The WORST thing you bought for baby? (What can I cross off my list...?)

[PallasCat]

Really finding the 'best things' thread useful, but I'm equally keen to cross anything off the baby shopping list that I'm not actually going to use!

So what did you buy for your baby that you've since decided was not worth the cost/space/hassle?

I'm not so much looking for bashing of particular products, more guidance on which generic items you found unnecessary in the end.

[Mij]

Never used: crib with 1stborn, and tbh we could have got away without using one for 2ndborn too.

Pointless: tiny socks. Both lived in sleepsuits (when the heatwave passed) and they only fall off and get lost.

Useful but only for a short time so borrow or go preloved: swaddle blanket, nursing pillow, bouncy chair, bimbo, tummy tub.

And something other people told me not to bother with: fancy sterilising kit, as you can do the job with Tupperware in the microwave.

[SerafinaScoresby]

Baby bath and baby changing unit, both largely unused. Wouldn't be without our nappy bin though (the exact one that wraps them in a long sausage), putting them in the normal bin is what stinks the place out!

[Eminybob]

Cot bedding set. I got a £££ one from next and the only bit I've used is the fitted sheet. I realised after I'd bought it that bumpers were dangerous and the duvet is pointless. It did look nice decorating the cot while DS was still in his Moses basket though. Oh and ditto the mobile that went with it. Useless after DS could sit up as he just pulled it down.
Also, bath thermometers, top and tail bowl and DS didn't really like his jumparoo.

However we have the tommee tippee nappy bin thing and I think it's fab. It's doesn't smell at all as long as you twist it enough.

[WooLulu]

• Bath thermometer - use your elbow.
  
• I bought a trendy Scandinavian wooden high chair but will be using whatever I can get locally 2nd hand for DC2.
  
• Bottle sterilizer - boil them in the sink or in a jug etc.
  

I found our changing unit pretty useful and will use the same one second time around.

[Quietlifenotonyournelly]

I had a baby bath that was used for ds1,ds2 and DD but decided against one for ds3 (20 yrs later) and bought a rectangular washing up bowl instead which cost around £2, that was used for the first month now it's used for storing my cleaning products so that is why the baby bath seat came in useful (pp). Fortunately ds3 wasn't a wriggly baby to bath and I found it easier when washing under the arms and neck as I had both hands free.

[starfishmummy]

Bottle warmer/chiller for overnight - had a cooler part to keep bottles chilled as well as a warming part. The cooler part worked too well and even after two cycles in the not very good warmer the bottle was still icy cold.

Carry cot. We went for the full interchangeable travel system - car seat, push chair or carry cot on. Carry cots were still a thing then, especially as buggy didn't lie back much. Used it maybe half a dozen times.

[WooLulu]

Ps I also think cot bedding is useless (other than sheets, obvs). Son slept in Grobags until a couple of months ago. When he turned 2 I got a lightweight cotbed duvet and pillow. Babies are not meant to have pillows and cot bumpers.
Pps we did get a Groblind (a portable blackout blind) and it's been invaluable!

[var123]

moses basket and newborn baby clothes. (Both were over 10lbs so went straight into age 0-3 months.)

Oh and that baby bjorn carrier thing. Totally useless and a complete pfaff to get it on and put the baby safely in it.

The baby high chair that clipped onto the edge of the table. It fell off with the baby inside!

[var123]

The bottle warmer was useless too. Microwave and a vigorous shake is the way to go when you have screaming hungry baby.

[Quietlifenotonyournelly]

I found hooded towels useless as they just aren't big enough. I didn't give birth to a giant btw, DS was only 7lb 2oz

[MaisieDotes]

The baby high chair that clipped onto the edge of the table. It fell off with the baby inside!

< crosses clippy highchair off shopping list>

[Noahandthegirls]

I thought everyone would be saying the same things, but clearly not. It must be quite a subjective topic!

The nappy bins are pointless in my opinion. I felt it made the smell worse. So I agree with everyone on that point, but I would not be without my bath thermometer. I've been using it for 6 years now. I have a tendency to run water way too hot and don't pick up on the temperature being too high, so for me the thermometer has been extremely useful.

Don't buy too many clothes for the first year, sleepsuits are all you need. I found the baby sleeping bags very useful too and for that reason I found normal blankets a waste of time. I'd say no to the baby bath as well, bath seats are far more practical.

I have to disagree on the alarm monitor though, this has given me peace of mind. Although I realise the alarm might not save lives, at least I know we'd be there quickly if there was a problem.

