While waiting for the baby to be born, there are ultrasounds to be done, cravings for strawberries or spaghetti to be satisfied, childbirth preparation meetings to complete... and wild shopping sessions. Of all these activities as a mother-to-be, the last one is undoubtedly the riskiest. Without warning, you may fall for yet another bunting nest, an educational game “for later” or a rocking animal that ultimately you are not sure you will use. Besides, the top 10 of these useless purchases for babies are now, and it's for all mothers.
SUMMARY :
- 10 unnecessary items your baby doesn't need (and their alternatives)
- 10 smart tips to avoid unnecessary birth purchases
10 Things Your Baby Doesn't Need (And Their Alternatives)
Before we begin, let us clarify that the objects on this list are not subject to any classification and that this list is not exhaustive :) . Depending on your situation, your habits, your choices for your baby, the number of your children or even your place of residence, one or the other may prove valuable to you, and that's it. completely normal.
A trash can designed just for diapers
As its name suggests, the diaper bin is designed to hold baby's diapers and nothing else. It is true that diapers are not waste like any other. 😉
Moreover, to function properly, this unique trash can must be equipped with compatible bags , which individually enclose layer after layer to avoid odors and dirt. However, in practice, a dirty diaper is a dirty diaper and you will still need to wash your hands after changing. In addition, your individually packaged diapers will ultimately join the rest of the waste in the gray bin when you (often) empty the baby bin.
Last point, the diaper bin remains relatively expensive (count €40), as do its refills (between €9 and €13 per month for average use).
Less expensive, just as practical and reusable: the classic flap bin and its roll of freezer bags or scented bags placed next to the changing table. At each change, packed it is weighed, the diaper is locked up. Later, the baby's trash can becomes a wastebasket and the bags slip back into the kitchen drawer.
Too many newborn size clothes
Labeled birth or 0 months and recommended for babies weighing 50 cm and 3.3 kg, they are, in most cases, already too small when baby is born . Moreover, if we consider that a full-term baby gains on average 1 kg and approximately 2.5 cm each month, this will inevitably soon be the case.
The trick here is to crack moderately. Why moderately? Because tiny baby clothes are so cute of course! 😍 But also, because, like all those you buy for them up to two or three years old, your child really won't wear them for long. Also, to prevent them from quickly piling up in your cardboard trunks, simply get a few iconic pieces chosen to dress up your prettiest memories of mom.
Soft toys and bath toys, soft toys and...
It's hard to say which, the invasion of stuffed animals that baby doesn't look at or the flood of bath toys that he doesn't use , is the cutest and most superfluous. Especially since some soft toys will remain forever neglected at the bottom of the toy bin, while your child will often prefer their hands to splash you at bath time. 🐳
To save time and space, buy the one that you think will become your little one's comfort blanket, their transitional object , and add, for example, a giant stuffed toy, perfect for decorating their room. To play in the bath, a vegetable sponge and a few plastic pots of different sizes (to learn how to pour, spill, fill and transfer) will be sufficient. Finally, remember to warn your loved ones! Otherwise, they will not fail to offer you multiple gifts.
A baby scale at home
In the vast majority of cases, buying a baby scale is unnecessary since, after birth , medical and pediatric appointments follow one another, giving you plenty of time to check your weight accompanied by your doctor . 🩺
If the object really seems useful to you, if you are breastfeeding your baby, if your baby is premature or if your pediatrician has recommended that you regularly check his weight gain, rent a baby scale for a few months, from your pharmacy for example. .
Shoes for babies that don't work
Then again, like almost everything related to birth, baby shoes are absolutely cute, but totally unnecessary. First, babies don't walk and usually don't walk until they are a year old 👣 . Then, the shape, flexibility and positioning of their feet mean that the shoes don't stay on.
Instead, choose newborn slippers that are just as pretty and easy to match, but more comfortable and adapted to their little feet, or non-slip socks lined with a protective and thick anti-slip sole.
A walker to bump into
Without a doubt, you have already experienced this situation: installed in his walker, your little one screams, rushes at full speed and bumps everywhere. Besides, the last time you caught the youpala in the ankles, you decided to put it away. Not baby, his walker. Very cumbersome , more or less dangerous and controversial (in France, it is prohibited in nurseries, because potentially harmful for posture and the acquisition of walking), the walker is undoubtedly not essential, especially since the Children only use it for a short time , between approximately 8 months and a year.
