What Not to Buy

For the first time, I am writing about things NOT to buy. I don't want your hubby's to start complaining that I have turned my friends into fellow shopaholics. Yes, I do have a practical side too! It comes out once in a blue moon...

I find that there are more and more mom friends who are pregnant nowadays. Must be the age! However, the New York Times just wrote about the rise of abortions in the US now because of the recession. Sad! If only these parents knew that their babies would be such little sweethearts... I'm glad none of my friends have decided to go this path.

I am attending two baby showers in the next 2 weeks. Yes, if I'm not at a children's party, I would be at a baby shower. My co-worker asked me what my plans are for the weekend guessing I would be out partying. To his surprise, I said my life is now filled with activities for baby which I love (shopping for baby being my fave!)

Since I have a few friends who are expecting and are in the process of completing their newborn list, I decided to write about things NOT to buy. I made a huge mistake of trying to get everything that's recommended online and in stores, only to find out that most are useless. Of course, this is subjective since each person has a different lifestyle but see how my list can help you save a few bucks.

1. Burp Cloths- If it's only for baby's saliva and spit, I find that muslin squares are good enough. I got nice ones with designs from Carter but did not use them at all.

2. Microwave Sterilizer- Yes, it does seem that it's gonna make it easier to sterilize bottles but hubby was right that boiling water with a normal pot is more trustworthy. I hope my friend whom I passed it on ended up using this too.


3. Sleep Positioner- I saw a friend use one of these for her baby and got one for my daughter. She hated it so much that she would cry when I put her in between the two pillows.

4. Snuggle Nest- This portable bed looked like a great idea but again, baby didn't like at all and I didn't need it.


5. Infant Gowns- I read on a site that infant gowns are better to use when baby is sleeping so I can just pull up the garter to change her nappy at night. It doesn't really matter what she wears in the end!

6. Pacifier Thermometer- My mom sent a pacifier that baby can suck to check her temperature. It didn't work at all.

7. Diaper Genie- I didn't want baby's room to stink of poo so got this cool trash can, but since nanny is there to throw out the garbage everyday, a normal wastebasket I can step on worked better for me.


8. Nasal Aspirator- The one I got was too complicated and never used it too.

9. Moses Basket- I didn't bother buying one of these. My daughter slept in her own crib, in her own room by herself since birth.

10. Room thermometer- I have not had any luck with these things, unfortunately!

11. Breastfeeding pillow- This just made it more uncomfortable to nurse baby.

12. Baby shoes- Believe it or not, I didn't use shoes on baby at this age. Her socks from Trumpette given by my friend were enough. Cute and fashionable too!


Okay, I promised I wasn't gonna ask you or hubby to spend but I can't help but recommend the following things for baby. These things, I couldn't live without:

1. Bouncer/Rocker- My baby loved it when this vibrated and put her to sleep while in the living room. I returned the Mothercare and bought the Kate Spade one.

2. Grobag- These lil sleeping sacks are perfect for summer.

3. Baby gym and playmat- My daughter was really happy playing with this while lying down.

4. Annabel Karmel book- I read this book all the way through til she became one. Her recipes are good too!

5. Nursing tops, nursing bras, nursing tops and nursing covers (if breastfeeding)- I only did this for 2 gruesome months, definitely a lifesaver!

6. Changing mat- I got one I can just place on top of the crib and this saved a lot of space that's available in Mothercare. Get a portable one too when traveling with baby. I was lucky to receive one of those fashionable mats that turned into clutches.


7. Baby DVDs- My daughter got bored with Baby Einstein but loved her Fisher Price.

8. Baby Toys and Blankie- Anything to help stimulate and soothe baby really helped.

9. Dr. Brown Anti-Colic Bottles- My daughter stopped spitting up when she drank from these bottles.

10. Baby Bjorn- Baby just loved being in the carrier and close to Mommy.

11. Maxi Cosi car seat- I used this together with our Quinny and she loved this seat more than the Dreami carseat where she cannot see a thing while lying down.



12. Mustela bath products- Love love love the smell. I use it on myself when baby is not looking.

13. California Baby sunscreen- If Suri doesn't use it, your baby should too.

14. Pacifier clip- If you are gonna give your baby a dummy, get her one of these so it doesn't drop and get dirty.



15. Clothes- This is my fave! Get baby all the cute onesies you can get hold of, just make sure you don't buy too much like I did.

Uhoh... my list had more things to buy than not. My bad! I guess I can't help being me...