If you do lots of walking, then a decent buggy is well worth investing in. A cheap, hard to push buggy will annoy the hell out of you xxx

[Olanda74]

Room thermometer - if it feels too hot is ! Like wise for cold. You don't need a fancy little gadget to tell you that

[bibliomania]

Moses basket. While pregnant, I had beautiful visions of a beaming baby kicking and cooing in the basket. I don't think she ever voluntarily stayed in. Even if yours will, they'll outgrow it very fast.

[Iwanttobeanonymous]

We didn't buy much. Had planned a shopping spree; but then in late pregnancy ds was found to have severe problems and we were told he probably wouldn't make it. He came into the world with one pack each of babygros, vests and nappies. All way too big. Well he had other ideas about surviving, so while he and I were still in the hospital, mil, sil and dh (for chequebook purposes) had to go shopping, so nothing was of my choosing!!
DS is now 16!!

[QueenPotato]

Alarm monitor was essential for me, because I'm so anxious. It allowed me to sleep. Statistically it may be pointless, but it helped me feel I would know if the baby stopped breathing. Also if I woke up in the night I could look over and see the green light blinking, so I could roll over and go back to sleep instead of having to get up and check the baby.

It is a subjective thing but this thread is still useful to people I think.

[VeganCow]

baby bath was a waste of time. Ended up using this baby-shaped bath support sponge thing that you put in your normal bath, it meant you can be hands free to use baby wash etc.
Newborn clothes unless you have a very small baby. Better to get 0-3 and have them a bit big.
Clothes like baby jeans etc - if I had a baby now it would be vests, sleepsuits and cardigans only for the first 6 months. Babies are so much easier to handle and are lovely and squidgy in a sleepsuit. Those flimsy blouses and stuff that ride up, couldnt be doing with them.

[Eminybob]

Oooh for those of you saying hooded towels are too small, try the IKEA ones, they are loads bigger. DS still uses them at 15 months. But agree that generally they are a waste of time. (Esp mothercare)

[Quietlifenotonyournelly]

iwantto
I have just cried reading your post. I'm so glad your DS made it

[MagickPants]

reni2, I have just seen your note on the hooded towels - that made me laugh!

[herethereandeverywhere]

It's all so personal isn't it? I really valued my nappy bin because we lived in a first floor flat with communal bins so hiking out to the bins and leaving the nappy where the foxes would drag it out and scatter it was a nightmare. (And there was no way I would leave it in my kitchen bin - boak). I found if I used the tommy tippee bin with proper wrapper the smell stayed in (until fully weaned when the poo was dropped into the loo anyway).

Moses basket also essential as I hated cosleeping (anxious not to squash baby so I got no sleep) and the basket was so much cosier for her than a cot with draughty sides.

Baby bath was pointless but the seat/support that went into the normal bath was really helpful (felt like I needed to grow a 3rd arm otherwise). Those £20 buckets for bathing baby are completely useless. You can't see what you're doing or reach in and clean them! (Thankfully never fell for that one!)

I found babygros very difficult as pregnancy gave me carpel tunnel so fastening poppers was virtually impossible. Vest with minimal posters and 2 piece outfits were much easier for me. And gap baby socks stay on the best.

[herethereandeverywhere]

Vest with minimal poppers damn autocorrect!

[iMogster]

No baby bath. Use sink, then use large baby sponge in big bath for support and non slip. Not bulky to store. No top n tail bowl. No fiddly clothes for newborn, like jeans and tops - best to have them in sleep suits 24/7. No baby shoes, won't stay on even long enough for a photo!

A lot of people saying no Moses basket. I used one with both kids from birth to 6 months, fantastic. Small by my bed, easy to take downstairs or to grandparents. It made it easier for them to sleep in own room and I could still bring them back in with me in middle of night if necessary.

No to those nursing chairs, nice luxury if you have space. Sofa and breastfeeding pillow fine. I did a lot of breast feeding lying in bed on my side much easier and more relaxing! No to nappy bin, take each poo nappy outside to wheelie bin each time, no smell in house!

[iMogster]

No to babygro with buttons and buttonholes. Poppers every time!

[stopfuckingshoutingatme]

bloody MOSES BASKETS!
they are useable for about 2 months then litter ebay, Facebook selling pages and carboots across the land. at least the baskets are biodegradable


and yes I spend 10 British pounds on a bath thermometer

100 British pounds on a baby monitor? why? he wailed like a klaxon. ear plugs would have been better