Minimalista Mama

Only what you need for your baby. Really. (OK – and some fantastic things you don’t that are pretty cool.)

Babies and Slides

I didn’t give the question of how a mini person takes on a slide much thought until my mini person and I started going to the playground. The swings are … Continue reading

July 3, 2013 · Leave a comment

Citikids

Sad news for San Francisco parents, Citikids out on Clement Street will be closing its doors soon, leaving a gap in brick and mortar baby shopping in the city. As I understand … Continue reading

July 1, 2013 · Leave a comment

Expecting: Let’s Talk About Bath Tubs

You’re going to need some kind of bath solution besides stepping into the shower with tiny, slippery Murgatroyd in your arms, so yes, you will need an infant bath tub. … Continue reading

August 9, 2012 · Leave a comment

Welcome!

Welcome to Minimalista Mama new visitors and new BlogHer friends! As my two year old says when we arrive somewhere in the car, “Excited!! Fun!!!” I’m glad you’re here. How about a … Continue reading

July 27, 2012 · Leave a comment

In the Town All Year ‘Round

If you have a small child, you need this book. It takes the same set of scenes and people through a year of seasons. That’s it. Not a complicated concept … Continue reading

July 16, 2012 · Leave a comment

Share It Maybe!!

“You got cookie – share it maybe?” Loving, loving, loving this! Hooray, Sesame Street, you made my afternoon!

July 10, 2012 · Leave a comment

Traveling with Little Ones (a few basics)

Sorry to be off the grid for a few days: I had big plans to pre-write posts for my absence, but packing for our trip with the littlest flower girl … Continue reading

July 6, 2012 · Leave a comment

Expectant Mamas: You Do Not Need a Humidifier

OK, maybe you do, but chances are, your infant does not. This is another item that is on a lot of “get this for your baby” lists and, for the life of me, … Continue reading

July 5, 2012 · Leave a comment

Tummy Time Tips

I was just hanging out with my friend and her baby and discussing tummy time, so I thought I’d share. (We talked about other stuff too. We’re interesting people. Really.) … Continue reading

July 4, 2012 · Leave a comment

The Birthday Parties

Pages and pages have been written by moms much more organized than I am about how to manage all the birthday parties your child will be invited to and how … Continue reading

July 3, 2012 · Leave a comment

Spinning Lights

In honor of our Independence Day, I’d like to suggest a toy that is anything but minimalist and definitely made in China, i.e. very American! The LED spinner or whatever … Continue reading

July 2, 2012 · Leave a comment

Minimalism in a House with Kids

I just ran across Leo Babauta’s post on Keeping A Simple Home with Kids at Zen Habits. It’s a couple years old but not dated at all: great tips for small habits you can … Continue reading

June 27, 2012 · Leave a comment

Kicky Pants Bamboo

Bamboo used to mean “pandas,” but it’s migrated away from the Asian bear market and is everywhere. With good reason: it’s a sustainable crop + it can be turned into … Continue reading

June 20, 2012 · Leave a comment

Starting Solids

I was pretty concerned about Astrid’s transition to solids. First of all, I wasn’t a cook. I’m a big cold cereal girl. Providing balanced nutrition – and in the form … Continue reading

June 18, 2012 · Leave a comment

Books: Butterfly Butterfly

We found Butterfly Butterfly at our local library last month and Astrid loved it. It’s your classic love story – girl plays with butterfly, loses butterfly, finds a bunch of other bugs, … Continue reading

June 15, 2012 · Leave a comment

Infant Soaps and Shampoo

Yes, you will need to buy separate soap for your new baby. The Irish Spring in your soap dish has too many chemicals and perfumes for your infant’s brand new, … Continue reading

June 14, 2012 · Leave a comment

Gifts: Calico Elephant

I love this little elephant and bought it for my new niece as part of her “Welcome to the world!” gift basket. I won’t pretend that an infant will play … Continue reading

June 13, 2012 · Leave a comment

Leander: Cradle, Crib, High Chair, Changing Table

I’ve just discovered Leander, and I’m a little bit in love. OK: a lot in love. All the pieces are beautiful: minimalist Scandinavian design in natural woods, light colors and lovely … Continue reading

June 12, 2012 · 1 Comment

Matchbox 20

In my grandmother’s town, where I spent my summers as a kid, there was an ancient toy store run by an even more ancient man where he still sold individually … Continue reading

