Get my minimalist baby essentials for the mom who doesn’t like to fill her house with all the baby gear. This minimal mom baby checklist includes only the essentials.
Minimalist Baby Essentials
I don’t usually call myself a minimalist, but when I read the criterion of one, I guess I should call it how I see it. I definitely tend towards minimalism in my home. Clutter stresses me out and I don’t see the point of keeping things you aren’t using.
As a mama of four, I have been through this whole baby gear thing enough times to know there is just a whole lot of stuff I find I don’t really need.
I am due in one week with baby number five, so it’s about time to round up a few supplies.
By now, I know what I like and what I need. Here is my baby checklist.
Tips for Baby Essentials Checklist:
- You don’t need as much as you think. Really baby just needs a few things to be happy.
- Everyone’s life and scenarios will be different, so you baby checklist may be different also. Adjust accordingly.
- I like to make a lot of my baby’s products, so instead of buying or registering for them you can find how to make diaper cream here, blankets, diaper inserts,
- Usually, I don’t keep much stuff between babies. Like clothes for instance, babies are born different seasons, and are different sizes, so I usually don’t keep the same clothes.
- Go neutral for essentials essentials you may end up using the next time around like cloth diapers, baby wraps, high chairs etc.
Minimalist Baby Essentials- Baby Checklist Video 2019 UPDATE
Minimalist Baby Essentials- Baby Checklist
Clothing
Read my reasoning for choosing organic baby clothing in this article.
Organic Onesies
There’s a reason they’re a baby staple. Onesies are comfortable and versatile. Summer babies can get by with onesies alone. For winter babies, they add extra warmth under a lightweight sleeper.
I found these organic onesies from Burt’s Bees Baby’s bee essentials line.
Organic Footie Sleepers
By baby number three or four, I was skipping the cutesie clothes entirely. Baby spends all his/her time in my wrap anyway. Sleepers are easy, comfy and no fuss. I only buy ones with footies, because baby socks always fall off.
I found these organic sleepers from Burts Bees Baby. They are so soft and look easy to put on. They will certainly be a staple in baby number five’s wardrobe.
I also snagged up these organic zippered sleepers.
Maybe I will start putting baby in some cute outfits next summer when he/she actually makes it out of my wrap a little!
Minimalist Baby Essentials – Bedding
Muslin Swaddle Blankets
Muslin swaddle blankets are something I just discovered the fourth time around. I can’t believe I ever lived without them. Regular swaddle blankets are always to small to get a good swaddle. Muslin swaddle blankets are lightweight, slightly stretchy and large.
I use them as an all purpose piece in the diaper bag- nursing cover, spit rag, blanket…
With my last baby I made a whole bunch of them with cotton gauze.
Follow this tutorial on how to make a muslin swaddle blanket.
One Heavy Blanket
Although this is under the bedding category, I only use a heavy blanket for keeping baby warm when we are out and about. I don’t give my babies a cover in their own beds until they are over two, for safety reasons.
For this collection, I chose this beautiful gray cable knit stroller blanket. Perfect for my winter baby!
Organic Fitted Crib Sheets
This is all baby needs in their crib until they are about two. I like to keep two, so I can put one on while I am washing the other.
I found these organic cotton fitted crib sheets from Burt’s Bees Baby.
If you plan to co-sleep, it’s a good idea to have a organic mattress protector for your own bed. Between cloth diapering and breastfeeding, you may end up with some leakage so protecting your mattress is a good idea.
Essential Baby Gear
Baby Wrap
There is a reason this is first on the gear list! For the first six months (other than the carseat), this is the only gear I need. My wrap stays on like a shirt, all day every day. The baby goes in it in the morning and down to sleep next to me at night, when I finally take the wrap off. They can be tied so that baby is so secure, I can go about my daily routine.
I love the Solly baby wrap for newborns but it is so lightweight that it doesn’t last as long. Since writing this post, I’ve gone back to the Moby Wrap.
If they are awake, I let their little head look around, and if they’re asleep I tuck it in. Hands down, the baby wrap is my most essential essential! 😉 .
You can find my How To Wrap A Baby Wrap video here, or check out the post.
High Chair
Like the crib and cute clothes, a high chair isn’t something I need for my newborn. But, when seven or eight months rolls around, I like to have a good one to put baby in.
I mostly skip the baby food phase entirely, so the high chair is a great place to put baby when they start to get interested in food. They will sit in there for an hour trying to pick up little bits of avocado and hard boiled egg yolk.
I found this high chair by Graco on Amazon. I love the gray, white and wood color scheme. Best of all, it converts into a toddler chair that sits up to the table. Perfect for us, because we have a big farmhouse table with benches. It doesn’t allow for booster chairs at all. Baby will be able to sit up to the table with us when he/she starts demanding that. Probably around 18 months.
Carseat
This one is obvious. Everyone needs one good rear facing pumpkin seat type carseat. I know some of the upright types are rated for newborns, but I like the ones that can be removed in case baby falls asleep on the way to the store. You can just leave them in it during the shopping trip.
