The Product Spotlight Series continues! Remember, the community is welcome to comment on threads like these throughout your time here, not just when it's their week in the spotlight. Big thanks to everyone who participates!
For this week, we're taking a break from our normally scheduled "*helpful* product" conversations to talk about products that were never used! Thanks @pdx2020 for the suggestion! Originally, Maternity Clothes were scheduled, but we have a thread for that already! Check it out here to keep the convo going or ask for/share any pertinent info to your wardrobe situation.
Only one question this week for each mom-group this week, but feel free to riff on the subject generally as always!
STM+s:What product or products did you have for baby that you never used?
FTMWhat product or products do you think you might not need?
Up next week: We're back to our regularly scheduled spotlight series with... Diaper Bags!
To view the upcoming PSS schedule/find easy links to past PSS posts, visit the
March 2020 PSS Spreadsheet!
Re: Product Spotlight Series: The Disregarded!
The items I honestly didn’t use were a lot of the handmade gifts from my family. They knit/crocheted hats and booties and stuff and none of it was close to fitting DS who was rather large but not like insanely large... or it looked ridiculous likes this white poncho thing my grandma made us. I said thank you and mentioned how cute they were when given to us but then we got rid of them. Not much you can do if someone gifts you these but if you are making gifts for someone else’s baby (or your own) make sure you know what size an actual baby is. These would have fit a doll... maybe...
Married: October, 19, 2015
EDD 2/22/17 DS1 born on 3/2/17
EDD 3/8/20 DS2 born on 3/10/20
EDD 11/24/23
(Formerly Marriedhamstermom Feb ‘17)
I know there were more items that we didn't use, so I'll update if I think of them.
*Formerly LuND*
Me: 35 | DH: 37
TTC: 7/2016
Low AMH, mild MFI
BFP 7/29/17
EDD: 4/5/18
DS born 4/4/18
BFP #2 7/2/19
EDD 3/13/20
I had a Diaper Champ with DD (I don't even know if they make these any more? basically like the Diaper Genie, but easier to use because it didn't come with its own specialized bags) which I used for the first few months and that was it. So I'd say pass on the Diaper Genie... I didn't use any specialized diaper garbage pail for DS.
A baby walker is a no for me (don't think they recommend these anymore anyway) - I had one for DD which she never used, other than I would use it sometimes as a chair to feed her in when we were outside. For DS (who is in the smallest percentile for height), his little legs never were able to touch the ground in the walker. By the time he was tall enough to touch the ground in the walker he was already walking on his own.
A baby snowsuit - Unless you take baby outside in the winter without their car seat, this is a waste.. since you can't put them in a snowsuit and buckle them in. Better to have blankets and a car seat cover.
Baby shoes - so dang adorable that they are hard to resist, but really not needed. (unless for photos or special occasions). had some for DD. used them exactly once.
Bottles of many brands (tried so hard to find one my boys would use but both refused bottles)
Hooded towels (not absorbent enough)
Tub faucet cover (never needed it)
Nursing cover (boys hated it)
Suction bulb (Nosefrieda is better)
Velcro swaddles (always ended up swaddling with blankets, not noisy to unswaddle)
Pacifiers (neither of my kids wanted them)
Nursing pillow* (used a ton with DS1 but preferred a regular pillow with DS2)
For items listed above, I agree that we rarely used baby shoes or snow suits/buntings. Never even got the wipe warmer because I didn't want baby to expect warm wipes for when we were away from home. I don't know that keeping a container of formula on hand is necessarily a requirement from my perspective, since you could also pump and bottle feed a baby that isn't latching/nursing appropriately, but no judgement here for anyone who does use formula as a supplement or exclusively.
DS2 10/2017
DS3 due 03/2020
DS2 10/2017
DS3 due 03/2020
2. Diaper Genie (Didn’t contain the smell and refills are expensive. We tied diapers up in grocery bags and just took out every night.)
We didn’t use the bulb that the hospital sent home either. We had a sit me up that we really didn’t use and the same with the bouncy chair. Both my daughter and I absolutely hated the boba wrap and the ring sling. I used a structured carrier in the end until she decided she hated being worn outright.
certain baby bottles. DD only ever took tommy tippee.
many swaddles. I liked the halo sleepsack and swaddles best. We got all kinds of weird swaddling contraptions that we tried but didn’t work well.
baby gates. We used one at the top of our basement stairs, but other than that, didn’t need any others. We just watched the baby closely.
pacifiers. I’ll get some this time just in case, but DD hated them.
baby snow suit
baby shoes. Although I do like Robeez.
