And so, for the last four months, I've been testing these Alva Baby cloth diapers with my second kid. And I actually like them. I like that they come in a gear up, and they are easy to clean. The only matter I'd change almost the Alvas is I wish they had claw and center (Velcro) closure. The snaps accept nearly 1.five seconds each to shut, and in that location are three on each side. One of the other brands I have (pre-owned) has a hook and eye closure that takes well-nigh i second on each side. Two seconds vs nine seconds to shut upwardly a fresh diaper may not seem like a lot, but when your baby is wiggly and eager to get back to exploring, it is a long time.

I'll keep using the well-rated ones I have, linked above, but if I were to practise it over again, I might endeavor something like the Bambino Mio Onesize, although they are significantly more expensive. Update: At about 15 months my footling one figured out how to disengage the Velcro on our one hook-and-eye cloth diaper, so now I say, stick with the strong snaps of the Alva Infant diapers .

7. White noise automobile

We love this this white noise auto. It'southward small and portable. It has lasted us for years. We used the one auto with both babies and information technology is withal going strong, five years afterward. It has helped me get great sleep in a city hotel nether construction. It helps our kids sleep while we're watching Netflix. Highly recommended.

8. Easy wearable

Sometimes I think the designers of baby clothes don't actually accept children themselves. I was shocked by how difficult many baby wearing apparel are to utilize. Seriously. I get sweaty simply dressing my infant. This is an area that a skilful 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. Also, easy access to the diaper area is key. Kids abound actually fast (and in spurts) so clothing is a buy-as-needed expanse.

Update: My sister introduced to me to this brand and I beloved it. They are the easiest and cutest organic baby clothes I have discovered then far. The two-fashion zipper on the romper makes diaper changes easier.

9. Big washable underpads (4)

I didn't know these existed until I went to the hospital to give birth. Then we sort of not exactly accidentally stole i from the hospital. (It was my bed pad giving me a fiddling extra security of not staining the sheets during recovery. ) When I chosen the infirmary to confess our crime, they told me, understandably, to only keep information technology.

It has been amazing for and so many things. For changing diapers on, we but placed it on the flooring or bed and changed the infant there. We'd throw it in the washer and dryer and it would ever come out make clean and like new. Oh, it's also practiced for breadbasket fourth dimension. It travels well too, folding up to the size of a light jacket. Now it doubles as a "in case" pad under our older kid's sheets for night potty grooming. We bought more to use for our new baby.

It's probable the hospital sourced it from a medical supply visitor. Notwithstanding, I think I found it on Amazon for you. Check out this 4-pack. Amazing. Too good for pets? What? How many uses does this product take? And they are Then washable.

10. Packaged snacks stashes and (very specific ) water cups with lids. (for yous, breastfeeding mom)

Those first few weeks of breastfeeding were tough. When I'd finally get my baby latched on, I'd settle back into the chair, burrow, or bed, and immediately go hitting with undeniable, dying-in-the-desert thirst forth with hunger pangs. But I couldn't move considering that would disrupt the latch nosotros'd just worked so hard for. So usually I'd yell for my hubby to bring me water and snacks. But sometimes he couldn't hear me or wasn't home.

And so hide PACKAGED SNACKS around your house. Before you lot go into labor, put them nether your mattress, between burrow cushions, within of decorative pottery, EVERYWHERE !

And you'll normally only have one manus available, then don't sit downwards with a canteen of h2o. (I can't open a bottle of water with i hand. Just me?) And don't sit down with an open elevation loving cup because like me, you might be clumsy from sleep deprivation and that water will spill. You demand a jumbo cup with a chapeau and straw.

When infant is hungry, starting time fill your cup. Literally. You won't desire to, considering when your baby is crying all you can call up about is making your babe experience meliorate, but acquire from my experience, please, and so yous don't spend that precious breastfeeding fourth dimension feeling thirsty and deprived.

