Missing
Last weekend, Sweets and I spent some more time in Buy Buy Baby trying to fill out our registry. In the past, we bypassed the sections with floor-to-ceiling inventory and instead, focused on the big-ticket items (cribs, strollers, car seats, etc.). This past trip, however, we began focusing on some of the smaller items.
While we were able to add a bunch of nit picky things to our registry (first aid kit, teething rings, bottles, etc.), we saw a bunch of things that were completely unnecessary to us and sometimes hilariously funny. {Disclaimer: Just because something is deemed unnecessary for my house doesn’t mean I think it’s a waste for all homes – so moms and moms-to-be, please don’t misinterpret this list as my say on parenting at large!} Consider this my not-list … a list of things you’ll find missing from our registry:
- Bottle sterilizer (example). If it can be cleaned just as well in a dishwasher and clears up more counter space, then I deem this one unnecessary.
- Bottle warmer (example) is one of those nice-to-have items that we find unnecessary. So long as we can bring the milk to room temperature, I think we’ll be just fine.
- Wipes warmer (example) is another example of something we find unnecessary, though I will admit that if I wind up changing Grasshopper’s diaper in the car during the winter more than once, I may have to rethink a travel version of the warmer.
- Faucet gauge (example) is something you add onto your faucet and an LED lighting system will tell you the temperature of the water. Maybe it’s just me, but I’m pretty sure the nerves in my finger tips still work just fine.
- Stove guard (example) supposedly protects the stove from little kids putting their hands near the flame. To me, this seems like a false sense of safety on the parents’ part – and will surely wind up with the kid swinging from (and breaking) the guard … or even worse, using the guard to help climb onto the counters/stove!
- Room thermometer (example) is another item whose value is something I’m pretty sure we can determine on our own by merely walking into the room and testing for ourselves.
- Bassinet (example), also known as a cradle, is used for the first few months of a baby’s life. While we want our child to sleep in the same room with us (for how long is still to be determined), we’re opting for the more versatile Pack N Play play yard with bassinet attachment. Once the baby grows out of use for the bassinet portion, we’ll still be able to use it for sleeping while on the road.
- Crib bumper (example) is an item open to debate. Some argue they are a suffocation hazard and might contribute to SIDS. Others would argue they protect a baby from hitting his/her head on the sides of the cribs. We have decided to skip the padded bumper in favor of a breathable fabric.
- Changing table (example) because there are just too many other options to change a baby. Could be a couch, the floor, the backseat of our car. The reality is, it’s just as easy to put a changing pad/mattress on top of a low dresser and call it a day. And that’s exactly what we plan to do!
- High chair (example) is deemed a necessity for most families, but we’re skipping it! We found a travel seat that hooks directly onto the table. Friends have been using the same model for their kids and swear by it … and we kind of love the space-saving opportunity!
- Baby walker (example) was a popular item when I was a kid. But, research has questioned the safety of these items (I mean, look at how I turned out!) as well as a delay in walking independently.
- Baby jumper (example) is similar to a baby walker, in that there are safety issues related to its use that don’t justify a need for one.
- Baby carrier (example) comes with its own questioned safety, mostly as it relates to the baby’s feet dangling and the resulting impact on the baby’s hips. We’re instead leaning towards baby wraps while still a newborn and adding in slings once the baby is larger (slings also have risks, mostly related to the first few months of life).
So, tell me, what over-the-top things have you discovered in the land o’ kids … whether it be for your own kids or as you’re looking for gifts for other’s kids???
For those who are curious, here I am at 22 weeks. That’s not a basketball up inside my shirt there, it’s mah belly!
August 26th, 2010 at 7:44 am
The room temperature one is hilarious.
I’m gonna put in a pitch for a changing table. I just spent 4 days almost unable to walk because we long ago left the changing table in Texas!
After bending over the too low bed so several days and not be careful about how I bent over with my 27 pound kid--there goes my back! I’ve spent quite a bit of time in pain since we ditched the table.
