20 Go-To Baby Items for Parenting: Minimalist Edition

Parenting comes with a fair share of things and sometimes deciding on what you may or may not need can be a tad overwhelming. I remember feeling that overwhelm while sorting through all the baby lists myself.

My approach to acquiring things is a utilitarian one. So I wanted to know: What do you actually need? What will you actually use? What will make my life easier? Also, it mattered to me that the things we had in our home were safe and non-toxic. That’s how and why I compiled my list below. I hope this will make the baby preparation a bit easier for you.

Here’s a list of my go-to baby items to make your life simple, easy, and adorable as well:

1. Car seat: Be aware of technical safety and naturally fire retardant fabrics and foams.
   Favorite options: NunaBaby and Britax

2. Crib/bassinet: We chose a mini convertible crib for space considerations and ability to side-cart it next to our bed for safe bed-sharing. We also chose an organic mini crib mattress.

3. Baby carrier(s): This is probably my #1 parenting hack of all time. Babywearing has saved our lives as parents and still continues to do so in the depths of toddlerhood. We wore our little one from the day he came home from the hospital. My favorite carriers are ring slings (Sakura Bloom and Studio Tekhni) and soft structured carriers (BabyTula, Beco Gemini, and Sakura Bloom Scout). This list is a mile-long with all the possible options of a variety of carriers you can choose from. My choices were based on the ease of use and portability to fit our lifestyle.

4. Sound machine: Great for white noise to help the babies get accustomed to noise in their world

5. Pajamas with zippers: NO ONE wants to fiddle with buttons in the middle of the night in the dark. Trust me on this! ;)
   Favorite options: Cloud Island at Target, Burt’s Bees, Hanna Andersson, and many more.

6. NoseFrida: It’s a snotsucker you want and need that will make life easier for you and your baby.

7. Glass Bottles: Durable, BPA-free, and sustainable.
   Favorite options: Dr. Brown’s (great for colicy babies), Philips Avent (for natural latch), LifeFactory (will transition to a sippy cup)

8. Loungers: Works great as a make-shift resting surface, a changing spot, and an easy way to put the baby down close to you.
   Favorite options: Snuggle Me Organic, Dock-a-Tot

9. Bouncer: A great option to put the baby down while you complete tasks around the house, great for babies once they’re more mobile and distracted by gentle motion.
   Favorite options: Baby Delight Portable Bouncer, Baby Bjorn

10. Muslin blankets: A giant, multi-purpose piece of fabric that function great as swaddles, burp cloths, and for quick clean-up, diaper changes, and sun protection.
    Favorite options: Aiden & Anais, Cloud Island

11. Swaddles: For improved sleep, comfort, and security.
    Favorite options: Nested Bean, Halo SleepSack

12. Nursing pillow: Great way to offer mom extra postural support while nursing.
    Favorite Options: ErgoBaby, My Brest Friend

13. Beautycounter Baby Bundle Collection: Formulated for baby’s sensitive skin without 1,800+ toxic ingredients because your baby deserves the best. The Baby Protective Balm is our household favorites for body and booty. The Soothing Oil also works great as a gentle moisturizer for pregnant bellies.

14. Baby gym: Great for entertainment, hand-eye coordination; made of wood and other natural materials. Use code FREESHIPPING for local pick-up at the HealthyBEing Wellness office.

15. Amber jewelry: Alleviates aches and pains, and reduces inflammation naturally.

16. Wooden Baby Toys and Teethers: Locally made with safe wooden natural materials. Use code FREESHIPPING for local pick-up at the HealthyBEing Wellness office.

17. Breast Pump: Great for stashing extra milk, maintaining the milk supply, and allowing others to feed the baby as well.
    Favorite options: Spectra (electric pump), Haaka (manual silicone pump)

5 Bonus recommendations from moms in our Motherhood: Aligned & Unfiltered FB community:

1. Angelcare Baby Breathing Monitor for baby movement detection

2. Baby Brezza for formula-fed babies

3. Backpack diaper bags foe ease of use (SkipHop, Carter’s, Patagonia)

I have compiled the above list between what we used in our household when our little one was tiny, and some things that we still use 3 years later. Plus, my helpful mama friends recommended and confirmed the items on this list as well. I do want to remind you that the parenting journey is one that will be unique to you and your family, and no “expert” knows that better than you. So take these suggestions as they work for you. Also, keep your receipts. ;)

Another thing that I want to include on this is what many times parents feel like they are missing, which is COMMUNITY. My goal in my practice (in and out of the office) is to foster such a community for parents, and especially mamas, to connect with each other because it can be isolating and lonely. And don’t even get me started on how things are right now, global pandemic-style. So feel free to join our FB community and chat with some amazing mamas, both local and out of town. Go to Motherhood: Aligned and Unfiltered to join our community. We look forward to connecting YOU!

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