By the time a second, third, or even fourth (or more) child comes along a mom pretty much knows what products are a necessity, and what products can be done without. However, as a first time mom often the questions are endless, and one glance at the overflowing shelves at Babies 'R' Us is enough to leave one's mind buzzing.
First time mom's often fill up their registries with items they "need," simply due to the fact that a friend, of a friend, of a friend (who doesn't even have a child mind you), told them they absolutely had to have such and such an item. So... I've put together a little list below of items that are so often seen on said baby registries, and I thought that all of you Momaroo moms could weigh in on whether or not these items are indeed lifesavers, or simply frivolous pieces that take up much needed space! Or perhaps some of these items have amazing, yet simpler, counterparts that would work just as well! Let's hear your reviews moms. What do you think about:
The Diaper Genie
Aquaphor
The Boppy Pillow
Baby Wipe Warmers
Sleep Sacks
Swaddling Blankets
Mobiles
Instant Read Digital Ear Thermometers
Shopping Cart Protectors
Bottle Warmers
Also if you have any tips on products that weren't listed feel free to mention them, as putting together that baby registry is hard work, and every bit of advice helps! So whether you love an item and can't live without it, or you regret purchasing it as you feel it has no "real" use, why not help another mom out and share your thoughts!
Aquaphor
The Boppy Pillow
Baby Wipe Warmers
Sleep Sacks
Swaddling Blankets
Mobiles
Instant Read Digital Ear Thermometers
Shopping Cart Protectors
Bottle Warmers
Comments (56)
i had and never used the diaper genie, the wipe warmer, and a bottle warmer [my son didnt mind lukewarm milk] the thermometer was a must in my house, and i did have a shopping cart cover that came in handy every once in a while.. mostly during flu season.
i did use blankets for swaddling, and he had a mobile, but we never used it because we ended up co-sleeping.
my must haves are : huge diaper bag, and the magic bullet food processor because i made my own baby food.
Diaper genie: no.
Aquaphor: yes.
Boppy: meh. I think pillows can be used for the same purpose. And you already have them.
Wipe warmer: no. Nice, but you can roll the wipes in your hands for a minute and get the same effect.
Sleep sack: wtf? Never even heard of it.
Swaddling blankets: yes.
Mobile: no.
Thermometer: yes. I have a couple different kinds. If my kid has an ear infection, I won't use the ear one, I'll use the armpit or the mouth one.
Shopping cart protector: no. Use a blanket or something. It's cheaper and you already have them.
Bottle warmer: If your baby never experiences warm milk, they don't know what they're missing. You can't always heat up the bottle before feeding time. My sister had that problem. Her babies ended up not wanting to drink the cold bottles because they were used to the warm ones.
Soo much of the crap they market these days is totally unnecessary. Nice and convenient, but cluttering.
I like having a Boppy, but I don't use it for nursing. I prop baby up with it for a change of scenery, and he seems to like sitting in it almost as much as his swing. Diaper Genie seems pointless to me, I just throw diapers out in the regular trash. And wouldn't wrapping baby up in a blanket be the same as a sleep sack?
Half the items found on baby registries you'll never need/use, but it's mostly a personal preference type thing. My must haves would be a simple swing and a nightlight. Don't know how many times I've cracked myself on furniture before I got the nightlight.
Boppy is nice, as is the thermometer. Everything else is unnecessary, and honestly creates more work and effort for mom. Baby needs a warmer bottle? Run some hot water in a bowl, toss the bottle in for a few, shake it up and you're good. Baby wants warm wipes? Hold them in your hand for a minute or so and they'll warm enough. Buy a moby or a wrap, it's better than a shopping cart cover (and seriously? Are we that afraid of germs?) and it doubles as a stroller. Being able to swaddle is nice but you can use basic blankets or crib sheets for that. My kids HATED sleep sacks and you don't need to be able to swaddle AND have them in a sleep sack.
Honestly, if we ever get another baby, I'm not going to buy even half the crap they insist you need for babies. As long as the kid is fed, dry, and loved, they don't care about the details. You shouldn't either.
Swaddling blankets are almost mandatory. They are versatile and washable. The mobile is nice, when the baby is able to focus that far. Shapes and bold colors exercise the brain. Some babies are entertained by them, but you can make your own. Everything else was not necessary and not missed when mine were babies. I used a regular thermometer, because sometimes it's vital to know a baby's temp.
Diaper genie: no, it's much easier to just toss into the trash and since baby poop doesn't stink the way our does, it's not a big deal. I used mine for maybe the first month and it was definitely more of a hassle than a help.
