Least Useful Baby Items

In my last post, I wrote about most useful baby items as a first time mom. Here is another list which will be useful for first-time parents who are planning to shop for Baby Stuff. These were the things which we used the least during Baby’s First Year. Some of these items weren’t needed as I was a first time mom but may have been useful with a second or third child.

1. Diaper Bag – Not really needed. I used a big handbag instead of a diaper bag. Since I breastfed my baby, I didn’t need to carry bottles or formula which meant I didn’t need too many compartments for my bag.
2. Play Gym – Baby used it for a month before becoming bored of it. Then we moved the little one to a regular mat on the carpet.
3. Baby Carrier – A friend gave me her baby carrier. It wasn’t ergonomic and I used it only a couple of times. As a first time mom, I could manage without a Baby Carrier. My hands were enough for carrying the little one or I would use our stroller for outings and daily walks.
4. Bassinet – A friend gave us the Arms Reach Co-sleeper Bassinet but I didn’t find it useful. The crib was much sturdier and the correct height for me. Baby preferred sleeping in the crib from the first day.
5. Muslin Swaddling Blankets – These are really soft but expensive. Our baby preferred the Halo Swaddle to these.
6. Summer Infant Swaddleme Swaddle – We hardly used it for a month with our newborn who quickly learned to free his arms from it. We switched to the Halo sleep swaddle and used it for a long time.
7. Newborn Outfits – I didn’t buy any newborn outfits for my baby but I was gifted plenty of these by good friends. I didn’t get a chance to use any of those cute outfits as my baby moved to 3 month old clothing within a few weeks. I wish friends had gifted these in larger sizes.
8. Infant Shoes – We used these very rarely since infants don’t really need shoes until they are walking around.
9. Crib Sheets – I purchased four, cute little crib sheets and guess what? Two is all that we used the entire first year.
10. Tiny Bibs – My baby wasn’t a spitter. I never had to use bibs for my newborn. I used it only when I started solids and I preferred the bigger plastic ones.
11. Nursing Covers – I didn’t use these at all! When I had to nurse in public, I would find a private spot or mostly nurse in the car.
12. Toys – My baby didn’t need stuffed animals or other toys for entertainment during the first 6-8 months. Plastic cups, bowls and spoons did the trick.