A Minimalist Baby Registry When You Don't Want Tons of Stuff

Having a baby but don’t want all the extra stuff? Here’s a baby registry guide for the minimalist mom—whether you’re on a budget, or just want to live a more simple life!

Putting together your baby registry can be overwhelming. And as a new or expecting mom it can be difficult to separate the essential baby items from the non-essentials.

But babies really don’t need that much stuff. So whether you’re working with a small nursery space, setting up a twin baby registry and are completely overwhelmed, or just like to keep your home free of clutter, you can stick to the basics when you make your baby registry.

Keep it simple with a minimalist baby registry. This no-fuss guide shows you all the products you need to care for your baby, with none of the items you don’t.

As you put together your minimalist baby registry, just remember that all parents are different. What is essential to one mom could be completely pointless to another. Add the items you think you’ll get the most use out of, and remember that you can always get more gear after baby arrives.

And if you’re wondering what items not to put on your baby registry, or what are some second baby registry must haves we cover that as well!

minimalist baby registry - pregnant woman registering

Minimalist Baby Registry Tips

Before I share items for your minimalist baby registry, here are a few tips to help you keep it simple even before baby arrives.

1. Buy Used

There are so many baby products that have a really short lifespan. You’ll use a bassinet or Rock N Play alternative for a few months, a nursing pillow until you get the hang of breastfeeding, and baby shoes, like never.

These products are expensive when bought new and are sometimes only used for 2 to 6 months.

Search for hand-me-downs from friends who are out of the baby phase or are holding onto gear for baby #2. You can borrow things like swings, bouncers, bathtubs, and clothes and give them back before they have their next baby.

Also search Facebook marketplace and second hand stores to buy used baby items. Once you’re done with it, you can give them away to a pregnant friend or donate or sell them.

2. Buy Products that Multitask

Many baby products are intended for traveling or camping, but are also great everyday staples. Products that fold down and can be moved around the house easily are awesome additions to your minimalist baby registry.

This travel high chair is compact so it doesn’t take up a lot of space, while this portable high chair is perfect to fold down and take baby outside with you.

Same idea with this baby activity station and an on-the-go sound machine. Think multi-use products like these when you’re adding items to your registry.

3. Don’t Wash Baby Clothes Just Yet!

I know you’re chomping at the bit to start organizing all those baby’s clothes but just wait! You never know how big (or small) your baby will be once they’re born. You could bypass newborn sizes all together, or be in them long after the season changes.

Wash and prepare a few essentials to get you through the first week or so. You can always do laundry and add more clothes to your stockpile if you’re running low after baby arrives. And if it turns out you don’t need all those clothes after all, you can return them for other baby essentials that you’ll need down the road.

4. Sometimes Convenience Trumps Minimalism

Being a parent is not the easiest thing so every once in a while you want something that will make your life a little easier. This can come in the form of disposable diapers and wipes or a super fancy bassinet to get your baby to sleep.

It’s okay to get some of these things if it means saving your sanity. You can always donate to the next expecting friend down the line.

5. Remember that every mom (and baby) is different.

You might hate the things I love. Or your baby might hate the swing that your neighbor swears by. Just because I think baby shoes are absurd, doesn’t mean you can’t rock those things daily.

You’ll quickly learn there are a lot of opinions in motherhood and you just gotta do you.

Okay, onto the list of the best baby items to add to your minimalist baby registry!

Minimalist Baby List for Sleep

Bed: You can skip a bassinet and go straight to a crib. (Babies are typically too big for a bassinet between 3 to 6 months anyway.) Use a pack and play or mini crib if you’re tight on space. Another option is to do a Montessori floor bed and forgo the crib bulk altogether.

If you want to learn more about using a crib vs bassinet, check out this post.

Crib Mattress: Get a high-quality crib mattress that is firm and flat. The Sleepout crib mattress has a hypoallergenic bamboo cover that is breathable and machine washable. You can zip the cover off to wash it, giving this mattress so much longetivity.

Bedding: You’ll want a few sets of sheets (Read this post if you’re wondering how many crib sheets do I need and a waterproof mattress cover (or two).

Swaddles and sleep sacks: Choose a swaddle that grows with your baby. This way you don’t have to buy new swaddles every few months.

The Wombie Grow with Me Swaddle can be worn for babies 0 to 18 months and the Ollie swaddle is a favorite among moms and can be worn until babies are ready to drop the swaddle.

The Woolino sleep sack is one of the best sleep sacks you can add to your registry because it keeps your baby warm in all 4 seasons and fits babies 2 months old through 2T. You can use the code POSTPARTUMPARTY10 to save on your Woolino order.

A good sleep course: Learn how to set the foundation for healthy sleep and get your baby sleeping 8 to 12 hours a night in the newborn sleep course. I’ll teach you how to set up routines to encourage good sleep early on!

Other sleep essentials: Don’t forget the sound machine and pacifier. These baby registry must haves will help your baby—and you—get a better night’s rest.

