Do I really need all this stuff?

Experienced parents are often the first to share the news that more isn't necessarily better when it comes to baby clutter. And while it can be really difficult to resist the temptation to buy cute things, the truth is that at some point that 'must have' item is going to become a point of irritation.

So, what's the best way to plan for what's really necessary and what's just 'stuff' in your baby's world? Read on to learn more.

How did we end up with so much stuff?

There are a few reasons why we seem to be drowning in clutter and it's not all about greed.

All of us are primed to give into temptation at times, especially when there's things we need to buy. And because advertising and social media is so clever at targeting our vulnerabilities, it can be almost impossible to say no, especially when baby things are so adorable. There's also a bit of competitiveness in all of us. Who doesn't want their baby to have nice things?

People love to buy for a baby. They also love to share and offload their own bits and pieces when it all becomes too much. It's difficult to say no to well-meaning people who may genuinely believe they're doing other parents a favour by giving their excess baby equipment away. Unless baby equipment has been used a lot, it doesn't tend to wear out which makes it even more challenging to throw away and find someone else who could use it.

It's very hard to fight temptation, especially when baby equipment is cheap, follows cute themes and seems to make perfect sense when placed into a shopping trolley. Who hasn't had the experience of forgetting what we already have, only to be reminded once we bring home something new?

Hunting and gathering, also known as searching and shopping, is strongly connected to nesting behaviour. Expectant parents are biologically designed to set up their environment when a new baby is coming. And during pregnancy when hormones are racing and emotion can rule our heads, and wallets, it's especially difficult to have a minimalist approach.

The 5 must have nursery items

1. Somewhere for the baby to sleep – a bassinette if they're little and a cot from around 4 months onwards.
2. A wardrobe with drawers to store the baby's clothing.
3. A change table and mat.
4. A comfortable chair for you to sit in for feeds
5. A baby bath – though the kitchen sink or a large basin will do just fine when they're little.

You'll also need

• Baby clothes, nappies and burp cloths
• Cot mattress and sheets. Check Red Nose for information about a safe cot
• A pram and car seat/s
• Bouncer and activity centre
• Swaddles or wraps. As your baby learns to roll, they'll need a couple of safe sleeping bags
• Bottles and feeding equipment if your baby is formula feeding
• Bottle and teat brushes, bottle steriliser
• Age appropriate toys

Things you may need

• A breast pump
• Baby monitor
• Dummies
• A nappy bin
• A lamp

10 ways to keep baby clutter under control

1. Quarantine one room for the baby and resist the urge for their stuff to take over the entire household.
2. If your home looks like a childcare centre, take 10 minutes and a washing basket to do a quick walkaround and cleanup.
3. If you notice the creep of the same small items spreading through the house, keep a shelf or cupboard in each room just for baby stuff.
4. Use storage bins, baskets and cupboards to stash stuff away. Often, it's the visual clutter which is unsettling - out of sight can be helpful.
5. Make the decision to throw away what's ugly, broken and things that you and your baby don't use.
6. Keep the special treasures which are practical, look really good and/or, have sentimental value.
7. Don't bring new stuff into the house unless you really need it.
8. Buy quality items which will last and bring you and your baby joy. We are all better off having one (or two) special items which do what they're designed for and are a pleasure to use.
9. Ask friends and family not to give your baby more toys as gifts. Instead, ask for a donation to a worthy cause, a contribution towards a special tree or garden or something which will last a long time.
10. Sell, recycle, donate or throw away things which your baby has outgrown. And if you haven't finished having children, keep what can be reused.

Remember

Clutter and mess don't make us feel good. In fact, they can add to anxiety and a sense of loosing control. But there's also a balance between what's reasonable with a baby in the house and what's not. Speak with your GP or Child Health Nurse if you're struggling with an unrealistic sense of needing to keep everything ordered and clean.

Written for Tooshies by Jane Barry, Midwife and Child Health Nurse, July 2025.