The Minimalist Approach to Baby Essentials
I know what you’re thinking: another baby essentials blog? Oh brother…
But, before you leave, consider my perspective. I am a minimalist, former world-traveler on a shoestring budget, lived and worked in other countries with just the contents of my backpack, and now new mother. You might be interested in my list, if any of that resonates with you.
The number one thing I look for in a baby item is sustainability. In addition, how well-made is the product, how does my baby respond to it, and what is the price? You actually only need a few items for your baby and here’s why: babies are the ultimate minimalists. They need you, diapers, wipes, a few outfits, a handful of toys, and that’s it. Oh yeah, a good car seat, too. Keep in mind, we live in Florida, so this list is for those existing in an eternal summer state.
Here’s my list as a holistic, nature-following, minimalist mama:
Solly Wrap - My baby girl absolutely loves to be worn and snuggled. Solly wraps are lightweight, soft, sustainable materials, and gets your baby all snuggled close to listen to your heartbeat.
Boppy Pillow - I have two of these pillows. They are great for nursing, propping baby up in, helping baby sit, and helps with tummy time activities. Probably my number 1 essential!
Baby Bjorn Mini Carrier - Again, my baby loves to be worn. We don’t even use a stroller! This carrier is a splurge, but very worth it in my opinion because of how much its used. It’s a breathable option compared to the wraps, which is essential in Florida summer. I rate it very easy to use and can be adjusted to baby as she grows.
Snuggle Me Organic - Another splurge, but worth it. When they are very tiny, and you need to put them down for a second, this pillow is very comforting. We didn’t swaddle, but this pillow felt like a warm embrace to her. She usually drifted off to sleep the second we placed her in it. Are there cheaper options? Sure. But I wanted the organic materials.
Silverettes - If breastfeeding is new to you, these are sent from the heavens. They provided me instant relief during that first month of figuring out our rhythm. Any soreness, dryness, or cracking was healed and gave me the hope to go on.
Nipple Cream - Who doesn’t have a nipple cream they recommend? I happened to like this one for the minimal ingredients and the fact it was okay for my baby to ingest if I had just applied it. It’s also soothing and has a very minimal smell. All important things.
Gerber Sleeveless Cotton Onesies - This is for my eternal summer people. My baby lived and currently lives in these onesies. They are lightweight, cotton, cute patterns, affordable and an overall win in my book.
Bonsie Baby Skin to Skin Pajamas - Another splurge, but these are so worth it if your baby craves skin to skin before bedtime. The chest opens up easily and lets you snuggle tummy to tummy before bedtime, which is my daughter’s absolute favorite way to fall asleep.
Ninni Co. Pacifier - If you are breastfeeding, this pacifier is for you. So long “nipple confusion.” There is a learning curve with it, and our daughter only uses it occasionally, but it looks exactly like a nipple. Not a weirdly shaped plug like the mainstream pacifiers. Also made from sustainable materials, and non-toxic.
OsoCozy Fitted Organic Diaper - Cloth diapers all day long aren’t really approachable in my honest opinion. I feel like you’d always be lacking a diaper as they need to be washed so frequently. But nighttime cloth diapers are definitely do-able. I found sizing up and applying lanolin as a barrier has prevented my daughter from experiencing any kind of diaper rash. AND we live in a sweltering tropical climate. Just a head’s up, these do run big.
Of course, there are more items that your baby may need, but for me these are essentials, and all my baby really needs on a day-to-day basis. I hope this helps!
Here’s to holistic,
Megan
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