FTM who’s a bit overwhelmed with baby stuff so thank you so much!
We took a somewhat minimalist approach to registering for and buying baby gear to begin with.
I was surprised to learn that I truly preferred zippered, footed onesies to any other clothing item for the first month (at least) of baby’s life. Especially overnight. No one wants to deal with a dozen snaps when you’re up changing the kid for a third time.
Any kind of “chair” for a kid who can’t sit up on their own yet: not into that.
The nursery in general (and most of the stuff in it) we didn’t really use for the first 6-9 months of DD1’s life. It might as well have only had the changing table in it. So: don’t freak out about filling/perfecting it before the kid is born if that’s not in the cards.
We bought an “activity station” (rotating seat with toys attached to it) to plop her in at one point and it was kind of expensive for not much use for us. She was really only interested in it for a month or so.
Diaper Pails: Ubbi was amazing, keeps even the stinky toddler poop smell in and takes normal bags, we’re totally getting another one for downstairs so I don’t have to go up the stairs 500 times a day for newborn 💩 I’ve tested our kitchen trash can which is stainless with a lid and it only keeps the smell of diapers in for 2-3 days.
Velcro swaddles were the only things that kept DS swaddled for more than a hot second. No matter how tight I got the blanket swaddled he got out and one day I woke up and he had broken out and gotten it over his face so I freaked and put all but the Velcro ones away. Heard similar stories happening with the halo sleepsack swaddles like the ones the hospital gives out!
The activity chairs we couldn’t use until DS was sitting but once he was sitting we got a good 6-9 months of use out of them. They were the only way I could shower or bake and stuff!
Also glad we had emergency formula on hand for when we first got home from the hospital when my milk hadn’t come in yet. DS didn’t latch until he was a week old so I’d try to get him to latch then pump while DH fed him formula until my milk came in. Then DH fed him my pumped milk. My milk came in day 4 I think so there was really just a couple days of formula needed but glad we had it.
Married: October, 19, 2015
EDD 2/22/17 DS1 born on 3/2/17
EDD 3/8/20 DS2 born on 3/10/20
EDD 11/24/23
(Formerly Marriedhamstermom Feb ‘17)
But if you are a first time mom planning on breastfeeding, my two cents is that unless there’s an underlying condition (ex a tongue tie in baby, actual low of production in mom), you shouldn’t need “emergency formula”. In the first few days you make very little milk because your baby has a small stomach and needs very little milk. The more you breastfeed and do skin to skin, the more you help increase your supply. If you pause and give a bottle of formula (in the newborn days) you’re more likely to hurt your supply or confuse your baby’s latch. Your pediatrician will see the baby multiple times in the first weeks, and will check the baby’s weight so that’s how you’ll know if they’re getting enough. You can also request a weighted feed at the pediatrician or with a lactation consultant where you weigh them, then nurse them, then weigh them again to see how many ounces they took in at that feeding. Kelly Mom is a wonderful resource for breastfeeding facts and advice.
Also, if you do plan to formula feed straightaway, those individual serving bottles with single use nipples are so convenient. I’d have them delivered from Walmart. Even if you just use them in the first few weeks to make things simpler and then switch to powdered formula.
Married: October, 19, 2015
EDD 2/22/17 DS1 born on 3/2/17
EDD 3/8/20 DS2 born on 3/10/20
EDD 11/24/23
(Formerly Marriedhamstermom Feb ‘17)
DS also hated to be swaddled in anything. I tried (desperately) all different types and he just was a mover and a shaker. I hope this baby will like it better.
We didn't use any bottles because he wouldn’t take them, but I EBF anyways so I wasn’t super concerned. He also didn’t take a pacifier but I didn’t try very hard and will definitely try some different types with this one. I’ve already started purchasing some. Lol.
I never got a changing table with either of mine. I used beds or the floor more often than anything. The height thing scared me, and I felt like my money would absolutely be better spent elsewhere. I also really hate matchy-matchy furniture so basically all nursery sets were out for me. I got things separately and it saved a TON of money.
Ive never really been super into gadgets anyways, and I feel like so many companies have TONS of things that are supposed to make life with baby easier but all it does is complicate and make your life harder by needing to know where all this stuff is all the time. And cleaning it all. Good lord.
Wipe warmers. TOTAL WASTE. The baby will be fine with a room temperature wipe. And if you use a warmer at home and don’t have one when you go out, you’ll have some horrible diaper changes.
we didn’t use out mamaroo a whole lot, but just because DS wasn’t a huge fan. DD looooved her swing so I’m hoping we will get more use from this baby. Especially if I start using it right away.
