Minimalism with Kids: Simplifying Your Lifestyle for a Happier Home

I remember for baby #1- I had the entire set up – a very thoughtful planned nursery decor with matching furniture. It included crib, rocker, dresser, changing table, and multiples bassinets etc. The closet was full of baby clothes and supplies. I had the wipes and bottles warmer, the baby chairs (like 5 different types too). In the long run I hated the abundance of items and how little everything was used. I decided to go with a minimalist lifestyle onward.

5 kids and having a minimalist lifestyle makes things easier for me!

By the time baby #2 came (18 months from the first baby) my mindset was already changed and things were simpler. I let motherhood take with the flow and rhythm of the baby. This child brought the mix and taught me many things. Firstly, this child hated the bassinet but loved the crib (glad I had kept the first crib, so I didn’t have to go out and buy a new one).

Secondly, he enjoyed being swaddled as adverse to my first born that loved being naked lol (not sure if it had to do with them being born in opposite seasons.) Afterall, with this child it was when I said OKAY, THATS IT! I’m putting boundaries on gifts and simplifying this baby stage situation. And I embarked on a minimalist style that worked for me during that time.

Since I had 2 closed in age, I was able to use some of the same items for the 2 of them. One important point to add- They are both very different in personally, styles, and likes. Lesson learned was not be set on specific ways instead acquire the ability to adjust. Never thought I was going to have a larger broad. But life happened and BAM 3 more came along!

Minimalism with kids is about balance and setting boundaries

My 5th time around. I kid you not! I went with a mix of Marie Kondo method and a minimalist mindset when it came to buying baby items. Even on her wardrobe I kept it simple and adjusted as she grows outgrew out of the things. Things I DID NOT purchase this time around were shoes (she was gifted 2 pairs by her Nana when she was 8-month-old), no nursery items and crazy fancy baby items. Things can accumulate very fast if you don’t get control of it from the jump!

We decided on the simplest bassinet for her first months (till she outgrew it). It was economical and minimalist. (It did rock and play music. which was a BONUS for us because she LOVED IT!). We had months going back and forth on options, not sure which one to finalize our decision on. Lastly, I said listen I want to keep things economical and minimalist and after some research found the few items that fit our family. You make minimalist be about what works for your family!