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Kentucky Makeup Junkie

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15 Items Babies Don’t Need

Hey hey, baby mommas! ha! If you’ve been following along, then you’ll know that today’s post is the third installment to my “what baby needs” series! I hope that today’s post will be especially helpful – because in a market that’s over-saturated with items that you surely will need for baby (…or not…ahem…), then this post is just all about the things babies don’t need!

In case you missed it, check out this post on the top must-have baby items, and read here about baby items that will make your life easier!

Let’s be honest. Buying baby stuff is super fun. There are plenty of things that baby actually does need. But they don’t need every little gizmo and gadget even if it looks super cool. Let’s get real: this kid is going to get more and more expensive as time goes by. So live frugally while you can!

*This post is not sponsored. However, it does contain affiliate links where, if clicked (and you make a purchase), I will make a very tiny commission to keep this site up and running. See more details below.*

15 Items Babies Don't Need - Cross these items off your registry!1. 800 baby blankets – While it is nice to have some baby blankets, do you really need that many of them? It seems that these are a popular item to get as gifts. That is great, but then you end up with a giant pile of them and only using a couple. Personally, I did use receiving blankets the most because they are good for swaddling. I also used them as burp cloths. They are definitely handy. But one bigger pack of them should do just fine. And a few warmer fluffy blankets are great as well. But I do think that this is one case where you can have way too many of something you don’t need.

2. A baby food processor – I did make a lot of my baby food myself and I was thrilled that I had a food processor to help me do so. However, you do not need a fancy one that is marketed just for baby! Why? Because chances are that if you are going to make food for your baby, then you might be wanting to make other foods, juices and purees also. So why not just purchase a regular food processor that costs much less? I used mine for baby food, but I’d also use it for making dips, etc.

I have loved my Cuisinart Mini-Prep Plus DLC-2A Food Processor for years. It’s small, easy to clean, and very fuss-free. And best of all, it’s half the price as one that’s marketed for babies only. Maybe it doesn’t come with the little food prep trays, but I used ice cube trays that are dirt cheap! Easy peasy. Don’t fall into the “I have to buy it because it’s at the baby store” trap. Unless it’s on sale, I’d say – pass!

3. Diaper caddy – If you’re like me, then you love anything with pockets and slots and things that are even remotely organizer-y. But again, if you look for something labeled as “diaper caddy” which is basically a glorified basket with a handle, you will be paying somewhere around $25! While they are cute and handy, it’s really not a necessity.

In my little one’s room, I keep a simple basket full of diapers and a bin next to it with diaper cream, wipes, etc. in it. These can simply be purchased at the Dollar Store! And if you have more than one floor in your home like I do, then having another one can be handy to store somewhere close. But I don’t think you’ll break if it doesn’t have a handle on it. Do you want to pay an extra $20 for a handle? I doubt it!

4. Changing pad cover – When I first became a momma, I had the nursery all set up with everything matching and perfect and picture-esque right down to the changing pad cover. Until the baby came and crapped all over that beautiful fabric. Not only is it one more thing to have to scrub, but why use it when the changing pad is already easy enough to clean?

I will admit that I do have a changing pad cover on my newest little one’s changing pad, but it’s because I found a great deal on one and the center is actually coated plastic so it’s just as easy to clean as the pad itself. If you insist on buying one, then I’d highly recommend one like the Circo® Grey Wipeable Changing Pad Cover so that you are not removing it all the time and washing it. But you can save yourself some moolah and not get one at all if you don’t have to!

5. Changing table – Speaking of changing pads, the actual table itself is something that you can totally forgo if you want. There are other ways that you can change the baby if you don’t want to sit on the floor. Instead, you can just put a changing pad on top of a table or dresser – it works just the same since you won’t leave baby on it and walk away anyways. BUT you do not have to buy a fancy changing table that matches your crib. Those suckers can get super costly! I actually do have a changing table only because we didn’t use a dresser before and the one that we got doubles as a shelf if you remove the changing pad.

6. Fancy wipes case – This is just one of those things that can be super cute and matchy-matchy and fun. But let’s get real. It’s just another thing baby doesn’t need. Wipes are wipes, and to be honest, half of the time they are sold in adorable disposable cases all on their own now anyways. Why take them out of their packaging if they already have a super handy flip top?




7. Baby oils and lotions – I may be in the minority here, but I’m not a fan of all the lotions and oils that are marketed for baby soft skin. Um…isn’t that what baby already has? The only time I have ever used lotion on my kiddos as babies were times when either: a) they had some dry skin patches, and b) they had cradle cap. I have never used products that were made specifically for babies unless they were gifted to me.

