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When it comes to fulfilling the needs of your little one, you leave no stone unturned to ensure they have the best of everything. Unfortunately, while the baby product market is flourishing with the increasing demands of parents worldwide, many popular products are not as vital as advertised. As new parents, you have to make sure you stay within budget while buying everything your child needs, and so there is a need to omit unnecessary goods from your shopping list. Here in this article, we have a list of some baby products that are highly recommended by companies, but experienced parents regret wasting their money on. Read on to know them all!
1. Changing Table
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The changing table is designed with rails on the sides to prevent the infant from tumbling over while you change their diaper and wipe them clean. However, data show that even while using changing tables, thousands of children are injured annually (1). In addition, many moms report that changing diapers on the bed, with its larger surface area, is considerably more convenient. You may also use an existing dresser or a change mat for this purpose without spending your money on an exclusive changing table.
2. Weighing Scale
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When moms weigh their children after each meal, they naturally worry as to whether or not they are getting enough to eat. The stress of this nature is detrimental to nursing. If a baby is urinating and defecating on a consistent schedule, there is no need to worry about whether or not they are gaining or losing weight. You will become hyper-aware of every gram and ounce, and this will only give you additional anxiety.
3. Baby Footwear
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Baby shoes look adorable on little toes, but they are not necessary. Babies love to put their toes in their mouths. Thus their boots are always coated in saliva. A newborn doesn’t require footwear. To keep them warm, you can use tiny socks. But remember that you’ll have to change them each time they soak it in spit!
4. Cutlery For Infants
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Using a child-sized plastic spoon is convenient, but it’s not essential. A standard teaspoon is suitable for everyday use while feeding a baby. All you need to make sure is that it is boiled after every feeding and wiped clean before feeding the baby.
5. Playpen
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For several reasons, playpens are a standard fixture in parents’ homes worldwide. For instance, the infant can play safely in a confined room with various toys. However, research has shown that playpens increase the risk of asphyxia for infants (2). In addition, a playpen is unnecessary, and you can’t leave your child alone for a minute, so you might as well give them the whole floor to play on.
6. Wipe Heaters
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A new invention, a wipe warmer, heats wipes to an ideal temperature for wiping a baby’s bottom or back. Warm wipes are lovely, but they’re entirely unnecessary. You’ll probably use it for a couple of weeks at most. Of course, you can always use warm water to dip the wipes in if you want the temperature to be modulated instead of buying something exclusively for this.
7. Diaper Disposal Container
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Changing tables can be fitted with a simple pail for collecting soiled diapers. The purpose of the gadget is to contain the foul odor without you having to leave your baby unattended and carrying the diaper to the dustbin. Unfortunately, many parents who have already invested in it are unsatisfied with their purchase. In addition, you’ll need to invest in expensive specialized plastic bags. Instead of purchasing diaper containers, any trash can that is covered can be used for it.
8. Protective Pads For Infant Knees
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Baby knee pads are primarily intended to prevent scrapes and scratches to the knees while the baby crawls, which is a significant concern for mothers. You probably won’t require extra cushioning if your floor isn’t carpeted or covered with wood scratches. Protective knee protectors are unnecessary and impractical.
9. Pacifiers
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These days, it’s unusual to see a baby or toddler without a pacifier. However, while purchasing one, check that it does not come with any extras. Statistics show a choking hazard with the pacifier if left unattended (3). This is why you should get a regular pacifier without straps or trinkets.
Every parent wants the best for their children, and even before the child is born, parents want to ensure their children have every luxury they did not have as kids. However, some things sold as essentials might not be as vital as they are thought to be. Therefore, it is essential to talk to someone who has had a baby recently who will tell you from their experience which of these items are absolutely necessary for taking care of your baby. Happy parenting!
