11 Newborn Items You Don't Actually Need

1. Lots of Baby Outfits

Despite the fact that adorable baby clothes can be hard to resist, you scarcely need to buy any at first. The cutesy costumes you pictured your baby wearing will work far better in your imagination than in reality since in those early days, your baby won't enjoy getting changed (by "won't enjoy," we mean "will rant and rage"). You're more likely to wind up wearing only onesies and sleepwear.

2. Bedding Accessories

"Buy neither blankets nor bumpers. They are only safe for decorative purposes; they should not be used in cribs. Continue using a crib sheet that fits snugly. There are numerous lovely baby blankets available right now,"

3. Multiple Soothing Baby Chairs

You don't need to surround your home with plastic "baby holders," despite the fact that a frazzled parent will try everything to calm a crying child, according to Banks. Pick one or possibly two items from a swing, bouncer, rocker, lounger, Pack N Play, exersaucer, etc.

We also advise choosing goods with some longevity: Some baby bouncers can be turned into chairs for toddlers, giving them a longer shelf life than, say, a Jumperoo-style toy that babies can only enjoy for a few months.

4. Bottle Bundles

"Your baby will also have preferences, and they will let you know what they like. Before you know what bottle your kid like, there is no need to purchase large bottle bundles."

5. Trendy Gadgets

On paper, many things are a parent's dream come true, but when you look at them more closely, you realise they're not all that helpful.

Grab the towel warmer: "Warm wipes are a nice idea, but what happens when you're out and can't warm them up right away? Simply warm one of them slightly by holding it between your hands if you think they're cold."

Another thing you may omit is a bath thermometer, even if it has a lovely frog or stingray shape. "You can simply test the water temperature with your hands or by dipping your elbow in, even though water temperature is obviously crucial because we want to prevent burns. No additional thermometer is required "Grayson says.

Having said that, we still encourage everything that makes being a parent simpler for you as long as you have the money to do so. Before you buy anything in advance, try to identify your pain points once your kid is here because there's a very big chance that what you believe will be beneficial won't actually be.

6. Bulky Furniture Pieces

It's very overwhelming how much furniture is available for infant rooms, and not all of it is necessary.

Giving changing tables, which may easily cost more than $100, a pass and using a dresser with a changing mat on top is an option (a changing pad on a carpeted surface works too). You don't require a rocking nursing chair that costs over $200 or a diaper stacker/organizer.

Your infant also doesn't require many beds: You can save another $100 or more by forgoing the bassinet if you already have a crib.

7. Anything That Doesn't Work With Your Lifestyle

Every baby product is not intended for every household. If you've never wanted to go on those runs alone, your fantasy of being a parent who jogs in the park with your child may not become a reality, so you can definitely forgo the jogging stroller. "Things not according to your lifestyle, like travel gear if you do not travel," is how Banks describes these purchases.

She also advises sticking to purchases that are appropriate for your area's temperature and season, so you can avoid outfitting your stroller with rain gear if you live somewhere that is primarily dry or buying newborn winter gear for your kid who was born in the summer.

On the other hand, feel free to overindulge where it fits best with your lifestyle. Because you enjoy being outside, that can entail a fancy stroller that can manage uneven terrain, or it might entail a lightweight stroller that allows you to keep moving. Make sure the baby gear you select is practical for your household!

Find the rest of the "11 Newborn Items You Don't Actually Need" in this video