So Don't Waste Your Money!
Baby gear retailers try to convince you that you "can't live without" certain baby items. They even provide you with extensive checklists when you register to make sure you are completely ready for your baby's arrival. (Ironically, absolutely nothing can prepare you for bringing baby home, even if you bought the entire store!) I can personally tell you that most of that stuff will be completely useless once your baby arrives. I've had two children now and have discussed this topic with many fellow moms, and we agree that the following items are not worth wasting your (or your family's) money on. Of course, each child and each situation is different, but I'll bet that once you bring your baby home, you'll agree.The Poo Stuff:
-I have heard both sides of this argument, but for the most part, people say a changing table is a waste of money. We put a changing pad on top of a low dresser, with a non-skid pad underneath and used that for the first month or so. After that, we mostly changed our kiddos on the floor or on the couch. Once your child starts wiggling around more, it gets even more dangerous to have them on the changing table anyway.
-Lets face it, a Diaper Genie is simply an expensive garbage can with expensive inserts. This product claims to trap in smell, but unless it's made of titanium metal sealed with bulletproof glass, you're going to smell the poo eventually. We just placed a regular 'ol $3 receptacle on the top step of our garage and put diapers in there. It has worked magnificently.
-You can't bring a wipe warmer with you when you're out and about, so why get your baby used to nice warm wipes while you're at home? These warmers also tend to dry out the wipes and you'll find yourself constantly adding water to moisten them back up. You'll be busy enough with your baby, you don't need this extra stress.
The Clothes Stuff:
Comments
very true stuff here. I actually used small towels that were meant for car washing (a pack at family dollar of 10 went for $3) for burp rags instead of the fancy ones that were going to get spitup all over them. Never used a changing table either.
Huntress
(Guest)
(Guest)
03/09/2009
Agree with most everthing. However, I am with the other parents on the changing table. We used ours until our son was potty trained--2 1/2 years. Well worth it. Also, I loved the receiving blankets(agree with all Meridians points that). Lastly, I cannot fault anyone for using the babytub. LOVED IT and so did my son!
I have always wondered what is with people and the Diaper Genie (who wants something to TRAP the smell????) also, the wipe warmers, robe...--ridculous.
Meridian
(Guest)
(Guest)
09/21/2008
I love the receiving blankets! We use them for light covers over her feet when she's in the carseat or strollers (because I agree about the infant socks!) When she was newborn we could swaddle her in them, and she was a big baby ... but now we just use them for light covers in the summer and fall. Also, the baby tub is totally necessary since our sink isn't very accommodating for a baby, plus who wants to bathe a baby standing up? And we only have a shower, so no grownup tub. But everyone's mileage varies.
As a supporter of producing less waste, I support this article, wholeheartedly.
Great article. I think we learn as we get older that some things are more for us than the kids.
As a veteran of pre-schools and toddler classrooms, I can fully agree with you on the lameness of the Diaper Genie! Not only do they absolutely fail at 'trapping' poop smells, the strongly-scented inner bags smell almost as bad after a while!
Sarah
(Guest)
(Guest)
06/09/2008
I agree with everything except the changing table and bassinet. We still use our changing table all the time and our son will soon be three. It works for us. Our son also slept in his bassinet in our room until he was nearly five months old. The rest of the tips (robes, diaper genie, wipe warmer, etc. is right on track!
Soooooooooooo true, hated that darn diaper genie, useless!!!!!!!!!!!
Megan
(Guest)
(Guest)
05/15/2008
I totally agree, I wish someone would have told me all this before I registered and bought alot of it myself, however, on the other side of things it was only a week before I wished I would have bought more burp rags, lap pads and tissues. The funny thing is the less expensive the object the more your going to need it!
hrk
(Guest)
(Guest)
05/14/2008
Right on with the list. I have to say though, I used my changing table with both my kids until they were too tall to lay there. Maybe I'm the minority, but I loved mine and would buy another if I chose to have more kids. Other than that I second every other item on the list! Great job!
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