What Do I Need To (Simply) Have A Baby?!

An entire economy has emerged from this question, and from the pure intention of new mothers to be "prepared." Baby gear is a major industry with many branches. Registries abound, bank accounts are dwindled, and baby showers turn into storms of products from mass markets. Secondhand and consignment businesses boom with parents' hauls of barely used merchandise. Full trash bags and car loads of used stuff appear at the doorsteps of our houses - destined to be pushed again down the line of parents that don't want or need more stuff. I am not exaggerating when I say that on Christmas last year, YOU COULD NOT SEE MY LIVING ROOM FLOOR because of the amount of gifts my children received from the family Christmas party. We, the idealistically minimalists continue our journey of a never ending purge.

So in the spirit of simplicity and of real intention in our parenting, I offer a short list of what I have actually needed and made good use of when I have a baby. This includes what I used in the actual birth, fresh postpartum, and in the first year.

For Birth:

A hair tie - If you have to choose one, choose this

Towels - 8, or as many as you have in your house

Receiving Blankets - I loved these to use as towels for the baby right after the birth. I also put one on top of my reusable waterproof pads on my bed and for diaper changes because they are soft cotton rather than the scratchier waterproof fabric.

Chux pads or reusable waterproof pads - I use these and they double as changing pads, pads for me to free-bleed postpartum, go under leaky boobs at night, and go in the diaper bag later!

A bowl - for the birth of the placenta

2 ziplok bags - to freeze/store the placenta

Candles to burn the cord - I used two tapered beeswax candles over a small ceramic batter bowl

For Postpartum:

A nightlight - For the nighttime diaper changes and kitchen rummaging. We are still using our wireless and dimming Block Blue Light Lamp for midnight trips to the potty. Also, I did feel a difference in our ability to go back to sleep with the blue light free lamp vs a regular night light.

Pads - Extra large disposables for the first week, then reusable cotton period pads for the next few weeks

Moisturizer for nipples and butts - Earth Mamma Nipple Butter was my go-to after my first birth, second time around I used Ancestral Cosmetics Tallow Balm for baby's butt and loved it.

Reusable cotton nursing pads - Leaky leaky boobs

Burp cloths - These can also be your nursing pads, I found myself shoving a burp cloth in my bra many times.

Food - This actually can not be overstated for the postpartum mother. She needs so much food, and so many snacks. Granola bars. Cashews, Dates and Blueberries. Easy, ready-to-heat meals. Mama Meals. Bone Broth. Herbal Postpartum Tea. 4 Meals a day, easily.

For Mothering and Baby:

A baby carrier

Diapers and wipes

Some clothes - Zip up onesies for winter, short sleeve onesies for summer

Frida Baby nose picker or nose sucker - One of my babies had wet nose gunk, the other one dry nose gunk, so maybe I'd say get both. This is probably my favorite baby item and my whole family knows how much I love it.

A wet bag - For inevitable blowouts all the way to potty training accidents

Wash cloths - These are especially essential when your baby starts eating real food

A bag - to carry the essentials, and where you will find the missing socks. Always bring an extra outfit.

Kitchen utensils - These can easily and successfully double as all of your baby's toys. We're talking spatulas, whisks, wooden spoons. My kitchen drawer is essentially my baby's toybox and I definitely should not have bought the stacking ring, the wood blocks, or the stuffed animals when I could have gotten us some kitchen gear instead.

Of course, if you buy nothing- let me assure you that you are actually all your baby needs and wants. You are enough. :)