10 Useless Nursery Products You Should Avoid
Walk into any baby boutique -- heck, even Walmart's infant department -- and visions of sugarplums dance in your head.
It takes a strong mama to resist the rainbow of minky dot blankets, much less the coordinated diaper stackers!
How do you know what's important for your baby's nursery?
Here's where to invest...
...and what to do with the rest!
Your baby needs a safe place to sleep.
It's worth it to invest in a nice crib and firm mattress.
When we moved, we bought a Graco Pack 'N Play with bassinet.
Our new baby slept there while the house was on the market.
Worked great!
Don't Buy For Your Baby's Crib:
- A padded crib bumper may look cute, but it's a suffocation risk.
- A plush, fancy comforter--unless you plan to hang it on the wall. Again, no soft bedding in the crib with baby.
- Darling little embroidered baby pillows--also a soft no-no.
Do Buy For Baby's Crib:
- A custom-made or extra-long crib skirt. You'll be able to hide all kinds of baby supplies underneath!
- Several crib sheets or crib liners for accidents.
- A sleep sack that zips around baby to keep him warm at night--without the danger of suffocation from blankets.
Don't Buy For Baby's Changing Table:
- A changing table is not necessary, either! The curved changing pad can be laid on a guest bed or dresser.
- Wipe warmers can overheat at night and pull constant electricity for a minimal convenience.
- A basket full of special powders and lotions may actually irritate baby skin.
- No one really uses the Diaper Genie. Refills are pricey, too!
Do Buy For Baby's Changing Table:
- Basic zinc ointment for diaper rash (like Desitin) and a dermatological lotion for dryness or eczema (like Eucerin).
- A pack of cheap washcloths to use with plain water for wipes. Better for skin allergies!
- A basket for plastic grocery bags--tie up dirty diapers inside and dispose of in the main trash can.
Don't Buy For Nursery Decor:
- An entire themed room package for boy or girl. You'll get tired of it--fast!
- An antique rocking chair without trying it with a baby first. Learned this the hard way!
- A nightlight that stays on all night. Baby's eyes need total darkness to develop.
Do Buy For Nursery Decor:
- A pretty color set with occasional theme accents.
- A comfortable glider rocker...or an upholstered swivel rocker for the living room.
- A soft light for night feedings and a ceiling fan for white noise.
It's taken me a long time to narrow my essentials for a new baby's nursery. Some things you just have to learn the hard way! Here's hoping my loss can be your gain.
I disagree with the changing table comment. You'll be changing A LOT OF DIAPERS. The last thing you want is the added back strain of bending over onto something that's too low for your height! While you don't need a special changing table, you really should think about having a proper place for changing the baby. We use the top of a bureau, with the changing pad straps secured screwed down to the back of it. This also has the added convenience for dressing as the clothes are in the drawers just below.
A rocker is nearly useless if you're breastfeeding and can do so in the bed. If you're using bottles or don't want to feed in bed then maybe.
A dimmer for the overhead lights is a VERY good idea. Cheap, and easy to install.