A huge thank you to pip & grow for sponsoring this post. All opinions are my own. 

As a new parent, it can be hard (not to mention overwhelming) to sort through the hundreds of items we’re told we “need” in order to raise a baby. You may find yourself asking “what do I really need?” And, “what fits within my budget but is also safe and good quality (and eco-friendly)?”

From my experience with my now almost five year old, we had a plethora of baby items, and only really used about a ¼ of them regularly. The other items were used a few times before my son grew out of it, or we didn’t use them at all because he disliked them. Not super minimalist/eco/budget friendly. 

If I had to do it over again, I’d definitely do things a lot differently. I’d buy a handful of items new, many secondhand, and the rest would either borrow or do without. 

But welcoming a baby doesn’t have to mean giving up on your minimalist and eco-friendly lifestyle. To help, I’m sharing a list of items to help you build your minimalist baby registry. The list is separated by the following:

• Must haves
  
  
• Nice to haves
  
  
• Items you don’t need (at least not right away)
  
  

For the items that are must haves, I’ve rated each one depending on the following criteria (the item must meet at least one of these):

• Able to use the item for a long time
  
  
• Item has more than one use
  
  
• Able to get item second hand
  
  
• Good resale value
  
  
• Can easily be passed along to the next person
  
  
• Item can be reused or repurposed
  
  
• Eco friendly 
  
  

Finally, before we start, in need of a catch-all baby registry platform? Check out babylist, a platform that allows you to create a baby registry with items from multiple sites!

Ok – quick side note. This post has A LOT of info, and I know that personally I find it helpful to have the option to print (on recycled or reusing paper, of course!) or download information like this so that I can easily access it at any time, or for when I’m ready for it – like while making a registry (or to share with someone else!)

If you’re like me, I’ve got a great solution for you in the form of a downloadable or printable PDF, for only $5. You’ll get this entire post, but in ebook form! You can find it here, or by clicking the photo below.

(As much as I’d love to provide the PDF for free, this process as well as creating/managing a blog takes a lot of time and resources. Your purchase helps support the blog, and allows me to continue to provide resources like this for free! Thank you!)

Must have minimalist baby registry items

pip & grow Smitten Baby Box

Having somewhere for the baby to sleep should definitely be at the top of the list for any minimalist baby registry. While most people in the US (and maybe other places) probably immediately think ‘crib’, have you ever heard of a baby box? Baby boxes are quite popular in Europe (in fact, some hospitals give them out to parents when they go home with their baby), and are starting to gain popularity here in the US.


Basically, they’re a super safe, portable (a seriously underrated factor pre-baby, but seriously appreciated post baby) sleep box that accommodates babies up to six months of age. In fact, research shows that use of baby boxes helps reduce the risk of unsafe sleeping practices. pip & grow Smitten baby boxes were designed by moms who are some of the nation’s leading infant safe sleep experts, to create a safe sleep environment that reduces the risk of SIDS. You can find more information about this research on their website here.

Even more? Once your baby grows out of the sleep box, you can reuse it for storing items, a hamper, as a toy (doll bed anyone?)…whatever else you can think of, making it a super eco and minimalist friendly option.

Speaking of eco-friendly, pip and grow is big into reducing the waste accumulated when you have children—many products are used only for a short period of time and either can’t be easily recycled (all that plastic!) or donated (many second-hand stores can’t take certain baby gear because of liability reasons). With the Smitten box, which is made with 100% cardboard and non-toxic ink, you can reuse the item as mentioned above, pass it along to someone else, or if all else fails, recycle it. Psst: don’t be worried about cardboard and diaper leaks (something I thought about because it seemed like my son leaked a lot!). They’ve tested that too. 

One more bonus: pip and grow has an amazing give back program where they partner with local and national organizations to help provide Smitten baby boxes to those in need. Additionally, they’re a socially responsible company—Smitten is ethically made in the US by carefully selected partners who provide for their employees and community members (ie, paying a living wage, proving health benefits, etc.). 

