One of the most exciting things about having a baby is shopping for baby essentials and nursery gear! But when you are having a baby for the first time, shopping for what you really need can be confusing. After all, there are just so many choices!
Previously, we talked about the baby essentials that you actually need. We included essential baby items like newborn clothing, bedding, and supplies for feeding, bathing, and more. These are true baby essentials that are necessary in addressing the needs of your newborn baby.
We also talked about baby essentials and baby gear that are worth the splurge. These include your baby’s car seat, stroller, blanket, and crib fitted sheets. Because the integrity of these products is crucial, it is recommended to buy them brand new from a reputable brand for your baby’s health, safety, and comfort.
Now, let’s talk about the third group of baby products that you will encounter during baby shopping: baby products that you don’t really need.
Which baby products don’t you need?
Admit it: every baby product looks cute and irresistible. But do you really need it?
First, remember your baby’s basic needs. Products like swaddles, bedding, and baby bottles are true baby essentials because they address your baby’s needs. On the contrary, if the baby product looks cool but does not fulfill an important function, then you don’t need it.
Looks can also matter when you are shopping for baby essentials. You may buy something thinking that it looked gorgeous on the store shelf, only to find out that it clashes with your nursery décor.
Keep in mind that your baby grows at a remarkably fast rate… which means that they will outgrow stuff at a remarkably fast rate, too. It is impractical to accumulate things that they will no longer use after a couple of months, so be practical when buying!
Baby Products that You Can Skip Buying (Because You Don’t Need Them)
1. Bottle Warmer
While having a bottle warmer sounds handy in theory, in practice, if you have access to hot water, then you don’t need an extra gadget in your kitchen. Simply hold your milk bottle under hot running water or soak it in a bowl of hot water, and you will have – guess what – a warm milk bottle.
2. Wet Wipe Warmer
Similar to a bottle warmer, you don’t need a wet wipe warmer at all. After all, a room-temperature wipe never hurt anyone, even your baby. If it feels cold, use your palms to warm the wipe. You won’t be needing any of these gadgets again. Save your money – and space – for something more useful and valuable.
3. Baby Seat
First of all, an infant does not need a seat. Seats that they say are made for little babies do little for their development. In fact, some even argue that they may delay physical development as they force a baby to stay in one position instead of being on their tummy and rolling, which is a requirement to crawl and walk
4. Baby Swing
Like baby seats, baby swings, which force an infant to be seated and be passive, are unnecessary for their development. It does not make sense to buy something that, well, doesn’t do anything. Aside from that, a little baby won’t probably enjoy sitting in it as they will likely choose to be carried by you.
5. Bassinet
A bassinet is good for newborn babies only. Once your newborn baby outgrows the bassinet, which can be as soon as a couple of weeks, you might not have any use for it anymore. Instead, get a full-sized crib that can be used by your baby for years.
6. Baby Food Maker
It is a good idea to make your own baby food, but trust us when we say that you don’t need a dedicated baby food maker. If you have a blender or a food processor at home, then you will not be needing another kitchen gadget that basically does the same thing.
7. Baby Shoes
Newborn babies don’t walk yet, so you absolutely do not need to buy baby shoes (yes, even if they look adorable). In fact, having your newborn wear shoes may affect the growth of their feet. If you are concerned about their little toes getting too cold, get your baby socks instead.
8. Anything Newborn Baby-Sized
In general, avoid buying baby stuff that are specially marketed toward newborn babies. These include newborn onesies, newborn diapers, newborn mittens – just anything newborn-sized. They won’t stay that little for long, and your newborn might outgrow the “newborn size” in a couple of weeks.
Shopping for baby essentials doesn’t need to be complicated! Your baby does not actually need that many things, so avoid buying too unnecessary baby stuff.