The first thing you do after finding that you are pregnant is making a list of products that are needed for your newborn. As a new mum shopping for a baby is a tempting as well as overwhelming process as there are hundreds of baby items for literally everything and they make them seem so important as if your life depends on it hence I can understand the pull to buy them for your little one. But before you fell prey to these tricky advertisements here’s a list of unnecessary baby products that are absolutely useless for your baby.
The Absolutely Unnecessary Baby Products:
1. WIPE WARMER:
Although the name sounds really fancy but guess what? IT’S POINTLESS as it dries out the wipes that are supposed to be wet so that they could clean the baby. Also once the baby gets used to warm wipes he’s obviously going to throw a fit if you’re outside and are not carrying it with you.
Alternative:
Wipes are cold and sometimes make a baby cry, but if crying is the issue, then you can simply warm them for a few seconds before using them.
2. BABY BATH THERMOMETER:
A thermometer to measure your baby’s temperature is an essential item but a thermometer to measure water temperature? I think it is an absolutely unnecessary baby product that has no place on your to-buy list.
Alternative:
You can easily test the water temperature by using your elbow or the inside of your arm.
3. BABY FORMULA MAKER:
Making a baby bottle is just three simple steps MEASURE-POUR-SHAKE this device does the same. A formula dispenser may sound amazing but do consider the amount of time required to keep the device clean. Moreover, the water and formula ratio is not always accurate which is very dangerous for the baby.
Alternative:
Making a bottle of formula by hand is not an uphill battle it’s more effective and you’ll have confidence that you’re using the right amount. save the money and mix the formula yourself. This machine is not cost-effective unless it also brews coffee for drained parents.
4. A DIAPER GENIE:
Nappy disposal devices are too expensive to operate and maintain since you have to keep buying specific refill bags to help hold the smell. Its motor system also makes this device difficult to clean.
Alternative:
A regular trash bin can do just as good as a nappy disposal system and it’s a lot cheaper too you just have to dispose of it daily. Instead of a diaper genie, think about taking out the garbage more frequently. Better to save the money to spend on actual diapers.
5. BABY FOOD PROCESSOR:
If you have a blender at home you have already got a baby food maker. Not only are they pricey but these tiny appliances just clutter up your kitchen and make things difficult for you. You can make nutritious food for your little one by using a standard household blender (Pro tip: if you ever see a baby version of any standard appliance know that it’s a waste of space and money.)
Alternative:
A normal kitchen blender will do the job twice as good and in no time since a baby food processor takes longer to blend to a smooth consistency. and you can also use it well after your little one is off baby food.
6. BANDANA BABY BIBS:
I know these are super cute but trust me they are more of a fashion statement than anything else. I mean the size itself is too small to do the job of keeping the outfit spotless also if your baby drools and spills milk a lot go for the regular bibs.
Alternative:
Regular-sized cotton bibs with waterproof backs are more efficient.
7. STUFFED TOYS:
Public announcement! Babies (especially newborns) don’t need stuffed toys. Everyone loves purchasing plush animals, but the truth is that they don’t really do anything other then clutter up your home. For the sake of your little one don’t buy them. You’ll eventually have a million of them. Besides, they attract dust mites which can cause allergies, and there’s also a chance that the baby might suffocate.
Alternative:
Wait until your newborn grow up so there won’t be any safety hazard. You will receive many as a gift so no worries.
8. PERFUME AND COLOGNE:
Those colognes that are manufactured “just for baby” might smell insane, but heavily perfumed items can irritate a baby’s sensitive skin. They also tend to be more expensive. I don’t know why are they in such great demand that major companies are making them but what’s wrong in letting your baby smell like baby?
Alternative:
Nothing! To be honest. Babies even without using any product smell incredible so let your baby’s skin breathe!
9. SLIP PROOF KNEE PADS:
Parents especially new parents are overprotective and don’t want their baby to get hurt while crawling. It’s tough to admit but infants are much more resilient than we realize.
Alternative:
You can easily skip this product, it’s a complete waste of money but if you’re still worried about your baby’s delicate skin you can cover him in lightweight cotton pants.
10. PACIFIER WIPES:
Pacifiers are needed of course but pacifier wipes I guess not. Obviously, the baby is going to drop it but I swear there’s no need for you to buy a pack of expensive special wipes to clean it so you can simply remove this item from your checklist.
Alternative:
Just run the pacifier under clean water or carry an extra pacifier in case you can’t clean it right away.
11. BABY LAUNDRY DETERGENTS:
If baby detergent is on your newborn baby’s needs checklist, know that normal detergents work just as well. Once your little one arrives you are going to spend an ample amount of time washing laundry and you are not going to have time to go an extra mile just for a detergent when there’s a lot more important stuff to take care of. So, here’s some friendly advice buy a detergent that is free of perfumes and dyes so it won’t irritate baby’s skin.
Alternative:
Instead of using a specific baby laundry detergent simply pick up a bottle of your favorite natural laundry soap and you are set.
12. BABY WALKER:
I can’t end this list without mentioning this unnecessary baby product. Usually, parents consider buying it as it helps babies to move on their own in the house until he is able to walk independently. Furthermore, parents can also take a break as long as the baby is getting entertained by the toys attached to its tray but guess what this can be very dangerous for your baby as the baby can trip over and get injured. Secondly, babies can walk when their muscles are fully developed not before that. This walker thingy speeds up the process where the baby has no sense of balance or coordination hence it puts extra pressure on their underdeveloped bones and muscles and can cause lifelong injuries.
Alternative:
Let them develop their body in peace and stay away from such things, they will surely walk when they are ready.
Moms and dads-to-be, while I understand your desire to provide your unborn kid with everything, he or she could possibly need but trust me when I say that investing in your child’s college fund would be a better use of the money you would have spent on these useless baby gifts. You can also go for preloved items if that doesn’t bother you as they can save you a lot of money. What’s the point in spending so much on items that can only be used for one purpose and become obsolete soon? What other products do you think are unnecessary and useless? Let me know in the comments section.
By
Khadija Zia
