Expert Advice: Skip These 5 Baby Items to Save Money

5 Baby Items You Should Skip to Save Money

Preparing for your first baby is full of unknowns, like what items to buy. Here are five purchases you can do without. Image source: Getty Images

1. Bassinet

Real talk: I wish we had listened to people when they told us this was nonessential. Truth is, babies grow super quick -- most will outgrow their bassinet within the first four months. So if you're tight on cash, just skip the bassinet and go straight for the wider sleep space, like a pack and play. Not only will you help your personal finances, but you can save yourself the hassle of figuring out what to do with the bassinet once your baby has outgrown it.

2. Wipe warmer

If you need to change diapers outside your home, you'll have to use a cold wipe. And if your baby is used to warm wipes, guess what -- they're probably not going to be happy about the chill on their rump. Since most wipe warmers use electricity, shocks and fires are always a possibility. Not only that, warmth and moisture can be a breeding ground for bacteria, which can be harmful to your newborn's delicate skin. All in all, if you're trying to save money, take the wipe warmer out of the equation.

3. Baby shoes

Even the most eager little baby won't start walking until they're between 10 and 18 months. When they do start walking, chances are they'll be walking on something soft, like your carpet, not on rough or muddy ground, which is why we buy shoes in the first place. Plus, as with all baby clothes, they outgrow them too fast to make this really worth your dime.

4. Baby food processor

The "puree stage" doesn't last very long. In fact, some parents skip it all together and go straight to real foods. Another reason is that a baby food processor is almost no different than a basic blender, which you can buy for cheap at Walmart or Costco.

5. Diaper disposal units

While they might sound convenient, they can also tack on another expense to your monthly budget -- trash bags. Refills for diaper disposal units can cost between $15 and $25 for a package of 75 bags. Considering that most units only hold 30 to 50 diapers, you could easily be changing out the bag every two to four days. Keep in mind that all babies are different.