Let’s review. pip & grow is:

• Socially responsible
  
  
• Minimalist-friendly
  
  
• Eco-friendly
  
  
• Puts emphasis on safe sleeping for baby
  

• Made portability a key component of the product (seriously, this is not to be underrated)
  
  
• Community oriented
  
  
• A winner in my book
  
  

Sounds great, right? Ok let’s talk about what you get when you order a box:

• The box, made out of 100% recyclable cardboard with non-toxic ink (mine came with a super sweet birch forest scene)
  
  
• A fitted sheet made with 100% cotton
  
  
• All materials necessary to put together the box (it’s super easy to put together)
  
  
• A firm mattress pad, that can be reused as a changing pad, kneeling pad, play pad, etc once the baby grows out of the baby box. 
  
  
• Easy, four-step instructions on how to put it together safely (seriously, it took me less than 10 minutes to put together)
  
  

Minimalist baby registry criteria: 

• Able to use for a long time
  
  
• Item has more than one use
  
  
• Can easily be passed along to the next person
  
  
• Item can be reused or repurposed
  
  
• Eco friendly 
  
  

Check out the Smitten baby box here!

Sleepsack/swaddle

My husband and I LOVED the sleepsack swaddle. It made swaddling (something my son loved and slept better with) super easy for sleep deprived minds, and we loved the blanket aspect living in Minnesota with cold winters. The swaddle/sleepsack combo eliminates the need for swaddle blankets AND a sleep sack, which means less to store and clean. Bonus: one of our sleepsack swaddle zippers broke (that’s not the bonus piece). While we maybe could have replaced the zipper (something I didn’t think of until later), I ended up cutting it up into super soft reusable tissues!

Minimalist baby registry criteria: 

• Item has more than one use
  
  
• Able to get second hand (check out ToyCycle – an awesome secondhand baby gear site)
  
  
• Good resale value
  
  
• Can easily be passed along to the next person
  
  
• Item can be reused or repurposed
  
  

Changing pad/table

While a changing table specifically may not be a ‘must have’ for some, you’ll want at least a changing pad! Many people I know have a changing pad and just change the baby wherever! However, my husband has a bad back/neck after a car accident years ago, so a table was necessary for us. If you’re looking for one, try looking secondhand or asking friends/family. We found ours free that way. 

Minimalist baby registry criteria: 

• Able to use for a long time
  
  
• Item has more than one use (can also be used for storing diaper items or other things)
  
  
• Able to get second hand
  
  
• Good resale value
  
  
• Can easily be passed along to the next person
  
  
• Item can be reused or repurposed (I’ve seen some repurposed as regular storage or even as garden benches!)
  
  
• Eco friendly (if purchased/obtained secondhand)
  
  

Hamper/Laundry Basket

Babies go through a lot of clothes (at least mine did), so a hamper/laundry basket for my son’s room was a necessity. We had an extra basket already on hand that we just moved to the nursery. Any basic bin will work! 

Minimalist baby registry criteria: 

• Able to use for a long time
  
  
• Able to get second hand
  
  
• Good resale value
  
  
• Can easily be passed along to the next person
  
  
• Item can be reused or repurposed
  
  

Baby monitor 

As a new parent, a baby monitor provides a lot of piece of mind. Even as kids get older and start playing in their room (when they’re supposed to be napping), having a monitor can be super useful to check in, without having to actually ‘check in’. My husband and I opted for a basic baby monitor (meaning no wi-fi connection options, no phone apps, etc) and were perfectly happy with it. We got ours secondhand, but it was this brand/style. 

It lasted us for the three years that we used it, and then we resold it to someone else. 

Minimalist baby registry criteria: 

• Able to use for a long time
  
  
• Able to get second hand
  
  
• Good resale value
  
  
• Can easily be passed along to the next person
  
  
• Eco friendly (if purchased/obtained secondhand)
  
  

Stroller

A stroller was a 100% must have for my family and I. We started using ours a week after my son was born, and still have it almost five years later. Our stroller has traveled with us across the country on road trips, come camping with us, and has seen miles and miles of dirt trails and pavement. 