Aquaphor: some kind of lotion is nice, but the brand doesn't matter
Boppy: Huge Yes!!!! But it doesn't have to be boppy brand. I use mine for nursing (don't have to switch pillow from side to side, just put the boppy on your front) and for propping up the baby in many different ways. Good for tummy time when baby doesn't want to be all the way on her tummy, works great as a prop to take pictures, just cover with a pretty quilt and it is built in support to keep the baby up.
Wipe warmer: No, it is a waste of electricity and can actually dry the wipes out and then it's a waste of wipes!
Sleep sack: Never used them but for someone who is really worried about blankets, I suppose it could be useful.
Swaddling blankets: yes, but they have always just been called "receiving blankets" to me. Any small, thin blanket will work to swaddle and you can actually make your own out of flannel if you're crafty.
Mobile: no.
Thermometer: A themometer of some kind is necessary, but it doesn't have to be an ear one
Shopping cart protector: No, never ever used one
Bottle warmer: Well, I've never bottle fed, so I can't comment on this one...
My credentials for commenting on this list is mom to four littles, ages 7 to 5 1/2 weeks.
I'm not going to weight in on all of them but only the ones I feel the most passionately about.
As for the diaper genie..I got one at my baby shower & used it until all of the refill rings were out--then switched to just tying poopy diapers in plastic shopping bags. This was SO much easier and made me feel like I wasn't just wasting the bags. I LOVED my bobby and used it well after my daughter turned 1. They are a bit pricey to buy new but I got mine used, washed it and they have adorable covers for them that only about $10.Also, swaddling blankets are nice & I definitely used them but I got way too many at my shower and never got around to using some of them.I would say YES to swaddling blankets (but you'll probably get more than you need at baby showers) and a mobile, but most of the other things you can do without. Instead of a Diaper Genie, get a Diaper Champ...they use regular grocery sacks.
Oh and instead of a Boppy pillow, buy a Bumbo seat, once the baby can hold their head up, they LOVE it!
Here's my take:
Diaper Genie: I didn't register for one with my 1st child and I then contemplated getting one after, best bet, just empty the trash can often and save yourself money.
Aquaphor (or any diaper rash ointment): I prefer the Desitin Creamy, but one thing I learned after my 1st one, is LESS IS MORE! My husband and I thought we were doing good by using it with every diaper change regardless or a rash or not, but our PNP (pediatric nurse practioner) advised against it sighting that it was more cause for potential rash occurances. Now we only use it at bedtime as as needed. I still prefer the Desitin Creamy.
Boppy (or any other breast feeding pillow): I feel it's a must. Part of successful breast feeding is making sure you're comfortable. For me, after my c-section, it was the best way to be comfortable when breastfeeding my son. My other piece of advice, invest in at least one extra cover for those cases of spit ups and such!
Sleep Sacks, Wipe Warmer, & Mobiles: Sleep sacks were nice for those late nite diaper changes, but don't invest in too many. Wiper warmers- we never used one for our son but later on decided it would have been nice to have. Luckily, we were gifted with one that we plan to use with the birth of our 2nd child in the next couple of days. Mobiles- it's only good for a momentary entertainment. We registered for one to go along with our son's bedding, but at 7 or 8 months old (the time he was old enough to stand and grab for things in his crib) he broke it. Thank goodness we didn't buy it ourselves!
Digital Ear/ Tempanic Thermometers: Must have. I hated the thought of getting a rectal temperature (the ideal method for checking infant/ baby temps) when D was ill. Luckily the ear thermometer was easier to use. Ideally the temporal scan type (the kind that you just swipe across the forhead) would be nicer, but I don't know how accurate it truely is.
Grocery Cart Covers: Good idea. We were gifted with one and I found it useful as D got into the stage of chewing and teething. We all become germaphobs once we have children and so I was glad to get one. But I still keep sani-wipes in the diaper bag to wipe down the cart handle and seat before putting him in.
Bottle Warmer: Never used one, never considerd it. D was exclusively breast fed until he was 8 months old and when time came for formula we invested in a perculator. We used 3/4 room temp water to 1/4 hot water when making his formula and when defrosting breast milk we just soaked the bag in luke warm water.
I would have loved a diaper genie, but a regular wastebasket with a lid serves the same purpose. They also sell these deodorized plastic bags separately that you can use for throwing away dirty diapers.
If you breastfeed, a boppy is really really a good investment. It helps a ton to get the baby in the right position, especially if you're having any trouble with that.
