Nursery Tour + Minimalist Baby Necessities
If you saw our full apartment tour, you would have seen how our platform bed looked originally. We took off the posts and my husband cut up an old fitness mat and taped it to the bed frame so that it wouldn't scratch our wood floors. Although I miss our full platform bed, having the bed on the floor is a safety precaution.
To create a nursery vibe without going too overboard, I used 3 Sprouts Storage Boxes in a white four cube organizer. This organizer can be used for various things over the next few years without it dating itself or being too childish as my son gets older. I can easily change the energy of the piece by changing the fabric bins. I keep folded cloth diapers in one bin, wash and burping cloths in another, and his clothing in the third bin.
Along with the organizer, we purchased a simple rocking chair which saved my back the first few months while learning to breastfeed. Another item that has been extremely helpful (not shown) is a Baby Bjorn Bouncer Chair purchased at a local children's consignment shop. Aside from purchasing these three furniture pieces, I don't feel as if we've missed out on having other things for the first 6+ months of having a new baby.
Here are seven things I didn't buy into...
1. A Stroller
I prefer baby wearing, and it's also much easier to travel this way. After flying with an infant, dealing with a car seat and luggage was more than enough. After trying a few different styles of carriers, my favorite is a woven wrap. It provides tons of support and versatility which I didn't find with jersey style wraps, plus it's pretty. You saw a glimpse of it in this picture.
2. A Changing Table
I use a changing pad on any large flat surface that is safe and comfortable. In our home I either use the bed or the couch.
3. A Crib
I've already shared my thoughts on the family bed, but I still wanted to include it in this list. By skipping the crib, we've also saved on a crib mattress, sheets, and other bedding needs. We also don't need a baby monitor since we have a one bedroom apartment.
4. An Infant Tub
I used a simple bin provided by the hospital to bath by son after his belly button healed. Later on I found it much easier to simply bathe with him. This is another topic covered in both books mentioned above.
5. Plastic Learning Toys
I feel one of the best ways to learn anything is from experience. One reason I love baby wearing is that it allows my son to experience life closer to my perspective. By taking him places and having him in a carrier, he feels safe and free to see the world around him. He also really enjoys being read to so I make sure to read at least one book to him a day.
6. Baby Geared Cosmetics
I've already shared our simple skin and hair care regimen for my baby which you can read in detail here. In summary, organic unrefined shea butter, diluted unscented castile soap, and colloidal oatmeal is all we have needed. My son hasn't experienced any diaper rash or other skin issues.
7. An Elaborate Cloth Diapering System
Cloth diapers have come a LONG way over the years. Surprisingly I actually love the simple flats that have been used for years and years. You can find more about my most cost effective cloth diapering system here.
What have you happily gone without or didn't need for your little one? You can find my 25 Minimalist Baby Essentials here.
Images by Dawn Michelle