Because we are an active family that loves to hike, run, rollerblade, and walk A LOT, we opted for a jogging stroller. 

Let me be the first to say that these are NOT. CHEAP. But, they are super durable, last forever, and can be resold for half the price (meaning you can buy them in good shape at half the price). 

We have this one, with the extra drink holder that comes with it, and absolutely love it. We would highly recommend it for anyone. 

Note: we skipped the snack tray (which is also an additional cost) and found we didn’t missing having one at all.

If you’re planning on using it with an infant car seat, don’t forget to buy an attachment FOR YOUR PARTICULAR car seat. I didn’t realize you needed to do that, and then, sleep deprived me realized we needed one, so I ordered the first one that came up which was not for our car seat. My poor dad spent over an hour trying to figure out how to get the car seat to fit before we realized it wasn’t the right one. 

Minimalist baby registry criteria: 

• Able to use for a long time
  
  
• Able to get second hand
  
  
• Good resale value
  
  
• Can easily be passed along to the next person
  
  
• Eco friendly (if purchased/obtained secondhand)
  
  

Car seat 

If you drive, a car seat is a must! Let me first start off by saying that it is not recommended to buy a car seat used from someone you don’t know.  Here are all the reasons why. Don’t ‘@’ me, I’m just the messenger here.

I honestly don’t remember what brand of car seat we had when my son was an infant, but I believe we picked one of the more inexpensive ones out there. The reason was because any car seat on the market has to pass safety standards, so a higher end one wasn’t necessarily more safe than a less expensive one. 

As for what to do with them after your baby has grown out of the seat itself, many big box stores (think: Target) offer trade in events, where you can get a discount for the next-sized seat.

Bottles

If you’re planning on any type of bottle feeding, this mason jar kit is awesome! The kit includes items to turn regular, 8-oz mason jars into safe baby bottles. 

Minimalist baby registry criteria: 

• Able to use for a long time
  
  
• Item has more than one use (the jars)
  
  
• Able to get second hand (the jars)
  
  
• Good resale value
  
  
• Can easily be passed along to the next person
  
  
• Item can be reused or repurposed (the jars)
  
  
• Eco friendly
  
  

Breast pump/supplies and/or formula

If you’re planning on breastfeeding (please know when I say ‘breastfeeding’ I mean any type – pumping, nursing, etc), you may want to also pump for a variety of reasons. I ended up exclusively pumping, so my pump was an absolute necessity (yes, I can still hear the rhythms of the pump in my sleep). If you’re in need of a pump and have insurance, check to see if you get one for free. I had this one by Medela, which came with a backpack and mini cooler. I liked it, as much as one can like a pump!

Because I worked outside the home after my maternity leave, I also purchased and kept this manual pump at work in case I ever forgot my pump or a necessary piece of equipment. Luckily, I found it to be pretty budget friendly. 

Breastfeeding accessories

Storage bags

While there are many things you can buy when it comes to breastfeeding accessories, I tried to keep it as simple as possible. One thing I did need was storage bags. For any milk that went into the fridge, I would store in a reusable jar or other container. However, I was fortunate enough to be able to freeze some milk, and for that I had to use disposable bags. 

One thing I wish was around when I pumped were these reusable breast milk storage bags! While they are on the spendy side if you are in need of a lot of bags, they are a perfect thing for a minimalist baby registry! 

Minimalist baby registry criteria: 

• Able to use for a long time
  
  
• Item has more than one use
  
  
• Able to get second hand (these are still pretty new, but potentially)
  
  
• Can easily be passed along to the next person
  
  
• Item can be reused or repurposed
  
  
• Eco friendly
  
  

Bamboobies

These were lifesavers, and therefore made it on the must have list! They really prevented awkward leaks, staining shirts, and anxiety regarding, well, the things just mentioned. 