To replace it, consider the walking cart, which develops motor skills and helps little ones take their first steps with confidence. In addition, it can be recycled quite easily into a stroller or small shopping cart and is less complicated to store. 🛒
A playpen in the middle of the living room
In the same vein, if you have already tested the playpen or if you know parents who use it, you know that children do not want to stay there and that it takes up a lot of space, even in its folding version.
Much prettier and once again recyclable, the play mat creates a wonderful learning and moving area where baby is unlikely to fall and with which he will not pinch himself or feel frustrated. 😌
A breast pump just for him (you can rent it)
For the breast pump, it's a little different. Mixed breastfeeding or breast-feeding , you're going back to work soon and it's time to switch to bottle feeding 🧑🍼 . On the contrary, you have always been bottle-feeding, but you want to give your milk to your baby. The device is therefore useful and justified, but not its purchase .
Did you know that your midwife can send you a prescription for a manual or electric breast pump, to be collected from a pharmacy? More or less long-term rental, reimbursed by Social Security.
A baby bath
Baby baths are great, but once again they are very bulky and, unless you have huge cupboards or a large walk-in shower, you never know where to store them. In addition, they are not always as ergonomic as they seem. Even the Shantala will only last you a few short months.
If your house is equipped with a bathtub, you can take the bath skin to skin with your child 🛁 . Relaxation and well-being guaranteed. Otherwise, use a large basin (which is simply a baby bathtub of another shape) or even the bathroom or kitchen sink. Watch out, adorable memories ahead!
A baby bottle sterilizer
Yes, if our mothers did it for a long time, the sterilization of baby bottles is no longer relevant . Moreover, even ANSES no longer recommends it. So, we make room on the work surface and take the opportunity to also remove the baby bottle drainer 🍼 .
Instead, treat yourself to a very discreet bottle brush or choose Élhée baby bottles, which are so flexible that they are easily washed by hand, using mild soap and a little hot water.
10 smart tips to avoid unnecessary birth purchases
Shopping failure or failed recommendation, all purchases in the childcare section are therefore not recommended. After having identified the most useless objects, let's now imagine how to avoid these expenses and buy useful, healthy and long-lasting items for your child.
- The birth list is first essential to stay focused on your purchases and avoid some of the in-store crushes. Take the time to think about it during your pregnancy and weigh the pros and cons of each purchase.
- Prioritize the essentials : a few bodysuits, onesie pajamas, a sleeping bag for winter babies, a cradle and a stroller/car seat. You can always complete it later, as and when you need it. There is no shortage of childcare stores and delivery within 24 to 48 hours has become widely available.
- Find out everywhere , by reading articles like this one, but also from your friends, on mom forums, or even in the street. Do you come across parents equipped with the baby carrier that makes you dream? Don’t hesitate to approach them kindly to ask them what they think.
- Before buying anything , think about the aftermath and storage . Think about what you are going to do with each item and where you are going to store it between uses. (For certain purchases like the walker, this tip is radical.)
- For babies, a “minimalist chic” wardrobe made from natural fabrics in neutral and soft colors allows you to match all the clothes together. No more last minute shopping.
- Explore the rule of “ less is more” by, for example, not buying a stroller and preferring a baby carrier. Practicality and space saving guaranteed. And you can always invest in an ultra-compact stroller when baby becomes too heavy to carry.
- In general, aim for the longevity of high-quality objects made in France , which will follow your child for a long time and, why not, be able to be passed down among siblings.
- Always have a “survival kit” on hand for outings with your child . Filled with everything you might need when you're not at home (diapers, wipes, bottle, milk, changing clothes, baby perfume, etc.), it saves you from spontaneous purchases.
- Modular furniture is another asset in your fight against the useless. Adjustable chest of drawers, bed or high chair, this furniture adapts to your child's needs over the years, for a minimalist and anti-obsolescence approach.
- Finally, to avoid unnecessary purchases from family (we know how difficult it is to escape them) warn your loved ones, make lists and suggest that they become godparents of your baby by contributing, for example, to their future, rather than by buying him material gifts.
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Despite everything, we have all fallen for the toy that is too cute but never used, for the item of clothing that has never been worn or for the device that has been put straight away and that doesn't matter. Treat yourself, and don't forget the most important thing: you will always have room for the memories that are created every day with your baby.
