Ditch These Unnecessary Gadgets for Simpler Parenthood

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When you’re expecting a baby, it can feel like every store and social feed is telling you that you need all the things—and that life as a new parent will be impossible without them.

The truth? Babies need less than you think.

Here are some of the most common fancy gadgets you can confidently skip (or at least think twice about) and what to use instead.

1. Wipe Warmers

Wipe warmers promise cozy diaper changes, but most babies are perfectly fine with room-temperature wipes. I also find that by the time you pull a wipe out of the warmer and place it on the baby’s bottom, it’s not so warm anymore.

Why to skip:

• Can dry out wipes or grow mildew if not cleaned often.

• One more cord to deal with on the changing table.
  
  Instead: Warm a wipe in your hands for a few seconds—free and effective. I’m also a big fan of wipe dispensers for storing wipes in. When you’ve got a messy situation to take care of, the last thing you want to do is struggle to pull a wipe out of a plastic package of wipes.

2. Formula Prep Machines

These machines mix formula at the push of a button.

Why to skip:

• Prone to clogs and inconsistent amounts (pediatricians recommend precise water-to-formula ratios).

• Costly and bulky. Takes up counter space.
  
  Instead: Pre-measure formula and keep in a formula dispenser for on-the-go convenience.

3. Movement-Tracking Socks and Wearables

These promise to track baby’s oxygen levels or heart rate and send alerts to your phone.

Why to skip:

• The American Academy of Pediatrics doesn’t recommend them for SIDS prevention; they can create unnecessary anxiety and false alarms.

• Expensive, with limited real medical benefit.
  
  Instead: Follow safe sleep guidelines for peace of mind.

4. Fancy Baby Food Makers

Dedicated baby food processors are essentially single-purpose blenders.

Why to skip:

• You probably already own a blender or food processor.

• Babies outgrow purées quickly.
  
  Instead: Steam and mash food with kitchen tools you already have.

5. Overly Smart Monitors with Premium Subscriptions

Cameras with breathing analytics and paid cloud features can sound reassuring, but they’re not necessary for healthy babies.

Why to skip:

• Expensive monthly fees.

• No evidence that they reduce SIDS risk.
  
  Instead: A reliable audio or basic video monitor provides all the monitoring most families need.

6. High-End Changing Pads

They might look nice and modern but something like the Keekaroo Peanut Changer and Skip Hop Changing Pad are tough to justify the price tag.

Why to skip:

• Pricey and heavy.

• The surface stays cold.
  
  Instead: A simple changing pad with washable covers works fine, and cost much less!

7. Swings

They look comfy and cozy but they are not safe for sleep.

Why to skip:

• Bulky and takes up space.

• Not an approved safe sleep surface.
  
  Instead: A simple bouncer is enough.

8. Temperature-Sensing Bath Tubs

They might look nice and modern but something like the Keekaroo Peanut Changer is tough to justify the price tag.

Why to skip:

• Pricey for an infant bath tub.

• Typically bulkier.
  
  Instead: An elbow test or a basic bath thermometer is accurate and far cheaper.

💡 Bottom Line

The best baby gear is simple, safe, doesn’t take up too much space, and easy to clean.