Minimalist baby registry criteria: 

• Able to use for a long time
  
  
• Can easily be passed along to the next person
  
  
• Item can be reused or repurposed
  
  
• Eco friendly (partly)
  
  

Formula

If you’re opting the formula route, ask for gift cards to purchase cans! Or, if you know the specific brand you’re going to use, ask for those instead.

Burp clothes

Burp clothes were a frequently used item in our house, even as my son got out of the spitting up phase. Bonus: they can be reused and repurposed as many things after the fact! I love these cute ones that are made with organic cotton muslin. 

If you don’t want to buy new, you could use extra hand towels, dish towels, cut up towels, really any type of cloth. 

Minimalist baby registry criteria: 

• Able to use for a long time
  
  
• Item has more than one use
  
  
• Able to get second hand
  
  
• Can easily be passed along to the next person
  
  
• Item can be reused or repurposed
  
  
• Eco friendly (can be)
  
  

Cloth/disposable diapers

One thing to include on your minimalist baby registry is diapers! Whether you opt for cloth diapering or regular disposables, you’ll need something. 

Cloth diapers

If you aren’t sure about cloth diapering, there are tons of resources out there. Bonus: while cloth diapers can have a steep up front cost, they’ll save you money in the long run, and also can be purchased for half the cost if you buy used. 

For registry purposes, you could ask for money towards cloth diapers or a gift certificate towards a cloth diaper delivery/cleaning service in your area. 

Not sure about cloth diapering (check out this post for a ton of info), or want another option for traveling/on the go? Disposable diapers may be a good option for you.

Disposable diaper recommendation

My husband and I LOVE Eco Pea diapers for our son (they also have pullups which they call training pants.)  The diapers are made with sustainable bamboo, meaning that they will decompose in 2-3 months versus the over 500 months conventional diapers take to break down. In fact, even the packaging the diapers come in is biodegradable.


They also offer wipes that are 100% biodegradable.


On top of all that, the company is also sustainable and ethical – in fact, they are on their way to becoming a B Corp.

The diapers are super soft, didn’t irritate my son’s sensitive skin, AND, we didn’t have any issues with leaking. They also don’t contain any fragrances or perfumes. Wins all around!


From a baby registry standpoint, I would recommend asking for physical diapers or a gift subscription (yep – they have subscription options so you don’t have to worry about running out of diapers when you’re sleep deprived…trust me, it happens.)


You can find out more about Eco Pea here.

Minimalist baby registry criteria: 

• Able to use for a long time (if using cloth)
  
  
• Able to get second hand (cloth)
  
  
• Good resale value (cloth)
  
  
• Can easily be passed along to the next person (cloth)
  
  
• Eco friendly (cloth), or by choosing a brand like Eco Pea that uses sustainable materials to make the diapers, and that will break down after a short period of time.
  
  
  

Diaper wipes

Whether you choose disposable or reusable diapers, you can opt for reusable wipes – especially for pee. We used cut up flannel for my son, and just had a spray bottle on hand to wet it down. For poop, we did end up buying wipes because it was a compromise between my husband and I.


Again, my recommendation here would be to check out Eco Pea’s biodegradable wipes.

Minimalist baby registry criteria: 

• Able to use for a long time (cloth)
  
  
• Item has more than one use (cloth)
  
  
• Able to get second hand (just make your own)
  
  
• Can easily be passed along to the next person (cloth)
  
  
• Item can be reused or repurposed (cloth)
  
  
• Eco friendly (cloth), or using a brand like EcoPea for a biodegradable option
  
  

Diaper balm

My son would get really bad diaper rash, so having a diaper balm/cream on hand was very necessary for us. And trust me, these types of items you want on hand BEFORE you need them. Seriously, just trust me. 

We loved Badger Balm diaper cream and found it worked really well for my son. While we found the cost a little steep, a little dab will do ya, and we found the jar lasted a long time. A great option for a minimalist baby registry!

