Parenthood is a whirlwind of joy, sleepless nights, and a bombardment of choices. Your whole universe flips upside down in preparation for this new tiny human to arrive. In the midst of all the advice and suggestions (along with all the adorable baby products that call for purchasing), it’s easy to go overboard on stuff that, on most occasions, never end up being useful. Let’s look at some of the baby items that new parents get crazy over and spend their hard-earned money on.
Expensive Crib Bedding Sets
That coordinating bedding set for the crib is more decorative than functional. Quilts and bumper pads will cause suffocation or entrapment; throw pillows can be dangerous, and they’re completely unnecessary. A fitted sheet is about all a baby needs. Bonus: fewer stuff to wash!
Diaper Pails
Specially designed diaper pails are promised to seal in those stinky smells, yet a regular trash can with a tight-fitting lid will work just as well. Regularly taking out the trash will keep the odor at bay, without spending on highly-priced refill bags.
Baby Shoes
Those mini sneakers are bound to be a hit on Instagram, but until baby begins to walk, they are purely decorative. Use cozy socks or booties to keep their feet warm and wait until they are toddling around before investing in proper shoes.
Wipe Warmers
Warm wipes for a comfy diaper change, designed to get you hooked, but let’s not kid ourselves; babies can adjust just well with room-temperature wipes. Warmer can dry out your stash and occupy a prime changing-table space. Babies will forgive you for not warming their wipes to spa quality.
Specialized Nursing Clothes
Maternity clothes are easy to wear, but there is no need to change your entire wardrobe. A few nursing bras and some selected pieces-a button-up shirt or two and stretchy tank tops-should be sufficient for you. Regular clothes with easy access will do just as well, thus saving you a fortune.
Baby Bath Thermometers
Of course, testing the bathwater with a thermometer may sound fun, but you can simply test the temperature with your elbow or wrist. If it feels comfortably warm for you, then it’s a safe temperature for your baby. No tools are needed
Changing Tables
In many cases, changing tables can take up precious space and cost too much. The changing pad on the dresser or even bed does the same thing. And when it’s done with diapers, you’ll be satisfied you didn’t clutter your nursery with only one-purpose furniture.
Newborn-Sized Clothes
It may seem sensible to accumulate a stock of newborn clothes, yet most babies outgrow them as soon as possible. Opt for bigger outfits instead so that you aren’t left with an entire wardrobe of never-worn onesies.
Baby-Specific Cleaning Supplies
This also applies to those “baby-safe” cleaning products. Non-toxic household cleaners work just as well when wiping baby toys, high chairs, and other baby equipment. There’s no need to double your cleaning forces.
Designer Baby Clothes: Cute, but Cash-Draining
Yes, that cute little designer onesie is, well, cute, but here’s the thing: babies grow faster than you can say “size up.” A $50 outfit lasts how long? Two weeks? Plus, spit-up and diaper disasters spare no one, whether their tags say Gucci or Target. Save the splurge for when it won’t be outgrown overnight.
Fancy Baby Monitors
While they might seem reassuring, monitors that have live videos, heart rate tracking, and motion sensors may provoke elevated anxiety in parents. A basic audio or video monitor would do just fine without turning you into a helicopter parent.
Baby Laundry Detergent
Baby clothes require special detergents? No; to give your baby the personal touch, a fragrance-free and dye-free detergent will do just as well, keep it simple, and save you some money.
Baby Food Makers
An appliance that purées peas on a specific purpose? Your blender will do the trick. With kitchenware that you already own, you can make your baby food in bulk and freeze it into portions.
Expensive Nursery Decor
At that time, your baby would not even know what designer wallpaper is or what an artisan crib is. A practical and comfortable room is all they need. Use functional and inexpensive pieces and personalize the room with small and meaningful touches.
Baby Perfumes and Colognes
Baby perfumes? Quite right. They do exist-and no, you don’t really need them. Babies have sweet fragrances that aren’t better by any perfume. A simple bath keeps your baby fresh without risk of skin irritation.
Specialized Diaper Bags
An expensive print does appear chic; however, any roomy carrying pouch with individual compartments shall suffice. Most parents go for a sturdy backpack or tote, which will stay around long after diapers have ceased being useful.
19 Things Couples Should Give Up After Becoming New Parents
Having kids is an incredible journey filled with joy, challenges, and life-altering changes. Here’s a fun listicle highlighting 19 things couples might need to give up (or at least rethink) once they become parents.
19 Things Couples Should Give Up After Becoming New Parents
19 Things You Should Never Say to Your Kids—No Matter Their Age
Sure, parenting is hard, and no one gets it right 100% of the time. But some phrases? They do real damage. If you’ve ever said any of these, it might be time to rethink how you talk to your kids—because these words can haunt them forever.
19 Things You Should Never Say to Your Kids—No Matter Their Age