Personally, I find that coconut oil is a wonderful remedy to dry skin. It’s about as natural as it gets, so I don’t feel the need to purchase something specific for baby. Also, just because something is marketed for baby does NOT mean that it is safe. There are lots of chemicals in some of them, so I urge you to check it out before you purchase. I also wrote about a product that I love in a former post right here that works great for cradle cap and is all natural!

8. Baby wash cloths/towels – I have some of these because they were gifts and I do use them. But do I really need them? Nope. A wash cloth is a wash cloth. And a towel is a towel. I do like the hooded towels, but buying several of them is just silly because they will outgrow them quickly. You can totally skip these.

9. Bottle sterilizer – alright, so if you don’t have a dishwasher with a sterilizing option, then it does get harder to sterilize. However, keep in mind that most of these are small (yet still pricey) and do not clean that many bottles at once. So if your bottles are small, sterilizing them yourself is the way to go. All you’ll need is a large pot to boil them in (which you likely already have) and voila! All done! Just saved yourself some big buckaroos!

10. Bottle drying rack – This could be handy if you have tons of bottles and not a lot of counter space. But I’ll just point out that it costs nothing to dry your bottles while sitting on a clean towel on the counter top, or while sitting in the dish drainer. Why waste your money?

11. Nursing tops – If you’re a breastfeeding mom, then you know how important it is to own nursing-accessible clothing. But have you seen how much these things cost? WOAH. I think I own one whole actual nursing tank. And it was on clearance at Target.

I think the key here is just planning ahead with how you dress. If you dress in layers, then you’ll never have to wonder about accessibility. I always wore a tank under all my shirts so that if you lift up your top layer, then your stomach area will always be covered and you are able to nurse very discreetly if you need to. I would recommend wearing nursing bras though, because trying to work with a regular one like that is almost impossible!

12. Newborn size diapers – I think everyone should have a pack or two of these. And if your baby comes early or is smaller, then of course, you will need more. But if you birth a mini toddler like I did, then your kid will wear size newborn diapers maybe about a week, if that. Actually, my first child was of a normal birth weight and she only wore size newborn diapers for 2 weeks. Moral of the story: don’t buy too many of these if you aren’t sure. Hospitals actually often provide some in this size for you when you leave so it may be all that you need!

13. Lots of newborn clothing – this is pretty much ditto to the above. Having some of this size is a good idea just in case you deliver early or know that your baby is going to be on the smaller side. But otherwise, starting off with size 0-3 months is a great idea because they don’t often wear a size newborn for long!

14. Wipes warmer – This is a product that I would 100% skip all together. I’m sure it’s no fun for baby to have a cold, wet wipe across his bum every two hours, but I assure you that he will get used to it. And you will not want to wait for that thing to warm up when you get up 800 times in the night to change him in the early days, I guarantee that.

15. A fancy high chair – This might be another instance where I’m in the minority. But I’ve never purchased a free-standing high chair for my kids. Why, you ask? Because I don’t need another baby contraption in my house. There’s one in every nook and cranny already. And we have a large table and lots of chairs.

Both of my kids have used the Deluxe Diner Reclining Feeding Seat and I have never had an issue with it. It’s a lot cheaper than a free-standing high chair, and it straps directly onto our dining room chair. This particular one also converts to a booster seat later and has different settings. It’s easy to take with you when traveling, too! Definitely a win.

15 Items Babies Don't Need - Cross these items off your registry!

My little guy enjoying his Deluxe Diner Reclining Feeding Seat!

So there we go! My top 15 list of baby items that you don’t need! What do you think mommas and mommas-to-be…anything that I left out? Do you agree with my list? Comment below!

15 Items Babies Don't Need

This post has not been sponsored, all ideas and reviews are 100% my own. However, this post contains affiliate links where I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase (at NO extra cost to you). Any income earned is used to keep www.kymakeupjunkie.com up and running.

Jill Cappaert is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to www.amazon.com. For more information, please visit our disclaimer policy page: http://kymakeupjunkie.com/disclaimer/

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24 Comments

Comments

  1. tinmccarthy says

    March 13, 2017 at 1:36 pm

    let’s add the pee pee tents on this list! Wipe warmers are so ridiculous.

    Reply
    • Jill C. says

      March 14, 2017 at 11:16 am

      OMG this made me LOL! When I found out these were a real thing, I almost lost my mind. And then I was like, wait – is someone rich off of this? Why can’t I think of just ONE thing to make me rich? BAHAHAHA

      Reply
  2. Sarah | Digital Motherhood says

    March 13, 2017 at 2:09 pm

    I agree you buy so much when you have a baby and hardly any of it gets used!

    Reply
    • Jill C. says

      March 14, 2017 at 11:17 am

      It’s so true! Why spend the money if you don’t have to? You know the kid is going to drain your pockets dry later in life, so you might as well save while you can. haha!

