Stop Before You Shop: Here Are the Things You Do (And Don’t) Need for a New Baby

There’s nothing more exciting in the entire world than welcoming a new baby into your family. We tend to get so thrilled about a new human being living in our home that it’s easy to go overboard when it comes to preparing the house. We walk down the baby aisle and see a million things that we need to buy right now for our baby to be happy and healthy.

However, in addition to having the essentials, there are also many things you don’t need when preparing for a baby. This list will give you a good idea of what you should purchase and where you can save some cash.

Something You Need: Infant Car Seat

One thing you are certainly going to need is a car seat that’s made for an infant. In fact, the hospital won’t even allow you to bring your baby home unless you have a car seat in the vehicle. It’s the best way to keep your child safe. You can find car seats at almost any mainstream retailer. If you want to ensure that the seat is safe, have a certified car seat inspector check it out so you can have peace of mind.

Something You Don’t Need: Snap-Up Pajamas

Yes, you will need pajamas for your new baby, but try your best to get pajamas that have zippers and avoid the ones with snaps. The zip-up pajamas are very easy to put on, and they’re incredibly comfortable for babies. The snap-up pajamas are also comfortable, but they can be a pain to put on your baby. You’ll be amazed at just how difficult and frustrating it can be to try to line up the snaps on the pajamas, especially as the baby starts moving. You can remove a lot of stress from your life by keeping them out of your little one's wardrobe.

Something You Need: Stroller

At some point, you’re going to want to get out of the house. Whether it’s to run errands or to get some fresh air after being stuck at home with a newborn. When you leave, bring your baby with you in a nice stroller. Look for a model that matches your lifestyle. There are models made for people who are constantly on the go, models for people who live in rainy climates, and more. Read online reviews and pick one that can adjust over time so it can grow with your baby.

Something You Don’t Need: Bottle Warmer

Some parents like to have all of the newest gadgets, but one thing you certainly don’t need when preparing for a baby is a bottle warmer. Some parents believe that their baby is more likely to drink if the milk is warmer. However, while some babies may be more particular than others when it comes to their milk, most will drink it when it’s cold with no problems. If anything, you can save your money and set the milk out for a few minutes, and it will get closer to room temperature on its own.

Something You Need: Diapers

If you only buy two things in preparation for your new baby, they should be the baby car seat and diapers. To prepare for your baby, stock up on diapers in the weeks before you’re due. It’s not a bad idea to buy over 10 boxes of diapers before your baby is even born. You’ll be cleaning plenty of dirty diapers throughout the day, so you need as many as you can get. Plus, you don’t want to run out during that 3 AM poopy diaper episode.

Something You Don’t Need: Baby Shoes

Add baby shoes to the list of things that you don’t need when preparing for a baby. It can be downright addictive to buy all of the baby clothes you can get your hands on. Everything is just so cute. Many new parents also invest in at least one pair of shoes. However, it’s not necessary. Your baby won’t need them since they won’t be walking for at least a year. You may want to put them on to accessorize an outfit, but they can be a pain to put on. It’s just not worth spending money on them at this point.

Something You Need: Baby Wipes

Do yourself a favor and purchase several containers of baby wipes in preparation for your new baby. Baby wipes are the ultimate multi-tool. You can use them for cleaning throw-up, poopy accidents, baby’s chair or plate after a meal, and more. Sometimes, it’s too much of a hassle to use a dry paper towel, so baby wipes are a must-have.

Something You Don’t Need: High-Tech Bassinets

You’re likely going to read a lot of baby books and do a lot of research before the baby is born. Along the way, you will likely hear about many fancy inventions that you have to have, including the many fancy bassinets that have all sorts of bells and whistles that help baby sleep, such as movement, sounds, and more. 

Besides the fact that your baby will outgrow it sooner than you think, fancy bassinets can get rather expensive. So, you’re taking a gamble on whether they’ll be useful or not. Some kids will go to sleep without any help, and others won’t sleep no matter what you do. It’s better to see how things go before spending unnecessary funds.

Something You Need: Baby Wrap

Baby wraps are another helpful multi-tool that you’re going to want to have around the house. Their most important function is to swaddle your newborn baby, which is something you’re likely going to need to do for several weeks to months after your baby is born. Sometimes, that’s the only way they’ll go to sleep. You can also use baby wraps as a last-minute towel for all those baby messes.

Something You Don’t Need: Toys

While they may seem nice, toys are something you don’t need when preparing for a baby. Mostly because you’ll probably get them from everyone else. You’ll likely get enough toys from the baby shower. Your baby will be inquisitive right out of the gate, but they’re not going to be doing a whole lot with toys. Avoid buying them in the first weeks, and you can save some money. Over time, you may learn what your baby likes, and you can purchase toys that better fit their personality.

Something You Need: Diaper Rash Cream

Even the calmest and happiest babies will start crying out of nowhere for a million different reasons. One reason may be discomfort as your baby gets used to wearing a diaper. That’s why you need at least one tube of diaper rash cream in the house. It’s a great tool that can quickly cure discomfort.

Something You Don’t Need: Crib Bumper Pads

It's natural to try and make your baby as comfortable as possible, but you need to be very careful how you do so. Back in the day, it used to be a fad to put bumper pads around the crib. However, studies have shown that the pads can cause serious health issues for babies and can lead to suffocation. Not only should you avoid taking that risk, but you also don’t need them. The cribs you buy will be safe enough on their own. 

Something You Need: Thermometer

While you want your baby to be as healthy as possible, there are times when they’ll get sick, and you want to be prepared and keep an eye on their symptoms. That’s why you need a thermometer. There are many to choose from, including some you use in the ear and others that scan the baby’s forehead. From there, you can determine if your baby just needs rest or if you need to bring them to the doctor.

Something You Need: Baby Nail Clippers

A final necessity that you may not think of at first is a small pair of baby nail clippers. Finger and toenails start growing quickly, and they literally never stop. Before you know it, your baby is scratching you or themselves, and it can be painful. Get a pair of clippers or round-tipped nail scissors for when it comes time for a trim. Cutting your baby’s nails the first time can be scary, but it’s worth it.

Something You Don’t Need: Seasonal Clothes

Finally, something you certainly don’t need when preparing for a baby is clothing for later in the year. While most babies look small and adorable, they’re all different shapes and sizes. You never know what size they’ll be when it turns to winter, so wait to buy clothes for that season until you get there. When holidays like Christmas come around, you can tell relatives to give coats and seasonal outfits as gifts.

The image featured at the top of this post is ©Anna Brusnicyna/Shutterstock.com.