I loved using my moby wrap when DS was a newborn, even though it’s somewhat of a pain to get on. He just felt nice and snug in there. Once he got a little bigger I used the ergo with a newborn insert a lot more because it’s much easier to get off and on. He loved being worn so I used it around the house when cleaning also.
It really is hard because every baby is so different. I think it’s best to take a suuuuuper minimalist approach beforehand and then see what your baby’s personality is and go from there. Amazon makes it really easy to order/return things especially in those first few weeks when you aren’t going to want to leave the house.
I also agree with @varimama on the backup formula. You can sign up to get free samples in the mail through Similac/Enfamil and donate/toss what doesn't get used. I totally expected to exclusively breastfeed and was even kind of secretly judgey about using formula. But then I had a baby who was unexpectedly tiny who had to spend time in the NICU and had to be supplemented. I also had blood pressure issues, and despite pumping every 2 hours for six weeks and trying all the supplements/recipes I could, I never had any more than a few droplets of milk. So it just doesn't happen for everyone, even if you're putting in the effort.
We do have unused pacis and bottles from DS1, just because you find out what you/they prefer. So my advice to FTMs is to buy one bottle at a time, or a small set, rather than a whole big set of a brand you may not end up liking. Keep everything boxed with receipts, in case you want to switch out stuff.
We also have a million teething toys that were never used, as well as stuffed animals, and blankets. We loved the Halo velcro swaddles.
We never used a bottle sterilizer that we were given.
Married: 10.15.16
DS BD: 8.20.17
TTC #2 1.1.19
BFP #2 7.3.19
EDD #2 3.13.20
We personally had a difficult start to nursing with DS1 - a tongue tie that led to too much baby weight loss and bad/painful latch. Luckily we were able to get that revised a few days after he was born and get back on track with nursing, but I agree that those early days trying to make nursing work can be very hard and emotional. We thankfully had very supportive pedis and lactation consultants at the hospital to get us through it without being pushy or judgmental.
DS2 10/2017
DS3 due 03/2020
Married: October, 19, 2015
EDD 2/22/17 DS1 born on 3/2/17
EDD 3/8/20 DS2 born on 3/10/20
EDD 11/24/23
(Formerly Marriedhamstermom Feb ‘17)
did not use pacifiers. Have zero clue what receiving blankets are for. Didn’t use my nursing pillow (just regular pillows). He did not like the mamaroo or rock n play (although those are a no no now). Portable mobile was a dumb idea for us too.
we use a changing pad on the dresser instead of a changing table and I still use it.
i use the chair in the nursery, but not nearly as much as ppl told me i would and we def spent too much money on that bc I don’t use it as much as I thought.
Married: 8/22/15
BFP #1: 8/22/17 | DS: 4/20/18
BFP #2: 7/14/19 | EDD: 3/18/20
We will use it again for new baby’s room, but I’m glad we opted to get one at Target because we didn’t use ours much either. We actually use it more now for story time than I did when he was a newborn.
I was also team green the first time and got everything gender neutral, no monogram/personalization so we can use for subsequent kiddos.
Someone also gifted us a satchel type diaper bag, but never used it and always opted for backpack style.
Married: 10.15.16
DS BD: 8.20.17
TTC #2 1.1.19
BFP #2 7.3.19
EDD #2 3.13.20
I still use our nursery glider! We got it used for $50, and the fabric is getting so incredibly worn. At this point I wish we'd spent more on a more durable one.
*Formerly LuND*
Me: 35 | DH: 37
TTC: 7/2016
Low AMH, mild MFI
BFP 7/29/17
EDD: 4/5/18
DS born 4/4/18
BFP #2 7/2/19
EDD 3/13/20
DS2 10/2017
DS3 due 03/2020
Anyway, seconding @stacey6689 above: thanks everyone so far! I have no specific questions on what may or may not be useful (yet), but it's so helpful to see trends and also hear individual stories & how things differed for certain people. I am trying to be minimal in the registry since we are so broke--I really only want to register for what we'll likely need, so we can cut down on what we have to buy ourselves.
Married: 10.15.16
DS BD: 8.20.17
TTC #2 1.1.19
BFP #2 7.3.19
EDD #2 3.13.20
- Ditched the Diaper Genie for DS, couldn't keep the refills stocked.
- I have an array of bottles because DS wouldn't take a bottle. My pediatrician said not to waste my money, as DS had his mind made up and would not take one until he was ready regardless of the type, but I felt obligated to keep trying!! I would just buy one of each bottle to try.
