Many people believe we need a copious amounts of baby things when they’re first born. First, no, just no. Second, you can buy as you need, I’m giving you permission right now, ONLY BUY WHAT YOU NEED WHEN YOU NEED IT. Newborn essentials do not have to be expensive, and they do not need to be plentiful.
This being my third baby, I knew what she needed. I knew what I needed. My sister also had a baby this year so I gave her a lot of clothes the would fit her big boy. I accidentally donated both of my wraps too which was very silly of me, but someone will enjoy them as much as I did! My friends and family gave me an insane amount of baby clothes even though I saved a bunch too.
I also breastfeed my babies so I don’t buy bottles/ bottle accessories. Not for a long time at least. I do use mason bottles when the time comes and I have those still. Another consideration, is that I absolutely HATE pumping. I have one which I got free through insurance, they’re also usually available from local churches and women’s centers in you’re in a different place. That’s just another thing I don’t buy.
All of these items I have used for years, and they last for years too. We try our best to buy quality over quantity when we can so we aren’t just throwing things right into the landfill.
Newborn Essentials (hand-me-downs from my previous two babies)
Co sleeper– I use this for her naps, as a changing pad, and her bed. I use the Dock-a-tot.
Cloth diapers– Plus all the accessories needed. Here’s my article on that. We do prefolds, pocket at night and cloth wipes as well.
Three tier organizer – To keep all the diapers and my night stuff tidy. I got mine on Facebook years ago. It has been many different things from a produce bin to a toy shelf but it always becomes my cloth diaper organizer when I’m diapering babies. Check out my blog post on keeping all that organized.
Newborn onesies & sleepers– No socks and no pants. They’re annoying when you have to change a baby 15 times a day. She can wear pants when I change her less. It is cold over here too so one piece clothing is best.
Sleep sacks– My favorite night time attire. Less fuss for changing through the night.
Blankets- Because they can be used for literally everything: burp cloths, swaddles, changing mat, warmth, emergency diaper, emergency wipe, nursing cover. I also have one towel for her and she uses washcloths that we’ve had for a few years. The easiest newborn essentials piece because afterward they could be turned into clothing or towels for cleaning since they’re a large square of fabric.
Toiletries- The basic stuff: nail clippers, tiny emery board, nose sucker thingy, boogey scraper (I love this one), thermometer, etc. One of the basic kits will last through all of your children, so long as nothing breaks.
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Items I bought & prices
Tiny bath ($40)– I initially regretted buying this because I could’ve gotten away with just a folded towel until she could sit in the sink. Now that I’ve used it a few times I actually love it. It folds up and is super compact. It’s organic bamboo too which is wonderful. I can use it in every sink in the house, the tub, with me in the tub and in our travel tub as well. You can check it out here. There are cheaper options too.
Pacifiers ($15)– I always use Natursutten brand. Occasionally, I’ll buy Bibs brand because they’re really cute… Both are natural rubber nipples which means they’re plant based and biodegradable.
Smaller diaper covers ($30)- Found secondhand at a consignment store and some were brand new! When thrifting for cloth diapers or buying secondhand straight from someone, read my post on why to look for here.
New Snappis ($8)- My Snappis were broken and lost from previous pregnancy.
Baby wrap ($14) – Found at the same consignment store, all cotton and a very cute color. It’s KeaBabies brand which I haven’t tried before but I like it so far!
Newborn things that are just nice to have
- Pacifier clip
- Bouncer/seat
- Diaper bag with lots of pockets
Newborn essentials that aren’t essential
- Changing table
- Burp cloths
- Shoes
- Play mats & toys
- Dresser
- Fancy lotions or soaps (coconut oil & fragrance free bar soap will suffice)
- Swaddlers (my kids just don’t care to be swaddled)
After thoughts
There was no registry made for this baby. No showers thrown. Besides, I’m very specific with what I buy for my newborns because of our lifestyle. My family was going to send me whatever they wanted regardless which I’m very grateful for no matter what.
I am super glad I kept what I did but wish I had kept more. When I had my miscarriage last year, I think I lost hope of being pregnant for a while and wanted to give a lot of things away.
This baby wasn’t a huge impact to our finances like people tend to think. Cloth diapers and breastfeeding is always a sure fire way to save money too, if you can of course.
I kept this baby’s newborn essentials very minimal and within budget. There is always a lot of laundry since I cloth diaper and don’t have 100 outfit options for her. Laundry would be plentiful with or without her added clothes so it doesn’t make much difference in the days routine.
As always thank you for making it all the way to the end of a blog post! I’m glad people are still reading long form articles and not just consuming tiny snippets of video, that’s an accomplishment!
In gratitude,
Tayler
