I vaguely remember those days when I was pregnant and I poured over every single baby checklist to make sure that we bought all the recommended products for a newborn baby. It is tempting to buy all the latest gear, but some products are just not worth your money. It is probably better to save the money for any future purchases that you really need for your baby as she continues to grow.
Everyone is probably telling you what you need but the cost can add up. Sure, there are some things that I definitely indulged in, but to be honest, there are a lot of baby items that are not necessary. If you’re on a budget, here is a list of 10 baby things that you can skip. You and your baby can definitely live without them:
1. Wipe warmer
Honestly, I’m not sure why anyone would even recommend this. Warmth and moisture do not go well. It is the prime breeding ground for bacteria. Needless to say, if there are bacteria on your baby wipes, it is definitely not good to use to wipe your baby’s private areas.
Furthermore, if your baby is used to warm wipes, it might be a problem if you don’t have a wipe warmer when you’re out and about and your baby might throw a fit.
2. Diaper stacker
One would fill this thing up with diapers, only to fumble to get them out. It is not great especially if you only have one hand holding onto to your baby, leaving the other hand free to handle the diapers and wipes.
To arrange your baby’s diapers, simply use a basket or box that you can easily carry around.
3. Baby shoes for newborns
I have seen so many people giving away these for free, and they are usually unworn and still spanking new. I think it’s pretty obvious why because babies can’t walk yet, so there is not much point in having these shoes. Sure, they look great in pictures, but they are not functional.
4. Changing table
After raising two babies, I can tell you that I’ve never owned a changing table. We just use a changing mat for changing our babies on the floor or on the bed. We usually have one changing mat upstairs and another one downstairs, so we don’t have to walk up and down the stairs just for a nappy change.
Alternatively, you can also re purpose a low dresser and make a changing table out of it. A changing table is around $100, so you can definitely skip this if you’re on a budget. A changing table pad is probably around $20 which is considerably more affordable than getting the entire changing table.
5. Diaper disposable system
Usually, with a diaper disposable system, it allows you to keep a few days’ worth of dirty diapers in the house. I don’t think that’s a good idea, but that may just be my opinion. We usually clear our trash daily, so we just use a regular household trash can for our diapers.
A diaper disposable system comes with specific refills that you have to get to go with the system, so that will cost extra. If you’re on a budget, a diaper disposable system is something that you can do without.
6. Bassinet
When we first brought our daughters home from the hospital, they both slept in the Pack and Play in our room. I think bassinets are beautiful, but your baby might not like it, and it’s just another item taking up space in your room.
The pack and play that we got include a bassinet and a changing table, so we got multiple uses from it.
7. A bath thermometer
I think this is just one of the gadgets that are designed specifically for parents who don’t mind spending unnecessarily. Sure, it is important to make sure that the bath water is not too hot, but I think testing it with your hands and elbows will simply do the trick.
Sometimes, bath thermometers can be deceiving. It might say 37 degrees which is the recommended temperature to have for babies, but your baby might not like it. The best way to gauge this is through the old-fashioned way. If your baby likes taking baths, I’d say that’s the perfect temperature!
8. A hooded baby towel
These towels are so cute, but babies will do just fine with a simple towel that you use for yourself. I don’t think you baby will be missing out on a lot if you don’t have one of these.
9. Baby detergent
When you’re a new parent, you’ll be spending a lot of time washing spit-up clothes, or baby onesies with blowout stains. The laundry is just never-ending. Separating baby clothes from adult clothes is not efficient. If you do separate them, it will take a while to accumulate enough baby clothes to do a load, and I’m not sure if it’s a good idea to buy so many baby clothes either because they outgrow them so quickly.
What I have done is just wash everyone’s clothes together. For the first few weeks, we used the “free and clear” detergent, but nothing like the special baby detergent. Then, we just completely switched over to regular detergent and my babies had no problems with it.
10. Baby food processor
Whenever I made my baby food, I had used my regular mini food processor or blender. With limited counter space, I didn’t want to purchase another appliance that will take up space on my kitchen counter. The Magic Bullet worked for us, and we are still using it well after our little ones started solid foods.
What are some of the unnecessary baby products that you can think of? Share your comments below! We would love to hear from you.
Disclosure 1: This content is solely based on the author’s own experience and should not be taken as advice from a qualified professional.
Disclosure 2: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Around The Clock Mom participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program. Purchases made through these links will not cost you any extra, but will help support us in operating this website.