11. Chest pump

In some places your insurance company is required by law to provide one to you. This is vital to accept before the baby comes, every bit you'll want to have it on paw during those first few days and weeks of learning how to breastfeed – when you're engorged and the baby hasn't learned how to effectively nurse on a very total breast.

(Again, learn from my mistakes. My pump hadn't yet arrived I was i udderly miserable dairy queen that showtime week. I had to bring a specialist in to assistance me go the milk to come out the first time. A pump would take solved the problem in a few seconds.)

When my pump finally arrived, I loved it. You desire to go for a "hospital grade" auto. While I didn't effort other pumps, (and so I tin't compare it to others) I do highly recommend the one I chose from my insurance company'south offerings. I gave information technology away later on the starting time infant and purchased a new one for the 2d. Information technology is bachelor on Amazon here.

12. 2-4 bottles with nipples for pumped breast milk

If you're going back to work full time, and plan to pump, you may demand a cooler and more than four bottles.

However, for starters, 2-4 bottles should be fine until you get a experience for things.

If yous get the above recommended breast pump, it comes with two bottles. You can too register for this bundle which comes with 4 bottles and a tote bag.

13. Bottle castor for cleaning bottles and nipples

Specialized baby bottle brushes come with a larger brush for inside the bottle and a smaller part for cleaning nipples.

xiv. Chest milk freezer bags

It'due south nice to have special numberless that await unlike than regular freezer storage bags. Breast milk bags are alpine and narrow, making them easier to cascade into a bottle than your standard zip lock numberless.

15. 4-10 lightweight swaddling blankets

These are for swaddling and burping and cleaning random baby messes. These won't last long for swaddling but will exist vital for many months for those sudden spills that come out of babies.

sixteen. Slumber sacks

The swaddling days don't last long for most babies, and blankets get kicked off or become hazardous. Get several sleep sacks for chilly nights when your baby's sleepwear won't provide enough warmth on its own.

As a bonus, a slumber sack keeps the kid safe in bed afterwards that historic period (near a year) when they kickoff 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 one detail baby launder. I tend to buy something locally that seems equally mild, gentle, and natural as possible.

eighteen. Something for sore nipples

Lanolin is the recommended product. I tried information technology, but then switched to kokosnoot oil. I adopt the aroma, and that information technology's from a plant rather than an animal. And it seems to heal my peel fast. Whatever you lot choose, have information technology on hand earlier you give birth because sore nipples are as bad as they sound.

19. Babe oil/moisturizer

I prefer a natural plant oil like olive, coconut, almond, or jojoba. These seemed to practise the job only also equally a cream specifically branded for babies. Moisturizers marketed to parents for babies tend to accept long ingredient listings. Information technology seems simpler and healthier to me to put 1 ingredient at a time on your baby.

xx. Diaper rash cream (a tube per month)

If y'all are lucky, your infant will reply well to coconut oil to heal and prevent diaper rash, thus items # xviii, xix, and 20 can all be covered with a jar or ii of organic kokosnoot oil. For our first baby, coconut oil concluded up beingness more effective than the leading diaper rash cream, if a chip messier. Information technology smelled better likewise!

21. Pacifier (perchance a couple with different types of nipples for babe to endeavour)

I remember being worried that giving my get-go son a pacifier would make him addicted to it, or misfile him and make it more than difficult for him to breastfeed. If I remember correctly, I tried a pacifier after he'd learned to latch on to the breast. And and then it made my life so much easier. At some bespeak around 7 or 8 months old he started dropping the pacifier out of his mouth frequently and I took that equally a cue that he was done with information technology. At that place were a few days of adjustment but and then he no longer missed it. Same with my 2nd baby.

We used the e'er-popular Philips Avent Soothie pacifiers. I think someone gifted the states the one fastened to a costly toy animal, and that was a big hit because it was hard to lose and gave our infant something to hold onto.

22. Super seat/stuck seat

The gist is: somewhere you tin stick your kid nearby and you lot know they're safe and occupied while you take a shower. It's a peace of mind thing.

