When you’re a first-time parent, preparing for a newborn is exciting, but it can also be daunting. The nesting phase is very real, and you may find yourself purchasing a slew of baby items in preparation for your little one. It’s always better to be over-prepared, but while some products can be lifesavers, others just end up collecting dust.
As moms who have been through this stage, we’re here to share which baby gear we couldn’t live without, along with the ones we could have skipped. And, don’t just take our word — members of Parenthood Together shared their insights on must-haves, as well. Of course, every baby is different, so what works for one family may not work for another. Think of this as a helpful guide to narrow down your options and make shopping for your little one a little less stressful.
Parenthood is all about trial and error, but we’re here to make your decisions a bit easier. Here are all the baby items many have found helpful — and the ones you can leave out of your shopping cart.
Buy: White noise machine
If your baby is a light sleeper or if you live in an urban area, a white noise machine will help drown out outside noises. There are plenty of options out there, but this Momcozy one has 20 different sounds and a dimmable nightlight, so you can keep your eye on the baby.
It changed one skeptical mom’s opinion on dishing out $ for a noise muffler. “I scoffed at the $30 shusher because of its price. Well, I gave in and bought it when our second was born. It is worth $30. It kept my newborn asleep when nothing else really did,” she shared on the Parenthood Together Facebook group.
Skip: Newborn clothes
Newborn clothes are so cute that it’s hard to resist grabbing everything peanut-sized at the store, but trust us when we say your baby will only wear them for a couple of weeks before they outgrow them. Always oversize when it comes to their ‘fits, and you’ll get more bang for your buck.
Buy: Electronic nose aspirator
Babies get sick. A lot. And they’re not born with the ability to blow their own nose, which is where an electronic nose aspirator comes in. Back in the day, only the manual ones were available, but now, brands like Frida offer digital relief.
Skip: Bottle warmer
When your baby’s crying for formula or milk, the last thing you want to do is wait minutes for it to warm up. Instead, have a mug of hot water on hand to dunk your bottle in, which is a lot faster, according to a Parenthood Together member. “We had filtered hot water in our dispenser so that made it easier!” she advised.
Buy: Nursing pillow
Nursing pillows are such a simple, yet genius invention that you’ll get a lot of use out of. They’re not just handy during feeding times, but also for propping your baby on between naps before they’re able to roll over. One Parenthood Together member shared, “I even brought it on flights and it was worth the hassle for me because we flew often with our little ones when they were infants.” The Boppy Nursing Pillow is an especially popular one with a wide variety of patterns to choose from.
Skip: Expensive baby food makers
At around six months or so, you’ll introduce your child to solids, and kudos to you if you want to make homemade food! However, resist the urge to splurge on anything that costs hundreds of dollars. While some may lure you in with all the bells and whistles, parents found that cheaper options work just as well.
A Parenthood Together mom recalled spending $300 on a baby food maker for her first kid, only to be without it for her second. After buying a hand blender for around $100, she realized the cheaper version did just as well.
Buy: Diaper pail
Parenthood isn’t all newborn baby smells and baby powder scents — we have to deal with stinky diapers as well. If you’re living in a small apartment or simply don’t want to overload the nursery with unwanted odors, a diaper pail with special mechnisms is designed to lock smells inside. Your olfactory senses will thank you.
Skip: Shopping cart covers
We get it — shopping carts are full of germs which you don’t want to expose your baby to. Cart covers provide a barrier between said germs and baby, but many think it’s an unnecessary step. The amount of time and effort it takes to get a cart, hold your baby in one arm, fashion the cart with the cover, and then place your baby in it cuts down on precious shopping time. It’s so much easier to use a disinfectant wipe, or if you have an infant car seat, simply place it onto the shopping cart. As an added bonus, you won’t have extra laundry to do because all those germs will transfer onto the cart cover anyway.
Buy: Floor seats
Once your kid is able to sit up, having a floor seat is so convenient for bathroom breaks and preparing a quick snack. It keeps them contained and safe for brief periods of time so you can have peace of mind while taking care of your needs, because new moms have to make time for self-care. The Upseat comes with a tray and was ergonomically designed by physical therapists with your child’s posture and hip development in mind. Just be sure not to leave them in for too long, and always place the seat on the floor — never on countertops or a table.
Skip: Wipe warmer
Wipe warmers are a great for preventing that initial shock of cold on your baby’s bum, but many parents find them unnecessary. For one, it’s good to get your infants used to the slight chill, as you won’t always have warm wipes handy outside of the house. Additionally, the warm temperature is a breeding ground for bacteria and mold, so you’ll have to sterilize the container frequently. Baby wipes are a necessity, but a warmer can add more work to your already hectic life, so this one gets a pass.
