Having a baby? Congrats! I hope you enjoy this exciting time. Like most new parents, when you find out you’re having a baby, you start reading. And reading and reading and reading. And then your head wants to explode from all the information overload. You need this, you need that…….it’s a marketing person’s dream, and you are a target!
So, in order to assist our readers, I asked other readers what they felt was a needed purchase and what was not necessary. Here is a compilation of the list.
What you don’t need to buy
1. Most “gadgets.” They say necessity is the mother of invention, and as such, you wouldn’t believe what people have come up with for new moms. Gadgets that warm wipes, so you don’t have a cold wipe on a baby’s bum. Special bottle warmers. But most moms will tell you all that stuff just isn’t necessary. Wipe warmers dry out the wipes and microwaves work just fine to heat bottles or water to put bottles in.
2. Fancy crib bedding. With all the SIDS concerns these days, bumpers and pads and pillows and all that stuff is frowned up for new babies.
3. Baby bath tubs. The crowd was mixed on this one, but a significant number said you can do without one. (And that’s the group I’m in!) I washed both my boys in the sink and then the regular tub.
4. Spit up blankets and the like. You’ll get a zillion as gifts.
5. Plush toys. Ditto to above, you’ll get too many as gifts.
6. Size 0-12m clothes. Again, you’ll get a bunch as gifts, and you’ll be amazed at the short amount of time they are in them. Get yourself the “home from the hospital” outfit or other special occasion stuff, but wait until your shower before you buy. And then, buy sparingly!
7. Baby socks & shoes. They just don’t wear them.
8. Diapers. Again, you’ll be surprised at how little time they spend in size 1 and 2 diapers. Don’t go crazy stocking up.
9. Bassinets and the like. Many moms reported that they just used a pack & play.
10. All the fancy stuff to make your own baby food. Your blender/food processor will work just as well, and again, you’ll be surprised at the very short amount of time they spend eating baby food. There are many healthy, organic options on the market right now.
11. Dreft. Have you seen the prices on this stuff? Unless your baby has allergy issues, the regular zero-type detergents (unscented, no dyes) will work just fine.
Where NOT to skimp on spending
Here is where our moms said quality matters, so research and buy appropriately.
1. Cribs. Safety is important! Research recalled items, buy quality, safe stuff. ‘Nuff said.
2. Stroller. Buy secondhand if you can, but weight, durability, how easy it is to push and maneuver, it’s all very important.
3. Car seats. Again, safety is king, so buy appropriately and never secondhand.
4. High chairs. Look for ease of cleaning, how well the child can grow into it and so on.
5. Swings. Again, safety first, but for many parents these are a godsend!
6. Pack & Play. Again think about safety first, but you may end up using this quite a bit your first year or so, so get a good one.
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