Swaddling blankets are a MUST. I also prefer the Halo sleep sack (which is a bit different than what you posted above, though I think the regular sleep sack has its benefits too) It has velcro on it to keep it in place, and it helped my babies sleep much better!
I would also say a big "heck yes" to the ear thermometer. If you're trying to get your infant's temp at 1am, you certainly don't want to be fiddling with trying to get a temperature from... well, their butt. It will not end well, I assure you.
The rest... well, I think they're optional.
The boppy was nice and swaddling blankets are awesome...especially the ones that have velcro so that they stay!
Everything else? Meh. We've used our shopping cart cover, like, twice... (Which reminds me, I need to get in touch with my friend and see if she thinks they'd like it before I craigslist it...) We had a mobile, but it was more of a pain than a help; at one point when Tim was changing Megan, he bumped it, it fell off the little hook and hit her in the head! (There was a great homemade one posted on here a few months ago and I had an idea, that was never executed, for one... If I had to do over again? That's the way I'd go.) Everything else we did without; no problem.
Out of the things listed above, my sister has the diaper genie, swaddling blankets, boppy, and a mobile. I don't think she has the other stuff, but maybe she does.
@averyswife@xanga - Such a good call with the Bumbo! I can't believe I left it off the list. I think it's because I feel like they just became the "in" infant accessory, and since I've never had any real experience with a Bumbo seat it just totally slipped my mind! I've heard awesome things about them though.
Diaper genie: Totally not necessary. Use a normal trashcan with scented bags. It's so much easier in my opinion.
Aquaphor: Any lotion will work. I've been using Baby Aveeno.
Boppy: Pillows always worked for me. I actually found the Bobby uncomfortable and prefer to just use pillows anyways.
Wipe warmer: I have a wipe warmer that was given to me. I ended up actually just unplugging it and just using it to hold wipes with out warming them up. It tended to dry up any wipes that I had in there when it was plugged in.
Sleep sack: My son hated being confined in a sleep sack and would constantly kick his feet and legs around. Warm footie pj's work just as well.
Swaddling blankets: Small blankets also work just as well. I found my son growing out of the size of the swaddling blankets. The majority of the swaddlers were really light weight. I did have a bunch given to me and I did use them while he was smaller.
Mobile: My son absolutely loved starring at his mobile. It calmed him down at night and it gave him something to look at when he woke up from sleeping.
Thermometer: Every parent needs a thermometer, but I prefered using a rectal thermometer when he was younger because it was more acurate.
Shopping Cart Cover: Never bought one, never used one. I just brought along toys that could hook onto the front of the cart so he could play with something. It was easier to just wipe off the front of the cart with sanitary wipes and to just tell him no when he started to try and chew on the cart.
Everyone has their own opinions though on baby items.
Bottle warmer: Used mine once or twice and then figured out running it under the hot water from the sink was actually quicker.
I had a bobby even though I didn't breastfeed. I didn't necessarily need it but it was nice to have, we did use it. We went through so many small blankets because my daughter had reflux and we always needed a fresh one. I still have a digital ear thermometer, I think they are great, but only if you get a good one that takes an accurate temperature quickly. We had a mobile but it was more of a waste for us. Everything else I didn't have and really didn't miss.
Frankly I am relieved that most of nobody used the genie. I could never figgure mine out. Didn't get a Bumpo until kid #4, but it was awesome. Used pillows more than my boppy. I liked the sleep sack. Our grandmothers had none of this....except receiving blankets.
We had a vibrating bouncy chair that put the baby into absolute bliss (thus me too).
diaper geni deff could do without, they're expensive and they're no differant than a trash bag, just dont let your trash pile up, take it out at the end of the night or when needed, thats a way to stay on top of it.
boppy pillows are good to lay a baby in and have cushion for the when they start to sit up but do you need them? no, couch pillows do the same thing ;) ..
i say any kind of ointment is a good idea, i prefer balmex for diaper rash and for breast feeding lanolin (sp) it comes in a purple colored tube, those two always worked great for me :D
baby wipe warmer? lol i mean when i had my first baby ill admit i wanted one just because its nice to think of having everything for the baby and to have something warm insted of cold wipe their little butts but really, you dont need it, its a waste of money specially in times like these where moneys very hard to come by!