We started using the super seat one time babe could concur his caput up on his own. Our version was called a super seat considering it is a supportive chair, a booster seat, a snack tray, and a toy-holder all in i. Later, he used the booster office in place of a high chair. Information technology came with straps to safely attach to a regular kitchen chair.

We bought something very similar to this (same brand, different toy theme). However, were I to do it again, I'd probably try to find one with higher ratings. In that location were a few buggy things that could be better. I don't call up toys demand to be attached. Babies apace tire of the attached toys and want to play with something else (run across beneath section on skipping toys). Also, over fourth dimension the hard-to-clean toys get undeniably… gunky.

23. A napper or co-sleeper.

It's nice to take something safe you can put your baby down in when yous desire them napping well-nigh yous, but yous don't want to put them in a crib or elevate a play g to your infinite. They'll quickly grow out of a napper, so make information technology affordable or become it pre-owned. In Finland they use a paper-thin box! It really just needs to be a flat, safe, comfortable place for your baby to slumber. Practise your research and get something that suits your lifestyle and parenting mode. Ukraine, where I had my 2d babe, has started doing the aforementioned thing Finland does, giving new parents a large box filled with new infant essentials. The box doubles as a crib and includes a thin cream mattress; I used the box the infirmary gave usa for that purpose in the very early on weeks when I wanted my picayune one to nap nearby.

24. Forehead thermometer

I had to pick up one of these in a hurry later on our son was born. Although the hospital really gave usa a thermometer in a baby gift pack, it was a standard insertion thermometer.

An insertion thermometer is the terminal thing your baby wants to bargain with when she or he is feeling ill. And I tin't blame a babe for not wanting cold metal stuck in any orifice, at whatever time, sick or healthy. So I institute myself delaying taking my son's temperature when I suspected he had a fever. As soon equally we got a forehead thermometer my parental anxiety decreased quite a chip every bit it made taking his temperature, and usually finding out in that location was no fever, easy.

I purchased mine in a CVS store, but if you, wise planner that you are, want to put one on an Amazon Registry, here's a suggestion.

25. Baby Motion Monitor

I almost left this 1 off the list. It had a tendency to slip off my baby'southward diaper, which meant that there were a few imitation alarms that had me up in the eye of the night, centre racing, before I checked on him and saw he was fine.

Even so. Last dark I had a vivid dream taking me back to those early days of caring for my newborn. I remember how difficult information technology was to actually go restful sleep considering I was worried he would cease animate in the eye of the night. And then this item is going back on the listing.

I should also tell you I didn't endure from feet before having a infant. Parenthood changes you in unpredictable ways, and for me there was a huge increase in anxiety.

And then my final verdict is that if this device (we bought twice, once for each baby, and recommend the Snuza Hero Babe Motility Monitor) will help you have peace of mind then you can snatch some proficient sleep when your baby is sleeping, become information technology.

I think it'due south worth it in those very early weeks if you have a picayune anxiety or tend to wake upwardly at night only to check that your baby's breathing is fine. (Which, only FYI, is normal new parent behavior.)

What to skip

Now that you know the 25 essentials, here's what you tin save your money on.

one. Toys

Babies are entertained easily. Crinkling paper. A spoon. Their own ear. Toys are really non necessary until later. Plus y'all'll unavoidably collect toys every bit gifts considering they are fun for friends and family to purchase for you.

2. Specialized baby moisturizers

As I suggested before, these can contain nasty chemicals. Just stick with pure establish oils like coconut, olive, and jojoba. E'er check your babe for signs of an allergic reaction when putting something new on their pare.

iii. High chair

I never understood high chairs. They're huge. Why buy such a large matter when you can become a small booster seat and the baby can sit down with the family at the table? Plus their height, higher than a normal chair, means a fall would be more than dangerous. And, here's a parenting hugger-mugger no 1 talks nigh: every baby falls. There'south gonna be a fall. All you can do is your all-time. Only they're gonna fall. Make sure it's from equally low a point as possible.

iv. A changing table

A huge slice of unnecessary furniture. Besides a falling hazard. Flooring or bed changes are like shooting fish in a barrel and safer. Never walk away from your baby when they could roll off the bed or gyre into a dangerous situation.

five. Pee pee tent

Alert: if you have a boy, he might pee on you when y'all change his diaper. Pee pee tents are petty tents yous put over his penis during that brief window of adventure while you modify his diaper. But put your mitt over the stream so it doesn't striking your face. Otherwise, let the guy go some airflow during diaper changes.

