21 Must-Have Minimalist Baby Essentials

Baby Ultrasound

In years past, parents raised their babies with only a few essentials. Baby “must-haves” on the market today weren’t even invented then, but parents and babies survived. Here you’ll discover what you really need for your minimalist baby. 

Remember, less is more! The experts at Newton Baby are here to help you minimize your baby items with these 21 must-have minimalist baby essentials.  

Sleeping Essentials For The Minimalist Baby

Sleeping baby in minimalist crib

Cribs, bassinets, or portable playards are all safe sleeping options for your baby. Based on your family’s specific needs, decide which sleeping must-have works best.

1) Crib 

Some parents choose a crib — or at least a mini crib — as their baby’s sleeping arrangement right off the bat, while others wait a few months before placing their little one in a crib and choose to start with a bassinet instead. 

Either way, you’ll eventually need a crib for your baby because they’ll outgrow their bassinet before you know it! 

2) Mattress 

The type of crib mattress you use is just as important as the actual crib! Choose a crib mattress that’s safe and breathable, like Newton Baby’s Crib Mattress

This minimalist baby essential grows with your baby through the toddler years and meets Greenguard Gold Standards for safety

3) Fitted Mattress Sheets 

The only thing you need in your baby’s crib is a fitted mattress sheet. Leave the heavy blankets, bumper pad, and stuffed animals behind, and check out Newton Baby’s Breathable, Organic Cotton Sheets

Made with organic muslin cotton, these sheets provide a soft and gentle sleep experience for your baby. And the all-around elastic guarantees a safe, snug fit for any crib mattress! 

4) Bassinet

The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests that babies sleep in the same room as their parents for their first few months of life, so a bassinet is a good option if you’re low on space. 

One drawback of a bassinet is that it can only be used for a few months. To keep your little one as safe as possible, switch to a crib immediately once they start rolling over or sitting up.  

Newton offers a Bassinet & Bedside Sleeper that's lightweight, great for travel, and comes with Newton's Wovenaire Bassinet Mattress. 

 5) Swaddle Blankets 

infant wrapped in a minimalist baby swaddle

Swaddling is a safe sleep technique that calls for snugly wrapping your baby in a blanket. Check out our article How To Swaddle A Baby: The Complete Guide For Parents to learn how to swaddle correctly. 

We recommend swaddling your infant for a few reasons: it keeps your baby warm, protects them from being disturbed from the startle reflex while sleeping, and helps them fall asleep faster.

Try Newton Baby’s Organic Swaddle Blankets! Bonus: these blankets aren’t just for swaddling! They can also be used as a light blanket for snuggling or as a nursing cover.

6) Portable Playard

If you travel a lot, skip the crib altogether and choose a portable playard instead — also known as a pack ‘n play. Some playards even come with a built-in bassinet and changing area. 

This minimalist baby essential grows with your baby. Set up the playard in your bedroom during the newborn stage and use the built-in bassinet. As your baby grows, move it to the nursery or another room.

When it’s time to hit the road, simply fold up the pack ‘n play and take it with you!

Clothing Essentials For The Minimalist Baby

Minimalist baby pink onesie

Your baby will quickly grow out of their clothes, and most of them will end up soiled even before then! So skip the extravagant wardrobe that the mainstream baby registries push on new parents, and stick with this list of clothing essentials

7) Onesies 

Your newborn will go through a few outfit changes per day. Keep a good stack of onesies on hand so you’re prepared for those frequent changes. 

8) Pants

If you have a winter baby, a onesie won’t be enough to keep your little one warm. Even for summer babies, it takes a few days for their internal thermometer to level out, so their little legs will need to be covered. 

Plan on having at least three pairs of pants so your new baby can stay warm and cozy no matter what! 

9) Footie Sleepers 

Footie sleepers allow for easy access for diaper changes, and they’re comfortable for your baby to sleep in. We recommend them over other sleepers because baby socks tend to fall off easily, leaving your little one with cold feet. 