what ive learned is, when it's your first you'll spare no expense because you think the expensive stuff or the latest stuff is the best and you have to have it to be able to function or what have you, but as the baby gets older, you realize HOW EXPENSIVE EVERYTHING is and you'll go from buying pampers and huggies to buying luvs and parent choice, you'll realize they all do the same thing, you can substitute things at home for things you'd waste money on .. like a bottle warmer? whats the point, isnt that what a microwave is for? lol .. if it makes life easier go for it but if you absolutley dont need it dont get it, itll just end up taking room and cluttering your already hectic life now that baby has come along. :)
As far as diaper rash creams go, spend the extra money and get Dr. Smith's, NOT any of the other brands. I know all babies are different, but whenever mine got diaper rash bad enough to have raw skin exposed, they SCREAMED bloody murder if I used Desitin or any of the others. Dr. Smith's was the only cream that didn't cause stinging on the open sores. And it's much thicker so you can use less and it stays on longer.
It seems as though no one else really liked sleep sacks, but I *loved* mine. I used them with both my kids who didn't like being swaddled after a few weeks.
I see no need for a boppy, wipes warmer, or bottle warmer.
As for the bumbo, I really wanted one and neither of my kids liked it. :)
We have a hand me down off brand diaper genie that we might use, we'll see. Got a hand me down mobile too, so we'll give it a try. We registered for a Boppy, Bumbo, shopping cart seat cover and ear therm. No way on the warmers for bottles or wipes, don't want him to get used to that! Of course at the child care center the bottles will be warmed as they come straight outta the fridge, but not the ones at home, the plan is room temp all the way. Registered for a couple sleep sacks too, hopefully he likes them. Once they outgrow a good swaddling blanket (miracleblanket.com) then hopefully the sleep sack will keep us from needing a blanket in the crib. But since we're just 24 weeks (as of tomorrow), who really knows how any of the stuff will get used yet!
On that whole list, the only thing I ever got were swaddling blankets. I only really used them when my son was very, very small and that was mostly because I was used to wrapping him up in them when he was in NICU. Now I use them almost as a bedsheet so I don't have to change the ACTUAL bed sheet so often.
The sleep sacks... I was given two or three before Van came home, but I never even touched them. I've been and am a reasonably laid back mother. For the past three or four nights, Van has even slept in bed with me. And he's still alive! Wow!
A boppy pillow would've been useful, but it wasn't hard for me to spend the extra few seconds to roll up a blanket.
I think 90% of the crap in Babies 'R' Us is useless. I mean. Bottle warmers? Wipe warmers? I'm not even too fond of baby foods. The human population has survived millions of years without these things. And we can do it now just as well.
I don't think a wipe warmer is a must, but the one we have has been working hard for 2 and 1/2 years, so it is nice to have. The kids don't notice much, though, when you use a "non-warmed" wipe. Unless the diaper bag was in the car overnight and the wipes are cold. Oops.
I love, love, LOVE my Boppy. We used the sleep sacks a lot, but once the babies get to an age where they want to move around more, you can't use them as much.
We had a mobile for our first, who was a boy, but couldn't find one we liked when we had our little girl. We use one of those Fisher Price rainforest things that attach to the crib and she loves it. It does use batteries, but it's cute now that she's figured out how to reset it with her feet.
Oh, and something I can't live without? Babylegs. www.babylegs.com They are legwarmers that are awesome for diaper changes and they are so much easier than tights for little girls. Our son is allergic to grass and when he was crawling and learning to walk, these were lifesavers for letting him play outside. Plus, they are so stinkin' cute!
Diaper genie: Had one and it was a complete pain. Ended up just tossing the diapers in the trash, just took them out to the dumpster sooner.
Aquaphor: Yes.
Boppy: Depends. If you're nursing it is a must, IMO. Also it came in handy to help my daughter during tummy time and later helped her learn how to sit up on her own. She's now two and it is in her toddler bed because it conforms to the shape of her head/shoulder area and it's comfy for her to use as a pillow. Just depends on the child. My friend bottle fed and didn't see a point to the Bobby. I think it's all in how you utilize it and if you will actually use it.
Wipe warmer: Not at all. They waste wipes by drying them out and is a waste of space and time.
Sleep sack: My daughter HATED these. She preferred swaddling.
Swaddling blankets: Yes.
Mobile: Yes.
Thermometer: Yes.
Shopping cart protector: No. I had a toy that connected to the shopping cart and the carseat. My daughter never played with it once... she was more content with mommy's keys or people watching. Use a blanket.
Bottle warmer: No NO NO. It's just a hassle and once you get your baby hooked on warm milk that's all they want. My daughter was fine with cold milk and I didn't have to take the extra time with a screaming, hungry infant.