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I can’t believe I’m already six months into this pregnancy, and I’m starting from scratch when it comes to baby gear.
The last time I had a newborn was 7 years ago, so everything is long gone now. I didn’t even keep my Boppy, which c’mon, is just ridiculous. It’s a pillow for crying out loud!
So I’ve been slowly adding things to my list. I’m definitely drawn to modern minimalist baby gear this time around. I’m not looking for a theme. Just well-made, non-garish gear to keep my baby alive.
(It’s easier said than done!)
Today I’m going to recommend 20 of the things I’m most looking forward to on my list. This is a gender-neutral list, so you’ll find that these items work for either a boy or a girl.
You’ll notice I am not recommending a car seat or stroller. This is because I’m undecided on which ones I’m getting. If you’re not planning on spending thousands of dollars on each, they’re all pretty ugly. You have to do what you have to do!
Also, no bouncer or swing recommendations because I just wasted money on those the first time around and never actually used them.
Modern Minimalist Baby Gear
1. Sundvik Ikea Crib — OK, so I should start out by saying that a crib is a crib is a crib. I realized this after I added a similar-looking crib to my registry that cost upwards of $800, and let’s just say I’d rather pocket $700 for baby’s savings instead.
2. Skwish Rattle & Teether — Here’s a toy that you’ll love just as much as baby does. It’s not annoying, garish or one-dimensional. Plus if you never put it away, it looks like a sculpture that fits right in with your decor. As one 39-year-old reviewer wrote, “I like squishing it and I had an epiphany about hexagons the other day while playing with it.”
3. Jonathan Adler Rock ‘n’ Play — This is the No. 1 godsend for newborn nights. It has come a long way since I first used one with my firstborn. For instance, it can rock by itself now (what!?) and has soothing music and sounds. Edited April 2019: All models of the Rock ‘n’ Play have been recalled.
4. Aden + Anais Swaddle Blankets — When I was pregnant with my Alexa, I received so many receiving blankets. I tried them all. These are the only ones. The best. In fact, I always gift them to my friends when they’re expecting, that’s how much I love them.
5. Ubbi Diaper Pail — By far the best-looking diaper pail on the market (with sooo many color choices), it’s also easier to manage because you do not need to be special trash bags like so many of the others. Most reviewers say it’s less stinky, too, because it’s made of steel and not plastic.
6. Skip Hop Diaper Backpack — Stylish and roomy, I like the idea of a diaper backpack instead of a bag because it frees up the arms for carrying baby. You always need more arms!
7. Milk Snob Nursing & Car Seat Cover — I love gear with multiple uses. This fabric can serve as a nursing cover, as a car seat cover, as a shopping cart or highchair cover, or even as a blanket. Plus, the fabric is very stretchy, airy and breathable, so summertime use is possible.
8. Newborn Cashmere Moccasins — In my experience, baby shoes (and even socks most of the time) are a lost cause. Why bother? But when you want baby to get a little more dressed up for pictures or a special occasion, a cute pair of soft-sole shoes like these will actually stay on baby’s feet. Win!
9. Swiss Cross Nursing Pillow Cover — Love the Boppy but hate the designs it comes in? Here’s your solution.
10. Comotomo Baby Bottle — Full disclosure: I haven’t actually tried this bottle yet, but I’m very very curious about it. If you’re planning to breastfeed, a bottle like this will help your cause. It’s designed to mimic breastfeeding, from the flexible nipple to the squeezable bottom.
11. Be on the Sea Activity Mat — This is arguably the least minimal thing on this list. However, when you look at the alternatives for activity mats, you’ll agree with me that this is downright minimal, so minimal it’s barely there. But the varying textures should keep baby’s interest, and the look of the mat won’t make your eyeballs bleed. Win-win.
12. Nuroo Swaddler — If you end up having a Houdini baby who breaks out of your swaddle blankets, this is exactly what you’re looking for.
13. Minky Burp Cloths — I love burp cloths made of chenille. They’re super soft and absorbent, and the shape of these is perfect for over the shoulder.
14. Blabla Doll Unicorn — These well-crafted Blabla mini dolls are super snuggable for baby, and baby will love them well into toddlerhood. If a unicorn is not your jam, check out the myriad other options.
15. Baby K’tan — This wrap has the added bonus of not being a wrap. You put it on like a T-shirt, and it appears significantly less bulky than a Moby, so I’m excited to try this one.
16. Jellycat Black Inky Octopus — Jellycat makes perhaps the softest plush animals ever. They are so luxe you’ll have a hard time not taking it for yourself.
17. Grass Drying Rack — There’s no such thing as an attractive bottle dryer, but if there were, this doodad would come close. What it lacks in style it makes up for in function. You might even call it a lifesaver.
18. Crib Mattress Sheets — Finding a neutral or B&W pattern isn’t always the easiest thing, but here you get two for the price of one!
19. Faux Fur Baby Blanket — Ivie Baby’s got the best designs out there, and they source the softest materials.
20. Bakersfield Rocking Chair — With my firstborn we bought a giant, comfy glider. It’s not much to look at, but we still have it because (a) it is comfortable and (b) did I mention it’s comfortable? However, I’ve always coveted a simple, stylish rocking chair, and this one really speaks to me.
P.S. Free printables for kids’ rooms.