Minimalist baby registry criteria: 

• Able to use for a long time
  
  
• Eco friendly (partly)
  
  

Wet/dry bag

Something I didn’t even think about needing until, well, a blowout happened during one of my first outings with a newborn, was a wet bag. These are special type of bags that are waterproof on the inside, meaning you can put wet/dirty clothes in it (yours or the babies) if you don’t have immediate access to a washer. 

I love these cute ones from Beego Handmade, which is a small, woman run and operated business. 

Minimalist baby registry criteria: 

• Able to use for a long time
  
  
• Item has more than one use
  
  
• Able to get second hand (if you’re looking secondhand, check out ones that are made for camping too – same premise)
  
  
• Can easily be passed along to the next person
  
  
• Item can be reused or repurposed
  
  

NoseFrida

I know, I know. Yuck. That’s what I always hear when I talk about the NoseFrida. But let me tell you, when your baby has a super stuffy nose, is miserable and can’t sleep (meaning you can’t sleep either), you’ll try anything. Again, this is a type of item you want before you actually need it.

 

We used this A LOT. Honestly, a lot more than I thought. Once my son was old enough to blow his nose, I cleaned and sterilized it and resold it for $5!

Minimalist baby registry criteria: 

• Able to use for a long time
  
  
• Able to get second hand
  
  
• Good resale value
  
  
• Can easily be passed along to the next person
  
  

Thermometer

One thing I didn’t know before having a baby was that the best way to take an infant’s temperature is rectally. Let me tell you that you don’t need anything fancy. Just an inexpensive, digital thermometer that you can get at Target or a pharmacy is all you need. My husband and I marked ours specifically so we knew that it was the rectal one. Again, an item you want to have on hand before you need it. 

Minimalist baby registry criteria: 

• Able to use for a long time
  
  
  

Baby soap/wash

While you may not need a baby bath tub (see below), you do want to get baby-specific soap. Infants can have very sensitive skin, and baby-specific soaps are created specifically not to irritate said sensitive skin.

I personally like Dr. Bronner products because they’re eco-friendly, safe to use, and it’s a great company to support. They have a specific baby-line with a soap that can be used as body wash, bubble bath, or shampoo (among other things). 

Minimalist baby registry criteria: 

• Able to use for a long time
  
  
• Item has more than one use
  
  
• Eco friendly
  
  

Pacifier 

This is an item that varies from baby to baby, but my son LOVED having a pacifier. I love this pacifier buddy because it can serve as a pacifier AND a stuffie (something else my son loved). Plus, it makes lost pacifiers easier to find (something you’ll be grateful for when you’re super sleep deprived)! The buddy attaches to a many different pacifiers, so you can pick one out that works best for your baby. 

If you’re looking for an eco-friendly pacifier option, check out these here which are not only orthodontically designed, but also compatible with breastfeeding, and made with 100% natural rubber.  

Minimalist baby registry criteria: 

• Able to use for a long time
  
  
• Item has more than one use
  
  
• Able to get second hand
  
  
• Good resale value
  
  
• Can easily be passed along to the next person
  
  
• Item can be reused or repurposed
  
  
• Eco friendly
  
  

Clothes

Obviously, you’ll need some baby clothes. I am a huge advocate of buying used clothing for kids because they grow out of them so fast! Plus, there is no shortage of used kids clothes out there. Whether you find some locally or online, there are tons of options. 

Something I just heard of recently that I think is awesome is the Swoondle Society, which is a website where you can trade in your kids clothes and shop for different sizes. 

Other online options for secondhand kids clothes are ToyCycle, Poshmark, ThredUP (use this link to get $10 off your first order), and Kidizen. Locally, Facebook Marketplace, Buy Nothing Project, Freecycle.org, or Nextdoor are good options. Add gift certificates to the applicable places onto your registry so you can start shopping before baby comes.


Of course, if you’re lucky enough to have friends/family/neighbors that have older kids than you, you can get hand-me-downs!

Baby toys and books 

Books

Books were a non-negotiable item for me, and something we used with my son from day one (literally!). However, one thing I would do differently from the very beginning is utilize the local book library more, and for books I wanted to own, buy secondhand through Ebay or Amazon, or utilize our local free little libraries. ToyCycle is another great resource for secondhand books.

