Planning for baby’s arrival in a minimalist way!

Now that I have started my second trimester, I can slowly begin thinking about everything I will need for baby’s arrival. I want to take a slightly more minimalist approach if I can say so. I don’t want to stress myself out with a long list of items to buy and certainly don’t want to use all my savings while doing so!

Pregnancy lasts 9 months, and that’s something we shouldn’t forget. When you get to thinking, that makes for several days to get yourself prepared for your baby’s arrival. Although we just bought a house and that we will have plenty of space to fill it up, I would prefer taking a more minimalist approach. For many reasons, but mostly because I strongly believe that you don’t need a hundred things to raise a baby.

I still remember what Léa told me when she first went travelling with baby Téo; “Babies need to sleep, a clean diaper, to be fed and to be loved (especially by their parents).” That really spoke to me, and that resumes the kind of approach I would like to take for our future family.

When you think about it, it seems Céline Dion was sleeping in a drawer when she was a baby, and if I remember correctly, she turned out quite alright! I am not saying to push the idea this far, but it’s something I like to remind myself of when I get a little overwhelmed with everything baby related. Let’s say it helps to keep me grounded.

Let’s be honest, it’s a little bit overwhelming to become a parent. There are thousands of lists out there about baby’s essential items! If I were to read them all, I would need 4 baby swing chairs, because they all do different things, a crib, a bassinet, a cradle that vibrates to the sounds of your baby, and a baby video monitor with an integrated heartbeat reading. Not to mention the baby monitor that works off the internet, just in case… And so on.

I want to be more conscious of what I am buying, and I would love to buy a lot of that stuff second hands. For many reasons, but mainly because most baby items are only used for so long and also because by the time you’re done using it, the baby probably used it 10 times. I will be buying many items second hand such as clothes, crib, changing table, baby swing, etc.

However, there are a few items that I would like to buy new as I want to make sure they are safe and clean for my baby. But also, because most of these items are used every day when the baby comes.

BABY BOTTLES

Even though I hope to be breastfeeding my baby, I wouldn’t mind if Daddy could help me from time to time by bottle-feeding our little one so I could rest. That’s why Philips Avent’s Natural Bottles will fit my family’s lifestyle perfectly.

The nipples are soft and flexible, and designed to mimic the look and feel of your breasts, which helps the baby latch on, that’s in addition to its innovative twin valve system designed to reduce colic. Everything baby needs to be fed comfortably while spending a little time in daddy’s arms.

ONE OR TWO SOFT TOYS (VERY USEFUL)

I love it when you can do a few things with only one item, such as Philips Avent’s Soothie snuggle. In addition to being really cute, it can also be used as a soft toy, a pacifier, a cozy blanket all that while freeing mom and dad’s hands. It can also make a cute decoration for baby’s room. Here’s why…

The Soothie snuggle is very soft and can be used as a cuddly soft toy. The plush toy helps keep the pacifier in baby’s mouth (without you having to hold baby’s soothie).

For ease of washing, the plush toy and the pacifier are detachable, which also means that you can attach any other Philips Avent pacifier to the plush toy.

As the pacifier is detachable, you can also use the soft toy in baby’s nursery as a decorative element.

A FEW ITEMS I WOULD ALSO LIKE TO BUY NEW

As I am planning on breastfeeding, I want to buy an electric breast pump. I am still hesitant between a double or single breast pump, but I like the affordable price and high-quality of Philips Avent’s breast pumps. I would also like to get a baby carrier unless I find a good one that’s used, a baby video monitor for the nursery and a lot of diapers!

I cannot wait for baby’s arrival! And you, what are your most essential baby items?

** This post was sponsored by PTPA Media and Philips Avent. However, all opinions are ours and are 100% authentic as a way to inspire each and every one in our day-to-day lives. The Sparks and Bloom sisters swear by this!