10 Baby Items You Don’t Need For Your Newborn

So you’re preparing for a baby? Congrats mama! We often get overwhelmed with lists of things we need for our new baby, but in this blog I’m sharing a list of baby items you DON’T need!

Baby items you don’t need sounds like a way better list am I right? You don’t have to feel overwhelmed by all the things you think you may need…the secret is, you actually don’t need a lot! So if you don’t have a lot of space, your a minimalist, or you’re just a new mom who has no idea, you’ve come to the right place! Keep reading for a sweet freebie too!

Today I’m sharing 10 baby items you DON’T need to have — like at all.

Here’s the kicker – the list of things you don’t need is probably longer than the list of things you do actually need. (OK that might be a slight exaggerations…maybe) but in all honestly, babies don’t need a lot. Keep reading if you need a great list of baby items that you actually don’t need for your baby. And get my basic hospital bag checklist for free, too!

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Are you ready? This blog is for you if:

• You’re preparing for your first baby
• You want to be more minimalistic with your baby items
• You have a smaller living space

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10 Baby Items You Don’t Need For Your New Baby

1. Changing Table

Changing tables take up so much space. And guess what, the floor works just fine for diaper changes. It’s actually way safer as well! You don’t have to worry about rolls and falls or any other kind of scary accident. Keep it safe, and save space by passing on the changing table.

2. An Armoire

I remember reading this on the list of things I needed on the Babies R Us registry list. And I was like wait what? I don’t have space for an armoire, who does?! A closet (no matter what size) and a regular dresser work just fine, mama. Don’t stress.

3. Diaper Genie

Honestly, these take up space and they are an extra thing you need to refill. If you don’t want to continue buying the special bags that go to the diaper genies, then just skip it completely. The trashcan in your kitchen really works just fine. And if the smell is that bad, throw the dirty diaper in a plastic bag before you put it in the trash.

4. Camera Monitor

I can’t believe I’m about to say this…but I used a regular, sound-only, baby monitor (like ones from the 90s.) I never owned a camera monitor — there were too many creepy stories headlining the news at the time of my first pregnancy about hackers getting into the monitors and talking to kids. It freaked me out!! So I went old school with our baby monitor and guess what? I barely used that, too. Although I’d still recommend one, just in case. You’ll find that you hear every little thing when you become a mom. I used our monitor for times I may have been outside when my baby was napping and wanting to be able to hear them, of course.

This is a total preference one, but just know if the sounds of a camera baby monitor make you a little uncomfortable or you think it will be more of a distraction, you don’t need one! You need sleep more.😉

5. Baby Shoes

Yes, they’re cute. So cute! But you don’t need them. Babies don’t keep shoes on their feet and they are almost impossible to get on their little chubby feet anyway. So I would personally skip them all together. Did you know experts actually recommend babies not wear shoes until they can walk? Being barefoot helps them to feel the ground and use their feet better.

6. Receiving Blankets

I’m not even sure what these are for, but you probably don’t need them. When I went to my first baby shower I remember my mom telling me to get receiving blankets because you can never have enough of them. Then I had kids and had SO many of them and they were barely used. Skip there and just get burp clothes and regular blankets so you can save space.

7. Bassinet

This one might surprise you, but you can possibly do without a baby bassinet if you want. A Pack ‘n’ Play is a better investment, in my opinion. Most of them have settings so you can raise the mattress up so it’s closer to you. This can easily be used as a bassinet instead. Plus it will grow with your baby so you can use it longer. Bassinets can really only be used for about 3 months, so if you’re looking for the better investment and want to take up less space, opt for the pack ‘n’ play!

8. Multiple Baby Seats

If you are limited on space, pick one or 2 seats for your baby. Don’t stress about the best ones or needing a bunch, “just in case.” Pick what you think will work best for you and your space. Here are a few opinions for insight. The Mamaroo seat is one many moms rave about, it’s pricy but it also doesn’t take up a lot of space.

Swings are great, but should you get a battery operated one or electric? Of course, replacing batteries can be a hassle and inconvenient, but they don’t take up as much space. Electric swings tend to be large and bulky, so this one probably depends on your space. Bumbo seats, Ergo seats, chairs, it can be a tough decision. Check out this blog for some help on the best floor seats for baby!

9. Baby Walkers

Simply put, baby walkers are insanely dangerous. And if that’s not enough to prevent you from grabbing one, they also don’t help a baby to walk any better or faster. In fact, they tend to hinder their walking skills because the seat doesn’t truly help them to build the correct muscles to learn how to walk. Read more about why baby walkers are not safe here.

10. Wipe Warmer

I think these are just silly. A cold wipe isn’t going to hurt or devastate your baby. Really don’t worry I promise! You can’t (and probably won’t) be bringing your wipe warmer out and about with you either — which means your baby won’t have warm wipes on-the-go. This could get frustrating for them and make a public diaper change even worse. So, just trust me when I say: You don’t need one!😉

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• Be The Best Stay At Home Mom
• What To Gift A New Mom
• What You Really Need Postpartum
• A Letter to My Third Baby

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