Toys

This may be controversial, but babies don’t need a lot of toys right away. But, having some toys is fun, of course, and an important way babies learn! Here are a few options that we found useful: 

Toy Library

Before getting into any specific items, check and see if there is a toy library in your area. You can do so here. My family belongs to our local toy library now, but we didn’t know about it when my son was a baby. If I could do it all over again, I’d majorly cut back on the amount of toys we owned, and utilized the toy library instead. Toy libraries are a great way to save money and reduce waste and clutter!

Play gym

This beautiful and adorable play gym is perfect for the minimalist and eco-friendly side of things! Plus, you’re supporting a small company which is a win in my book. Bonus: bigger baby items like this are good for reselling or passing down. 

Taggies

My son, to this day, is still obsessed with his taggie blankets. It also doubled as a lovey, a sensory toy, and a teether! While not the most minimalist or eco-friendly, we own four taggies because my son loves them that much. 

Smaller toys

There are a handful of smaller baby toys my son played with on a regular basis:

• Super cute baby rattles can be used not only as a rattle, but also as puppets, imaginative play later on, and sensory items. 
  
  
• Stacking rings can be great for developing a variety of skills. These wooden ones are GORGEOUS.
  
  
• Wooden blocks are something that can be played with long after the baby stage. We invested in a set when my son was an infant that he still has and plays with to this day! 
  
  
  

At risk of totally sounding like a broken record, ToyCycle can be a great resource for finding quality, secondhand toys for a much better price than buying new!

Nice to haves minimalist baby registry items

These items are what I considered not necessary, but nice to have. OR they are items that you may want to have eventually, but don’t need right away. Many of these can be found secondhand down the road – something you can work on researching and finding after baby is born!

• Sound machine/night light (we used an old iPad and downloaded an app that didn’t require internet for a sound machine)
  
  
• Sippy cups
  
  
• Dishes – can often find secondhand 
  
  
• Bib 
  
  

• Pop up/camp chair-style high chairs – this became a necessity as my son got older because we camp a lot! Even if you don’t, it was perfect even for lunch at grandma and grandpa’s house! We got ours secondhand, and the lady we bought it from said they would stick their kid in it while her and her husband would set up the tent for camping.
  
  
• Baby gate (may be a necessity if you have stairs, remember to get one with a pet door if you need for cats, etc)
  
  
• Rocking chair – necessary? No. Nice to have? Yes. My parents gave me the one they used when I was a baby, and my husband and I used it every night. 
  
  
• Book case (can usually find these used)
  
  
• Baskets for storage (you can reuse your pip & grow Smitten baby box as storage once your baby grows out of it!)
  
  
• High chair – we used a space saver one so we could use an already existing chair and well, save some space. My son used it for two years as we got one that ‘grew’ with him. 
  
  
• Baby carrier – Some people swear by this, and honestly, my household was divided. My husband used it a lot more than I did. But my son ended up walking before he was one, and didn’t want to be carried after that. Do some research for your local area to see if there are organizations that allow you to try on carriers before purchasing (or putting one on your registry). La Leche League and Baby Wearing groups are two places to start in your area.
  
  
• Dresser – can often find secondhand
  
  
• Nursing bras, tanks – can find secondhand, or borrow from a friend to try out before hand 
  
  
• Humidifier (we just used one we already had on hand)
  
  
• Gripe water (said to help babies with painful gas)
  
  
• Snuza or Owlet – these are baby sleep monitors that can help detect if your baby stops breathing in the middle of the night. We never used one with my son, but some people swear by them!
  