We have a Chicco Keyfit Infant Carseat.
Crib
This one comes with a little disclaimer. I don’t use a crib at all until my baby is at least six months old. I know its controversial, but I am a huge fan of co-sleeping.
As a breastfeeding mama, it is the best way for me to sooth baby to sleep. Plus, I would have to get up multiple times every night to go nurse the baby. Until they are quite a bit older, and on some kind of routine, I opt to keep them cozied up right next to me. Usually around six months, to one year, I start to transition my babies over to a crib. If you decide to do this, make sure to research safe co-sleeping practices.
I love this wooden one from Target.
Double Stroller
Since Micah and this baby are closer in age than my others, I’m going to be researching and in the market for a double stroller this time around. Now if you just have one baby, just a single stroller will do, or you can just babywear.
Swing
In the first Minimalist Essentials Video I stated that I never use a swing for my kids. But when a Mamaroo popped up on Facebook Marketplace I snatched it up and it was amazing. I ended up selling it before our move but I’m on the search for a new one. Well most likely a used one. They are not cheap, but since they are only used for a short time you can find them frequently on swap sites.
Sound Machine
As we’ve added more kids, the more essential a sound machine has become. I just have a cheap one and use the white noise to drown out the other noises. Especially since we haven’t put Micah’s door back on and the kids like to run up and down the stairs.
Minimalist Baby Essentials – Diapering and Feeding
Cloth Diapers
I have tried a lot of different cloth diapers over my nine years of being a mom. I can honestly say my favorite brand hands down is Econobum. They are not sponsoring this post in any way. I just love them. They are the only ones that I have found to have no issues with leaking, even overnight. Since the inserts go on top of the cover, I don’t need that many covers.
For Micah, I purchased three covers in the newborn size and thought I would use those with some prefold liners until the baby is about three months old. He was 8 pounds and 11 oz when he was born and they newborn covers were basically useless. Now if you have a smaller baby they may be useful, but I don’t recommend them. This time around I just purchased a pack of free and clear disposable diaper for the first few days.
After that I will switch over to the one size Econobums with the same prefold liners. I have six of the one size covers and quite a few liners that I made from organic bamboo.
Check out how to make diaper inserts here.
You can also purchase bamboo liners HERE. That setup is all I will need for diapering the rest of the time I am diapering my baby.
Update: I also found more cloth diapers to function like the Econobums
Rumparooz One Size Cloth Diaper Cover
Diaper Pail
If you plan to cloth diaper it is a good idea to get a diaper pail with a washable insert. I have two inserts so one can be cleaned with the diapers and you still have another liner to go in the pail.
Wipes
At home I just use reusable cloth wipes because I can easily throw them in the washer with the diapers. For on the go, I throw unscented disposable wipes in the diaper bag.
Diaper Bag
Cloth diapers take up a lot more room than disposable, so a diaper bag is a must. Other things in it at all times are my muslin swaddlers that I use as a nursing cover, an extra sleeper and a pack of wipes.
I love the neutral grays and whites of this diaper bag from Skip Hop. It has a lot of pockets, so super practical to stay organized.
Bamboo nursing pads
I don’t have bottles on the list, because I have never needed one. To me, nursing is just so much easier and convenient. Also, I don’t pump. Obviously if you are a working mama, you will need to add those things to your list!
For the first few months, a lot of leakage happens as the body adjusts to making the right amount of milk. Nursing pads are a must. I like to use reusable bamboo nursing pads. You could also make them using the same supplies as the diaper inserts. Just make them smaller and round.
Nursing Cover
I usually carry around a nursing cover in the diaper bag at all times just in case. My favorite has to be the light weight ones with wire covers. I’ll be sharing a tutorial very soon.
Bathing
Dr. Bronners Castile Soap
Yep, that’s pretty much it! I don’t give baby many baths. It is good for healthy gut bacteria and soft skin to refrain from excessive bathing. When I do think they need a little washing I skip the Johnson and Johnsons entirely. A little Dr. Bronner’s castile soap diluted with water and a few drops of lavender essential oil is all I need to keep baby fresh.
I also don’t see the need for the little baby baths. They are in for such a short amount of time. Just enough to give them a little scrub!
Spit Rags
Okay this isn’t really bathing, but I like to keep spit rags in my nightstand for when I’m nursing and dealing with leaking at night time. You can just make them out of the same muslin fabric as the blankets.
That’s it!
What would you add to this list? Let me know in the comments below.
Shop the Minimalist Baby Essentials
Update: I also found more cloth diapers to function like the Econobums
Rumparooz One Size Cloth Diaper Cover
Organic Sleepers with Matching Hats
Gray Cable Knit Stroller Blanket
Pin it for later
The high chair has been recalled.
