Diaper Bag Einstein

Is it possible to still be somewhat of a "minimalist" with a new baby?

I really don't like having too much "stuff", and I have friends & family making me feel like I have to have EVERYTHING that they have (or had) when my baby's born in about a month. I will be a stay at home mom, so I'll be able to interact with my child often instead of always putting him with some overly colorful and over-stimulating toy or in front of the TV. I have some friends that have every Baby Einstein DVD & every colorful toy you could imagine ... I don't like too much clutter, plus I also want to teach my child that material objects are not the most important thing in life. Every checklist I read about packing a diaper bag, etc. is ridiculous ... I feel like I'll never be able to leave the house without a suitcase (you know what I mean).

Any thoughts on this? Are there any minimalists out there who aren't falling prey to all this STUFF?

Thanks.

Great question!

And it's absolutely possible!

Some great way to minimalize the amount of 'stuff' is to breastfeed, co-sleep and use a sling/carrier.

Breastfeeding eliminates bottles, cans of formula, sterilizing equipment. Also, it cuts way down on your laundry because breastmilk does not leave stains (and I don't think breastfed babies spit up as much).

Co-sleeping is great because there's really no need to prepare a nursery. It saves tons of money. I am hoping someone will post the links on making your bedroom safe for co-sleeping; if not, I'll hunt them down.

Babywearing eliminates the need for all those handy places to set your baby while you get things done around the house. You can use a sling, or soft carrier, or both. There's tons of different kinds available. And, you can nurse in a sling. When I leave the house, I bring my carrier and a fanny pack that clips around my waist. It's big enough for a few diapers and a pack of travel wipes. I keep a diaper bag in the car for emergency purposes- change of clothes, extra diapers etc., but I've never needed it. So, my outings are junk-free and hands-free, not to mention, baby is content and sleeping soundly on my chest. If you need to put the baby down at home, the carseat will always do in a pinch. You'll also find you don't need a stroller for outings.

As for all the other 'stuff'- simply tell your friends and family that you'll be buying what you need as you go along. I have a Pack and Play, a bouncy seat, and a travel bassinetthat were given prior to delivery, and all three are sitting in the basement. To change the babies' diapers, I use a changing pad and do it on the couch.

Granted, my baby is only two months old, and doesn't require a lot of 'stuff' yet. A few toys are nice, but you can keep them entertained just as easily with stuff you already own- plastic storage bins, measuring cups, pots and pans etc. Baby won't know the difference, and again, it saves a ton of cash. When my oldes son was an infant, his favorite toy was a rotating spice rack.

In my opinion, as long as you are reading to your baby, and can be creative with household items as toys, Baby Einstein and all that junk is totally unnecessary.

I really like your idea of 'minimalist baby' and I hope you get some great answers!

Nunzia Ryan Backpack Bambino Bag Diaper Bag $58.99 Nunzia Ryan Backpack Bambino Bag Diaper Bag

CLOSEOUT!!!! BOB Diaper Bag In ChocolateBlue $29.99 CLOSEOUT!!!! BOB Diaper Bag In Chocolate/Blue

Lilly Messenger Diaper Bag $87.6 Cinda bs sweetleaf navy is trimmed in white with pink quilting on this hobo shaped diaper bag. The stylish traditional Lilly Messenger Diaper Bag includes a coordinating changing pad and diaper pouch. This chic bag is stain and water resistance, machine washable and made in USA. Features an adjustable strap for a comfortable fit, exterior pockets that is perfect for keys or a pacifier, two side pouches for diaper bottles and toys with interior pockets and a roomy interior to keep the mom-on-the-go organized.

Inglesina Classica Pram with Diaper Bag In Camila Pink $899 Inglesina Classica Pram with Diaper Bag In Camila Pink

Inglesina Classica Pram with Diaper Bag In Navy White $899 Inglesina Classica Pram with Diaper Bag In Navy / White

CLOSEOUT!!! Bugaboo Diaper Bag BB01 In Leather White $229.95 CLOSEOUT!!! Bugaboo Diaper Bag BB01 In Leather White

Mutsy Diaper Nursery Bag In Active Black $89 Mutsy Diaper Nursery Bag In Active Black

Rock Star Baby Diaper Bag In Black $59 Rock Star Baby Diaper Bag In Black

Mia Bossi Diaper Bag Maria In Red Pepper $350 Mia Bossi Diaper Bag Maria In Red Pepper