      Reply
  3. Jessica Wagner says

    March 13, 2017 at 4:49 pm

    This is a great list! One of my besties just found out she is pregnant and was asking me what she needs/doesn’t need, and I think I am going to forward her your list!! My daughter is about to turn three and its funny how fast you forget! XO Hope you have a great week!!

    Reply
    • Jill C. says

      March 14, 2017 at 11:18 am

      Thank you! I like to be funny and sarcastic, but it’s definitely a list that I believe is helpful and I’m so glad you feel that way also! Thank you for sharing!

      Reply
  4. Madison Weaver says

    March 13, 2017 at 8:27 pm

    Wow! I didn’t know about a lot of this! I’ve always heard babies need a lot of things, but like you said a lot of the stuff is unnecessary. Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
    • Jill C. says

      March 14, 2017 at 11:19 am

      It’s crazy, right? Why does one tiny person need so much stuff? It’s neverending! Some thins are totally necessary, and I am sure there are plenty of people that might deem some of these things one of them – but in my own experience, we could totally live without them. Thanks for reading, friend!

      Reply
  5. Vrithi Pushkar says

    March 13, 2017 at 10:26 pm

    I totally agree with you an quite a few of these things. I think we try to be over-prepared and over spend on out little ones sometimes.

    Vrithi Pushkar
    http://www.epicuriouspassport.com

    Reply
    • Jill C. says

      March 14, 2017 at 11:20 am

      You know, I think it’s just a fun thing to spend money on! I mean, who doesn’t love getting ready for baby? It’s SO hard not to buy the whole baby store, but if I can be helpful in the least bit, then I try! Thanks SO much for reading!

      Reply
  6. Liv says

    March 14, 2017 at 12:39 am

    I am going to on save this for futur reference thanks!!

    Reply
    • Jill C. says

      March 14, 2017 at 11:21 am

      Thanks so much, Liv! I hope you find it helpful! I think it will be just as helpful even later down the road! 🙂

      Reply
  7. Aleida says

    March 14, 2017 at 2:02 am

    Some of these are funny to me but true.

    Reply
    • Jill C. says

      March 14, 2017 at 11:22 am

      Haha! I know it! All sarcasm aside in my writing though, I try to be helpful and these are the items I could totally live without in my own experience. I’m sure every mom’s list is different, but I love sharing my experience! Thank you so much for taking the time to read!

      Reply
  8. Grace says

    March 14, 2017 at 11:37 am

    This is great for people who are on a budget having a baby!

    Reply
    • Jill C. says

      March 14, 2017 at 1:02 pm

      Thank you! I am always trying to save money, so I was hoping to be helpful! Thanks for reading!

      Reply
  9. Ilka Elise says

    March 18, 2017 at 3:34 am

    Ahahaha, I had no idea all these items exist 😀

    Reply
    • Jill C. says

      March 20, 2017 at 9:01 am

      haha! Yeah, there are some crazy baby gadgets out there that you’d be shocked over – some things I see at the store and I’m like, “seriously? How is this real life” hahaha

      Reply
  10. Krista says

    April 14, 2017 at 9:22 pm

    I actually was really glad to find a supportive nursing tank. It cost a lot, but it was so worth it for a big busted mama. I practically lived in it the summer after Finnley was born. But, I think if your bust is a normal, manageable size, you’re probably right. Mine are outta control, especially when I’m nursing! Lol!

    Reply
    • Jill C. says

      April 17, 2017 at 8:22 am

      Haha, Krista! That is a very good point! Nursing was the ONLY time I had a large bust – lol. But it still wasn’t out of control, ha! I would think in that case it might be a necessity then! If something fits perfectly, then it’s often worth the money anyways. Definitely worth it!

      Reply
  11. Krista says

    April 14, 2017 at 9:25 pm

    And you’re totally right about blankets! I got a zillion as gifts. I have an entire storage tote full! And I feel bad to get rid of them, but my house is small! I am going to see if pregnancy services in my town can use them.

    Reply
    • Jill C. says

      April 17, 2017 at 8:24 am

      I loved all the little blankets. And I used many of them, but I had SO many that some never got used! I have a hard time parting with that stuff too, but like you said, it takes up space. That’s such a great idea to see if they can use them! Good thinking!

      Reply
  12. bootiesandthebeast says

    June 18, 2018 at 9:00 am

    I am so with you on the diaper caddy! It’s simple, yet so practical. I hate bulky things especially since my nursery is not that big.

    Reply
    • Jill C. says

      June 18, 2018 at 9:29 pm

      Ours was small also! I didn’t want to cram a bunch of stuff into it!

      Reply

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Hi, I'm Jill! I'm a busy working momma of two with a passion for all things beauty, fashion, and making women feel comfortable in their own skin. If you love makeup tips, product reviews and parenting tidbits, then you're in the right place! Subscribe for the latest updates!

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