"When I was pregnant with my first child, my husband and I lived in 900 square feet on the northside of Chicago. I knew I didn’t want our new baby’s gear to overtake our little house, but I didn’t know what baby products were must-haves and which ones would be nice-to-haves. When creating my baby registry, I selected products that could easily be collapsed and stored, but I still overdid it a bit.
Our baby swing was used once, some clothes never had their tags cut off, and don’t even get me started on the excess of blankets that overflowed the storage bins in our daughter’s nursery (it’s been years and they’re still all over the place!). But I learned a lot about what we really needed, especially when we had our second child, and I knew what I could get rid of and what I should get back out in preparation for baby #2.
If you’re also looking for a minimal baby registry, the Everymom editors have rounded up this list of essentials, including some clever gear that will grow with your baby.
Baby Clothes and Sleepwear
This sleepsack grows with baby, so when they're ready to have their arms unswaddled, this sleepsack converts.
Getting Out and About
The hospital will not let you leave without a carseat, so it's essential. I love the Britax travel system because the carseat clicks right into the stroller, no extra parts needed, and the stroller itself easily collapses with one hand.
Grows with your baby and with your comfort, allowing front, side, or rear carrying.
Baby Entertainment
You'll need a place to safely put baby down, and this bouncer can mesh with most any home decor.
I love toys that can grow with your baby. This starts as a stroller toy but can be part of a kitchen play set when they become toddlers.
This playstation converts to a play table when baby outgrows the exersaucer.
Alternatively, you can entertain baby in any doorway with a bouncer like this, which was a favorite of my daughter's.
Stand one of these books up beside baby while they're laying on a blanket and boom, and you have a play mat!
Muslin blankets are great to spread out on the floor as a play space for baby.
Feeding and Bathtime
Use as a separate high chair, or attach to a chair in your home. Plus, it becomes a booster seat when baby no longer needs the tray.
No need to buy separate brand bottles, just add to the supply that comes with your breast pump.
A healthcare must, and these come with an LED light if it's easier to clip while your baby is sleeping.
This post was in partnership with Walmart, but all of the opinions within are those of The Everymom editorial board.