Let’s talk Minimalism + Baby Registry. What do you really need for baby? We have a free checklist of what you need to put on your baby registry, but as the Beatles tune goes, “all you need is love.” In a baby’s case, it’s really true – all you need is love… and to be held and fed. If you talk to seasoned moms, they’ll all pretty much tell you the same thing: you really don’t need much for your newborn. Plus, the current trend is to simplify & organize. For motherhood, this starts with your baby registry.
Gugu Guru’s list of essentials below focuses on high quality and practicality. For an expectant parent, “practical” can mean products that are versatile, multi-functional and possibly gender-neutral. Gear should be long-lasting, possibly portable, and not take up too much space. Sometimes high quality can equate to a higher price tag, so we’ve listed a budget-friendly alternative below when possible.
Important Note: there are some essential items we’re leaving out altogether, such as bottles, pacifiers and diapers (there’s a strong likelihood you’ll have to try a few brands to figure out what brand works best for your babe) and clothing (chances are you’ll be gifted a lot of clothes.) We’re also not including breast pumps here because you should consult with Acelleron to determine what brands are available for free from your insurance.
BABYBJORN® Bouncer Bliss
One item we recommend to every single parent is a bouncer. Our top recommendation is the BABYBJORN Bouncer Bliss. Its lightweight design is portable and folds flat. Your child will enjoy gentle, natural bouncing – no batteries or cords are needed, and Bouncer Bliss makes no noise. Use Bouncer Bliss from newborn and up to the age of two years. Once your child has learned to sit unaided, you can turn the fabric around and use it as a comfortable children’s chair. Splurge a little more for the toy bar that fits perfectly for added entertainment.
Looking for a budget-friendly alternative? Check out Baby Delight Alpine Deluxe Portable Bouncer
UPPAbaby VISTA V2 Stroller
The VISTA V2 Stroller from UPPAbaby adapts as your family grows to accommodate your little one from birth through the toddler years. The versatile design can also be configured to conveniently transport up to 3 children to roll with life’s changing momentum. You’ll also need the MESA car seat as well, which snaps right into the VISTA V2.
Not a fit for your budget? Check out The City Select Stroller from Baby Jogger, which like the VISTA, starts out as a full-featured single stroller but can be configured to accommodate up to 3 kids. Just make sure you have a compatible car seat and adaptor.
Solly Baby Wrap
Solly wraps are designed for the first year or up to 25 lbs, and the majority of babes get the most use during the first 9 months. Lightweight, easy to put on, Solly Baby wraps give you and your little one unparalleled closeness and comfort (read: “wrap naps” for hours), less crying (it’s proven!), and reduced rates of postpartum depression. Made in the USA and constructed from certified Lenzing modal, which is a lightweight, buttery soft and sustainable fabric sourced from the pulp of Austrian beechwood trees.
Not a fit for your budget? Check out the Baby K’tan Carrier, which takes the guesswork out of putting on a soft carrier.
Nuna CUDL 
Keep your little one cuddled close while out and about with the Nuna CUDL. This modern carrier is easy to put on and gives you 4 ways to safely carry baby. The infant insert is built into the carrier, providing a much more comfortable fit for parent + baby. Not a fit for your budget? Check out the Boppy ComfyFit Carrier.
Boon Naked Infant Tub
The Boon Naked Tub is perfect for bathing your precious newborn. Perfect for newborns – toddlers, this tub can sit on your counter, in your tub, or even in your shower. Drain the tub, and fold flat to hang for easy storage. Voila, bath time is complete! Of course, you’ll also need shampoo and body wash to actually get baby to be squeaky clean and for this, we recommend starting with something fragrance free for baby’s delicate skin.
Looking for something a bit more budget-consicous? Check out the Summer Deluxe Baby Bather
FridaBaby Bitty Bundle of Joy 4-Piece Kit
Gugu Guru LOVES FridaBaby products. The Bitty Bundle of Joy Kit is the perfect gift for new moms and moms to be in preparation for their little one. This kit features everyday essentials for you and your newborn like the absolute must-have NoseFrida Snotsucker and more. Pair with a couple of our other FridaBaby favorites, like the Rectal Thermometer and the Hairbrush + Styling Comb and you’ve got your basics covered.