- Emergency formula isn't a bad idea, there were a few instances where I would need just a few more ounces to top off my DS's daycare bottles on top of what I had pumped at work. But I will say that most of the cans I've run across are 'use within 30 days of opening' and if you're only using enough for a couple ounces here and there, maybe get those On the Go formula sticks.
- For DD we bought a ridiculous Lazy Boy recliner thinking I would be spending a ton of time in it. Horrible idea, we moved that to our living room, and got the super basic nursery glider. I probably use it more now than when they were newborns, just calming down a toddler, or having somewhere to sit while they settle down and get ready to put their pajamas on after bath.
I will add Burp Cloths, may as well use a sock, so small you can get one spit up wiped up and then wash it, no. We ended up using the huge muslin swaddle blankets for that among many other uses, use a corner here, use a corner there, I just always had one of those handy, but not so much for swaddling.
I did use a snowsuit (northeast, winter baby, and I don't have a car) but I found sizing was tough for a baby that tiny.
Most outfits that weren't just zip up onesies only got worn once or twice for the first,say, 6 months. After that, the wardrobe broadened a bit...
Just a rave about my favorite baby item of all though: the Baby Bjorn Jumper. This was hands down my most used baby item, my son adored it, and it kept him happily bouncing himself up and down while I got dressed/made food/ showered etc. I dithered over getting it because of the cost but it was well worth it and way way better than any other seats/toys/jumpers we received, most with way more bells and whistles. I'd basically trade all my other baby entertainments for this thing.
Married: October, 19, 2015
EDD 2/22/17 DS1 born on 3/2/17
EDD 3/8/20 DS2 born on 3/10/20
EDD 11/24/23
(Formerly Marriedhamstermom Feb ‘17)
Question over whether the darker or lighter colors are more practical? And do you recommend the cotton or the mesh if you live in a normal climate (4 seasons)?
Also this post is really great. So helpful to hear what wasn’t needed in different circumstances!
Married 12/2016
TTC #1 since 04/2015
AMA, DOR (AMH 0.65, AFC 2-4) and autoimmune issues (RA, APS), low TSH, adenomyosis
7 retrievals, 3 transfers
Nov17 IVF2 - 1ER, 0F
Jan18 IVF3 - 3ER, 1F, 1ET, BFN
Feb18 - second opinion and additional testing
Apr18 IVF4 - cancelled (E2 too high)
May/Jun18 IVF4 - 4ER, 0M, 1F, 1 frozen day 3 (not best quality)
Jun/Jul18 IVF5 - 5 ER, 3M, 2F, 2 frozen day 3 (not best quality)
Jul/Aug18 IVF6 - 4ER, 3M, 2F, 2 frozen day 3 (good quality)
Aug/Sep18 IVF7 - cancelled (cyst)
Sep/Oct18 IVF7 - 3ER, 3M, 2F, 2 frozen Day 3 (excellent quality)
Oct18 IVF8 - Cancelled (cyst and too low TSH)
Oct18-Jan19 bringing TSH under control
Feb19 ERA and hysteroscopy
Mar19 Investigation for fibroid and adenomyosis
Apr19 adenomyosis confirmed, polyps removed
Jun19 FET after 2 months Lupron, autoimmune protocol, transferred two day 3 frozen embryos
Nov17 IVF2 - Pergoveris 2-14 Nov, Orgalutran 5-14 Nov, Ovitrelle 15 Nov, ER 17 Nov for 3 follies, 1 mature egg, did not fertilize
Jan18 IVF3 - Pergoveris 30 Dec - 8 Jan, Orgalutran 5-8 Jan, Ovitrelle 9 Jan, ER 11 Jan 3 eggs, 2 mature, 1 fertilized, ET 1x 4d 12-cell embryo 15/01, 24/01 BFN
May/Jun18 IVF4 - Rekovelle 25-29 May, Menogon 30May - 2Jun, Zomacton 25 27 29 31 May and 2Jun, Cetrotide 30May - 3Jun, Gonasi 3Jun, ER 5Jun 4 eggs, none mature, two matured overnight, 1 fertilized with ICSI, Frozen day 3 but not good quality
Jun/Jul18 IVF5 - Rekovelle 21-24 June, Menogon 25Jun-3Jul, Puregon 4-5Jul, Zomacton 21 23 25 27 29 Jun, Cetrotide 25Jun-5Jul, Gonasi 6Jul, ER 8Jul 5 eggs, 3 mature, 2 fertilized with ICSI, 2 frozen day 3 but not good quality
Jul/Aug18 IVF6 - Rekovelle 26-29 Jul, Menogon 30Jul-7Aug, Buserelin 26Jul-7Aug, Zomacton 26 28 30 Jul 1 3 Aug, Gonasi 7Aug, ER 9Aug 4 eggs, 3 mature, 2 fertilized (normal IVF), 2 frozen day 3 good quality
Sep/Oct18 IVF7 - Menogon 19-30Sep, Buserelin 19-30Sep, Zomacton 19 21 23 25 27 Sep, Ovitrelle 1 Oct, ER 3 eggs, 3 mature, 2 fertilized with ICSI, 2 frozen day 3 excellent quality
Fav Quote: The greatest thing you'll ever learn is just to love and be loved in return
Married: October, 19, 2015
EDD 2/22/17 DS1 born on 3/2/17
EDD 3/8/20 DS2 born on 3/10/20
EDD 11/24/23
(Formerly Marriedhamstermom Feb ‘17)
I'm on #4 here and see a lot of valid points, and what works for one may not work for another anyways, but it's nice to have ideas/input.