If the dresser you speak of it high enough, you won’t be bending and twisting in all kinds of awful ways to change your kid on the floor, couch, car, etc. I recommend taking the time to the them to that higher up location once the get bigger. They will fast be heavier and moving around while you change them and your back may pay the price.
Potty training your kid before 2 1/2 may help you in this regard too! : ). Just two cents from the injured diaper changer!
August 26th, 2010 at 7:46 am
I didn’t even know 1/2 these items existed!!! We were very low-tech kids (ie we didn’t have a walker, jumper, or likely most of the things on your list) and I’m planning on raising my (very future) kids the same way. I’ve been a nanny for years and recognise the benefit of slings/wraps over different carrying methods and plan to use them too. No unnecessary “stuff” although I’m sure I’ll get some things as gifts that I deem totally unnecessary but someone else thinks I cannot live without.
August 26th, 2010 at 8:04 am
Okay, admittedly, I can’t even remember any of what I read in this post, because I just got so excited to see your picture!!!!!!!! AHHHHHHHH!!! BABY BELLY!!!!! You look so, so, so beautiful, Nilsa!!
Whew. Sorry. I’m going to go calm down. :)
August 26th, 2010 at 8:17 am
Your belly is so cute!
I think you are smart to limit your list. When I think about the massive amount of clutter that comes with a baby, cutting some things out seems logical. And you can always fill in the gaps if you find something necessary down the road.
My sis-in-law just got those LED faucets in the bathrooms a few weeks ago now that my nephew is potty trained and insisting on using the bathroom alone. Clearly not something adults need.
August 26th, 2010 at 8:48 am
My brother had the jumper that hangs in a doorway, which I don’t think they even make them anymore. I think it turned out to be one of those OMG SUPER DANGEROUS things. But he LOVED that thing.
August 26th, 2010 at 8:59 am
You look great!
My parents had a seat that hooked onto the table for me when I was growing up and they loved it. We were just talking about it the other day as they (my parents) were sure that it could no longer be around (assumed that people ranted about the safety) but glad to know it is still around!
A room thermometer? Seriously? Isn’t that what a thermostat in your house is for?
August 26th, 2010 at 9:06 am
We didn’t have most of these things either. Babies need very few things really. The few things on your list we did have we got from well meaning friends and family. We probably used our wipe warmer one time and then I decided it was kind of a hassle.
You look so pretty in that picture! I love that you posted it!
August 26th, 2010 at 9:13 am
You look great!!! LOVE the baby belly!
My mom had a wooden high chair made for her by a carpenter friend when I was born. She used it for me and my brother and still has it for nieces and nephews right now and one day (far away) grand kids!
But I think one that fastens to the table is much more practical! I’m the kind of person who is all about saving space and decluttering also.
August 26th, 2010 at 9:32 am
You look gorgeous! :)
We have a small house so when we have kidlets I’m sure there’s going to be a lot of the same “do we *really* need this??” thinking. I’m excited to hear about what works for you guys when Grasshopper comes! :)
August 26th, 2010 at 9:47 am
Wow, you look stunning! ;)
I agree on many unnecessary baby items (I’ve talked them all over with my sister, when she was pregnant).
My sister has this high chair, which adjusts with the babies age and can also be used as a latter… I think they’re very efficient.
August 26th, 2010 at 10:01 am
(Long comment alert!)
I am going to agree with everything on your list except for the stove guard and the bassinet (for certain house set-ups). I don’t have the stove guard, yet, but just yesterday we had a VERY close call. Noah wandered into the kitchen while I had three pots going on the stove and within a split second he was on his tip toes trying to reach the handle of the skillet pan, even though the handle was turned away from the edge of the stove. Thankfully I was standing AT the stove so I got to him before he could get to the pan. He has been warned since the day he could crawl to stay away from the stove/oven, we’ve used the words “DANGER!” or “HOT!” when he gets too close, and has even been gated out of the kitchen at times. However, a curious 2 year old will “forget” all warnings when they see something they want. If that stove guard buys me even a few seconds before a disaster, it’s totally worth it.
