Minimalistic Shopping List for Newborns
What you actually need:
Shortly After Birth:
Sleeping
1. A cradle
Ours was hanging from the ceiling - comes with the perk of the baby self-soothing since whenever baby moves, the cradle moves. And no it won't fall from the ceiling. Babies are not that heavy. Unless you commit to have the baby sleep with you on your bed. Then you don't need it. But we found it nice to have a place for the baby day & night for all of its naps. Generally, at least in the beginning (from day 2), we did not sleep with our daugher throughout the night.
# One-time expense. Hussh Craddle
Peeing and Pooping:
2. Diepers
Choice: cloth reusable, sustainable non-reusable, or elimination method from day 1. We really wanted to go with option 1 or option 3, but ended up with option 2 for various reasons that can be found in the post on diepers. French or scandinavian were the post. Or local Portuguese.
#Recurring expense. Bambo Nature; Tidoo; Love & Green
3. Changing Mat
Helps a lot with preventing a mess. Especially when waterproof. We borrowed from the neighbors who eventually said we can keep it as they are done having kids.
#Free
4. Changing Station
In our case, we converted the movable desk. It was a great solution. And a great metaphor of the change of job and obligations.
#free
5. Plastic bags
To keep the diepers. Initially, they don't smell that much. Smell escalates with age and diversification of nutrition beyond milk. We used all those stored in the cabinets throughout the years. Good decluttering exercise.
If you figure out Point 2, Option 1 or 3, then 3, 4 & 5 are not necessary.
Feeding:
6. A colic free bottle
In case you plan to bottle feed in addition to breastfeed. I eventually regretted it. However, friends find it convenient as the partner can also feed and it means the mom can take some time off from the baby. Eventually it can be used for water (after 6 months) or diluting things like pro-biotics in the milk.
# One-time expense. Dr. Brown's
🎈 What You Actually Need for a Newborn – A Minimalist’s Checklist
💤 Sleeping
1. A Cradle
We had a ceiling-hanging cradle — it gently moves when the baby moves, helping with self-soothing. And yes, it’s safe! Babies are light.
If you choose co-sleeping, you might not need one. But we loved having a dedicated sleep space for all naps, day and night.
#One-time expense
💩 Peeing & Pooping
2. Diapers
Choose your path:
-
Cloth (reusable)
-
Sustainable disposables
-
Elimination communication (from day 1!)
We aimed for option 1 or 3, but ended up with disposables. Read why in our diaper deep-dive post.
#Recurring expense
3. Changing Mat
Waterproof = no mess stress. We borrowed ours — and got to keep it.
#Free
4. Changing Station
We converted a movable desk. It symbolized a shift in work and life — quite literally.
#Free
5. Plastic Bags
For used diapers. Smell intensifies over time (solid foods are a game changer). We used up a stash of old bags from the cabinets — great decluttering!
Note: If you go with cloth diapers or elimination communication (see point 2), you can skip 3, 4, and 5 altogether.
🍼 Feeding
6. A Colic-Free Bottle
Only if you’re bottle feeding (fully or occasionally). I had mixed feelings, but it gave flexibility — especially helpful if your partner wants to feed too.
Also useful later for water or probiotic mixes.
#One-time expense
7. Milk Storage Bags
For storing pumped milk. I still have 5–6 kg of expired milk in the freezer… and zero homemade soaps.
#Optional, one-time expense
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