Things you were told you need for a baby but don't

With literally thousands of articles online telling you what you need for your baby, you would be spending a fortune if you got everything you were told you need. I'm here to release some of that pressure you feel as you are trying to do what best for your baby and yourself while managing motherhood.

I've created this list of 15 items you'll find on suggested baby supplies lists that coming from someone who's 'been there done that', you don't really need. Of course, read my explanations and evaluate whether what I am saying is relevant to you.

1. Baby bath

I feel really guilty I got my dad to buy me a $50 collapsible baby bath when he asked me if there was anything else I needed for the baby.  I used it 3 times. My baby preferred to go in the actual big bath with me or if I want to get the washing process over quickly just take the baby in the shower with me. Many people use a clean sink and a bath for their bub.

2. Baby food maker

Firstly, usually babies don't start on solids for 6 months so you can totally forget about baby food for a while. I love the intention behind baby food makers, with the idea of making fresh pures yourself rather than getting packaged baby foods. But all they are is a mini blender. You can save bench space and use your blender.

3. Change table

Look, this one is debatable. For many, it's top on their list of things they spent money on and didn't use. For others, it's used for almost every nappy change. You can really change your baby anywhere with a mat. If you have back problems etc. a change table will be your best friend but if you think you'll be one to wack the mat down and do a change on the bed/floor/wherever then save your self some money and pass on a change table

4. Disposables

If you are doing cloth nappies you are told that you'll need some disposable nappies and wipes to have on hand just in case for when someone else is changing the nappy, for when you go out, for when they are all in the wash etc. If you value the idea of laundry over land fill like me, it's likely you'll value that all the time and it's easier to stick to your cloth habits where ever and when ever.

5. Shoes

Baby's don't walk they don't need shoes. I mean they are kinda cute but super impractical having hard clunky shoes on a baby that just suggles all day. Everything your baby does is super cute you're not going to be short of cuteness to look out with a baby. Socks though are great for extra warmth.

6. Baby towels

Here's a secret... babies can use normal towels. Baby towels can be cute with their cute hoods but are totally not necessary. Skipping the baby towels save you time money and storage. 

7. Baby hairbrush

Unless your baby is blessed with a gorgeous full head of hair, brushes are kinda useless. You can use your hands to flatten fluffy bits and hold off buying a brush until it's necessary when their hair is long and thick enough to get knotty.

8. Wipes warmer

As I said before, you don't even need baby wipes let alone a wipe warmer. It's another device that takes up electricity that most people who buy it don't use it. You can always have a thermal bottle of warm water that you put on your cloth wipes to make them warm for you babies bum.

9. Baby oil and baby powder

Baby oil is made from synthetic oil which is a byproduct of the distillation of gasoline from crude oil. Not really something you want on your baby's skin. Baby powder is also said to cause problems when inhaled and your little one lungs will be much better without it.

10. Toys

I felt sorry for the naivety of someone one on YouTube packing toys in their hospital bag. Babies can't really hold toys until about 3 months and then it's pretty littered what they can do with them until about 6 months. A rattle to entertain them with is sufficient for the first few months. And maybe 3 different small soft toys or teething toys for when they can grab.

11. Bath thermometer

Your little one is much more sensitive to temperature than us so it is important to not have the bath too hot and is good to have it nice and warm though. You'll end up being able to gauge the temperature with your hand but if you are unsure a regular thermometer will work.

12. Pee-pee teepee

If you have a boy you are bound to experience the joy of pee flying in all sorts of directions during a nappy change. There is a fabric shield you can put over their pee-pee to protect you and the surrounding area from such event. But you definitely don't need it. I use an absorbable nappy insert.

13. Breast milk pump

So if you are planning on being with your baby 95% of the time in the first year a break milk pump is not really necessary. A Hakka (silicone suctioned milk collector) is sufficient to relieve overfull boobie and collect enough milk for dad to do the odd feed and build a small supply for just in case in the freezer. If you determine a need for a proper electric pump, you can get one then, but don't go all out and spend hundreds on one prior to birth.

14. Baby soap

The concept behind baby soap is that it is a gentle soap with no nasties in it that could be baby for a sensitive baby. Well, I'm pretty sure we could all do with more natural soap products so that why we have an organic liquid soap that we use on the whole family and dilute it for the baby if he needs any soap at all.

15. Baby detergent

The same goes for washing clothes as washing skin. We should be using non-toxic natural products for the whole family. I love my Kinkin laundry detergent made locally and work well on nappies too.

That's my 15 items you've been told you need but you really don't need for a newborn. Again, you do you. You can totally buy something on here that I said you don't need... except baby oil, please don't put that on your baby. Boycott all Johnson & Johnson products while you'll at it. My number one advice for purchasing things that aren't absolutely necessary for your baby, Is to buy the essentials and then buy anything extra when and if the need presents its self. Most people live pretty close to baby shop or can find several second hand options on Facebook market place at any time.