  
  

Other clutter free minimalist baby registry ideas

• Prenatal yoga classes
  
  
• Money towards a doula
  
  
• Food delivery services (grubhub, bitesquad)
  
  
• Grocery delivery gift certificate 
  
  
• House cleaner gift certificate 
  
  
• Freezer meals
  
  
• Newborn photographer gift certificate
  
  
• Membership to a toy library
  
  

Items you don’t need on your minimalist baby registry

Like everything on this list, these items are kid and family specific (whether they’re necessary or not). However, they were items that we didn’t use at all, and to hopefully help others save some money and reduce waste and clutter, wanted to share.

• Baby shoes – yes, they’re cute. However, mine didn’t actually wear them…
  
  
• Receiving blankets – if you’re like me, you have a ton of blankets at home already. I don’t think we used our receiving blankets much at all. Yes, they’re adorable. But weren’t necessary for us. We were lucky enough to receive some handmade blankets from the grandmothers that are a lot more personal. 
  
  
• Separate towels and washcloths for baby – use what you already have
  
  
• Baby bath tub – We had one and used it for about four months. Maybe. That’s it. Any time I’m out and about in a secondhand store, I see baby bathtubs. Why? Because I’m going to guess most people are like my family. Use a washcloth and then the sink. That’s all you need. 
  
  
• Bath rinser – if you really need something, use a cup you already own
  
  
• Bath toys – babies don’t need bath toys when you’re little, and as kids get older, they’ll have just as much fun with cups, takeout containers, and measuring containers. 
  
  
• Wipe warmer – baby will be fine without one
  
  
• Diaper genie or diaper pail – just use your regular trash, or if you’re using cloth diapers, a separate container for those
  
  
• Rock ‘n’ play – Ok, I know I’m probably going to get some flack for this one, but I wanted to specifically call it out because they were recalled in 2019. I know some people swear by them. I know some people say they wouldn’t have gotten any sleep without one. I’m just sharing the facts, here. Just the messenger. 
  
  
• Booster seat – we bought a booster seat (like a Bumbo) and while I wanted to use it, we ended up not ever really needing it. 
  
  
• A baby scale – unless your pediatrician recommends getting a scale, you don’t need one right off the bat. I also received a tip from a lactation consultant that you can use a scale you already own by weighing yourself not holding baby, then stop on the scale with baby. 
  
  
• A ton of newborn sized clothing and diapers – I have friends who brought their baby home in size 3m. Some babies never fit into newborn sized clothes. Have a few things on hand, but don’t go crazy. 
  
  
• Pacifier and mitten clips – these may be a popular item for some people, but my son would just pull the clips off, defeating the purpose. 
  
  
• Breast feeding pillow – another personal one, but I had one, and honestly it was just as easy to hold my son or use a regular pillow. 
  
  
• Diaper bag – Don’t come after me! My husband and I bought a diaper bag, but I remember them being SO expensive. And if I had to do it all over again, I’d just use a backpack I already had on hand. 
  
  
• Swing – we had a swing (an expensive one that we registered for) and I think my son used it three times. He really didn’t care about it at all. If you’re really set on a swing, look for one second hand or borrow one from a friend first to make sure your baby likes it. 
  
  

Optional baby shower/party ideas

Chances are you may be looking at this because someone is throwing you (or you’re throwing one yourself) a baby shower. If you’re looking for some baby shower alternatives, check out this list!

• Freezer meal party – where everyone gets together and makes some freezer meals for the new mom!
  
  
• Book party – everyone brings a special baby/kids book and writes a message inside for the family
  
  
• Service project party – want to give back? Volunteer somewhere as a group, or hold a drive for a local shelter
  
  
• Fiver party 
  
  
• Toy swap party 
  
  

I hope you found some good ideas from this list, and again, a huge thank you to pip and grow for sponsoring it.


What are your favorite items from the list? Which items would you add?

Don’t forget! If you found value in this post and would like it in PDF form to download, print, or access at your convenience, you can do so with the PDF for only $5. You’ll get this entire post, but in ebook form! You can find it here, or by clicking the photo below.

Want to learn how to adopt a reduction based lifestyle (through mindfulness, minimalism, anxiety management, and zero waste living but not sure where to start?

Take the quiz and find out!

Pin for later!