Becoming a parent is an exciting experience filled with important decisions, including what baby products to buy. While some items are essential, others simply drain your funds. Parents can save money by avoiding these 16 unnecessary baby products that are a waste of money.
Designer Baby Clothes
Babies grow up fast (much to our dismay) and can grow out of their clothes quickly, often within weeks. So, there’s really not much point in buying designer baby clothes. Expensive baby clothes will also easily get stained and damaged, and affordable options can provide the same comfort and practicality.
Bottle Sterilizers
Don’t waste your money on bottle sterilizers; as the NHS says, “they can be ineffective at sterilization and potentially dangerous to both you and your baby.” Hot, soapy water is sufficient for cleaning bottles, and dishwashers with a sanitizing function can sterilize bottles effectively.
Wipe Warmers
Wipe warmers are a good idea in theory, but in reality, they’re ineffective and unnecessary! They can dry out wipes, making them less effective, and they consume unnecessary electricity. Wipes don’t need to be warm, as babies can quickly adapt to room-temperature wipes.
Diaper Pails
Diaper pails are just glorified trash cans! Regular trash cans work just as well, as long as they have a tight-fitting lid to keep the smell contained. Diaper pails also require very specific refill bags that can often be expensive, and these costs will quickly add up over time.
Baby Shoes
Baby shoes are the cutest thing in the world, but unfortunately, they’re unnecessary! Babies usually don’t walk until around one year old, and they don’t need shoes until they’re on their feet. Baby shoes can also hinder the proper development of their feet, so soft, non-restrictive socks are the better, more comfortable option.
Changing Tables
A changing table is often expensive and takes up extra space, but it isn’t a necessary purchase! According to Business Insider, “It’s smarter, more efficient, and will save you money if you just buy a changing pad, which is about $20, and secure it to a low dresser.”
Baby Food Makers
Parents often waste their money on baby food makers. These devices just add needless clutter to your kitchen, as regular blenders and food processors can do the job of making pureed baby food just as well. Store-bought baby food is also a convenient and nutritious option.
Bedding Sets
Babies only require simple, fitted bed sheets in their cribs. Fancy bedding sets, including decorative pillows and quilts, can end up being unsafe for infants! You can save a lot of money by not buying expensive, impractical bedding sets for your baby.
Nursing Covers
Nursing covers are completely unnecessary! Many mothers find them awkward and inconvenient, and with so much to carry in your diaper bag already, you don’t need to add yet another item! Regular blankets or shawls will work just as well.
Baby Bathtubs
When thinking about essential items to buy for your baby, don’t include baby bathtubs on the list! Baby bathtubs are bulky, and babies quickly outgrow them. Mayo Clinic suggests using a “plastic tub or the sink.” Regular bathtubs can also be used with a small insert or mat.
Video Baby Monitors
While video baby monitors may provide an extra layer of monitoring, they’re not strictly required. Audio monitors are often sufficient for most parents. Video monitors can actually cause more unnecessary anxiety for parents, and they’re predictably more expensive than audio-only options.
Baby Knee Pads
You don’t need to buy baby knee pads to protect your baby. Babies are naturally resilient when learning to crawl, and knee pads can restrict movement and be uncomfortable. Maybe skip the knee pads for a few years until your baby starts riding a bike or doing sports!
Baby Detergent
If you’re on a budget, skip the baby detergent, as specialized baby detergents tend to be overpriced and not worth it. As long as you choose a fragrance-free regular detergent, it should be safe for your baby, as most baby detergents are formulated similarly to standard gentle detergents.
High-End Strollers
High-end strollers can be bulky and heavy, and mid-range strollers often offer the same functionality at a lower cost. Forbes says, “at a minimum, the best strollers are comfortable and safe for your child–and easy for you to use, maneuver and stroll.” What more can you need?
Crib Mobiles
Most babies tend to lose interest in crib mobiles pretty quickly, so you don’t need to spend extra money on these. They can also become a safety hazard as babies grow! There are many other ways to introduce visual stimulation into your baby’s surroundings, such as with colorful wall decor.
Specialized Diaper Bags
Diaper bags are the trusted sidekick to any parent, but it’s not necessary to use specialized diaper bags over any other type of bag. Specialized diaper bags can be overpriced and often don’t provide any benefits over other types of bags. They can also be heavier and less versatile than regular bags.
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