Today I wanted to talk about baby gear. Over the course of having 5 children, I think we managed to acquire every piece of baby equipment ever invented. I’m kidding of course, but we did end up with a lot of stuff. The funny thing is that baby’s don’t really need much to be happy.
I compiled a list of baby gear, and grouped the items into 3 categories – worth it, maybe, and not worth it. If you’re expecting, hopefully this list will help you make wise purchases for your little bundle of joy.
Worth It
Bouncy seat – I really like bouncy seats for new babies. They’re lightweight and portable, so it’s not a big deal to move them from room to room And for some reason, babies really like sitting at an incline.
Swing – I have always used a baby swing with my children. Some of my babies slept in the swing exclusively. Others just liked to relax and play. But all of my kids spent a significant amount of time in the swing.
Nursing pillow – I honestly don’t know how women breastfeed without a nursing pillow. I still use my Boppy every single day with my 18 month old. Definitely essential.
Breast pump – If you plan on nursing, you need an electric breast pump. They are expensive, but necessary.
Car seat and Frame stroller – You need a car seat, of course. I think that goes without saying. I used a lightweight frame stroller in conjunction with my infant car seat. It takes up the least amount of space in my trunk and doesn’t cost much.
Umbrella stroller – After graduating from the infant car seat, I transition my kids to an umbrella stroller. They are cheap, lightweight, and don’t take up much space.
Sound machine – If you have more than one child, you NEED a sound machine to block out the noise from your other children.
Sleepers with zippers – I can’t emphasis the importance of the zipper. Don’t buy anything with buttons (you’ll thank me at 4am). I have found that I keep my babies in sleepers 90% of the time. Trust me, all of those adorable baby outfits will sit unused.
Maybe
Exersaucer/Jumperoo/Baby gym – We had all of these things. Did we need them? Probably not. Was it nice to have different ways to entertain the baby? Yes. If you could find these items used, that would be the best scenario. Your baby will outgrow these toys quickly, so don’t spend a ton on these contraptions.
Video monitor – With my first 4 children, I used an auditory baby monitor. When my last baby was born, I decided to buy a video monitor. I am not going to lie – I really like watching him on the monitor. It eases my anxiety. That being said, it’s definitely not essential. However, if it makes you feel better, you might want to go for it.
Not Worth It
Big stroller – Big, heavy strollers are the worst. I sold my big stroller after my second baby was born. Then a friend gave me another one a few years later. I never used it. They are heavy and take up too much space in your trunk. Stick with something lightweight.
Big high chair – I have a big high chair, and I hate it. I’ve hated since we first purchased it 14 years ago. It takes up too much space, has a cloth seat cover (it’s always a mess), and the tray weighs a ton. There are so many reasons to dislike it. Just save yourself the trouble and buy a plastic booster seat that attaches to a chair.
Crib bedding – I went out and purchased an expensive bedding set for my first baby. I still have it, and although it’s cute, we can’t really use it. Because of SIDS, no bumpers or blankets are allowed in the crib. Save your cash, and don’t purchase bedding that won’t be used.
Tons of clothes – Baby’s grow sooooo fast. Your baby will be teeny tiny when he’s first born. Everything will be HUGE on him. Then you’ll blink and nothing will fit that chubby little stinker. Plus, the only thing he’ll ever wear regularly is sleepers with ZIPPERS.
I hope this list is helpful while you’re planning for your little one’s arrival. Babies are expensive, and you’ll need to prioritize how to spend your money. The best advice I can give when it comes to baby gear is to accept hand-me-downs and buy used whenever possible. Good Luck!