- crib, bumpers, sheets, crib mattress, co sleeper, snuggle nest, pack n play: Our babies sleep with us until about age two when they move up to a toddler bed. We simply add a bed rail to our bed and clear away any blankets and pillows from the baby. I love sleeping next to my babies, and its certainly handy for those night time feedings!
- disposables: diapers, breast pads, diaper genie and liners: Using cloth diapers and washable breast pads saves us from having to buy numerous disposable products. I do find that disposable wipes come in handy, but I'm planning to experiment with making my own.
- bottles, formula, bottle liners, bottle brushes, bottle warmers, pump: Breastfeeding has been extremely challenging for me in the beginning, but I'm thankful that with some good help and perseverance we've succeeded. I keep my babies with me all the time, so I do not even have to worry about pumping and all that goes along with that either.
- changing table, changing pad, changing pad cover: If I had plenty of space in my home I suppose I wouldn't mind having a changing table. As it is, we are in a small two bedroom house with soon to be four kids. We gave away our changing table in favor of just using a mat on the floor or bed. It works perfectly and I don't have to worry about the baby falling off of anything.
- play gym, toys, toys, and more toys: I have a simple basket filled with a few mostly safe toys that I've collected over time. We purposely choose things that do not have flashing lights and music. In fact, a simple blanket on the floor works better than a play gym with plastic toys hanging in baby's face. There are three big sisters around here who will happily keep baby entertained!
- baby food, baby food mills, blenders, and packaged baby snacks: I do make a bit of baby food, but usually just mashing up whatever is on our plates works best. I've tried baby food mills, but really, a fork works.
I often talk myself out of buying something by reading reviews on the product. I also think about what toxins I might be bringing into my home or exposing my baby to if I purchase the product. What type of plastic is it made of? Where is it made? Does it really work like I think it will? How sturdy is it? Is there a more natural choice? Many times we are better off with less.
What about you? Are there common baby things do you find yourself not needing?
Pacifiers! If my babies are fussy we nurse, then I pop them in a sling and off we go. They usually doze off in there and wake up happy.
ReplyDeleteMy list is exactly the same as yours! Like Emily we also don't do pacifiers. I'd be lying if I didn't say there have been MANY a time when I've wished I could pop a plug in a fussy baby's mouth and hand her off to daddy, but in the end I know that not starting the paci habit is the easiest way to kick it.
ReplyDeleteWe don't use a baby tub. We borrowed one with Karson, but gave it back after the first time we used it. I didn't feel it was safe. If I didn't already have a swing and bouncy seat, I wouldn't buy those either. I think Karson was in his maybe five times? I never put him down. :) I also don't use the swaddle blankets (except Halo's sleep sack). K's went over his face once, and we never used it again.
ReplyDelete