And since you’re skipping the fancy clothes for your baby, footie sleepers make great daytime outfits as well. 

Feeding And Diapering Essentials For The Minimalist Baby

Baby being changed by mom

10) Breast Pump And Milk Storage Bags 

If you’re breastfeeding your baby, you’ll need a breast pump to express your milk and bags to store it in. These are must-haves if you work outside of the home or if you know you’ll be away for one or more of your baby’s feeding sessions. 

11) Formula 

On the flip side, if you’re bottle-feeding your baby, find a type of formula that agrees with your baby and stock up on it. Whatever formula you choose, make sure you always have enough on hand! 

12) Bottles And Nipples 

And, of course, if you’re using formula, you’ll need bottles and nipples! Even if you’re nursing and expressing your breast milk, you’ll want two or three bottles so that your baby can be fed when you’re away. 

Important note: Be sure to choose a bottle and nipple that are suitable for your baby’s age. 

13) Diapers 

Diapers are the most basic minimalist baby essential you’ll find! And whether you choose disposable diapers or cloth ones, stock up on them. After all, that’s the last thing you want to run out of! 

14) Wipes

A pack of baby wipes is a must-have that you also don’t want to go without! Consider buying them in bulk. 

Basic Grooming Essentials For the Minimalist Baby 

Just bathed baby with towel

15) Baby Fingernail Clippers/Baby Mittens

Cutting your newborn’s fingernails is a little tricky, so wait a few weeks before trimming their nails to avoid clipping them too short and breaking the skin.  

In the meantime, use baby mittens to protect your little one’s face from getting scratched until you’re able to trim their nails with baby fingernail clippers. 

16) Bulb Syringe 

In the first month of your baby’s life, you’ll need to physically remove any drainage from their nose. (Your baby’s body is still expelling excess fluid from the womb.) 

A bulb syringe — or any other form of suction — will help get rid of drainage that your baby can’t extract on their own. 

17) Thermometer 

After your baby’s first doctor’s appointment, their pediatrician will advise you to check their temperature periodically. To make sure your baby’s temperature is just right, you’ll need a thermometer. 

18) Baby Wash 

After your baby’s belly button is cleared and fully healed from the umbilical cord, you have the green light to give them a full bath! 

Choose a gentle cleanser for your baby’s delicate skin to minimize the likelihood of skin irritation. 

Travel Essentials For The Minimalist Baby

Mom and dad with baby outside

19) Car Seat 

You’re required by law to have a car seat for your baby when you leave the hospital after giving birth. Modern car seats are available in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors. 

To stick with the minimalist theme, choose a convertible car seat that can grow with your baby. With a convertible car seat, you won’t have to continue purchasing a new car seat every time your baby meets the maximum requirements. 

One downfall to convertible car seats is their size. They’re pretty bulky, so if you need something a little smaller, choose a basic infant seat that snaps into a base. 

With the infant car seat, you can carry your baby without having to remove them from the car seat like you would with a convertible car seat. 

Expert tip: Research different car seat brands before purchasing, and always make sure your baby’s seat is safe and meets the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) standards! 

20) Baby Wrap Or Carrier

Babywearing is giving parents all the feels! Wearing your baby in a carrier or wrap frees up your hands, which allows you to tackle your to-do list or go out and about while still being able to hold your baby. 

A baby carrier or wrap also provides the perfect environment for bonding with your baby. Multitasking has never been easier! 

21) Diaper Bag

A practical and organized diaper bag is ideal for storing all of your minimalist baby must-haves. This essential will prove useful on days when you need to get out of the house!

Keep It Simple

baby minimalist white crib

When it comes to minimalist baby essentials, think multi-functional. Choose things that can be used for multiple purposes from the newborn stage throughout the toddler years. 

Newton Baby takes care of one of the most important baby items: the crib mattress! Your baby will have safer, healthier, and better sleep with our highly breathable and washable mattress and other sleeping essentials. That’s a great foundation for starting your minimalist baby shopping list!