Don’t Waste Your Money on These Baby Items

Baby stores and registries prey on first time mothers with their long list of the things you need for a baby. These places try and sell you all of these fancy things that are beautiful but not useful. Seemingly practical items that are unnecessary because something else you already have can be used for the same purpose. Items that are supposed to be The list goes on and on.

There are so many options when adding things to a baby registry, it can get a bit overwhelming when it’s your first child and you don’t know what you need. As a mom to two little girls, I’ve figured out what things work for me and shared with you my must have products are for newborns. Now it’s time for a list of baby products you don’t need. For all of these items, I know there are going to be parents that swear by them, but if you’re a new parent or are on the fence about whether you need an item or not then these are the ones I’d cut first from the list. In my opinion these are all items that can be scratched off of your essential items for baby list.

1. Changing table. Big, bulky, unnecessary. These are all words I think of when it comes to changing tables. While I know some people swear by them, for me, it would be a waste of money. My daughters have never complained that about being changed on the bed, the couch, or even the floor. Besides, my kids rooms are upstairs and we spend most of our time on the main level. It doesn’t seem very practical to run upstairs for each diaper change.
2. Diaper Genie. Or any other kind of diaper disposal pail. All I can think of is a poop snail. I’ve been into nurseries before and some of them still stink. There’s no guarantee that the smell will not escape. I have a trash can and can easily put a dirty diaper in there without it stinking up the house. Even taking out the trash once a day, the cost is far less than the cost of the pail and the special liners.
3. Wipe warmer. If a baby gets used to having warm wipes all the time, what’s going to happen when you change their diaper in public? Or what if the power goes out? Unhappiness will ensue. Not to mention, I’ve heard stories about the wipes getting too hot and burning the child.
4. Shoes. You’re probably thinking that I’m crazy and that everyone needs shoes. How can I call myself a woman and not justify buying another pair of shoes? But really, until a child is walking (or maybe cruising), they don’t need shoes. Don’t get me wrong, I think shoes on babies are adorable. I just won’t buy a pair of shoes for a child that doesn’t need them.
5. High Chair. At least a traditional, tall, stand alone high chair. This is another big, bulky, unnecessary item. When I had Cakes, I took a buy as you go approach to things. I bought a Bumbo to help position and condition her to sit up on her own, but then bought the tray and once we started solids this became her “high chair.” Once she outgrew the Bumbo, I bought a portable booster seat. Not only was the booster seat convenient to use (you strap it to your kitchen chair), but with the attached carrying strap and tray cover you can also take it with you out to eat. I also love that it doesn’t take up a lot of space.

That’s my list of the top 5 baby items you don’t need. Do you agree? Disagree? Am I missing something from my list?