Muslin Swaddle Blankets
Our Gugu Guru Concierge experts always put muslin swaddle blankets at the top of their must-have list. Initially, they are great for swaddling, but soon they will turn into your go-to for everything! Playmat? Check. Burp Cloth? Check. Feeding cover? Check. Keeping baby warm in the stroller on a chilly walk? Check! You will use these for years. We love the swaddle blankets by Rookie Humans, which will truly soften with every use.
Not quite in your budget? Check out the variety sets by aden + anais.
Keekaroo Peanut Changer
We struggled with whether or not a diaper changing pad is really an “essential.” While we know that you can get a waterproof reusable changing pad to lay on your floor, we do love the convenience of a silicone changing pad. Easily placed on top of your dresser, the Keekaroo will round out your changing station. This modern changer wipes clean and does not require any extra covers.
Looking for a different option? We also love the Skip Hop Baby Changing Pad.
Crane 4-in-1 Cool Mist Humidifier and Sound Machine 
For creating a healthy, peaceful sleeping environment almost every mom we polled recommends a white noise machine and a humidifier. Gugu Guru’s pick is always the Crane 4-in-1 Humidifier. With a combined top fill, cool mist humidifier and sound machine, and even a night light, we can’t say enough great things about this humidifier! Speaking of nursery ambiance, many parents also say that black out curtains are a must-have. At Gugu Guru, we think this may or may not be an essential for you.
Nanit Pro Camera
Unless your baby will be sharing a room with you for the foreseeable future, a video monitor will give you great peace of mind. The Nanit Pro Camera is a techy minimalist’s dream! Using an app on your phone, you can check in on baby from anywhere. No more carrying around a monitor screen and staying ‘within range.’
Looking for a standard screen + camera monitor? Check out the Vava Video Baby Monitor.
Wanting something less costly? GoodBaby monitor on Amazon is a great video monitor!
ergopouch Cocoon Swaddle
The ergoPouch swaddle is a minimalist’s dream with its 2-in-1 functionality; there are poppers in the armholes to transform from a swaddle to a sleeping bag. Constructed with eco-friendly, breathable fabric, the simple zip-up design will keep baby snug and securely swaddled without the need for complicated wrapping or extra blankets.
Plain Onesies and Pajamas
We know we said no clothing on this list, but onesies and pajamas are each an exception to the rule. Skin-friendly undergarments are a necessity for your little one. They are easy to layer and quite practical. As far as pajamas, you’ll want to {strongly} consider zippers or magnetic closures, since snaps are frustrating during wee-hours diaper changes. Gugu Guru founder, Monica, swears by Hanna Andersson’s Night Night Baby Sleepers, which she used for both of her kiddos. Our team also loves Magnetic Me, Little Sleepies, Kyte Baby, and Carters!
Green Sprouts Muslin Burp Cloths
Muslin Burp Cloths are at the top of our recommendations for every parent! They are soft (and get softer with every wash!), easy to clean, and hold up through every mess you may encounter. Green Sprouts has our absolute favorite burp cloth! They are big enough to sit comfortably on your shoulder and don’t shrink in the dryer. We LOVE these burp cloths!!
The Gerber Birdseye 10-Pack Cotton Prefolded Diapers are also a great set to have on hand and all around the home.
Minimalist Diaper Bag
Why buy a new diaper bag when you have so many great bags at home? With the a Totesavvy diaper bag insert, you can make any bag into your diaper bag! Fit inside any bag – from a small zip tote to Dad’s backpack. So easy to swap in and out! Looking for something that can stand alone? We also love the Belt Bag by Kibou and the TWELVElittle clutch.
High Chair
Comfortable as it is convenient, the Inglesina Fast Table Chair is a definite must-have for minimalists. Lightweight design features simple, twist-tight couplings compatible with most types of tables (up to 3.5″ thick).
Looking for a standard high chair that will grow with your little one? We love the Nomi High Chair.
