Minimalist baby gear - planning first 6 months in a small flat

[WolfMother326]

Hello,

I'm interested in hearing from mums who have lived in small spaces with their first baby. What are the minimal essentials that you got by with for the first 6 months?

We're planning to stay in a very compact 1 bed flat until the baby is between 2-6 months old, depending on factors to do with buying a bigger home with a spare room. We've been clearing out stuff we don't need and will also store some furniture and book cases to make room.

So far we are planning on getting:

• Bedside bassinet for first 6 months (will get a proper cot later)
• Small changing table with shelving and storage boxes for nappies/changing supplies and baby clothes (some room in my wardrobe also)
• Odor capturing container for nappies
• foldable soft mat for floor play/tummy time
• foldable baby bath
• foldable bassinet buggy (will have to live in tiny entry hall!)
• Sling that can hang in wardrobe

What other essential things would you get/skip?

Thanks!

[sleepyhead]

I didn't bother with a changing table. I just used a changing mat which lived under the sofa. Obviously if you have back issues this won't work for you, but I didn't find changing on the floor an issue.

I kept baby supplies, clothes etc in stacking Ikea boxes.

Baby bath got used very little. Didn't need anything special for used nappies (just into nappy bags and bin regularly).

I kept the buggy in the car as we lived in a top floor flat. A lot of our neighbours keep theirs in the hall but some flats don't allow you to do that (if you do, make sure you still fold).

[sleepyhead]

Might also be worth asking people to hold off buying you stuff or to give vouchers (I know it's awkward talking to people about presents - feels presumptuous) as we got so much stuff for ds1 which was lovely, but as we had very little space it was difficult to store stuff that was too big for him. We ended up missing some really lovely outfits that got put away and he had outgrown before he got to wear them.

At minimum, make sure people know you're doing minimalist for space reasons - dh's aunt very kindly bought us a highchair but it was enormous and we never had the space to use it.

[DungeonKeeper]

Foldable bath but don’t forget when they’re tiny you can bath them in the kitchen sink!

Small pram, we had a bugaboo bee.

Never had a change table, used a mat on the floor which was tucked under the sofa or the bed.

[purplejungle]

I wouldn't bother with the changing table or nappy bin. Just get a changing mat.

If you have an adult bath I also wouldn't bother with a baby bath - baby much preferred having a bath with us.

You can also probably get away with not having a buggy if you and baby get on well with the sling but that's personal preference.

I would get a bouncy chair if you can squeeze it in - really useful when you need to pop baby down/ whilst you wash/ eat etc.

[OolieMacdoolie]

I agree that a changing table isn’t necessary unless it doubles as storage (ie it’s also a chest of drawers or similar).

A bouncy chair can be helpful as it may allow you to get on with things while your baby sits in it.

You also don’t strictly need a buggy if you have a baby carrier like an ergo baby or baby bjorn. Might be worth considering ditching the bassinet buggy and just getting a collapsible buggy once the baby is 6 months old.

[Opticabbage]

Yes, we had the baby Bjorn bouncer, folds and fits really nicely under the sofa or bed

[ChocFondant]

I think your plan sounds really good. We have a small 2 bed flat and have tried to do the same as the spare room is currently an office while dh wfh. You could manage without the changing table but if there's space it will work and we store loads of baby bits on/under ours. We have a babyzen yoyo that fits behind the door folded - that's been great. You can bath baby in the kitchen sink but I do know some folding baths can be stored on a hook on the bathroom door so if you have space for the one you've seen is go for it

[WolfMother326]

Thanks everyone, super helpful.

I think we do need a bit of storage space which is why I thought small changing table with shelving, as I could fit pretty much all gear on those two shelves and keep things tidy, but maybe I will rethink that.

Great idea @sleepyhead to ask for vouchers instead!

@purplejungle we don't have a bath, just a small shower so I thought the folding baby bath could just live under the kitchen sink. Also good shout about the bouncy chair. I had considered this but didn't know if it was unnecessary.

I will have more of a think about a bassinet. We don't really drive (live in a busy bit of London) so just having a sling seems a bit tricky to me as I want to be able to go on long walks and get out and about (I tend to be a big walker and used to nanny, so know it can be helpful to have a buggy when out for a longer stint). But maybe not necessary in the first 6 months.

Once again thanks - all good stuff to think about!

[WolfMother326]

One more question @sleepyhead @ChocFondant @purplejungle @DungeonKeeper @OolieMacdoolie @Opticabbage -

what about going minimal on clothes/bedding for the first 6 months? Baby is due in August so will be moving through hot part of summer into cold bit of winter, but don't want to buy too much/too little. Thanks!

[MyGorramShip]

Slings were a God send with my baby, her on my front, rucksack change bag on my back, we walked for hours like that. I used a stretchy one to start with and then a Lenny Lamb buckle when she was bigger.

[edgeware]

You’d be surprised by how little a baby actually needs. I once saw a comment on here, “boobs and a sling will do it”, and it’s not a lie... I have a big travel system but have baby in the sling 99% of the time. If I had to advise someone in a small flat I’d say get a good sling (I have an artipoppe and it is wonderful) and a baby zen Yoyo for when they’re a little older. Rent, don’t buy a bedside cot if possible.

[DungeonKeeper]

If you live in London you should also have access to the fabulous Fara charity shops and maybe at some point Nct sales! I bought my bugaboo bee because it folded small and we lived in a once bedroom flat so had to keep it in the hallway (inside the flat)! Also loved my close caboo sling.

