Top 15 Baby Items You Don't Need

I was inspired by Baby Cheapskate to finish my own list of baby items you don't need. Mine is not the same list as the one they did, but there is definitely some overlap. You can see their list here. I do completely disagree with one of their items, the diaper pail. Where are you supposed to put those stinky things if you don't have a system that controls the smell? I have the Diaper Genie II (which I like) but recommend the Diaper Champ, because you don't have to buy expensive refills. I have heard wipes get stuck in the Champ though.

I have one disclaimer, what seems worthless to me may seem useful to you and vice versa but this is my blog, so I get to share my opinion. And, I only put items on this list that I really figure, nobody needs. I have some opinions on things we don't need that others might but I didn't include those. I would love to hear your comments on why I am right or wrong! And if you are convincing enough, I may change my list!

Here are my Top 15 Worthless Baby Items (in no particular order):

Dishwasher Basket
No Scratch Mittens
Shopping Cart Cover
Wipe Warmer
Baby Robe
Sterilizer (use the dishwasher!)
4 0z. or 11 oz. bottles (just use the 8oz ones)
Sleep Positioner
Pacifier thermometer
Diaper Stacker
Formula Mixer
Expensive baby monitors
Bottle/Food Warmer
Wee Wee Blocker
Dedicated Changing Table (Use a dresser! It's cheaper!)

I am really sorry to those of you that purchased some of these items for me when I registered for them. I really didn't know better. Why didn't anybody tell me? I actually still use most of them, out of guilt and not wanting to be wasteful. And I love them because you purchased them, and I love you. And some of them I never did buy, because even I was smarter than that.

Hope I didn't offend anybody with this post! And, as always, I may just change my mind at sometime with a little convincing from my dear blog readers. Do you have any other items that you would say weren't worth purchasing?

Convertible Car Seat

I had somebody ask for my advice on a convertible car seat tonight. I love this question because it has probably been my most debated baby gear decision thus far in the game. I ended up buying a Britax Roundabout (actually my insurance company bought it but that is another story). This is after I asked all my friends who had kids bigger than me, did a church wide post on the church website, purchased and returned a Britax Marathon and picked up every car seat I could get my hands on. And still, if I could do it over again I would have chose something different. Not because I don't love my Roundabout, I do. There is nothing I don't love about it, except for the crumbs Charlie leaves all over it.

Could I do it again, I would have bought the Sunshine Kids Radian for the following reasons that I think it would suit our need better than a Britax:
- It folds up. Talk about convenience when traveling!
- You can fit three in the backseat of an average size vehicle without a problem
- The weight limit is higher than the Roundabout yet it is still a manageable size (which, I didn't feel the Marathon was). You can choose a 65 or 80 lb limit.
-The price is a bit less than the Britax


That being said, everybody's needs are different. I will likely (hopefully!) need to fit three car seats in the back of my wagon someday and I have a big boy who may need a bigger car seat before a sibling is ready for the Roundabout.


When I purchased the Britax the best deal I found was on Best Buy Baby. It is good to check from day to day however depending on who has a good coupon or free shipping. I rarely pay shipping and never pay tax on these types of online purchases. Let me know if you need help finding the lowest price on a Radian.

Also, let me know if you have any other questions on car seats. I spent a lot of time and energy researching this so I may be able to direct you towards a good article, link or product!

**I received a comment questioning the safety of the Radian. As a disclaimer, I must say you need to research this decsion on your own and decide what is safest for you family. We use the Latch system and I feel confident from my research that this is a very safe car seat for that setup. http://www.car-seat.org/ is a good site with a ton of information.

Other sites I found helpful:

http://www.infant-car-seats.com/car-seats-comparo.html

http://www.safeandsecurebaby.com/Car-Seat-Comparison-Chart-p-15.html

http://www.car-seat.org/showthread.php?t=39944

http://www.nhtsa.gov/portal/nhtsa_eou/info.jsp?type=convertible

Kidco PeaPod Travel Bed

My friend Jessie who is actually more baby product savvy than I found this baby gear must have. I must admit, I don't actually have it. But, I have borrowed it and I love the idea of it. There is nothing more ridiculous than a pack n' play because of its weight. Yes, I have one that I do use on a regular basis. But I only use it because I can't justify buying the Peapod when I already have a functioning portable crib. I just didn't know there was anything else out there when I started this baby gear adventure almost two years ago. The Peapod is a better option because it is (obviously) lighter. easier to travel with and really just more fun (don't you think?). If you have the Peapod you could be as happy at the people in this picture (which I find funny on several different levels). I've never really needed a tent for my baby in the park, but I have needed one to take on an airplane for a vacation. As of this post, the best price I found was on Albee Baby for $48.99 with no tax in most states. If you spend $100 you also get free shipping.

The only thing out there that might be better is the Phil and Teds traveller which collapses to six pounds and isn't quite as restrictive to a larger child. However, it is more expensive. And, I've never actually used it. But someday perhaps I will and can review it here if I do. Like I've said, I love pretty much anything Phil & Teds makes.

Phil and Teds Metoo Highchair

After begging my husband for this highchair for about two months he finally saw a need for it when we went out to dinner and just like Houdini, Charlie escaped out of the standard issue wood highchair and made a beeline for the door. So, it is now the newest addition to our family of baby gear. This will be my third highchair. It's too bad I didn't have this blog to read or I could have just started with it in the first place. Love it! It folds down to a two pound little sqaure and can just be thrown in your diaper bag or stroller!!

The best price I found on the Phil & Teds Metoo was at Babycenter - I used a free shipping code and for $49.99 it was better than picking it up locally and paying tax or buying it from a cheaper retailer who charged shipping. You must know that I always get the best price, even if it takes a couple hours of research. Your only better option is if you have a great coupon at Land of Nod perhaps or you buy it on Ebay. I was feeling impatient and irritated with Ebay this week so avoided that route.

Phil & Teds is one of my very favorite baby brands at the moment so you will be sure to see more from them here soon.