The Best Minimalist Baby Gear for Parents Who Want Simplicity From Day One

This compact fanny pack-style diaper bag may not look like it’ll hold everything you need for an outing with your baby, and that’s the point. This cross-body style bag features an adjustable strap that extends up to 60 inches, providing a more universal fit for most body types. When our associate editor, Briana Engelbrecht, tested it, she was able to comfortably fit three diapers, a travel case of 10 wipes, a small hand sanitizer, a Gathre change mat, a small tube of diaper cream and a pacifier in a case. Instead of lugging around a full-sized diaper bag (and overpacking it with things you may never reach for), this compact diaper bag won’t take up too much space and can hold your stuff and the handful of baby items you need while you’re out. Plus, once your baby is a toddler and you need even fewer things while you're out, you won't have to downsize to a smaller bag (as a toddler parent, I never reach for my large diaper bag anymore).

Wipeable changing pads are some of our favorite minimalist must-haves of all time. This soft, portable changing pad works as-is; no additional covers, sheets or pads are needed. When the inevitable leak or blow-out happens, simply wipe the pad clean, and that’s it. The non-skid base makes it ideal for turning any flat, stable surface into a changing station. I have my Skip Hop changing pad on top of a dresser in my daughter’s room (swapping baby furniture for regular furniture is another minimalist hack) and I can attest that, after my fair share of clean-ups, it really is super easy to wipe clean.

The Hatch replaces multiple nursery essentials in a single, streamlined device, eliminating the need for extra gadgets and visual clutter (a minimalist’s dream). It’s a night light, a sound machine, and a time-to-rise and time-to-rest clock, all in one. With the custom settings, you can create routines according to your sleep schedule. With the Tuck-In feature, you can also record your own bedtime story to soothe your baby to sleep. You can opt into a premium subscription to have access to sleep guidance like 1:1s with a consultant, baby sleep guides and more (plus every Hatch purchase comes with a free 6-month subscription).  

Minimalist capsule wardrobes aren’t just for grown-ups. This 12-piece set includes all the mix-and-match essentials you need for your baby’s closet, all made from a soft organic cotton. The set includes a footie, a gown, two hats, three short-sleeved bodysuits, mitts and booties, a bandana, and a bib.

Car seat minimalism at its best, this all-in-one seat will last you for a decade of your child’s life. The 4Ever works just as well for a 4-pound newborn as it does for a 120-pound bigger kid—and for every stage in between. It easily transitions from a rear-facing to a forward-facing seat and can be installed using LATCH or via your car’s seatbelt.

If you’re hoping to keep things as minimal as possible with feeding, look for bottles with fewer parts to clean. These innovative bottles feature silicone pouches that collapse as your little one drinks. That not only equals less stuff to wash but also means your baby is taking in less air to reduce colic and fussiness.

Designed by the beloved brand Stokke (the makers of the Tripp Trapp), this one chair transforms into three different configurations: an infant seat, a high chair and an adult chair that holds up to 330 pounds. The Scandinavian look is cool and minimalist and the ergonomic style offers safe and stable support for your little one at the table. It’s also really easy to clean, something we appreciate about any high chair.

This baby bathtub from Lalo stands out for its gorgeous, modern style—but there’s a lot more going on that makes it a minimalist dream. The tub is multi-stage and multifunctional, featuring an infant insert that pops out in the early days, allowing the tub to transform into a toddler basin as your little one grows. Once your baby is ready for the big tub, you can use the basin as a sensory bin or a spot to store toys.

A baby carrier is a great stroller alternative and a lightweight, portable option for taking your baby wherever they need to go, without weighing yourself down with a ton of stuff. The Omni Dream is the only one you’ll need from birth (no infant insert needed) until your little one hits 45 pounds. Almost 20% of Babylisters voted it as their favorite carrier because of its super-soft, comfortable fabric and ergonomic design. The removable pouch is just right for stashing keys, your phone and a credit card.

Skip the piles of mismatched plates and bowls and get everything you need for your little foodie all in one place in this set. This beautifully modern silicone set is designed to support early feeding and includes a suction bowl with lid, a bib, two infant spoons, a straw cup and a divided suction plate.

This one wearable blanket takes the place of a separate swaddle and sleep sack, all while also helping regulate your baby’s temperature to keep them snoozing comfortably. You can use it in three ways: arms in, hands-to-face or arms out, so you won’t have to replace it once your baby begins to show signs of rolling over. The material absorbs, stores and releases heat to keep your little one at just the right temp. Keep in mind: the material is stretchy, so this swaddle runs a bit larger than other Halo styles. Size down if your baby is in between sizes.

Half the battle when you’re striving for a more minimalist lifestyle is finding a good storage solution to keep the stuff you do have tidy and organized. These sturdy baskets are roomy enough to hold everything from blankets to toys. They’re perfect for a nursery, playroom or anywhere you need to tame the mess.

Most play gyms aren’t designed to last past the first few months of your baby’s life, but this one from Lovevery is different. It’s designed for a full year of play, with developmental activities that grow right along with your baby and they learn and change. There are five developmental zones, interchangeable flashcard sets, detachable hanging toys and lots more to grab your baby’s attention in every stage of their development. And the whole thing turns into a play tent just right for curious toddlers. You can also just use the mat for a place to practice tummy time or for diaper changes.

Instead of a bassinet that has a shorter lifespan, a mini crib like the Origami can be used until your baby is 18 months old (or 35 inches tall). And once they are ready to transition out of their crib, you can choose to transition to a standard crib that can be turned into a toddler bed or hop straight to a toddler bed. Another feature of the Origami mini crib that minimalist parents love is that it can be folded flat and stored away easily (a bonus if you have a smaller living space).

Minimalist in all the best ways, this bouncer seat is an all-time Babylist parent favorite and a registry must-add thanks to both its design and its function. The chic bouncer is designed to create an ergonomic nest for infants and babies, molding to their frame and properly distributing their weight for ultra-comfy lounging. It folds flat for easy storage and transport and comes in a rainbow of gorgeous hues. It even transforms into a toddler chair once the baby days are over.

Swaddles make great blankets, of course, but also work as clean changing or play spots, nursing covers, stroller or car seat covers and so much more. Aden + Anais classic muslin swaddles are some of the best because of their soft, light muslin material and XL size.

Another great multipurpose product for minimalist-loving parents, a wet-dry bag is something that every parent should have in their diaper bag or backpack. It’s perfect for storing anything damp that you don’t want to mash up with everything in your diaper bag. From dirty diapers, soiled clothes, messy bibs and pacis that have fallen in the middle of the parking lot—the possibilities are endless.

There’s no shortage of tools and gadgets for taking care of your baby, but most of them don’t deliver as promised. We prefer to focus on the few that really get the job done—and this collection from FridaBaby includes the best of the best. From the parent favorite Nose Frida for sucking boogies to the Snipper Clipper that helps you safely cut your baby’s nails without fear and more, this collection solves for the most common problems for newborns and parents.