Five Baby Gadgets You Don’t Need
Guest post by Thomas Hathaway
When you find out you’re pregnant, your mind immediately begins racing, thinking of all of the things you need. If you love to shop, it can be thrilling; if you hate to shop, it can be a nightmare. In either case, there are several things that you can scratch off your “must-have” list.
1. Changing Table
In theory, a changing table is a great idea. In reality, a changing table is a waste of space. 99 percent of the time, you will change your baby’s diaper or outfit on the floor or on your bed; that’s just how it goes. Save the space in your nursery for a dresser or a great gliding chair. Better yet, put up shelves and stock a basket with diapers, wipes and lotions. (I loved my changing table/dresser combo. I would like to add that a dresser with a changing table top is a great investment: Pam-Mom Does Reviews)
2. Bottle Warmer
Another gadget that works well in theory, the bottle warmer is useless. Not only does it heat bottles inconsistently but you can heat your bottles in a mug of hot water or even on the stove. Even easier: fill the kitchen sink with hot tap water and toss your bottle in it for two or three minutes. A bottle warmer will be a novelty the first few times you use it; after that, it will be taking up space on your counter.
3. Vibrating Seat
Babies tend to fall asleep more easily if they are moving. You can accomplish this a number of ways and none include a special vibrating seat. If your infant needs motion to fall asleep, or stay asleep, try putting them in the car and taking them for a ride. You can also put your baby’s carrier on top of the washing machine and wash a full load, provided you have time to sit and supervise.
4. Baby Potions
Unless your pediatrician advises you to use special soaps, lotions or potions on your baby, you can skip them all together. Oils and jellies can actually clog your baby’s pores, causing skin problems that they otherwise wouldn’t have. A washcloth and a bit of warm water is all you need to wash your baby, provided they aren’t rolling in the mud, and on those days when they do need to be soaped up, a lovely bar of natural soap is better than anything that comes out of a bottle.
5. Diaper Bag
The staple of baby showers everywhere, the diaper bag is not a necessity. In fact, a backpack, tote bag or messenger bag will work just as well. Insulated lunch bags work great for car bags! Even though diaper bags are more unisex now than ever, dads tend to prefer any bag but a diaper bag. Not to mention that you will have virtually no use for a diaper bag once your baby is potty trained.
There are tons of things you will actually need when your baby is here. Don’t waste your money or space on your baby registry, with items that you really don’t need. Not only will you save money, but you’ll get gifts that are useful.
About the Author: Thomas Hathaway is a financial consultant and suggests there are times when payday loans may come in handy while waiting for your regular paycheck to arrive.