Books
From Sandra Boynton to Dr. Seuss to Baby Einstein, there are too many amazing books out there to list in one blog post but the profound benefits of reading to your baby make books one of the most important minimalist essentials that you should add to your registry.
Other Items That *Might* Be Minimalist Baby Registry Essentials For You…
The following items may or may not be essentials for you depending on how much space you have in your home, frequency of travel and more. If you are unsure about if these or any items are an essential for you, reach out to the experts at Gugu Guru and we will let you know.
- Depending on whether baby will have his/her own nursery and how big that space is, you will need a crib and for minimalist purposes we recommend one that will grow with your child like the space-saving DaVinci Autumn 4-in-1 Convertible Crib, which also comes with an attached changer. For our minimalist mattress pick, we love the Newton Baby Crib Mattress.
- A rocker/recliner chair like this Olive Upholstered Swivel Glider and Ottoman from DaVinci. This could be a must-have if you plan to nurse (you’ll need a comfortable place to do so) and if you have a separate nursery for baby.
- A 3-in-1 travel crib like this Graco Pack ‘n Play Playard with Reversible Napper and Changer. This playard is made with multitasking parents in mind. The soft and cozy napping station doubles as a changing table, which you can remove to transition into a spacious playard for your growing baby. This could be a must-have if you plan to have baby sleep in your room before moving him/her to a nursery and/or if you’re a frequent traveler.
Must Haves for Nursing and/or Pumping Moms…
Covered Goods 4-in-1 Multi-Use Cover
Offering style and versatility, the Covered Goods 4-in-1 Multi-Use Cover functions as a nursing cover, car seat cover, scarf, and shopping cart cover. Attractively constructed of a comfortable, stretch fabric, the cover provides true all-over coverage.
bbhugme Nursing Pillow
Our favorite feeding pillow is hands-down the bbhugme Nursing Pillow. Not only does this pillow come in a variety of colors that will fit seamlessly into your home decor, it’s the perfect companion for breastfeeding/nursing at home, on travel, and simply wherever you are.
Other nursing essentials include:
- Cute nursing bras that don’t make you feel like a granny. We love the Larken X and the bras by Kindred Bravely.
- Layers of clothing that will transition despite the season and last you from nursing and beyond. Think cute tanks and cardigans like the genius Goodbody Good Mommy cardigan.
- Nursing pads – we love these disposable ones from nanobebe and these washable, reusable pads from Bamboobies.
- Breast care products such as these breats relief packs and nipple butter like this Earth Mama Organic Nipple Butter.
Other Items That *Might* Be Essentials For Pumping Moms …
The following items may or may not be essentials for you depending on whether you’re planning to return to work, if you will be working away from home and other factors. If you are unsure about if these or any items are an essential for you, reach out to the experts at Gugu Guru and we will let you know.
- Multi-tasking moms will love the Kindred Bravely Hands-Free Nursing and Pumping Bra which allows to be hands free while you pump.
- Providing everything you need to carry and organize your breast pump and accessories if you’re returning to work away from home, the Motif Medical Breast Pump Backpack.
- For pumping moms, we LOVE the Kiinde Twist Gift Set. With the Twist system, pumping, storing, organizing and feeding is all done using the same pouch, completely eliminating the need for constant transferring of precious breastmilk.
Minimalism Tip #1:
Keep receipts! If you find you received a gift that you’re just not using, you can return it. Don’t cut tags off until the very last moment when you’re absolutely sure you’re going to use that item!
Minimalism Tip #2:
Skip the swing altogether. Some babies like swings and some babies hate them. Instead of spending money to find out what category your baby falls into, either check BST groups on Facebook or see if a friend can loan you one that her baby has grown out of. You can also just register for a swing and if your baby doesn’t enjoy it, go back to tip #1 – save receipts.
Minimalism Tip #3:
Also, don’t stock up on newborn size diapers or clothing. If your baby is bigger than expected s/he might not even fit into them. People tend to gift babies lots of clothing in general. Have one box on hand a few pairs of pajamas. Once baby arrives, you’ll know what sizing works.
Read more minimalist tips:
Nursery Trend Report: Minimalism
Must Have Baby Registry Items for New Parents
The Ultimate Target Baby Registry
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