Hi Lisa, I’m soooo happy to have found and watched your video!! It’s a relief to know that I don’t actually need as many things as others seem to and our society pushes! Especially since we live in a tiny place. In watching your video I started wondering what things you have and use for your baby because you’ve already had 4 other children? You mentioned a diaper pail, do you use other things such as a rocker for nursing? If you could share a list of what you already had and use with this first time mama, I’d be grateful. Thanks!
Love this list Lisa! We’re expecting our first baby and I didn’t want a bunch of baby things that weren’t really a necessity. About the stroller that you use for your kids when they’re older. Which one have you found to work best for you? Thanks!
Hi! Just curious…do you use a stroller at all? I’m expecting my first and have been planning on only wearing the baby. When I tell friends and family this, they think I’m crazy for not wanting a stroller.
I do when they’re a little older, but for the first six months a wrap is all I need. 🙂
you will definitely need a stroller after about 6 month. later in the years you will feel it in your back. i never had a stroller and wore my back out by age 37. just about the second grandchild wa born. take my word. get a stroller. lol
Yes! I totally agree. When the baby is older, a stroller is a must.
I have a general question about the size of onsies you buy. I love your minimalist list and I’m planning to have a similar list. So, what’s your approach to onsies? Do you buy a few for each size as they grow? Or do you start with 3-6 and deal with a loose onsie on a newborn for awhile? Thanks for your input! 🙂
I buy the appropriate size. I did all 0-3 until about 3 months. Then, he did 3-6 for a while. I just got four bamboo sleepers in 6-12 that will work for quite a while now. He will probably mostly live in onesies for the summer. I like the idea of only getting four or five things for each size so we can wear them all the way out and then just toss them when they are thoroughly used instead of having a bunch of stuff and storing for the next kid. 🙂
Awesome! Thanks for the reply. I live in a tiny house, so storing things for the next kid isn’t exactly an option for us. I like your approach. Thank you! And thanks for a lot of your other great videos. 🙂
Can you share where you purchase your organic bamboo fabric from?
Lisa, I’d love it if you could make a video on how you clean th cloth diapers and what you do to prevent staining if you can’t wash them right away. Thank you for sharing your knowledge.
I second this post about wanting a video on how you clean cloth diapers. 🙂 Expecting my first in June!
The cloth diapering videos are in the works! 🙂
We are expecting our seventh and I’m looking forward to using cloth again. One item I am putting on my must have list (the only since we have all the gear) is a Snuggle Me Organic. Have you heard of it? I found it through IG. It’s like a little nest for baby to sleep in on your bed. They can’t roll and we can’t roll on them. My hubs doesn’t like co sleeping because he’s always afraid he will roll over baby so I am planning to purchase one and have baby with us always. Thanks for the list and congrats on baby!
hi there ! first ill intro myself, since i didnt have time last night.
of course im peggy, 48 years old with 3 grown children, i also raised my 3 brothers and helped with another half dozen or so in the neighborhood . i have 8 grandchildren with the 9th one, a girl, due next week. we live in virginia ! i grew my own veggies when the kids were growing up. and i canned alot too…then i went out and got a job after the last one left the nest. i grew flower beds for a long time…at the moment. my job at work is making the essential oil clutches. roller models ect. before i was a production sewing machine operator. im very handy with a sewing machine . multiple kinds.
anywho…i always kept the little nose sucker in the diaper bag. i used cloth diapers and rubber pants on my brothers….then for my kids pampers were so much more convenient for me. the little biw e summer dress pic of your daughter. reminds me of when i used hair scrunchies to connect the two straps in back if they wouldnt stay on the shoulders for a few weeks till the girls grew more . better stop for now. thanks for the link you sent me on messengers. facebook me. peggy
Thanks so much for stopping by my blog and commenting, Amy! I am so glad to “meet” you. Great tips!
Lisa–this post was spot on. It’s not coming from the point of view of a naturopath or a holistic nutritionist, but an experienced mother. You have a gentle and confident way about you. I can tell you that you are right on. I’m saying this from a professional background. I was surprised that you use Dr. B’s soap. I thought you were going to say you didn’t uses soap. I was hoping that you were going to say this. Baby doesn’t stink and is not dirty even if you don’t use soap. Soap strips of our microbiome that protects us from illness. I simpley adore you! You go girl!
Off rather. I’m typing in my little phone.
Well, I hardly ever actually use soap but when I do its Dr. Bronner’s. I haven’t even washed my almost 2 week old yet. People give you funny looks when you say you don’t use soap at all. 😉
Right. I understand this. I learned about soap in school. Same here. When I do use soap it’s Dr. B. I don’t use shampoo. And I haven’t used soap except on my hands since I learned this. And I don’t stink! Haha! I’m a super clean person. You would never know that I don’t use soap. I do use olive oil to bathe sometimes. Sometimes not. You keep rockin it out! Your doing a fantastic job! I love your posts!
Thank you so much for this list and the video! I have been searching far and wide for THIS post! Exactly the reassurance I needed that we CAN do minimalist baby!
Oh yay! So glad this was helpful for you Amanda! Are you expecting?