Also, my brother pulled a pot of boiling water off the stove when he was 3 and my mom was 9 months pregnant with my sister. My brother spent the evening in the ER with my dad with a badly burned leg and arm while my mom went into early labor (due to stress) on the Labor/Delivery floor. That stove guard may have prevented some of that crazy day from happening (if they had such things in 1990).
As for the bassinet, we needed one but that’s because we have a two story house and didn’t want to buy two pack n plays. We kept the pack n play in the family room and used it as a napping, changing, baby-containing device for many months. The bassinet stayed by the side of our bed until Noah moved into his own room at 3 months. So that was a necessary purchase for our personal set-up (one that I wish had been less money for the crazy short period of time we used it for…or it would have been a great thing to borrow).
Regardless of all the above drivel, you look FABULOUS! All glowy and happy and with some great hair.
August 26th, 2010 at 10:03 am
You look great!! It’s so interesting to see how women carry their babies differently. My best friend is a couple of weeks ahead of you (25 as of today) and she is sort of carrying it lower. Just interesting how diff it is for everyone!
Yah, there are alot of unnecessary things out there… I think of how little my parents had when they had us 5 kids and we turned out just fine…
August 26th, 2010 at 10:17 am
My sister in law has the most beautiful blue silk ring sling. I love how Baby Z. fits in it. He loves it. He calms down almost instantly when someone puts him in a wrap or a sling because she “wore” him for the first 6 months of his life. Calming and apparently, their little hearts learn how to regulate themselves when up near an adult’s heart a lot of the time.
August 26th, 2010 at 10:21 am
You look absolutely adorable with that grasshopper belly!!!
I love highchairs.I would put a kid in it and drag it around the apartment—both my kids loved sitting in it for snacks and playing!
August 26th, 2010 at 10:57 am
BABY BUMP!!! :) Glad to see that you all are being intentional about what you are buying for Grasshopper -- I agree that we don’t need most of those items, though have a feeling that when it comes our time to make a human, the church ladies will have other ideas about what we NEED and what left-over crap they should give us.
And I love the necklace, btw!
August 26th, 2010 at 11:24 am
Most of these seem pretty impractical. I love the high chair alternative!
I had no idea about the whole hips thing with those baby carriers. The things you learn when pregnant, obviously! I think the slings look very cool, I’d be afraid my baby would fall out :-) Therefore, I think a photo and perhaps a tutorial is in order when you get to using them.
August 26th, 2010 at 11:38 am
First off you look great!
Secondly, most of those things sound ridonkulous. Just another way to get people to spend money. And then have to buy a bigger house because they have too much stuff.
August 26th, 2010 at 12:08 pm
I agree, there’s too much baby STUFF. You’ll end up with a lot of nonsense anyway, why add extra??
The only thing I’ll say though is keep your options on the carrier open. Some kids don’t like the slings but end up liking other carriers. Some like only certain kinds of wraps. It can depend on the baby, so if Grasshopper doesn’t like what you’ve got--don’t’ give up on carrying if you can try something else out first!
August 26th, 2010 at 1:08 pm
For me (more for our kids) the wipes warmer was a must (especially for in the winter). The babies would jump a mile if cold wipes were applied. The warm ones made life a lot easier.
As for a bottle sterilizer. I took microbiology, so it was kind of important to me to make sure things reached a high temp. My mom bought me a contraption that went in the microwave. You put a little water in the bottom, snapped on a little bottle tray, put the bottles in and then put the cover on. Into the microwave it went for sterilization. And then Miles didn’t even drink from a bottle AT ALL, so I didn’t use it the second time around.
Changing table. We used a low dresser type thing. And honestly, our squirmy children did not last up there too long. Eventually I just changed them on the floor while having a better hold on them to keep them still.