Each baby is different, so what you use most may change anyways, but we really love our rocking chair in the nursery. Used it a whole time and still do just at bedtime.
Use our diaper genie all the time, but other options work as well. It's about being on top of the smell basically.
Live in Canada, so a baby snowsuit of more than one size is a must here, but I can see others in warm places having no use for them. Sweaters and blankets over the harness in the car instead of course. If you have a baby bunting bad type with the slit for the car seat or stroller buckle to go through, cool. That works for those options. But if you want to wear baby you'll need a different one with both feet sperate for a carrier. I was surprised by how many options we need here for different functions, but it's basically winter for half the year, so...
Breastfeeding is not smooth sailing for many Mamas, so having a backup is actually important. My 3rd was tongue tied, and it was so very painful for a month to nurse him until we figured it out. Constant breaks and healing for me. Having a bottle and formula on occasion is not going to ruin your long term plan. Some babies are more picky than others, but what I've (GENERALLY) noticed is that if they don't want to breastfeed it's because they're already starving and can't be patient for the milk to come. (That is, if you've already had success in establishing nursing and your milk flow).
Swaddling can be a funny thing. My first LOVED it (the tighter the better) and my second HATED it, like don't even try, I'm just going get angry. LOL! So for #1 and#3, we did prefer the Velcro ones as they stay put, and baby doesn't break out of it in the middle of the night, BUT good luck changing their diaper if you need to while they're in it because the noise wakes them every time. Haha. I just avoid changing my babies at night anyways.
I ditto what PPs said about zipper sleepers. The only way to go. No fooling with snaps.
Receiving blankets are a big waste unless you have a marathon projectile vomiter on your hands. They are so huge they're not helpful for spit up. My friend sewed me little burping cloths that were like the size or a reg facecloth which were much more useful. Small to pack, need it once, or use it for a day, throw it in the laundry.
No bottle warmers, bottle sanitizers or wipe warmers here, though my friend with twins would definitely recommend the first two, for good reason. Double the blessing, double the work.
Loved our baby bouncer and swing both, and Jolly jumper. Highly recommend if you ever want to shower. 😂 (These are the only 3 baby furniture items I would recommend getting!) Other than basics like crib, bassinet, stroller etc.
I always used a bassinet beside my bed for the first 5-6 months, then moved them to their own room in crib. Again I realize there are many variations/preferences among sleeping habits. To each their own.
White noise or fan for older babies is helpful. It masks other noises that may wake baby in the day or night - traffic, as we live on a loud road, siblings.
Diaper bag as a backpack was the best option we've used so far. Hands free and not weighing on just one shoulder.
Also, a warm water humidifier for baby's room is important for when (not if) they get a cold/sick, but it's really dry here, so maybe not for you?
Didn't use lots of teethers, blankets, knitted booties, like others mentioned. Stuffie are just decoration, unless you have one thing that'll become your child's special cuddle toy. A word of caution with that- if they attach onto something (fav blankie or stuffie, or whatnot) be SURE to have at least two of that item! Or one day your world will implode if it's lost, being washed, left at Grandma's, etc.
Loved my baby food grinder for purees. Just used ice cube trays to freeze, then put in zip locks until needed. Don't need fancy baby ones.
I also tried a Graco swing, I don't remember the type, and it stopped working after a month of use so I took it back to the store (that's when I made the switch to the Fischer Price portable.) I also had a Graco swing with DD, it worked fine and she loved it (this was back in 2006, so a much older model.)