Bringing a new baby into the world can be an expensive endeavor. Before the due date, you and your partner have likely spent months researching vital items like clothing, a car seat, a stroller, and other baby items to determine which is fit for your family. It can be exhausting trying to figure out which items are best and which items you don’t really need with so many available baby products. Save yourself some money and skip purchasing the items that you can live without. Here’s our guide on which newborn products you don’t really need and which are vital to surviving the first few months of raising a child.
Baby Products You Can Live Without
Crib BumperWhile crib bumpers are still widely sold in stores, this is one item you definitely want to skip. It’s tempting to buy one of these items because they are advertised as a safety item, preventing your baby’s arms from slipping through the cracks in the crib, but it’s been determined that crib bumpers can actually be dangerous for your newborn. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), there is no evidence that these products actually prevent injuries and can, in fact, lead to higher chances of suffocation and even sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Unfortunately, these items are yet to be banned from being sold, so don’t be fooled when you spot one in the baby section. If you find a baby mattress or set of sheets sold with a crib bumper, it’s okay to purchase the itemsjust skip using the bumper to provide your baby with a safer sleep environment. 
Changing TableYou definitely need a safe place to change your baby’s diapers, but purchasing an entire table just to be used as a diaper changing station is not necessary. Instead, you can buy a changing mat, which will provide your baby with comfort during diaper-change time. When purchasing items for your child, try to think about long-term use. With a changing mat, you can opt for a nice dresser instead, on top of which you can place the mat. Then, as your child grows older and no longer needs diapers, you can get rid of the changing mat and have a beautiful dresser in its place. Changing mats are more much affordable than large, bulky changing tables, so this is a great place to cut costs.BassinetMany new parents ask for or purchase a bassinet as a place for their newborn to sleep in his or her first few months of life. However, a crib provides the same comfortable sleeping space with the ability to add cute accessories like mobiles and sound-making machines. Your baby will end up using a nice, sturdy crib for longer than the smaller-sized bassinets designed for newborns. If you’re interested in a bassinet because of the ability to wheel it into your own bedroom to have baby close by, instead opt for a travel crib, which can be converted into a play area as your baby grows. Infant-Sized TubOnce you bring your baby home, you’ll need a safe place to wash him or her, but an infant-sized tub can often be a waste of money because your newborn will grow more quickly than you think. Purchase a regular, baby-sized tub to prolong the item’s use. Looking back on pictures of your own infancy, you may notice photos of your parents bathing you in the sink. While this is a common practice for older babies, infants require the additional support of a tub since their necks are not quite strong enough to hold up their heads on their own yet. Provide your newborn with a luxurious tub and allow them time to grow into it. Nursing PillowNursing pillows are available in an endless variety of cute patterns, but a simple, regular size and shaped pillow will work just as well. If you find yourself racking up the bill on baby items, this one is an easy product to skip. You probably already have tons of pillows lying around the house. Don’t fret over getting a pillow designed for nursing and make use of what you already have.
Things to Definitely Get for Your Baby
Onesies Brand bodysuitsOnesies Brand bodysuits will quickly become a staple in your newborn’s wardrobe. This versatile item can be worn to sleep or under an adorable outfit. When shopping for baby clothes, you want to look for items that make it easy to access the baby’s diaper during changing time. The last thing you want is to constantly be struggling to remove your newborn’s clothing each time they need a new diaper. The Onesies Brand bodysuits feature snaps on the bottom, making this process simple and easy, and are available in both short- and long-sleeved options to be worn all year long.Footed PajamasBecause your baby will be spending most of his or her time sleeping for the first several months of life, having a lot of cozy pajamas on hand will be essential. Invest in these soft and comfortable footed pajamas to keep their toes warm without struggling to keep their socks on (babies love to wiggle their feet out of socks). Rocking ChairOne piece of baby furniture you won’t want to skip, a rocking chair is where you’ll spend many days and nights comforting your newborn and taking some time to sit and relax. Babies love the soothing feel of rocking back and forth, especially when trying to fall asleep, and many moms claim to spend hours of bonding time with their infants while sitting in their beloved rocking chair. A Safe Car SeatIf there’s any item you don’t want to skimp on, it’s a baby car seat. While these are often one of the most expensive items you’ll purchase when preparing to bring your newborn home, it’s worth the money. Do not try to purchase a car seat designed for a slightly older infant. When it comes to car seats, you want to make sure that your baby is as safe as possible during any travel by car, even if you’re just taking him or her down the street. If you need help selecting the right car seat for your child, check out Consumer Reports 2018 list of best infant car seats for some guidance and additional information.
I’m a 20-something stay-at-home mother and wife. I have an amazing husband, a beautiful daughter, two loving dogs, and a lazy cat. I wouldn’t change my life for anything! I love to read, listen to music, cook and blog!
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