10 baby products you really DON'T need to buy
A Which? survey has revealed the items that new mums bought and found that they never used, which could have saved them up to £340...
All new parents know that the list of products needed before the arrival of a new baby is endless, not to mention expensive - that's why you're best to opt for the baby essentials and try not to get tempted by everything that looks 'cute' and 'stylish'.
And the amount of things that end up being listed on eBay soon afterwards as 'barely used' or 'in brand new condition' can be a rather annoying waste of time and hard-earned money.
However, a survey released by consumer watchdog Which? has drawn up a 'don't buy list', revealing the baby items that parents found the least useful, making you a saving of up to £340.
The survey asked 2,000 parents with kids aged five and under to vote for the baby items they had found the most and least useful (excluding necessity products like car seats and cots).
And the results are pretty interesting, it seems that at the forefront of new parents' minds was safety, with stair gates and audio baby monitors being voted as two of the top most useful products. Not so popular however were door baby bouncers and baby washing bowls. You can see the full list of least useful products below.
Top 10 least useful baby products, as voted by parents
1. Cot mobile
Your little one will love watching their cot mobile spin around, play songs or make noises but it's not a necessary buy. Their crib or cot is for sleeping and if that's all you use it for you, you won't need a mobile to keep them entertained.
2. Door baby bouncer
Ok, so your little one will look ridiculously cute bouncing around in the doorway but this product really isn't necessary. A chair that has a springy mechanism will work just as well - they can bounce, they can sleep, they can be fed in the chair and you can rock them and play with them in it too. Much better than a door bouncer!
GoodtoKnow Newsletter
Parenting advice, hot topics, best buys and family finance tips delivered straight to your inbox.
3. Baby washing bowls
There's really no need for a baby washing bowl. A baby bath is a much better buy - you can pop it into your bath, shower cubicle and even on the floor in the middle of your bathroom. As long as its warm in the room and you're there to support your little one, bathing is the best form of cleaning. And if you just want to give your baby a refresh, baby wipes or a flannel work just as well!
4. Disposable nappy bin
Why would you want yet another bin in your house? You've got the main bin, the recycling bin, maybe even a compost bin for leftovers and a bathroom bin too - that's enough bins to empty before bin day so don't get another one!
5. Swaddling blanket
If you want to swaddle your tot, a soft blanket should do the trick. There's no need to buy a specific swaddling blanket or body shaped blanket with zips and fastenings. Swaddling is such an old aged practice, they never had gadgets like us back in the day so we don't need them now!
6. Manual breast pump
Do you really want to spend hours pumping away when you can opt for an electric breast pump which does all the hard work for you? Of course the easiest option is feeding your little one directly from your breast or if you're using formula, you won't have to consider a breast pump at all.
7. Nappy stacker
A nappy stacker is attached to the side of your baby's crib or changing table and then can just reach in and pull out a nappy every time you need one. They may look more appealing than a box of Pampers sitting on the side but that's all it is really.
8. Bumbo seat
A Bumbo seat looks like a highchair but is on the ground so you can feed your little one at their level. This product has got backache written all over it! You're best to wait until your baby can sit up by themselves and opt for a highchair instead so then you can all have dinner around the table together.
9. Fabric sling
According to Which?'s survey, slings are a no no. We'd opt for a carrier ourselves and they're easier to use, more supportive on your back and your partner can help with the carrying, as well as bonding with your little one.
10. Baby reins
Baby reins sound like a great option for keeping your little one safe while they're toddling about on a shopping trip or along the street. But many parents find it just as hard work to keep them close using the reins as it is to without!
We asked six new mums to tell us about the baby products they loved and loathed and the results were quite varied. Back-button babygrows were mentioned by a couple of our mums, plus a swaddling blanket as mentioned above.
Which products have you found most/least useful as a mum? We'd love to know. Leave us a comment in the box below.
Gemma Chandler is a lifestyle writer specialising in kids' educational media across a range of topics including nature, history, science and geography across digital, print, social media and video channels. She joined Creature & Co. at 2015, shortly becoming Digital Editor of National Geographic Kids magazine.
-
What is a Toniebox? Find out with our guide to all things Tonies
Not sure what a Toniebox is or how it works? Here's everything you need to know before you buy one for your child
By Sarah Handley Published
-
What is a travel system? Baby gear experts explain how they work - and what’s included
Experts decode what is a travel system and offer tips on how to find the best one for you
By Charlotte Duck Published
-
Seen one baby sleeping bag, seen them all? Nope, the Ickle Bubba Sleep Bag impressed us - here's why
The Ickle Bubba Sleep Bag is a high quality sleeping bag with a stylish pattern suitable for babies aged 6-18 months.
By Heidi Scrimgeour Published
-
Is this travel crib tucked in a changing bag the perfect solution for busy parents on the go? We found out...
The Bizzy Growin Pod is a baby changing bag that converts into a travel cot for daytime naps.
By Kathryn Williams Published
-
Functional and stylish? The SnüzPod Studio is a beautiful bedside crib - with wheels
We put the SnüzPod Studio to the test before it even hit shop floors - and its striking design is perfect for contemporary living
By Kathryn Williams Published
-
Baby Jogger Summit X3 Stroller Review
Reader, it's true. It folds with one hand. And our tester's baby napped during her run.
By Heidi Scrimgeour Published
-
The Purflo Breathe Pregnancy Pillow is a firm favourite for nursing — and that's not the only reason our tester loved it
We tested the Purflo Breathe Pregnancy Pillow and found it helped us sleep easier
By Kathryn Williams Published
-
We tested the Silentnight Body Support Pillow but is it too bulky to be comfortable?
It may be huge, but the Silentnight Body Support Pillow offers a versatility and longevity that really won us over
By Kathryn Williams Published
-
We tested the bbhugme Pregnancy Pillow and it blows all other pillows out of the water
We put this Scandi-chic pillow to the test and found it really is worth the money
By Kathryn Williams Published
-
We tested the Dreamgenii Pregnancy Support and Feeding Pillow and love it for this reason
A pregnancy support and nursing pillow that's lightweight, useful for travelling and promotes side sleeping
By Kathryn Williams Published