6. Wipes warmer

Nope. Become used to the refreshing coolness of wipes in their natural land, child.

vii. Diaper genie

But put those dirty diapers in a handbag and tie it off. Maybe get a trash can with a lid if the scent is really bad. You lot don't need a specialty trash can (with moving parts liable to break and specialty supplies to be purchased at regular intervals).

8. Anything with buttons or beads

Buttons on clothes take as well much fourth dimension and tin popular off and become a choking gamble. Beads, which can besides become a choking hazard, are by and large obviously avoided for babies. Nonetheless, I've noticed a trend of making babies wear a necklace of amber beads for supposed pain-relieving benefits. Bister may be soothing to look at or affect, only has no other helpful benefits when worn, and your baby will be safer without the potential choking and strangulation adventure of wearing a necklace.

nine. Complicated wraps for baby wearing

Don't purchase anything that needs a tutor, grade or more than one person to put on. Just go with i babe wearing product. The already-mentioned easy, highly adaptable, works-for-mom-and-dad LILLEbaby.

10. Crib accessories

Some crib accessories like bumper pads tin can put baby at risk.

Other accessories to avoid include those light up, large, plastic things that play lullabies and have colorful visuals and commonly attach to the side of a crib. Remember that whatever becomes part of your infant'due south going-to-sleep ritual must exist repeated every single dark and nap, sometimes for years.

You really don't want annihilation that is so specific that it tin can't be hands replaced or repeated. Yous likely wouldn't travel with the calorie-free-up plastic affair, so I'd recommend skipping it if you desire to travel easily with your baby.

11. Bottle/pacifier sterilizer.

Buy things that are dishwasher safe or clean them with hot soapy h2o and a specialized brush like the ane recommended to a higher place. Over-sterilizing may rob your babe of a healthy microbiota.

12. Infant bath tub.

You don't need a bathtub or special insert for your infant. They may brand things a bit easier, but they may besides increase the risk to your baby by calculation a false sense of prophylactic when your baby is in the bathroom. Use the kitchen or bath sink (sanitized offset, of course) to bathe your baby. Never leave them unattended, even for a moment, and always keep their face out of the water. Use a cloth or wipes for cleaning the face. In the early on days, babies do not need frequent baths, and tin can exist wiped down with a warm, damp textile. Once they tin can sit unaided, you tin permit your baby sit in a very shallow tub to breast-stroke, or even take baths with them.

Bonus, babies getting sink baths are so sinkin' cute. Seriously, I dare you to get search #sinkbath on Instagram. Bad day? It just got better.

From superlative left: @amandarosephotography, @this.picayune.wandering, @fivelittlebirds, @thisisbus, @teraherron_photography, @mamadray88

13. And... everything else not on the above listing of essentials.

That's right, you don't need special baby combs or brushes, breastfeeding pillows (which are remarkably like to regular pillows), or any of the other 60,000 items in the Amazon babe store alone. Stick with the 25 essentials listed on the checklist above and you should accept everything you demand for your babe to thrive.

That's it!

Hither'due south a quick summary of what to put on your registry (in paradigm form):

Now yous know what to get for your bundle of joy, and what to skip.

Now go go that registry done!

If you loved this mail, "heart" it using the button below, and if you want to share it, there's a button for that too. Please share this web log equally a style of helping others simplify to live their all-time lives.

Finally, if yous haven't signed up yet for the free 3-Mean solar day Decluttering Claiming, please practise then below. You'll get a 3-solar day burst of inspiration and instruction, plus The Simple Sunday, my occasional newsletter on how to edit your life for more joy.

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