Items you don't need for a new baby?

Question

Just curious what items were the most useless for your new baby?

Answer 1

Shoes - by the time I thought about putting shoes on him for a special event he had outgrown them and he went in his socks.

Bibs - don't need them till they actually start eating foods from a spoon. The messy eating with a bottle (if you wind up bottlefeeding) lasts for about a week until they get the hang of it.

Bouncy chair - he was too little, he's just grown into now (he's 3 and a half months old) and today was the first day he almost figured out how to make it bounce (it's one of the old school fabric covered chairs and wire frame)

Booties - they don't stay on and after having to retrace my steps to go find the missing one too many times, I just double up on socks. I just bought him his first pair of slippers today so we will see how well they stay on, it's getting too cold out now just to double up on socks.

Baby Quilts - too thick, worried about baby getting his face buried in them.

Hand held toys - of any kind, rattles, stuffed toys, they aren't ready for them for at least 3 months. My guy is just starting to show an interest in them and be able to grab them.

Baby Oil - I have 3 bottles of the stuff - 2 given to me as gifts and the bottle of baby oil that I have had for way too many years, it gets used only when the dog gets eczema as it works great for that and won't make the dog sick if he licks it off.

The mesh bag for small laundry items like socks and mitts - I never remember to separate his socks from the rest of his laundry and things don't dry well in the bag.

Some things I didn't even bother getting or asking for:

bottle warmer - it's so much easier feeding at room temperature.

Wipe warmer - by the time it gets to babies butt it will be room temperature anyways and it's just a waste of electricity.

Bottle sterilizer - get a dishwasher (the drying cycle sterilizes and just boil the nipples as the latex can't go through the drying cycle and it won't get those tiny holes clean like boiling will). You'll need the dishwasher just as a convenience (no more washing dishes before hand before going to bed after baby has gone to sleep!).

Diaper Genie - everyone I talked to says they don't work that great at keeping the smell down and the inserts are just another excuse to spend money. I have garbage pails with lids, plastic garbage bags lining them and my trusty can of lysol.

Answer 2

The thing that I wish I had done different wasn't something I didn't use, as much as I didn't use long enough. My son was 10 and half pounds when he was born and grew out of the infant car seat by the time he was 5 months old. I didn't realize that there were some really good convertable car seats that handle 5 to 65 lbs. Britax is an awesome car seat company and I ended up buying one of theirs when he was 5 months old. I bought the boulevard after reading reviews of people who had rolled their vehicles and their child didn't have a scratch. It's the only seat on the market with side impact protection. Also, they actually crash test their seats, a lot of others don't. Here's a link if your interested.

http://www.albeebaby.com/brbococarse2.html

Answer 3

I have to disagree about not needing a change table! I have two boys aged 12 months and 24 months and they each have one in their rooms - if I couldn't change their nappy on it and had to do it elsewhere there'd be poo and mess all over my house as they wriggle away! Definitely get a change table!

I ended up with too many clothes, what a waste - my babies wore all in one suits which button up most of the time, other clothes were too impractical and only used for special outings. Also I had too many bunny rugs and blankets, you do need them but not that many. For me the swaddling muslin wraps were fine for only a short time - my boys could get out of them too easily so all that money spent on them was a bit too much as well. Baby cot mobiles - my babies preferred their Fisher Price musical aquarium and flutterbye dreams cot attachments that light up and play music - the mobiles have been nearly destroyed by little hands pulling on them.

Best buys: Safe & Sound Meridian AHR and Maxi Rider car seats; Steelcraft twin stroller; Avent Steam Steriliser and bottles; Grobag baby sleeping bags (no need for blankets).

Answer 4

The changing table was the biggest waste! I think I used it once. I found myself changing baby on the bed, floor and couch! Just get a changing mat (they come with diaper bags) and have that handy. Oh...and the diaper bag...not really needed. By the time you have babies #2 & 3, you will just throw some extra diapers in the car and call it good!!!

Answer 5

Babies don't need shoes. They can't walk yet. It may look cute but not worth it, plus it's one extra thing to take off when changing your baby. Get your baby shoes when he/she can walk.

A bottle warmer isn't necessary unless you're planning on a long road trip. If you're just going out for a day or afternoon, a thermos is fine for storing hot water.

Answer 6

I think shoes and a crib, i never used either with both my babys. The britax car seat is really awesome like Tracy G said. I dont know about the others but I absolutely loved my changing table and wipey warmer. (soak the wipes with water then they dont dry out)

Answer 7

The travel system. Yes, it was pretty convenient, but it came with an infant carrier. My son is four months and we'll soon need to buy a convertible car seat. Just buy that and a regular stroller and you'll be fine.

Also, you won't need a crib for at least 2-3 months or tons of newborn and 0-3 months clothes.

Answer 8

I never got to put shoes on him until he was 4 months {and I had 4 pairs for newborn baby!}, and changing table didn't last long as he started rolling over from it at 4 months.

Answer 9

i found a bassinett and change tables not too good.
the bassinett because the baby is fine in the cot providing you follow the sids guidelines.
the change table because i just changed my daughter on a bed or the floor with a blanket under her bum incase any spillage.
so if your a bit strapped for cash or anything i really dont think that these thigs are a necessity.

Answer 10

bottle warmers, and actually more than 3 bottles really(i didnt use anything but platex drop-ins! Would definately recommend). Bibs, a high chair, tummy time mats (not til at least 2-3 months), colorful toys (stick to black and whites at first then move to colors and noises), shoes (not til she was 6mo), crib (at least for the first few months our daughter used her bassinet), all different colors of socks, Yes they are cute, but when you are in a hurry its best to just own white ones. Your guaranteed a match!!