11 Minimalist Baby Must-Haves to Save Space and Money

11 Minimalist Baby Must-Haves to Save Space and Money

Welcoming a new family member is exciting, but it can also be a bit overwhelming. Before their arrival, we want to ensure we have everything the baby needs.

As a stay-at-home mom and one-income family, we carefully selected these eleven minimalist baby must-haves to save money and space.

Whether you’re on a budget, a single income, or a low-income family, these essentials are a practical necessity before the baby arrives.

Minimalist baby must-haves

Car seat

You will need a car seat before the baby is born. They will have you take the car seat to the hospital for a car seat test before your baby is ready to go home. Baby will sit in the car seat for 90-120 minutes or the length of the car ride home, whichever is longer.

The nurse will monitor your baby’s heart rate, breathing, and oxygen level. Then, you will need the car seat to keep the baby safe while in the vehicle.

Bassinet

Creating a safe sleeping space for your baby is a top priority. We chose a bassinet and placed it next to our bed, providing our baby with a secure and comforting environment.

Whether it’s a bassinet, co-sleeper, or crib, the key is to ensure your baby has a safe place to sleep.

Crib

The crib was our best purchase, so it is my favorite minimalist baby must-have. Our baby is now two years and two months old, and she has slept in her crib since she was nine months old. She has a routine, so nap time and nighttime are easy. She enjoys sleeping in her crib, which makes it so simple for us.

Baby monitor

With so many options for baby monitors out there, it can be hard to decide which one to get. We have one that gets the job done and only costs $59.00. I have been using this baby monitor for over two years, and it has never given me any problems.

I like that it does not offer wireless options and cannot be used on my phone. It has a camera and a baby monitor I take around the house. You can find the VTech 2.8-inch digital video baby monitor with night light at Walmart.

Baby bottles

If you plan on giving your baby formula or providing them with breast milk in a bottle after you pump breast milk, which is what I did, you will need baby bottles. I researched and bought the Comotomo baby bottle bundle at Walmart.

This set lasted me for her first 13 months, and all I needed to buy was the replacement silicone nipples. The Comotomo baby bottle bundle is available at Walmart.

Bouncer

There are so many options for baby bouncers, and I just chose to get one at Walmart, which was very affordable. I used the bouncer when she was awake, and I had to pump or do a quick chore.

I would not recommend spending much on bouncers since they will only use them for a few months. This is the one we got at Walmart, Bright Starts playful paradise vibrating baby bouncer.

Receiving blankets

We got a pack of six receiving blankets, but we did not use all six. If you can find a pack of four, that should be enough for a baby. I used the received blankets to wrap her when she was a newborn.

Also to lay on our bed when she was in our room with us during the day so she would not be laying directly on our comforter.

Bathtub

We went with Fisher Price 4-in-1 Sling n Seat Tub when looking for a bathtub. There are four ways to bathe from the newborn stage to the toddler stage. We used this bathtub for almost thirteen months. You can find the Fisher Price 4-in-1 sling ‘n seat tub, baby to toddler bath at Walmart

Body care

I have used the same shampoo as a body wash for my toddler for two years and two months. It is the Aveeno baby calming comfort body wash with Lavender and vanilla. I honestly think this helps her fall asleep with the ingredients it contains. You will also need a set of small wash clothes to use while you bathe the baby.

Clothing

Babies grow up so fast, so I do not recommend spending much on clothing. I got a set of short-sleeved onesies and one set of long-sleeved ones. Socks, beanies, and hand mittens for her newborn stage. I got a few more gently used ones at a second-hand store. We did receive a few infant outfits as gifts, so when she had an appointment, she would wear those.

Diaper and wipes

Instead of a baby shower, I recommend a diaper party. You can put on the invitation what brand of diapers you will use, and guests bring different sizes of that brand. Same for the wipes. This will save you money on diapers and wipes and avoid receiving gifts you do not like or won’t use.

You can read my blog post, Nine Ways to Stay Minimal When Having a Baby.

Now that you have the list of the 11 minimalist baby must-haves, I have created a list of items you do not need, or you can wait to purchase if required.

Eight baby items you do not need

Hatch baby sound machine

A sound machine may be a great way to help a newborn fall asleep and stay asleep. However, it would be best to try to have your newborn fall asleep independently or simply rocking them to sleep.

I did not need a sound machine to help our baby fall asleep. She is now a toddler, and I do not have a problem with her sleep.

Baby swing

At first, I thought I would need a baby swing for our baby so she would not want to be carried all the time. But as time passed, I did not need to purchase a baby swing. Babies sleep a lot, and a crib or bassinet is a safe place. I would place her in the bouncer or give her a little tummy time when awake.

Baby wrap carrier

When my baby was a few months old, I thought I would need a baby wrap carrier to do a few things around the house. But since I have a simple cleaning routine, I could do things while she was asleep. So I did not need to purchase a baby wrap carrier.

Baby detergent

Getting a special kind of detergent for a baby is unnecessary. As long as you use a detergent that contains safe chemicals for the whole family, you can also use it for the baby. I use laundry detergent sheets from Groove collaboration for the entire family.

Swaddles

Someone recommended getting a baby swaddle to help soothe the baby and get better sleep. We decided not to buy a swaddle and wrapped her with a regular receiving blanket. She had no problems falling asleep and staying asleep on her own.

Changing table

There are other ways you can change your baby’s diaper or clothes that do not include having to purchase a changing table. When she was a newborn, we would lay a receiving blanket on our bed and change her there. By the time she could crawl, I would just lay a blanket on the floor and change her, and when I was done, she was ready to crawl and play for a few minutes before we gave her breakfast.

Bottle warmer

If breastfeeding or pumping and then giving the baby a bottle, there is no need to warm up the breast milk. If you freeze or refrigerate the breast milk or provide baby formula, you can warm up the milk for a few seconds in the microwave.

Another way is to leave the bottle with formula or cold breast milk in a bowl with hot water for a few minutes. I had three babies and never needed a bottle warmer.

Crib mobiles

The fewer items in the baby’s room, the less distracting they are, and they fall asleep faster. A crib mobile may be recommended to help them fall asleep or keep them distracted for a few minutes. We did not purchase a crib mobile, and our baby did well without one.

I highly recommend reading How a Minimalist Lifestyle Can Help You Be a Stay-At-Home Mom

Final thoughts

This is an extraordinary moment when adding a new member to the family. With so many options, you may feel like you need everything or want every baby item.

I recommend starting with minimalist baby must-haves and seeing how that works for you. I hope this list helps you decide what to buy for your baby.

Comment below and share your experiences with us.

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