Mia Bossi Diaper Bag Maria In Black Cherry $350 Mia Bossi Diaper Bag Maria In Black Cherry

Mia Bossi Diaper Bag Maria In Black Bean $350 Mia Bossi Diaper Bag Maria In Black Bean

Mia Bossi Diaper Bag Maria In Chocolate $535 Mia Bossi Diaper Bag Maria In Chocolate

Mia Bossi Diaper Bag Maria In Disco $350 Mia Bossi Diaper Bag Maria In Disco

Mia Bossi Diaper Bag Maria In Onyx $535 Mia Bossi Diaper Bag Maria In Onyx

Mia Bossi Diaper Bag Caryn In Espresso $220 Mia Bossi Diaper Bag Caryn In Espresso

Mia Bossi Diaper Bag Caryn In Caramel $475 Mia Bossi Diaper Bag Caryn In Caramel

Mia Bossi Diaper Bag Caryn In Sapphire $475 Mia Bossi Diaper Bag Caryn In Sapphire

Mutsy Diaper Nursery Bag In Team Navy $89 Mutsy Diaper Nursery Bag In Team Navy

Mia Bossi Diaper Bag Caryn In Fudge $475 Mia Bossi Diaper Bag Caryn In Fudge

Mia Bossi Diaper Bag Caryn In Tangerine $410 Mia Bossi Diaper Bag Caryn In Tangerine

Baby Products You Can't Live Without - Part 2

Things to Consider When You Buy a Baby Registry

You are awaiting a very special addition to your family: a baby. One of the best things you can do to prove your happiness is to organize a baby registry for your upcoming baby. A baby registry is essentially a list of items you would like to have when the baby is born. With this registry, you need not worry of having similar items from different relatives for instance. A registry is not just a set of list but also a plan for your relatives and friends that they might give.

Many Web sites provide suggestions and tips on items to include in a baby registry. This list below I collated from other sites is just suggestions to provide you some idea for your own baby registry. But be sure to put everything on your list that you think you would like. Great chances are if you leave something off the list, you may regret not having that item. On the other side of the coin, you may find that you have an item or two that you never even used.

Here are some suggestions:

- Nursery/Safety to include Crib

- Bassinette or Co-sleeper

- Changing table

- Bathtub

- Health kit

- Swing, Bouncy or vibrating seat

- Car seats

- Stroller

- Monitor

Extras for Baby Baby Einstein Videos to include:

- Nursing/Feeding Pillow

- Crib Toy and Mobile

- Diaper Wipe Warmer

- Playmat /kick toy/ play saucer

- Glider Rocker

- Baby carrier

- Baby Wedge

- Fun Bedding Theme

- Diaper Bag

Clothes to include:

- Onesies

- Wearable Blanket

- Winter Wear

- Summer/Winter Hats

- Diapers, More Diapers, and even more Diapers.

But oops, we forgot about one important thing: the baby registry store. How to find one?

The first item of business will be to choose one or two stores that specialize in baby gear and make sure they offer a baby registry. Whether you choose an online retailer or visit a store, you will get to browse, compare and then put together your wish list.

First, you choose the online store you want to use. There are several of these, some shops sell all you could possibly think of for a new baby, while others focus on clothing, or baby furniture. Make sure to research a little about the reliability and track record of the online stores.

At the online store, find their gift registry page.

Enter your name and address, so your friends and family can find your registry and so that the store can ship the items to you once they are purchased. You will probably be asked to give your E-mail address and a password so that you can modify your registry at a later time.

Once the registry is created, you will receive an E-mail confirmation with your information. You will then be ready to add the items you want to your registry. You do this by browsing the site and clicking on the 'Add to Registry' button (or similar) whenever you find something you like. Remember, you can always change this later. If you want some guidance on what to add to your list, check the bestselling items (or similar page) at the store. Parents just like you are getting what they need too, so let them guide you.

Finally, when you are finished creating your registry, send an email to your friends and family letting them know that you have set up your baby gift registry, and the web address of the online store.

Your family and friends can then check the site, find your registry through your name, and purchase their gift for you from your selected list. The store will send the gift to you. Yes, it's just as easy as that! The only task you will do is to un-wrap your gifts when they arrive.

About the Author

BABY REGISTRY: Baby Naturale is a leading shop for diapers since 2002. The babies' wellness is the main purpose of the company, and they should be yours too. Click on the website to see the company's product offers.