In the past few years, I’ve read myriad lists of what you NEED to buy for a baby, many written by people who claim expertise for one reason or another (they have kids, they write about having kids, or both). This latest, by writer Emily Gould, attempts to once again be the last word on what you need when you have a baby, and she does a good deed by naysaying some of the things people believe are essential but aren’t really (like baby monitors, particularly if you live in small dwellings) and yet it, too, includes a number of things that are not necessary. I know no one will read this, but allow me to be, once and for all, the most minimalist of all minimalist parents and tell you what you really and truly need:
- Baby clothes. Ideally kimono-style onesies. ZERO pairs of infant socks. They will inevitably fall off. Burn all the infant socks you get on a tiny bonfire. Zutano-style booties are only option for infants.
- A baby carrier. It doesn’t really matter what kind.
- A carseat
- A bassinet or crib.
- ZERO SLEEP SACKS OR SWADDLES OF ANY KIND. Yes, you heard that correctly. You can swaddle your baby in little blankets until they start fighting them, and then you can wean them off swaddles as early as four months. I actually think these swaddles are doubly egregious as a “must have” baby item, because so many basically guarantee they’ll put your children to sleep and of course, no product is magical like that.
- You don’t need a baby bathtub. Use the sink until they can sit, then use a regular bathtub.
- Some kind of seat for the baby: we have a Bjorn bouncy chair, and it’s great.
- NO BREASTFEEDING PILLOW. Use a regular fucking pillow, it is the same thing.
- Bottles.
- For mom: at least one pair of shoes you don’t need to bend down to put on or lace up.
THAT IS LITERALLY IT. Don’t even make a registry. You’re welcome.
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