Product Overload: Eight Items for Infants and Toddlers That You Don’t Need to Buy

Marketing for infant and toddler products has become widespread and very effective. From a variety of gadgets designed to make parenting easier, to coveted items that “every mom” should own, it can become difficult for parents to cut down their spending and their clutter! These eight items, however, don’t need to be on your shopping list or your registry.

  1. A Huge Drawer of Newborn Clothing. A few onesies? Sure. Some baby leggings and footie pajamas? Of course. But some parents buy three months’ worth of newborn clothing, not realizing that their little one will likely fit into larger sizes well before she grows out of the newborn phase.
  2. Wipes Warmers. Picture this. Your baby grows accustomed to a warm, comfortable wipe every time he has a diaper change. Until you bring him to the mall, the park, or his grandparents’ house. Then, you introduce a room temperature wipe, and he cries hysterically. Don’t get him hooked, and you won’t have a problem!
  3. Bottle Warmer. Following the principles outlined in the section above, why allow your infant to grow accustomed to a bottle that’s set to a specific temperature, when you won’t be able to warm his milk to that temperature outside your home?
  4. Talcum Powder. Talcum powder can actually exacerbate diaper rash, and it may irritate your baby’s lungs if inhaled. Sticking with a balm or ointment will effectively prevent and treat diaper rash.
  5. Diaper Bag. Don’t let us stop you from buying a great diaper bag if you see one you like. But many moms don’t love the colors and patterns available. Feel free to sport a roomy tote bag instead. Longchamp makes popular nylon totes, and Madewell makes a leather tote that dresses up your look a bit. If you feel the need to organize your changing supplies in your bag, try Skip Hop’s diaper insert.
  6. Toddler Formula. Toddler formula, despite the claims of formula companies, do not actual have an advantage over regular cow’s milk in terms of nutrition. And it’s much more expensive than simply buying milk at the grocery store.
  7. Faucet Extender. These are designed to bring the water closer to your child’s hands, and to allow him to turn the faucet on and off on his own. But if you own a multi-purpose stool, that should be sufficient. By the time most kids are capable of washing their hands without assistance, they can also reach the faucet without an extender.
  8. Time-out Pad. Many parents rely on time-outs as an effective disciplinary technique. But consistency is what makes time-outs work. A pad with flashing lights and timers is not necessary.Do you have any products collecting dust that you’ve never used? Share with new moms and dad in the comments section, so that they can learn from your experience!

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