Updated: March 20, 2018
Originally Published: Feb. 3, 2013
So you’ve just stepped into your local baby store for the very first time, and one of the staff hands you a booklet that outlines all the items you’re supposedly going to need for your upcoming bundle of joy. And thus begins the overwhelming adventure—by adventure, I mean the delightful chaos of wandering through every aisle, debating whether you really need nipple shields or diaper cream. Spoiler alert: you probably do.
Now, I’ll be the first to admit that we went a little overboard when preparing for Baby #1. Baby #2? Completely outfitted with hand-me-downs. Yup, every little item. Even the diapers. No, they weren’t cloth. I’m all for being eco-friendly, but I draw the line at washing poop in my machine. But enough about that. Here’s a rundown of items I bought for my first baby that I now consider unnecessary.
1. Fancy Bedding Sets
As soon as you unwrap that stylish bedding, you’ll receive a notification that bumpers have been linked to infant deaths (okay, maybe not 9 million, but you get the point). So, you skip the bumpers but still end up with a cute quilt that looks great on your nursing chair—until you realize it just makes your back ache. You’ve essentially spent a fortune on a fitted sheet that will surely be ruined by the first diaper explosion. So, either avoid buying an extravagant bedding set or opt for something with a design that cleverly hides stains.
2. Clothes That Go Over a Newborn’s Head
You might think your newborn has a sturdy neck, but good luck trying to get a onesie over that tiny head. You’ll find yourself panicking as you attempt to dress your baby, only to realize their neck is more like jelly than a support system. If you’re lucky, the adorable outfit will distract from the fact that you nearly decapitated your child.
3. Wipes Warmers
Sure, it sounds luxurious to clean your baby’s behind with a warm wipe, but what happens in public when you whip out a cold one? Cue the meltdown. Babies aren’t used to temperature variations, and you don’t want your little one to be a diva about wipe warmth. Unless you’re royalty, just stick to room-temperature wipes.
4. Shoes for Infants
Here’s a shocker: babies can’t walk. So why are you buying tiny shoes? Not only are they adorable, but if you look closely, you can literally see those little feet growing. Putting shoes on a newborn is like trying to fit a square peg in a round hole. Save your money; they won’t need them for a while.
5. Expensive Baby Clothes
This ties back to the bedding situation. Opt for affordable clothes from budget-friendly stores instead. Your baby will outgrow them in no time, so why splurge?
6. High-End Strollers
If you’re the kind of person who can afford a luxury stroller, more power to you. But for the rest of us, a simple umbrella stroller is all you need. I once struggled in a parking lot trying to collapse a fancy model with a million buttons. Now, I’d much rather find a decent one on Craigslist for half the price.
7. Baby Bathtubs
Surprise! You already have a bathtub in your home—it’s called a sink! Your little one won’t care if it’s not shaped like a whale. Plus, you can save yourself the trouble and extra cost by using what you already have.
8. Car Seats
Okay, okay, car seats are non-negotiable. Safety first!
9. The Bumbo Seat
This little contraption claims to help your baby sit up sooner, but guess what? They’ll do it when they’re ready, not because you stuck them in a Bumbo. Your child is not going to develop muscles like a bodybuilder just because of this gimmicky chair.
10. Pee-Pee Teepees
These are often given as gag gifts. They don’t stay put, and you usually realize it only when you’re caught in a surprise pee shower.
For more insights on pregnancy and parenting, check out this excellent resource on infertility from the CDC. If you’re considering starting your family, you might also want to explore fertility supplements to boost your chances, which you can read about here. And for more on baby-led weaning, see this guide on introducing cucumbers to your little one.
In summary, as you prep for your new arrival, remember that not every trendy item is a must-have. Focus on the essentials and save your money for what really matters.