Sometimes it feels like Babies need a lot of stuff. The latest and greatest products come out and they make new moms feel like they are not being the best mom they can be if they don’t have this new product. There are some things you definitely don’t need for your baby. If you’re short on space or money, here are some things you can skip out on buying.
Related: 12 Things You Need For A Baby
Bouncer/Rockers/Bumbo Seats/Exersaucer/Walker/Jumper/Swings
I am talking about basically anything that contains your baby. These take up a lot of space and your baby may not like them. They tend to be a minimum of $50 and go up from there. These baby containers are not great for baby development. Being on the floor for movement and tummy time is much more beneficial.
Baby Mittens
Baby mittens, the kind that are used for keeping babies from scratching themselves, are unnecessary. Instead of spending money on mittens, use some baby socks you already have, on babies’ hands. They do the same thing but you won’t be spending extra money for something that you may not need for long.
Baby Shoes
Baby shoes are adorable! But before babies learn to walk, they’re useless. I got my son zutanos baby booties when he was little and they have worked great for keeping their feet warm for both babies until they start walking. We just bought the 18 month size.
Nursing Pads
You especially don’t need the disposable ones. I actually mostly used my reusable nursing pads when my nipples were cracked and sore and I had to liberally spread nipple cream on them and I didn’t want the oil to spread onto my shirt. But if I hadn’t had that problem I wouldn’t have needed them.
Nursing Pillow
I have two boppy’s but they are not necessary. They were nice for the early days of breastfeeding and they’re great for propping your baby up when they’re learning to sit. But I stopped using my boppy for nursing when my daughter was 2 months old or sooner. I tried a my breast friend pillow, but it was a huge hassle to attach it every time I needed to nurse.
Warmer (For Bottles Or Wipes)
We never bought either of these. Baby will just get used to cold wipes and to heat up a bottle, put your bottle in a cup of hot water.
Baby Food Maker
Get a normal blender or use one you already have. You can even try skipping purées and jumping straight to baby led weaning.
Bassinet
Skip this and jump straight to a crib, consider co-sleeping, or trying a Montessori floor bed. Bassinets or Moses baskets, or other nests only work for such a short amount of time that they aren’t really worth it.
Bedding
All you need is sheets and mattress protectors. It’s not recommended that you use any bumpers or pillows.
Special Diaper Trash Can
If you’re using disposable diapers you’re technically supposed to clean the poop out of your diaper before disposing of it. If you choose not to, then tie it in a bag and toss it into your normal trash. Possibly try using doggie doo doo bags.
Changing Table Or Pad
Both the table and the cushioned mat are not necessary. You can change your baby on the floor, or if you feel it’s necessary get a waterproof mat to put under the baby.
Baby Bath
You don’t need a baby bath tub. You can wash your baby with you, in the sink, or on a towel in the tub. Baby bath tubs are used for such a small amount of time, that it’s not worth the space or the money.
Special Towels Or Washcloths
Just use the towels and washcloths you have. They don’t need a hooded towel or luxury washcloths.
Expensive Baby Monitor
Baby monitors can provide you with a lot of peace of mind. But spending $200 + on a monitor won’t give you peace of mind. Get a cheaper baby monitor. You don’t need to spend $200 on a camera. We use a wyze cam for our babies and I love them! I can see, hear, and speak to my babies. They cost about $30 instead of $200. And if you can handle not seeing your little one, you don’t need a baby monitor at all!
Infant Car Seat
You do not need to have a car seat that you can carry. Consider investing in a baby carrier instead. It’s a lot lighter and it can be used for many more things. Just get one convertible car seat that will last for years and try a baby carrier.
Stroller
Yes, strollers can be helpful. But in Alaska- don’t bother. You won’t be able to use it for 8 months or so. It’s a huge hassle and it is not worth it. If you have twins or two very close in age, you could consider it a necessity, or you can just learn how to use carriers, shopping carts, and willing helpers (like friends, and family).
Babies can use a lot of items, but they don’t have to have them all. Make sure you don’t spend money you don’t have on items you don’t need. If you liked this post, check out my post on all the things you do need for a baby.