June 12, 2012 · Leave a comment

Best Baby Blanket

This is the best blanket, period. I know it doesn’t look like it’s that different from the thousands of others on offer for babies and little kids, but it is. … Continue reading

June 12, 2012 · Leave a comment

Books for Dad: Armin Brott

Papa is often overlooked in this whole “Yay! We’re pregnant!/Hooray! What a cute baby!” continuum. You don’t see a lot of massage gift certificates coming his way and his life … Continue reading

June 12, 2012 · Leave a comment

Coming to Stay

A couple weeks ago we chatted about where all your new baby’s out of town fans should stay during their visit. (Short version: probably not with you.) Let’s back up a step … Continue reading

June 12, 2012 · Leave a comment

Tea Collection Sale

Tea Collection makes some beautiful clothes, especially for babies. They’re expensive, though, for something little Albert will only wear for a few months, so getting their pieces on sale makes the … Continue reading

June 12, 2012 · Leave a comment

Fire Trucks

Fire trucks are awesome. What’s not to love? I got a ride on one once. The firemen were heading out, I came by on foot wearing something fetching, and voila: … Continue reading

June 12, 2012 · Leave a comment

Gymboree Jeans (I’m Talking to You, Gap Kids)

Astrid was a Gap baby: their infant line – boys and girls – is tasteful but still cute and they were the only place I found reasonably priced pants for newborns. (I … Continue reading

June 12, 2012 · Leave a comment

San Francisco: Drop-In Music Classes

Babies and toddlers love music, but finding a music class that fits your little one’s schedule and doesn’t break the bank can be a challenge. I’ve lived in two of … Continue reading

May 23, 2012 · Leave a comment

Gifts: The Modern Dollhouse

Twice recently I’ve come across the Plan Toys Green Dollhouse. Probably not surprising given that I live in San Francisc0, where most residents would live in a place like this … Continue reading

May 22, 2012 · Leave a comment

Sandra Boynton’s “Little Pookie”

Who doesn’t love Sandra Boynton? (If you raised your hand, it’s all right: I’m sure you have many other wonderful features we will grow to love. With time. After we … Continue reading

May 21, 2012 · Leave a comment

KidCo BabySteps Feeding Dish

A couple friends of mine swear by this three-section plate for feeding new eaters on the go. The lid keeps the sections’ food separated when you take it with you, … Continue reading

May 21, 2012 · Leave a comment

Get to Know Your Car Seat

I’ve had the pleasure of meeting four newborns in the last two weeks – crazy baby boom! – and car seats and their quirks have come up in conversation. Most … Continue reading

May 21, 2012 · Leave a comment

Aden + Anais blankets

Aden + Anais is all the baby rage: their lightweight muslin blankets have been everywhere for a couple of years and make ideal baby shower gifts. The patterns are chic, … Continue reading

May 15, 2012 · 1 Comment

Blackout Curtains

Unless you have those awesome European interlocking blinds that can turn your baby’s boudoir into a room fit for developing film, you might want to consider investing in blackout drapes, … Continue reading

May 15, 2012 · Leave a comment

Sleep Help

OK, here’s me at eight months pregnant: “I’m not going to go nuts getting my baby on a fixed schedule: we’re social, we travel, and I want her to know … Continue reading

May 9, 2012 · Leave a comment

H&M Baby

I do not understand how H&M can make such adorable baby clothes. I mean, I’m Swedish like them, and, you know, all we Swedes have excellent taste, etc., but H&M … Continue reading

May 9, 2012 · Leave a comment

Best Play Food: Condiments

Kids love dipping their food. Ketchup, syrup, tartar sauce: our refrigerator door is crowded with salty and sweet condiments. So it makes sense that the condiment bottle collection we got … Continue reading

May 6, 2012 · Leave a comment

Best Play Food: Salad!

Astrid loves vegetables. I don’t feel like I can take much credit for that because I’ve tried to get her to like fruit too and it hasn’t worked at all. … Continue reading

May 6, 2012 · Leave a comment

The Baby Shower

Let me be 100% clear: for a baby shower, you should buy off the registry. Period. I can’t stress enough how you should NOT take matters into your own hands … Continue reading

May 4, 2012 · 2 Comments

Enter your email address to follow this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

Join 18 other subscribers

Follow me

Follow Me on Pinterest

Goodreads: What I’m Reading