Sure, you want all the cute baby gadgets, outfits and other goodies. But do you and your baby really need them? Nope. Here are 15 baby products that moms agree you can leave off your registry, or at least wait to buy until you’re sure they’re something that will make your life better.
photo: Shaun Versey via Flicker
1. Newborn Shoes
When was the last time you saw a newborn baby strutting around in a brand-new pair of teeny tiny Converse? Yes, they’re beyond adorable, but after you spend 20 minutes shoving little toes into newborn baby shoes, you get to watch them get kicked off. Baby socks or footie PJs are way more practical and still super cute.
2. Lots of Fancy & Expensive Outfits
Sure, buying one or two stylish pieces for the going-home outfit or another special event can be worth it. But you’ll likely be hanging out at home for the first few weeks, so onesies and sleepers are more practical. Plus, baby duds get messy and clothes have a lifespan of about 15 minutes, so your money is better spent on other items.
3. Baby Detergent
You’ll be doing a lot of laundry once baby comes, and you don’t need to keep baby’s laundry separate to be cleaned with a special (and usually expensive) detergent. Buy a fragrance-free, dye-free detergent (look for “free and clear” on the label) and use it for the whole family’s wash.
photo: heymattallen via Pixabay
4. Changing Table
A changing table is just another piece of furniture to get rid of once your child is out of diapers. If space is tight, you can get by with just a travel changing pad. Or, if you have a dresser in the nursery, fasten a changing pad to the top for a makeshift changing table.
5. Nursing Cover
Cover up if you want, but don’t bother with a nursing cover. A thin baby blanket or a scarf do the same job, and you may be bringing them with you already, so skipping the nursing cover means one less thing to pack in a diaper bag or stroller.
6. Bottle Sterilizers
Good old (fragrance-free organic) dishwashing soap and water does the trick to clean dirty bottles and pacifiers. Or join the club of parents who throw it all in the dishwasher at the end of the day. Ta-da! Washed and sterilized!
7. Educational Videos
Your baby doesn’t need to be entertained by videos promising to make them smart. The best form of entertainment for your baby is you. They love staring at your face, hearing your voice (yes, even your singing) and being close to you. Wearing your baby in a wrap, chatting with them and taking them on daily errands will likely make them more than content.
photo: iStock
8. Hooded Baby Towels
Another super-cute item that is not essential. They look adorable, but your regular towels do the exact same job. Just save your softest towels for baby’s sensitive skin.
9. Baby Food Processors
The last time we checked, your regular food processor did the same thing as that fancy baby-food one out on the market. Besides, what happened to just smashing a banana with a fork? It’s also easy to make baby food with a blender. Or, give baby led weaning a try. No extra baby-specific gadgets required.
10. Gadgets That Monitor Baby’s Every Move
Monitors are great, yes. But monitors that keep track of your baby’s every poop, movement, hope and dream? That’s a little bit unnecessary when a simple sound or video monitor will keep tabs on your baby quite well. The elaborate monitoring gadgets are great for peace of mind, but they also have the potential to turn you into a nervous nelly or give you a false sense of security.
photo: glenngould via Flickr
11. Pee Pee Teepee
Yes folks, this is a real thing. It’s a cone to protect you from your little man during diaper changes. Except the little guy wiggles and giggles so much, how does the teepee even stay on? And you certainly don’t need another item to throw in the laundry at the end of the day!
12. Gimmicky Gadgets
Don’t get caught up in all the products that claim they’ll fix every little parenting problem. We promise you don’t really need a baby bath visor to steer water clear of eyes while you rinse baby’s hair (use your hand), a special sleep hat that folds down over baby’s eyes when it’s time for a nap (try blackout shades), a wipes warmer (just another thing taking up space) or a baby walking harness that helps you hold up tots learning to walk. They’ll figure out that walking thing when they’re ready.
13. Expensive and Fussy Bedding
It’s gorgeous and stunning and finishes off the nursery just so. But that bedding is also getting peed and spit up on frequently. A simple, soft fitted crib sheet will do the trick. Bedtime is safest without extra blankets, bumpers and pillows anyway.
photo: Tabitha Blue via Flickr
14. Stuffies
You can’t put stuffed animals in the crib until babies are much older (read up on safe sleep guidelines). And newborns won’t even pay any attention to them. You might as well save yourself the room in your home now because, one day, your baby will grow into a toddler and your house will be filled with stuffies.
15. Baby Spa Tub
The bubbling whirlpool action and shower stream may sound decadent, but most new parents are just trying to keep their newborn’s head above water. Save the spa ritual for mommy time.
Bonus Tip: All babies are different, with specific preferences and needs, so buy the essentials and then wait to get to know your little one before you stock up on too many swaddles, pacifiers, diapers and other items that may not suit them.
featured photo: PublicDomainPictures via Pixabay
—Ashly Grzyb, Heather Dixon & Eva Ingvarson Cerise
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