One of mine is an August baby so lived in vests and babygros. You can also get short romper suits that are so cute. Think at night we just used a blanket. Neither of mine liked being swaddled.

[Chelyanne]

A bouncer, they are great to sit baby in while you need to get stuff done.

[RLI1105]

Hello!
I have a 15 month old and am due twins in two months time.
One rule I am implementing this time is that apart from a cot, car seats and clothing I am going to buy nothing until they are here. I have a lot of friends/families with babies and am a just amazed how different they all are! Some products that some swear by others have no luck with it all! My son wouldn't go in a carrier at all until he could face outwards whereas my sisters baby is never out of his.
I just feel that you can get anything you need delivered in a day so I would rather spend money/lose space with something I know I definitely need!

Your list I think looks great! Although we live in a flat too and have never had a nappy bin/deodorisers. We bag poos and put them straight in the bin in the kitchen which goes out frequently and we have never had a problem with smells!

[sleepyhead]

Gosh yes, go very minimal on what you buy in terms of clothes and bedding - I had so many blankets and sheets that we never used. Absolutely ignore any lists of things you must have for your nursery.

We used baby sleeping bags from very early on, but last baby was 8 years ago - these things go in and out of fashion.

Cellular blankets were things that were always on the lists - never used more than one.

Fleece blankets - used for a play mat or if out for a picnic more than sleeping.

Cot sheets - maybe 2? I was lucky that I didn't have very sicky babies though. If you have a happy chucker then you could be forever changing bedding, but then again small sheets and blankets don't take very long to dry.

Clothes, people will buy you clothes whatever you tell them, mine pretty much lived in vests and sleepsuits when they were small.

[Aria2015]

I wouldn't bother with a changing table. I just use a portable changing mat and change my baby on my bed or sofa. For storage, I got some plastic drawers that fit in my hallway (pic attached). I keep all the baby clothes in there. I also have a happy caddy where I keep nappies, wipes, muslins etc... I used a Moses basket for my baby which was a great space saver and she was in it until 6 months but some babies can grow out of them before then. I'd maybe give the baby bath a miss too and just use the bathroom or kitchen sink. You really don't need much in those first 6 months toys wise other than a good playmat and some teething toys. Toys become more played with once they can sit independently.

[HoppingPavlova]

I had a change table but used a change mat in my bed for all of mine. Just kept a stash of spare nappies and wipes on the bed of a day and moved them to floor overnight (small pile). I found it really hard to actually change them on the change table.

[Tibtab]

I didn’t have a changing table, just changed baby on a mat on the bed or floor. I used a 3 tier rolling storage unit - like the kind you get from Hobbycraft to store the nappies wipes etc - then you can easily move it to the room you want.

[Motnight]

I personally would have a changing mat table with storage underneath. If you end up having a c section bending down for the first few weeks will be uncomfortable.

[ChocFondant]

I found that we were bought so many clothes. I needn't have bought much at all apart from a few vests really! I would buy maybe 9 or 10 vests/bodysuits and rompers or babygrows, a cardie or two. That would get you started and then you could reasses when you get presents and see what fits baby best/ how sicky baby is etc.

Just buy one blanket. You won't need loads and again people bought us so many.

If you want to use sleeping bags (I love them) get two as they take a bit of time to dry.

[Chelyanne]

We have a fantastic travel cot. It's got a fold away changer mat, nappy tidy, mobile and bassinet level for younger babies. Got it on amazon for just over £50, one of those could help save space and you can easily take it away for holidays after you get a normal cot.

I have ours for the living room and they last years as I use them as a play pen to give them a safe place to play while I'm busy.

[Swearwolf]

I'm going to counter those saying not to get a nappy bin - ours was essential in our upstairs flat! I didn't buy one initially either (after seeing people on here say they weren't necessary) but quickly bought one after he was born and it was a game changer. My baby wasn't a good sleeper and the outside bins were quite far away, down two flights of stairs and across the car park, and with limited airflow in our flat you could definitely smell them.

So I'd see how you go with that one, but also remember that everyone's situation is different and after the baby is here, if you think something would be useful then discard advice to the contrary! Keep an open mind.

[daisyducky]

Changing mat and use on the bed.

No bath. Just use your kitchen sink. Saves your back.

Just buy a few essentials of clothing, vests and baby grows and see what gifts you are given. Less clothing and wash frequently. Baby will out grow them so quickly.

No need to buy the 15 muslins that are on the baby lists. I've had 2 baby's and I've never really needed more than a couple.

[Aroundtheworldin80moves]

If you do get a pushchair, make sure it's light and if possible easy to carry one handed. Lugging them up and down stairs soon gets tiring. A sling will definitely be more useful on stairs. I recommend practicing before birth so you know what you are doing!

In my flat with DD1 I had a small changing table in the bathroom. All her nappies and clothes were stored on there. You definitely need some sort of bin in the flat.

Utilise space wherever you can... We discovered we could actually store quite a lot of toys etc under the sofa.

If still there at weaning age, I recommend the ones highchair. The legs come off, so it can be stored under or on a table. Plus it can be cleaned in the shower.

[Amrythings]

Consider getting one of the buggies where the seat converts to bassinet rather than a whole other bassinet - we were given a very lovely travel system with DS, but the bassinet was barely used as he liked his wrap better, and when we went out with the car we just used the car seat, so it just took up space.

I've got the Maxi-Cosi Zeila this time because I cannot be arsed.