Minimalist Baby Registry for Feeding

Nipple cream: Yep, you’ll be glad you got this. New moms luuurve this one.

Nursing pillow/scarves: You can use an infinity scarf to double up as a nursing cover. When you first start breastfeeding, it can be helpful to have a pillow like the Boppy to make things more comfortable. I think the Boppy I used had three prior owners. The covers are washable so you can get one used.

Nursing tanks/bras: These are super convenient to have. Make your own if you’re the DIY type.

A breastfeeding course: Breastfeeding may be natural, but that doesn’t mean it comes naturally. This comprehensive breastfeeding course teaches you the ins and outs of feeding your baby so you can feel empowered to do so!

Bottles: You can turn mason jars into bottles with these kits. Mason jars are great because they are heatproof, dishwasher-safe, shatterproof (they break in large chunks) and freezable for milk storage.

Breast pump: Check with your insurance to see if they cover this.

Pump parts/milk storage: You can also use these adapters to pump directly into the Mason jars, saving you time, money and reducing the need for plastic storage bags.

Highchair: Before you know it, baby will be joining you at the table! Save space with a compact clip-on chair. These are the highchairs we love for Baby-led Weaning!

Minimalist Baby List for the Nursery

Changing pad: You don’t need a whole table, but a changing pad is nice. Go portable with this or stick a sturdy one on top of a dresser for diaper changes.

Blackout curtains: Make the room pitch black so your baby sleeps longer.

Rocker: Don’t have room for a traditional nursery glider? This ready rocker allows you to rock baby, no matter where you sit!

Video monitor: You might not need it if your room is thisclose to baby’s. But I always had peace of mind having this right by my side.

Diaper pail: Unless you have a smell-proof trash can verryy close by, get a diaper pail. Those diapers smell and there are many of them. I like this one because it’s a good price and looks decent for being a poo holder.

Minimalist Baby List for Baby Care

Diapers: You can cloth diaper or do disposables. Read here for all my cloth diaper hacks and must-have products.

Wipes: You can do reusable or disposable. Totally a preference thing!

Burp cloths: These are the best by far. So soft and absorbent.

Soap and lotion: You will wash your baby but you really don’t need anything fancy. Dove soap is gentle on baby’s skin and gets the job done. Baby soap and shampoo will also last a long time.

Medicine: Be prepared with a baby thermometer, pain reliever and cool-mist humidifier. Because when you need these, you need them and they can be lifesavers to help get a sick baby to sleep better!

Minimalist Baby List for On-The-Go

Car seat: I think it’s totally worth it to get the infant car seat first and then transition to a convertible car seat later.

Stroller: You’ll use a good stroller for several years. Popular strollers include the BOB Stroller, UPPABaby, and Baby Jogger (this one converts to a double stroller for later.)

Baby carrier: If you think you’ll wear baby a lot, the Tula Free to Grow carrier can be worn from newborn to 45 pounds! That’s a long time! Plus, they have some adorable patterns.

Diaper bag: Here are some of my favorites that don’t cost too much. If you have a large purse or backpack, you can use that too. I like ones with lots of pockets so I can find things fast!

Wet/dry bags: Good for diapers, snacks, wet clothes, etc. Throw it in this bag and call it good!

What Baby Items are Not Necessary?

Again, everyone is going to have their own thoughts on what really isn’t necessary. IMO you can go ahead and skip these items:

Baby shoes: I know, they are sooo cute! But they won’t stay on your baby’s feet anyway and they’re just pointless.
Baby blankets: They can’t sleep with a blanket until around 12 months. Maybe get one for when they want to play on the ground, but don’t go overboard.
Wipe warmer: Just get them used to regular wipes from the get-go.
Bottle warmer: See above, but with milk.
Baby towels/washcloths: Your standard bath towels and wash cloths will work just fine for cleaning and drying baby off.
Baby food maker: When it’s time to start solids you can do baby-led weaning or just mash fruit and veggies on your own.
Fancy sleep products: Parents will spend a fortune to get a good night’s sleep. But things like the Merlin sleep sack probably aren’t going to change your baby’s sleep that much. Instead, invest in a good sleep course to help you set up a good routine.

When Should You Start Your Baby Registry?

Okay, so now that you know what to put on your minimalist registry, when should you create it?

It’s never too early to start brainstorming ideas and items that you want to add to your baby registry. Start by asking friends about the baby items they have loved the most and go from there.

You can start putting together a list of the items you think you want to add to your registry so you have it once you’re ready. Setting up a registry at a store can be incredibly overwhelming so it helps to do some due diligence in advance.

What other baby items have you loved? Do you have anything to add to this list that minimalists will love?

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Amy Motroni

I'm Amy and I'm so glad you've stopped by! As a Certified Pediatric Sleep Consultant, my goal is to walk you through the process of getting your baby to sleep, so your whole family gets the rest they need!

My blog is full of things to help you celebrate motherhood including baby nursery ideas, sleep schedules and sleep tips, fun printables, baby registry must-haves, and so much more.