To ask what baby item(s) we shouldn’t waste money on?

[Mummytooobe]

What did you buy but never used or thought was pointless?

We were looking at picking up a Moses on marketplace but by the time we’ve done that and bought a new mattress, we might as well have bought an entirely new one. Happy to do so but not if you didn’t use it.

What DIDN’T you use?

On our must-have list we have:

• Brand new mattresses for all baby sleeping places
• Ultra safe infant car seat (looking at the Avionaut or Maxi Cosi models)
• Supportive baby carrier like the ergobaby
• Compact buggy for after 6 months

We have also picked up a second hand Mamaroo swing for very cheap, so we’re pleased with that. Planning on breastfeeding so not getting any bottles or prep machines unless we need to.

What don’t we need? Please de-influence me!

@thecatsthecats the NICE guidance on this changed in the last couple of years and they are now meant to discuss safe bedsharing with new parents

All 3 of mine loved the Moses basket so would recommend that. Mine also loved the bouncy chair which we used in place of a high chair for the first weaning stage.
Other than that not much. Didn't bother with nursing chair or changing unit, just a changing mat.
We got a second hand pushchair from my brother which lasted until they were all about 2 1/2. Only other new thing we got was a car seat.
Also personally I wouldn't bother with proper outfits for baby, we just used loads of vests and sleep suits for the first few months.

Another thing you don't really need is scratch mitts. We had about 5 pairs and used them once.

You absolutely do not need a changing table. And lots of people don't like using them. However just in case you're like me prior to having kids, thinking you'd find one rather useful and have the space, and reading this thread doubting yourself, I'd like to be a voice that some people do find them invaluable. I still use ours and my kid is 2.5 and potty trained. This might say more about my knees though 😁

Stokke Tripp Trapp chairs are worth considering. They sell a newborn set so you can hopefully put baby down whilst you eat your own dinner. Again… Marketplace is your friend

We had something similar to this but it was a different company - Babydan maybe? It was a cheaper version of the Stokke but a similar concept, although not from newborn.

I had a Maclaren foldable buggy that was suitable for newborns - but I don't think they make them anymore.

Clearly any intelligent person reading my words would not take that 'inference'! I was merely saying that if a baby knows nothing but being tied to its mother 24 hours a day, as seems to be this week's popular thinking, then no-one should be surprised when it doesn't then want to be put down! I had two babies, they were held and comforted when necessary but were secure enough to enjoy being an a rug or in the bouncy chair and guess what, they never had 'attachment issues' nor the other trendy issues!

Don't get me started on the failures to follow NICE guidelines in my trust. I ended up with pre eclampsia because they failed to follow NICE advice on prevention for me.

@JudgeJ - obviously a mum who says that their baby screams when put down, has tried to put them down. Ergo, they haven't planned to be attached 24/7.

My son likes to lie, kick and play awake, to sit in his bouncer, sleeps in his pram. He even will sleep (closely attended) on the sofa. But like fuck would he be put down to sleep in his crib or basket, or even just to lie down.

Just to add re changing tables - we didn't have a specific table but did use a changing mat on top of a chest of drawers.

I imagine changing on a mat on the floor would be fine for younger parents whose backs are still functioning, especially after a straightforward birth, but we found the chest of drawers invaluable because it really reduces the amount of bending and lifting you need to do. Babies get heavy quickly!

You can't take your hand off the baby because of the risk of them rolling, but that's simple to do. Have something at the same height next to it with nappies, wipes etc on so you don't have to reach for them.

Instead of a changing table I'd be tempted to get a little chest of drawers that could just be used for storing clothes later on.

@ShoePalaver jooi where do you get the rip off Trip Trap from 😅??