Baby products? Do you really need all that stuff?

Poof, just like that, a little person is added to the household and comes with a boatload of their stuff. That’s pretty impressive for someone who can’t even lift their head yet.

Like my niece, when most parents find out they are having a baby, they are filled with emotions, questions, and joy. It’s a fun yet scary time. Then, once the initial shock wears off, and they get a bit more comfortable with the idea, reality starts kicking in. At some point, they probably wondered, “What things will the baby need?” Then they ask some friends and do a little research, and realize the age-old thought,

I remember, with my oldest daughter, I was lost about what baby products she needed. So I figured, I would go to the store and check it out. When I set up my baby registry, it felt like winning the lottery - I added one of these, two of those, and that adorable thing over there. Before I knew it, there was a long list of things, of which the majority, I had no clue what they did or how to use them. My dad is very handy, so if anyone could figure it all out, he could. Fingers crossed.

Registry done - Check.

I was blessed to have a very thrilled mother and generous family and friends. So for gifts, I received a lot of things on and off my registry. Like most parents, I excitedly unpacked it all, washed all the apparel and linens, and put everything in its place. I looked around and realized that the nursery just got a bunch smaller. So, I was determined to use every gadget and try every outfit. Why not?

Nursery setup - Check

After the arrival of my bundle of joy, I realized something very profound - THESE LITTLE PEOPLE GROW FAST! I had a closet full of clothing, a room full of gear, and endless other things that she quickly grew out of. If she had a diaper blowout, I saw it as an opportunity to put on another outfit. On some days, I changed her multiple times, so she could at least wear an outfit before it was too late. Thank goodness, my mother LOVED washing baby clothes. I was amazed at how many products she outgrew in the first few months, and just how much I really didn’t need.

Product overload epiphany - Check

The moral of this story is… while it’s fun to have all the things for your baby, you probably don’t need a plethora of oversized bow headbands, three play mats, forty-five 3-6 month onesies, or that oversized giraffe. When it comes to baby products, you should focus on safety first, sanity second, and nice-to-haves last. Who really needs an oversized giraffe? No one.