10 Useless Nursery Products You Should Avoid

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.