We borrowed a bassinet for Ella and used it a ton. We bought one used for Miles and did not use it at all. All kids are different. I’ve even heard of a friend using a laundry basket as a bassinet of sorts. Why not. There is a lot of improvising that can be done. As long as it is safe.
There are certainly lots of gizmos and gadgets being sold out there that people just don’t need. But in reality, every mom/dad and baby have their own needs and their own systems and you will need entirely different things than the next family.
August 26th, 2010 at 1:18 pm
Dude, I will have to say the bassinet out of pure tradition is awesome. And I love it. The one you gave an example of is a little over the top, but I like them. And, the baby jumper, toy loved by millions!
August 26th, 2010 at 1:29 pm
Nilsa, you look beautiful!
August 26th, 2010 at 1:48 pm
The wiper warmer thing cracks me up. I know my mom didn’t warm up the wipes that only touched my butt briefly and I’m sure I didn’t suffer from cold shock or something. :) HAHA But I had no idea that the walker and jumper have been touted to be problems for children—but then I haven’t done any looking into them either since I don’t have a bun in the oven.
Nilsa-your basketball bump there is adorable! I hope I look like that when I get pregnant some day and not a walrus. ;)
August 26th, 2010 at 2:06 pm
I agree with all of those except the steralizer and bottle warmer. My reasons, let me tell you them:
1. sometimes you need the bottles right away before you are able to run the dishwasher. granted, we didn’t have a bajillion bottles, only a few, so we were going through them quickly. but! if you have a large bottle supply then you shoud be good.
2. if you’re pulling a bottle or milk out of the fridge it takes awhile (longer than a screaming baby would like) for it to warm to room temperature--even by putting it in a glass of hot water to warm it up. the bottle warmer got us perfectly temped bottles in 15-20 seconds. I SWORE BY IT. Theo was colicky so I wanted to reduce the screaming as much as possible. Also in the middle of the night I did ANYthing to cut down the awake time and back to sleepy time :-)
But rock on with everything else. I totally agree. Glad you’re getting everything prepped. YEAH FOR BABY! And again, you look fabulous. xoxo
August 26th, 2010 at 2:10 pm
The bottle warmer might make sense in the middle of the night if you’re bottle feeding? I don’t know.
We’re with you on the dresser as changing table thing. Though, the one we’re leaning toward is actually marketed as a dresser/changing table combo.
August 26th, 2010 at 3:09 pm
The belly just gets cuter and cuter. :) Considering that I don’t have a whole lot to add to the baby equipment talk, I’ll share a story: While Mr. W and I were walking around in Seattle, we saw a man who was carrying his little dog in a baby sling across the front of him. I wish I would’ve taken a picture!
If I have kids, you’ll have to fly out here and teach me how to do the wrap/sling thing. They seem very complicated to attach! But also a totally cool option.
August 26th, 2010 at 3:17 pm
There are so many fancy new products out there! Most of which are, like you’ve said here, are unnecessary. And most new moms who’ve bought or received these items have learned very quickly how unnecessary they are.
A good friend of mine bought a rather expensive changing table that had all kinds of storage and matched the crib and she thought it would be PERFECT. Her little guy is almost 10 months old and has refused to be changed on it for most of his baby life. She just changes him on the floor :-)
August 26th, 2010 at 3:17 pm
Oh, and your belly is absolutely adorable! You look beautiful!
August 26th, 2010 at 3:46 pm
quel adorable belly!!
ha, i had one of those doorway jumper things when i was a baby and i loovvvvved it. my mom would throw me in there and i’d bounce away without a peep for ages while she made dinner / cleaned / whatever. so sad they’re actually unsafe :-(
August 26th, 2010 at 4:46 pm
I’m in no position to say what things are truly necessary to raise children. However I will say that if anyone ever invents and markets an adult version of the Jolly Jumper, I’m so IN! If I had to move into a loft condo to get a high enough ceiling to hang it from, so be it.
August 26th, 2010 at 6:36 pm
You look maaaa-vah-lahs!
I agree with most of your list, but I have to vouch for the wipes warmer (your baby will appreciate it at 2AM on a frosty December morning).
