What we recommend NOT to buy
When you’re pregnant, there’s no shortage of things people try to sell you. From our own experience, we know that marketers will find you easily — and of course, you’re extra receptive because you want the very best for your baby. But believe us, there are some things you really don’t need to buy!
The money you save can be better spent on one of our top 5 baby purchases.
Items we don’t recommend
- Steriliser
This is a device for sterilising bottles, teats, and so on. Research shows that sterilising isn’t actually necessary. Thoroughly cleaning with hot water and soap is much more effective. And if you do want to boil something, a large pan of boiling water or simply the dishwasher works just fine! - Bottle warmer
Never used one — ever! A complete waste of counter space. - Breast pump
There are many types and sizes of breast pumps. The kind you need depends on when you’ll be expressing milk. In the first week, you’ll need a completely different model than when you return to work months later. If you need to start pumping right after birth, you can rent a hospital-grade pump (even on weekends — we can give you the addresses). The rental costs just a few euros per week, and you only buy the part that touches your breasts (around €40). - Molton or flannel nappies
These are soft cloths meant to go under your baby in bed to absorb moisture. But with today’s nappies, that’s really unnecessary. None of us ever used them - Navel bandages
You’ll still see these on some baby checklists — small cotton bands to wrap around the umbilical stump. We’ve never used them or seen anyone who does!
Of course, you’re free to buy any of these items if you wish — and who knows, maybe you’ll tell us later that you actually found them useful. Do you know of other baby items that turned out to be unnecessary? We’d love to hear your tips!