We've all seen (or maybe we've been) expectant parents buying items for their new bundle-to-be. They register for every single baby product and leave the stores laden with diaper trash cans, bottle sterilizers, wipes and bottle warmers and sixty-four newborn outfits. But are all those expensive purchases necessary? Or are they destined for the top shelf and eventual re-gifting? How does a new parent on a budget know exactly what to buy?
Every mother has her own list of baby must-haves, but we all have an equal list of useless (and sometimes expensive) products. Here are some of the items quoted most often as not being worth their purchase price.
Diaper Genie/Diaper Champ- A diaper disposal unit designed to keep poop smells locked in. The problem is, the systems are difficult to use and fill up with only a few diapers. It is far easier to wrap the diaper in a grocery bag and toss them in the trash can. I do know a few women who successfully use the diaper pails in baby's room, but they only seem necessary if you change baby on the changing table. Which leads me to…..
Changing Table- I owned a changing table with my first three kids. I used it for changing diapers maybe five times. The rest of the time, it held blankets and toys. Many, many women agree that changing the baby on the bed, couch or floor where you happen to be is much easier than lugging a poopy baby (and all his/her siblings) to the changing table. Keep a store of diapers, wipes and a changing pad on each floor of the house and you will never need a changing table. Unless, of course, you need the extra storage space!
Bottle Warmer/Wipes Warmer- These seem to be love 'em or hate 'em items. As a breastfeeder, I never needed the bottle warmer, and I found that rubbing a wipe between my hands, or breathing on it warmed it sufficiently enough. If you do choose to buy a bottle warmer, remember that BPAs in plastic bottles leach into liquids when the plastic is heated. Glass bottles are a safer alternative if heating.
Baby Bath Tubs- Who wants to lean over a bath tub, while trying to clean a wiggly newborn, when you can comfortably stand over the sink? You can use a simple bath sling until baby is old enough to sit up in the sink. Bathing baby in the sink is much less expensive and way easier on the back!
Crib Shoes- They may be cute, but they are completely impractical. Baby shoes serve no purpose until he/she is old enough to walk.
Sterilizers- Yes, we all want our baby products to be clean and germ-free, but an $85 sterilizer is not the only option. A dishwasher or a pot of boiling water are just as effective. And by the third child, you'll realize that popping the paci into your own mouth to clean it is much faster, anyway.
Cheap Breast Pump- Pumping breastmilk can be incredibly difficult. Using a cheap or ineffective pump just makes a daunting task seem unreachable. If you are planning on pumping for a considerable length of time, consider investing in a high-quality double pump. They are sometimes available for rent, and you can always purchase a gently-used one for a reasonable price. Check out La Leche League's article on how to choose a pump.
Too Many Newborn Clothes- Or too much of any sized clothing, for that matter. Babies grow incredibly fast. Some babies, at birth, don't even fit in the newborn sized clothing. Chances are, you will receive more than enough newborn clothes at your baby shower. Instead of impulse buying those adorable outfits that may never get worn, shop for baby's clothes wisely. Buy off-season for a fraction of the price. Scour yard sales for excellent deals and high quality name-brands. Save receipts, and leave on tags until you are sure an outfit will be used.
There are thousands of other baby products proclaiming to be must-buys. Some will be right for you and some will not. But if you want to stay on a budget, and not have to take out a second mortgage to pay for your baby purchases, remember what a baby really needs…
Somewhere to sleep, somewhere to poop, a lot of milk and some warm arms to hold him. Everything else is just icing on the cake.
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When we lived in a small apartment, the diaper pail was actually a great thing to have. It was just as easy to toss the diaper in there as it was to toss it in the trash can and it really did keep the odors away. Now that we are in a bigger house, it doesn't get used quite as much.
As far as shoes go, I received a pair of Robeez as a shower gift for my second and thought they were wonderful because they stayed on his feet! I thought they were a great way to keep his feet warm, when he grew out of those I bought a pair of the Target brand and they stay on just as well as the Robeez did.
I do agree that there is so much out there that isn't necessary, but new moms are made to feel as if it is. Great post!
Amen on the Diaper Genie tip! Poop sausage links, anyone? I've never visited a home with a diaper disposal container that didn't smell of baby powder laced poopy.
I've got to say that I love my Diaper Genie II. It does not smell up my house at all!!And in my small house, this is very important, since my change table (I need this one too!) is right around the corner from my kitchen stove. Who wants the smell of dinner mixing with old poopy diapers? Blech!! I do find it a little pricey buying the refills all the time…but for my living quarters right now, still worth it.
I only got the diaper genie because my husband thought we HAD to have one. As one of 6 kids myself, I've been raised to be quite practical. Why the heck do I need a special trash can for poopy diapers? If it's that smelly, I'm taking it right out to th ebig trash can!
Thanks so much for mentioning the PBA in bottles. Blissfully Domestic must be the number one leader in warning moms about this. I hope moms listen!
Wow, I was just pondering this topic today, as I have a new baby (my fourth). I came to the conclusion that the only essential baby "gear" items are a carseat (obviously) and some sort of baby carrier/sling/pouch/wrap, etc. If you're "wearing" your baby, you don't need the bouncy seat, the swing, the play mat, the activity center, the walker, or anything else to stick your baby in to try to keep it happy! And you can get stuff done to boot. How sweet is that.
Also, amen to the newborn clothes thing. They grow out of them SO FAST!
WOW! Great Post.
Great list – so not worth the expense! I bought a second hand change table and ended up using it as a books & stuffed toys shelf for my daughter.
Agree on the clothes. We had way too many "non gender" newborn clothes. When we delivered my daughter, the pinks came flooding in and the non gender went to Sally Ann.
I would add to the list that having less toys is more. Plenty of time to add later. We went way overboard on this!