With so many cute baby items and advertising everywhere, how do you keep baby items minimal to avoid creating clutter?
You want everything you might need for your baby and might even feel guilty for not buying everything available.
As a minimalist and a one-income family, I stayed minimal before and after my baby was born.
Below are nine ways that helped me stay minimal.
1. Create a wishlist by priority
First, you should create a wishlist of baby items you will need by priority.
Those items may include a baby car seat, bassinet, or crib, depending on where the baby will sleep.
If some items you want, for example, I wanted a comfortable glider so I could rock my baby to sleep in her nursery. Then, put those on top of your list because they are something that you will use and you know you will enjoy.
Also, next to the items, put the dollar amount for each item so you have an idea of the cost.
Keep your wants to a minimum. Remember that you are trying to stay minimal and avoid creating clutter.
2. Create a budget
Create a budget for how much money you can spend on baby items. You probably already have an estimated amount since you have that on the wishlist, but if you want to spend less, then stick to a budget. Creating a budget will help you narrow the baby items to fit your needs and wants.
3. Diaper party
Having a diaper party is a great idea to avoid getting baby gifts you do not like or will not use. The diaper party is usually for the dad to get together with family and friends; each guest brings a pack of diapers.
But it is an excellent idea for a baby shower. You can put the brand of diapers you will use on the invitation and put sizes 1-5 so you receive a variety of sizes. You can also put wipes or a money tree.
Usually, having these parties during your first pregnancy is the norm.
Still, I think there is nothing wrong with having a small get-together with close family and friends during another pregnancy.
4. Gently used items
Babies grow up so fast that you will likely have some clothes that will not get used.
So, to stay minimal and on budget with clothes, buy baby clothes second-hand, or if you know someone with a baby, ask them to give you or sell you the baby clothes they are no longer using.
You can also purchase some baby items second-hand—for example, a bouncer, a high chair, or a walker.
Buying second-hand gives items a second chance instead of ending up in a landfill.
5. Buy items as needed
Another way to stay minimal and on budget when having a baby is to buy items as needed.
For example, I did not buy a baby swing at all. I had it on my wish list, but not as a priority. But my baby did not need it. I would lay her on the bed while being supervised, on the floor, or she would be on a bouncer.
Another item on my wish list was a sound machine to help the baby fall asleep.
Luckily, the baby did not have trouble falling and staying asleep.
Read my post 11 Minimalist Baby Must-Haves to Save Space and Money
6. Capsule wardrobe
I know it might sound weird for a baby to have a capsule wardrobe, but as fast as a baby grows, having a capsule wardrobe will save you money, help you keep minimal, and save you time on laundry. You don’t have to follow the whole capsule wardrobe like an adult, with the amount of shoes or accessories.
Below is my baby’s minimal wardrobe.
- Two sets of pajamas
- One black sweatpants (to sleep in)
- Four long-sleeve onesies
- Five short-sleeve onesies
- Four black leggings
- 1 gray legging
- One navy legging
- Two blue jeans
- Four long sleeve shirts
- Two long sleeve onesies (for going out)
- Five short sleeve T-shirts
- Three sets of warm-ups and sweater
- One hoodie
- One jacket
- One beanie
- One pair of shoes
- One pair of fuzzy booties
- Five pairs of white low-cut socks
- Five pairs of colorful long socks (to sleep in or when it is cold out)
Almost everything above is used in one week and is washed, folded, and put away quickly. 
7. Donate
You might have received a lot of baby gifts (even if you put diapers, wipes, or a money tree; some people might also give you baby items) from a baby shower or family and friends visiting you that are duplicates. You probably have some items you bought that do not fit the baby.
Have a box in the closet for donation and put those items in the box. While doing laundry, you know that the clothes are no longer the size the baby wears, so go ahead and put them in the donation box. When you receive seasonal gifts that do not fit, put them in the donation box.
If you receive multiple items, let go of something you already had if you decide to keep them. For example, I have three cozy blankets for baby blankets. If I receive a baby blanket, I put it directly into the donation box, or if I decide to keep it, I donate a blanket she had. You might feel bad donating a gift, but I see it as if I am giving it to someone who needs it.
That is why I chose to donate to a non-profit, and doing so helps me not feel guilty about donating gifts that I know we will not use.
8. One in One out rule
The one-in-one-out rule is when you receive an item, you need to remove an item. To avoid creating clutter. Like the example I gave about the cozy blankets. You can do this with baby items, baby clothes, and toys.
9. Toy rotation
Did you know having too many toys and toys that light up and make noises can overstimulate your baby?
When they have too many toys around them, they also lose concentration and cannot focus on one toy at a time.
One of the best ways to stay minimal with toys is to do a toy rotation.
Create an area or a few areas in your home where the baby will be playing, and only keep less than five toys per play area—the rest of the toys you store in a bin in the garage or a closet.
Then, in a few weeks, rotate the toys you kept stored and those in the play area.
Final thoughts
These are a few ways you can stay minimal when having a baby. Again, with so many baby products out there, it is hard not to want to buy everything.
But keep in mind your goal of staying minimal. You will spend less time picking up toys, less time doing laundry, and more time enjoying the baby.
Related posts
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Frugal Living Habits as a Stay-At-Home Mom to Save Time and Money
What are some ways you plan on saving money and ways to stay minimal with a baby? Comment below.