The "baby stuff" industry does a pretty good job convincing us that we need to spend a lot of money on this and that. Thanks to everyone who left comments on my Top 5 Useless Baby Stuff list. I like hearing about other parents experiences with these products. I've found that a lot of the expensive baby stuff adds a lot of features that are really unnecessary and rarely, if ever used, so the cheap stuff works just fine, or in some cases, better. So here's my list of baby products that you shouldn't spend a lot on.
- Strollers: Expensive strollers usually add a lot of features that just add a lot of weight.
Since you often need to take strollers in and out of car trunks, closets, and such, I've found the cheaper, lightweight ones to be more convenient. - High Chairs: The main thing I'm looking for in a high chair is something that is easy to clean. The fancy high chairs add a lot of little nooks, cup holders, and such that just make it harder to clean. If high chair manufacturers really wanted to make me happy they would make it with a tray that would fit in the dishwasher.
- Bottles: Here again, easy to clean is the priority. As a general rule, the more expensive the bottle, the more parts it will have to clean. (If you've ever tried Dr. Brown's, you know what I mean.) The simple, cheap ones work just fine for me.
- Swing: Mostly, you just need the swinging motion and the kind that takes batteries instead of the manual crank. Sadly, we discovered (the hard way) that while the swing may work wonders for your firstborn, it may cause the second to just scream louder.
- Bassinet: You're only gonna use this for about 4 months, so why spend a lot of money on it? With X-factor we just used bassinet that came with the pack and play. I liked it because it also had the changing table right there.
4 comments:
Oh I loved the day we graduated to a simple umbrella stroller. That other one was easy but it was so big inside stores.
Uh, yeah, ditto on the swing. Bug absolutely DESPISED the swing. He sat in it 2 times. It is in the attic waiting for a little bro/sis that might like it.
Our highchair is not what I would have picked out (it was a gift) but since it was free.....we are still using it! And it does have the little nooks and crannies. One thing that helps - is getting my vacuum attachments (smaller ones) to it. It will suck up all that dried up food that is out of reach.
We LOVE Avent bottles. Easy to clean and helped reduce a lot of Bugs Reflux.
One thing I would add - suprised it didn't make it - CLOTHES. Babies grow so fast during that first year. And I have so many friends that bought tons of clothes for their kids. I have been so blessed with LaneBug - we are down line from more than a few good little boys. We don't buy many clothes at all personally. It is overrated. They don't wear them out.
Sorry for long comment!
Happy Father's Day Dr. N!!!!
I loved our swing and so did all three children. It was always in the piano room and they were all lulled to sleep by their Daddy on the piano. Such precious times. Many of those times were additionally precious to me because they involved me relaxing in a bath tub for a few minutes of piece and quiet. With the addition to the jets with the third child it drowned out all crying babies and pianos. It was a winner for all.
I think crib bumpers are unnecessary and a SIDS risk. For that matter the comforter and everything other than a sheet is unnecessary. I of course didn't realize this until AFTER I bought all of that and washed it with my first child. Shoes for Babies. My kids never wore them until they started walking. I'm sure there is a whole lot more but I can't think right now.
Things you shouldn't bother to buy: little baby hats and shoes. I have a drawer full and my kids never wore them!
Also, diaper pails! WASTE! I just use a trash can (use metal becuase plastic absorbs smells).
Things you SHOULD spend money on: carseat. Don't skimp on the seat! Also, I couldn't live without my Boppy. I think they're expensive (so look at yard sales) but I really loved having it, even though I bottle-fed.
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