Embracing Minimalism with a New Baby

Having a baby is a joyous and life-changing event. It can be great fun to go shopping and get excited about all the fun baby toys and outfits. After you buy what you like, you may also have a baby shower and get even more great gifts. But what you’re left with is typically a bunch of clutter. Let it get out of hand, and it could make your life more stressful while you should be caring for your newborn.

It’s usually better to have a simplified but functional baby room and to only purchase the items you need so you can give your child the attention they deserve. Here is some guidance and advice to get you started.

Benefits Of Minimalism With A Baby

Young babies, from newborns to toddlers, require constant attention. Providing the necessary care can be more difficult if you’re bogged down with gadgets and clutter around the home.

In addition to the love you’ll be able to shower on your baby, there are other benefits of being a minimalist parent. You’ll get to multitask less, so you do fewer things right instead of doing more things half-right. Minimalism is also good for your mental health. Clutter can take its toll over time. The more bogged down you get in messes and unnecessary stuff, the worse you are likely to feel because you can start to think that you’ll never get a handle on your situation.

Minimalism Can Save Money

Another benefit of minimalism is that you can save money. Instead of buying everything, you can focus more on buying less. For example, instead of purchasing every cute toy you see and spending a fortune, you can spend more time researching and finding fun but educational toys. Then, you’ll give your new baby something they can genuinely enjoy over time.

Shopping with minimalism in mind can also inspire you to buy baby clothes and furniture at more budget-friendly places, like your local thrift store. Stores like these check the quality of everything they sell, so you know you’re getting something good. When it comes to thrifting like a pro, there are some things you should remember. One tip is to research a thrift store before you go to see if they sell the strollers, cribs, and other items you may require. Also, consider thrifting with a friend so you can bounce ideas off of them. Plus, they can help you avoid spending too much money, which is easy to do when everything is relatively inexpensive.

Finally, whether you buy new or used clothes, consider purchasing a baby capsule wardrobe. That is when you only buy outfits that coordinate instead of buying anything and everything that would look cute on your baby. Think about outfits that a baby can wear all day or even into the night. Also, consider clothes that are gender neutral or are slightly larger so your baby can grow into them.

Start With The Basics In Baby’s Room

Embracing minimalism in your baby’s new room means starting with the basics. If you need more items over time, that’s fine. However, keep it simple initially so you can focus on your bundle of joy and not on everything else. In fact, you can start this routine early by sending out an alternative baby registry before the baby is born. Instead of unending clothes and toys, ask for more practical items you’ll likely need that won’t take up much space, like a gift certificate for a house cleaning or a gift card for a clothing store so you can choose new outfits when you need them.

There are several items that every parent should definitely buy for a new baby’s room. They include:

You may also need burp cloths, bottles, or nursing pillows for feeding as well as towels and baby moisturizer for baths. Your doctor may recommend other basics. However, don’t go overboard. Start with what you need and go from there so it doesn’t become too much.

When you’re buying some of the basic necessities, be aware that some items may be dangerous for babies. For instance, crib bumpers are often purchased to keep babies from hurting themselves or getting their arms stuck while they sleep. However, it has been found that they can also become suffocation hazards if the baby rolls over and it obstructs their breathing. Also, be aware of other essentials like high chairs, which are not typically harmful on their own, but if they get knocked over, they could lead to injury.

Function Over Clutter

A great way to keep a nursery clutter-free is to purchase fewer items but ensure they’re functional so they can grow with the child and make your life easier.

One way to do that is to choose a bed that grows with your child. Purchase a crib with adjustable railing heights so you can raise and lower them over time. Some cribs convert into toddler beds, so you’re covered for years without taking up more space. For lighting, consider choosing overhead fixtures or floor lamps that utilize dimmable bulbs. That way, you can dim the lights during the first year when you feed or put the baby to sleep. Then, over time, you can brighten the lights as you see fit.

When you’re considering other smart baby product choices, also consider products that can double as storage to eliminate clutter further. Many cribs come with built-in storage options underneath, where you can store clothes, stuffed animals, and extra bedding. Be sure to get a diaper-changing table with shelves underneath to store the baby wipes and the many packages of diapers that you’ll be purchasing.

Conclusion

With some research and imagination, embracing minimalism with a new baby is possible. Use less, and you’ll make your life much easier while caring for your precious bundle of joy.

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About the Author: Miles is an independent writer with a background in business and a passion for tech, psychology, news, and simply helping people live happy and fulfilled lives. He has lived and traveled all over the United States and continues to expand his awareness and experiences.