And I totally co-sign a previous poster’s recommendation to get the high chair and drag it around the house! Maybe its because my kitchen and dining room are nowhere near each other and its helpful to give Ladybug a place to sit when we’re not at the table.
Please, please, puh-lease promise us you will check back in at 3 months and tell us how many of these things you sent Sweets back to Buy Buy Baby to get (like the room thermometer after you both stand in the room for 10 minutes debating whether its too warm or too cold -- LOL!)
August 26th, 2010 at 9:33 pm
My boss just had a baby and I know MANY of these items. She said she also highly recommends a video monitor and not just audio, she said it transitioned better with her baby as he grew. Dunno, just thought I’d share.
August 27th, 2010 at 8:13 am
We have a lot of thse items, most of which I’ve used a lot. We received the bottle sterilizer as a gift, but I don’t use it very often. Like you, I think the dishwasher gets them plenty hot and clean. We did use a bassinette in our room until last weekend when we moved her to her crib. Loved the bassinette. Also used a moses basket in our living room, which we loved! We also took the moses basket on our beach trip and she slept beautifully while away from home; I think that was because she was used to the moses basket.
We have a changing table which I’m so thankful for; it’s really the top of the dresser, but the height of it is perfect.
We didn’t get a baby carrier but I did get a sling. Only tried one once so far and Molly screamed bloody murder!?!?!
August 27th, 2010 at 9:43 am
We didn’t get most of the things on your list. My mom got us breathable bumpers that we are going to try. I also did get a changing table…but that’s mostly because there is absolutely no room in our nursery for a dresser. You’ll see when I finally get around to posting pictures.
For high chairs, we got space saver chairs that just sit on our regular kitchen chairs. I love them already!
Also, as far as baby bouncers, jumpers, etc…well, as someone who works with kids who have all sorts of mobility problems, I just think it’s better to avoid them completely. Kids don’t need fancy gadgets to help them learn to walk. Development is an unfolding of their genetic blueprint…their little brains generally know how to make it work.
August 27th, 2010 at 1:35 pm
You’re so freakin cute. And since I’ve done this twice I will say that I agree with almost your whole entire list. Bottle warmer is a WASTE! Sterilizer..WASTE! We have a changing table that we had from Hannah. We used it LOTS with her but like twice with Livie. We realized it’s a space taker upper and not necessary. Wipes warmer…DUMB. We had one. Barely used it. Our high chair though we use daily and I LOVE that thing. Hannah refused to sit in it and we never used it with her so I HAD sworn them off. But now I’m back on team high chair. Same with walkers. Both girls used them and loved them and I can’t trade them in. But a room thermometer? Give me a freakin break.
August 29th, 2010 at 8:06 am
Wow yeah some of those are just insane. ROOM TEMPERATURE? It’s a baby, people. Not a fragile, exotic plant. Geez. ha
I will say this- I also thought that the bottle warmer was unnecessary, until I started using one (someone bought us one randomly) Once I quit breastfeeding and had to get bottles in the middle of the night, it became very useful! Instead of mixing the formula in the dark at 3am, I’d premix them before bed and stick them in the fridge. Then I’d pre-fill the water in the warmer so all I had to do was put the bottle in the warmer, press the button, and then go get Maggie from her crib. By the time I got back to the warmer in the kitchen, the bottle was ready to go. (during the day, Maggie would drink her bottles straight from the fridge, cold, but during the night, the warmed bottle helped keep her relaxed so she’d go back to sleep easier)
Anyway, just my 2 cents :) If you breastfeed for longer, it’s obviously not as much of an issue! But by 6 weeks I had to quit, so I was glad to have it!
August 30th, 2010 at 2:58 pm
First of all, you’re beautiful. Second, we’re those total lame-ohs who bought the wipe warmer and we still use it for our not-quite-potty-trained little person. It seemed to make sense for a dead of winter baby. Anyway, we love it, but it’s totally a luxury.