Looking back at those hazy early days, there were so many things I was convinced were “must-haves.” I spent hours researching, scrolling, and clicking ‘add to cart,’ thinking I was preparing for every possible scenario. But honestly? A lot of it just ended up gathering dust and were just unnecessary newborn essentials.
I’m sharing these in the hopes that it helps another parent out there save some money, some nursery space, and a whole lot of frustration.
1. Newborn shoes (The Adorable Trap)
Let’s be real: baby shoes are impossibly cute. I bought several pairs thinking my little one needed to look “put together” from day one. In reality? Newborns don’t walk, and they have this incredible talent for kicking their feet until those tiny shoes fly across the room and end up getting lost.
2. The Mountain of Muslin Swaddles
I bought so many of the big cloth swaddles but barely used them. They take time to muster and can gets undone easily when our baby started squirming in his swaddle. Also trying to perfect a fold at 2AM when the baby is fussing and squirming feels exhausting. Zip up swaddles are a game changer. They are quick, secure and stress free especially helpful during those late night changes.
3. Cot bumpers
Initially, as our baby started flipping on his belly, we wanted a secure environment for him to somersault to. So we thought of securing the sides of the cot to ensure that he would not accidentally bump his head. We didn’t realise this at first but soon learnt that they are actually not safe for babies as they could potentially block the airflow of the baby who leans against the bumper. So we would definitely recommend to skip this entirely. Between our baby bumping his head against the side of the cot or a potential safety hazard, I will take the former any day.
4. Style Over Substance (Impractical Outfits)
I was drawn to cute outfits like the tiny denim jackets with buttons and nice shirts that are very presentable. But in the humidity of Singapore, it made me think twice. If as an adult, I struggle to adapt to the humidity, I think it is a lot worse for our baby. So we ended up reaching for the same few basics everyday and what actually works. Something stretchy, easy to put on and remove and most IMPORTANTLY, breathable (critical for Singapore weather).
Also, I made the mistake of buying one piece pajamas with a single zip that starts at the chin. Having to fully unzip a baby in the middle of the night just to change a diaper is a recipe for a wide-awake, crying infant. Go for double zip ones instead. The ones that unzip from the bottom up so that you can easily change his diapers without fully waking your baby.
If you are also looking for baby essentials to take on your next travel adventure, check out our 7 Baby Travel Essentials, where we share our tips for traveling with your baby!
The Bottom Line: Less is More
At the end of the day, it’s so easy to get caught up in the “stuff” of parenting. We want our nurseries to be perfect because we want our transition into parenthood to be perfect. But after the first few months, I realized that my baby didn’t need a lot of these stuff. They just needed to be safe, dry, and close to me.
If you’ve already filled your cart with these unnecessary newborn essentials, don’t sweat it. We’ve all been there! But if you can save a few dollars by skipping the fluff, use that extra cash for a good meal or a much-needed coffee. You’re going to be a great parent—with or without the tiny sneakers.
If you are also looking for the best all in one bottle sterilizer, check out our reviews here!
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