Last Tuesday, 5/14, we went shopping with a young couple who are expecting their second baby in two weeks. Later, I learned that their apartment was fully packed with baby stuff.
This made me think of many things. Years ago, I was with a family that welcomed their first baby. I saw the same level of anxiety with them, busy with both the excitement and preparation for the new addition to the family, also having the house fully equipped with baby items.
It is natural for parents-to-be to get over-prepared by bringing home plenty of items. Still, I want to share with my young friends that having too many items means taking up your space and time, soon or later. Sometimes, it can become overwhelming, counterproductive, stressful, and burdensome.
From my own experience, what babies need most from the very beginning is their parents' time and loving presence. Their earliest hours are the best moments for human bonding and emotional attachment. No money, no materials, nothing can replace your physical closeness if you want to give them a healthy psychological start.
When my son was born, we were graduate students, living on scholarships. Yet, we gave him an abundance of what he needed to grow at that stage of life. We held him, read to him, and laughed with him. I remember reading books on parenting that emphasized parental presence instead of expensive presents, quality time instead of quantity of toys, and creating a clutter-free and peaceful environment for the baby.
The whole situation brought to my mind Eric Fromm's book on two modes of living: To Have Or to Be? To have means to possess, focusing on material possessions, possessions of power, and even of people; to be means to experience, to enjoy, to love, and to live in the moment.
In the end, what truly matters is not how much we have, but the depth of our experiences and connections. For new parents, this means giving your baby your time, attention, and love, the things that truly last and impact their lives.