As a new mom, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by the endless list of “must-haves” for your baby’s nursery. Sometimes, the excitement takes over and we end up buying things that never make their way out of the closet. Other times, we find items online that we thing we need, and later realize that we probably could have done without. And let’s face it, in today’s world, it seems like there is always something new to buy. The truth? Some items are more about convenience than necessity, and others are too cute to passup, but not very practical.
This post is all about the items that may show up again and again on those “must-buy” lists for your baby’s nursery, but that you really don’t need. Of course, you can always choose to buy them – I totally get that as a new mom, you’ll want to experience it all. But when it comes down to it, skipping these items will save you space, money, and, let’s be honest, one less thing to check off your ever-growing to-buy list. And we all know that list is already plenty long enough!
5 Items You Don’t Need
1- Wipe Warmer
These sound super nice to have, and they can be, especially if you live in a colder climate where late-night diaper changes can make those wipes feel a bit chilly on your baby’s delicate skin. Some say that cold wipes can wake your little one up more, making it harder to settle them back to sleep. But let’s be real – do you really want to wait for a wipe to warm up, or would you rather quickly get the diaper change done and get your baby back to sleep? Most babies will drift back off whether the wipe is warm or just room temperature. If you have the AC running, try storing the wipes in a drawer or somewhere that shields them from the cold air – it might help. But overall, don’t stress too much about wipe warmers. If you really feel like you need one later, you can always grab one then!
2- Changing Table
I know what you’re thinking table – a changing table seems like a must-have. When we went shopping for one before my daughter was born, the salesperson mentioned that we could really use any surface as a changing table, and it’s not really necessary. At the time, I brushed it off, bought that changing table to match the crib and went home. But after my daughter arrived, we ended up using the table only a handful of times. When she started rolling, it was no longer very safe to use and we bought disposable changing mats that we could carry around the house, making diaper changes more convenient without rushing to the changing table upstairs.
I know, it’s tempting to go for that stylish changing table that matches your nursery theme. If you have the space and budget for it, then go for it! If you can find a changing table that can become a dresser for your little one’s room, even better! But if you are wondering what you can remove from your “to-buy” list, keep in mind a changing pad on a dresser or even your bed works just as well for those middle-of-the-night changes. Choose what fits your lifestyle and space, not just what looks good on social media.
3- Baby Shoes
Oh those adorable tiny baby shoes. As adorable as they may be, your little one won’t be walking for quite some time and might hardly fit in those baby shoes. In fact, most babies don’t even need shoes until they’re toddling around, and its actually better to let their feet breath during those early months. Focus on the baby socks instead and keep those little feet cozy. The shoes will come – trust me, you’ll be buying so many as they quickly outgrow each pair. But for now, just enjoy those tiny little feet! So unless you’re buying them for luck, you can skip the baby shoes! Plus, no need to worry about those shoes being kicked off every two seconds!
4- Diaper Genie
A Diaper Genie is essentially just a fancy trash can. While it does a good job of keeping those stinky diaper smells contained, you can easily use a regular trash can with a strong lid and simply empty it daily to keep the smell in check. If you do decide to go for the Diaper Genie, it can double as a sleek, stylish trash bin for your bedroom, as they do look nice. But there’s no need to feel obligated to spend extra money on an expensive item when a simple trash can will do the trick just as well. A clean, basic bin will work just fine without all the added features. You can also get scented garbage bags on the regular diaber bins which can make a difference when you open the bin.
5- Bottle Sterilizer
Yes, a bottle sterilizer is a nice add on to those early days when you are using bottles a lot, and it can give you the peace of mind needed to ensure that the bottles are safe for baby to use. However, they can be on the pricier end and when it comes down to it, good old-fashioned washing with hot, soapy water and a bottle brush works just as well. Sterilizing only becomes essential in certain situations, like if you’re using second-hand bottles or if your baby was born prematurely. For the majority of moms, this is just another appliance that is optional.
So, What do you Really Need?
If you’re feeling unsure about what’s truly necessary, we’ve got you covered! Download our Free Nursery Necessities List, an all-encompassing guide to help you navigate the items that will actually make your life easier as a new mom. From essentials to extras (like that changing table), we’ve got you covered so you can focus on what really matters – bonding with your little one.
Download it now and save yourself from the clutter and stress of the nursery debate.
Click here to download your free nursery necessities list today!
