When you are pregnant (especially for the first time) it is an exciting time in your life. There is all of the fun of planning and getting everything ready for your baby. But, before you spend too much money, check out this list of items you can skip buying when expecting a baby!
Of course, if you are on a tight budget, that can make planning more difficult or even sometimes stressful. While you will register and hopefully receive some of what you need from friends and family, there will be many items you need to buy.
I recall when I was expecting my first. I registered for all sorts of things. These were part of the store’s “things to buy for the baby” list. Now, I realize they just wanted people to spend money.
I received many of these items and never used them. I felt horrible that people spent money on things that we didn’t really need. I also realized the store told me what to register for so that they could make more money (sneaky marketing ploy).
After having had three kids, I can still remember many of the items that I never needed. I see a lot of new moms asking for. That is not to say that you can’t purchase them. However, if your budget is tight, these might be some things you can ask for on your registry, but if you don’t get them, don’t rush out and spend your own money to buy them.
ITEMS YOU DON’T NEED FOR YOUR BABY
1. Wipes warmer
These look great, but honestly, they aren’t really needed. If you want to, you can use your own hands to warm the wipe for a minute before using it on that cute little bottom.
Not only is this really not needed, many wipes warmers tend to dry out the wipes, which can result in waste! Who wants to spend money on wipes just to have them dry up and get thrown out? (I sure didn’t).
2. Changing Table
This is convenient, but you really don’t “need” one. If you want a designated area to change your baby, you can purchase an inexpensive changing pad and secure it to a low dresser instead. That way, you are not stuck with an expensive piece of furniture which you will never use again.
3.Diaper Disposal System
It may seem convenient, but they are not a must. Not only do diaper disposal systems not always keep the smell out of your room, but you also have to pay for expensive refills.
Instead, have a trash can in the room (or wherever you will most frequently have diaper changes). Take the trash out at the end of each day (and you can flush the solid waste by shaking the diaper into the toilet as your baby gets older).
4. Specialty Detergent
This is one I fell for myself. I was told I had to get the special detergent for my baby’s clothes. Instead, opt for a free and clear brand of detergent. It will be free of dyes and perfumes, which are the products which can irritate sensitive skin.
Best of all, you will save time as you can wash baby’s clothes in with everyone else’s and not have to do extra loads of laundry!
5. Bassinet
These are so pretty to look at, but there is not any guarantee you will use it. Even if you do, it is for a relatively short period of time. Instead, get a pack and play with the removable bassinet on the top. Assemble and use it instead.
We actually had a couple of pack and plays (received both as gifts). One was smaller and was kept upstairs and then we had another in our family room. Both had the bassinet and were used for naps when our kids were very small. As they got older, we then had the playpen to use to set them in when needed.
6. Crib bedding
With all of the new concerns with crib bumpers, many people are opting to not put them in at all (even the breathable versions). A baby bedding set often includes the bumper, dust ruffle, and a quilt. If you will never use the quilt or the bumper, then you are paying for items you just don’t need. Simple crib sheets which fit tightly onto the mattress is all you need. Opt for bright colors to add some fun to your crib.
7. Baby Food Processor
There is no need for a special appliance to create your own baby food. You can use your own food processor, blender or magic bullet to make your own food. It works exactly the same and saves you the cost (and space) of having an additional item in the kitchen.
8. Baby shoes
They are absolutely adorable, but this is another item you can skip buying when expecting a baby. Babies do not need shoes until they get closer to learning to walk. So save your money and purchase them when they are bit older.
9. Bottle cleaning system and/or sterilizer
Most dishwashers work perfectly fine when it comes to cleaning bottles and nipples. Many even have a sterilizing option built in (which is just a very high heat setting which can kill germs). Skip the fancy system and use your dishwasher to clean bottles and they will be perfectly fine for baby to use.
10. Baby towels
The everyday towels you use on yourself are perfectly fine for drying your little one. Just wrap them up tightly in it and cover that wet head if you are concerned about your little one catching cold.
11. Diaper stacker
While they might look adorable, they are definitely not needed. We just kept all of our diapers in a dresser drawer which was convenient to get to and held many more diapers than any stacker!
Your baby needs just a few things when they are first born and the most important thing is your love and attention. The other things – they are just things.
