Space constraints, on a budget, or just don’t want a lot of ‘stuff?’ Here’s how you can be a minimalist, even with a new baby.
Soft ivory changing tables swathed in delicate pink tulle. Perfectly tiny booties with a coordinating bonnet. Gentle rockers, stuffed animals, cozy blankets. Bottle-warmers, baby baths, diaper dispensers. Ladies, the list of ‘things’ that we associate with a new baby is endless.
I have a bit of bias when it comes to being a minimalist: I’ve always lived in a small space. Our first apartment barely fit two, and we squished in our new baby. Our next apartment was still a 1-bedroom, but we finagled it to fit babies 2 and 3. I’m in a bigger space now, but I kept my minimalist mentality. Less is more, space is valuable, and ‘stuff’ gives me a headache! (Read Victoria’s thoughts on being a minimalist here.)
Being a minimalist, or buying things with a minimalist mentality, is one thing. But being a minimalist with a new baby? That’s a whole new challenge! Whether it’s our neighbor promising that this one product is going to change the newborn stage, our sister-in-law sending us screenshots of that store that’s 50% off, or our hormones telling us we ‘need!!’ that other thing, being a minimalist with a new baby is tough!
Still want to give it a try? Here’s how.
First, you have to divide needs and wants. Nope, doesn’t mean we can’t have any ‘wants,’ it just means that we’re being more realistic about what a baby needs and what a baby really doesn’t. Keep in mind, this list varies by person! The point of this list is that so many things that we think are needs are really just wants. Convenient and cute wants, but still just wants.
Bringing a new baby home to an apartment that fits 2 perfectly with the baby’s needs isn’t necessarily overwhelming. It’s drowning in all the baby things that can make minimalism more attractive. What I’ve found is that once I separate the ‘needs’ and ‘wants,’ it’s so much easier to choose just the few select things from my ‘wants’ list that really spark joy. I’m left feeling fully satisfied, with the ‘needs’ taken care of, and my few ‘wants’ making me smile.
You have to know your own needs! But just to get you started, here are 8 things you may think are ‘needs,’ but you may be able to do without.
- Bassinet: Baby needs a sleeping space, but you can jump to a full-size crib or pack-n-play or another sleep solution and skip the bassinet stage.
- Diaper bag: Who doesn’t love an excuse for a new bag? Really though, almost any bag will do! Grab a tote from the back of your closet, fill it with the essentials, and call it a day.
- Swing: Some parents swear by them! But if you don’t have the space or budget, your baby will absolutely be fine.
- Changing table/changing pad: Don’t get me started on this. Baby can be changed on any flat surface, and you can lay down a swaddle blanket if the space isn’t perfectly clean.
- Big, comfy, blankets: Eventually, yes, your toddler will need a cozy blanket. But for now, skip the big, thick, blankets that aren’t newborn-friendly anyway.
- Lots of newborn-size clothing: This stage lasts for so much shorter than you think! One pack of undershirts and 3-4 onesies in the newborn size may be enough. Your baby will fit into 0-3 months in no time!
- Baby bath: Am I going overboard? Potentially. But if space is an issue, your baby will be oh-so-happy in the sink with a towel underneath her.
- Bottle warmer: Fill up a big cup with hot sink water and drop the bottle in. Done and done.
In order to avoid feeling constrained, it’s super important to remember that deciding not to buy something initially doesn’t mean that you can’t get it, ever. If you find yourself with a kvetchy 2-month old and want to try the swing, do it! Spending way too many hours mixing formula and water? Buy the baby formula dispenser! But first, if you want to be a minimalist, see how you do without.
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