Let's talk baby gear for a second. Guys, there's a ton out there and I love ALL of it. Unfortunately, our tiny space doesn't allow for a ton of baby gear to pile up in our space (cue tiny violins). Which, all things considered, could be a blessing because with our first two we had a lot of stuff that they never really used. So this time around, we made sure that anything we brought in the house has a purpose and is used on the regular. Real talk: It's refreshing and I'm kind of excited that we get to avoid the clutter, for now. We're still in the baby stage, so obviously, as this wiggle worm starts to grow and roam, we might have to re-consider some of the minimalist small-space goals as we baby proof. Ack.
With that in mind, and the limited room in our 700 square foot apartment, I did a little testing and narrowed down some of my favorite tiny-dwelling-approved baby gear items that fit our space perfectly. Added bonus: they're Indiana approved.
So, if you're putting together your registry and/or have a tiny apartment, I highly suggest these pieces.
When we first brought Indiana home, aside from his bassinet, we didn't really have a secure spot to set him down while we did... anything (work, dishes, dinner, etc). Basically dinner was had with him in hand, because he wanted to be included. But since most bouncers and swings tend to be space hogs, we didn't see many options. I happened along this Skip Hop Multi Level Baby Bouncer while searching for small space bouncers and it's been a Godsend since it arrived. First, off it adjusts to 3 height levels (up to 36" at the tippy top, not the base) so you can take it wherever you need it in your house- kitchen, living room, bedroom, wherever. It also folds flat (with a key) and slides right under our couch when it's not in use. I can easily say that this is one of the most used pieces of baby gear in our house.
The second we laid Indy on this gym his eyes lit up. He is obsessed with the high-contrast prints, music, and blinking lights. He will sit on this for a good long while and watch each light go up and down the arches on the gym and just take in the prints. It.is.amazing.
Pro Tip: Keep the plastic packaging it comes in for easy storage. The gym folds in half and fits in the plastic pouch perfectly and slips into closets without a problem. Takes up as much space as a winter coat maybe.
The Boppy, $39.99
If there's one thing you need to add to your registry it's the Boppy. This thing is such a lifesaver, whether your setting your baby down next to you on the couch, providing extra support while nursing or for when older children hold the baby. It can even be used for tummy time. $40 well spent.
The limited space really makes you re-think necessities. With a big tall bed, it seemed that we could do without the changing table and pad. Plus, we had the pad and table for the first two, and I ended up changing their diapers on the floor or the bed the majority of the time anyway. This is amazing for small spaces. It has plenty of room for diapers, wipes or whatever and comes with a changing mat that folds right up and stores in the box. So good!
(But! I just saw the black on sale for way under $100 at TJMAXX)
As a long time BabyBjorn fan we instantly fell in love with this carrier. I'm more partial to this particular model for the added hip support that you don't really get with the original carrier. This is our go-to for taking Indy out and he loves it.
Storage: We either hang it on door/coat hooks or in one of our many baskets.
Chicco Urban Stroller, $399.99
One of my favorite things about this stroller is the bassinet. It us awesome for toting this little guy around the neighborhood. While you do have to remove the bassinet to fold down the stroller, I will say they both fold flat for easy storage under the couch or behind a door. Also it's super easy to maneuver on uneven city sidewalks so that's a pretty large perk.