8 Things You Definitely Don't Need for a Baby

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It's easy to get carried away with cute baby buys when you're strolling through Babies 'R' Us. However, tons of tiny purchases can add up quickly and result in an empty bank account, as well as a lot of items wasting space in the nursery.

When the average cost of raising a child is approximately $12,980 per year, it's important to save money whenever possible. Fortunately, you can start by avoiding unnecessary baby gear. (See also: 5 Money Rules That'll Save You Big in Baby's First Year)

1. Extra bedding

The safest way for a baby to sleep is with a tight fitting crib sheet. Anything else could pose a suffocation hazard. One blanket is enough for car rides, stroller time, and cuddling, so there's no need to spend much on multiple bedding sets, bumpers, or other bedding upgrades.

Crib bedding and diaper gear are commonly stained due to leaky diapers and spit up, so stick with functional and easy to clean material. Don't worry about pillows or matching duvets. A newborn can't use those anyway.

2. Fancy Diaper Bag

Your diaper bag is going to see a lot of wear and tear. Imagine spilled milk and dirty burp cloths staining the inside, and dust and dirt, stickers and crayon marks marring the outside. Plus, you wouldn't want it to be a target for theft. Get something plain that is easy to carry and use.

3. Matching outfits

When you're digging through the laundry basket (because there will barely be enough time to do the laundry, let alone fold and sort), you won't care much about the matching pants as much as just getting your baby dressed. Even with messes, it's hard to ever run out of onesies since they usually come in packs of five to ten (except the cute matching outfits, which come in packs of one). Don't use your valuable energy on things like matching outfits for your newborn.

4. Shoes

Newborns don't need shoes. And it's not worth trying to wrestle them on a wriggling baby. Stick with socks or footies.

5. Wipe warmer

It's true, babies don't like being changed. They will cry and fuss, regardless of the temperature of their wipes. Also, the inconvenience of having to always go to the spot where your wipe warmer is defeats the purpose of being able to quickly get a baby changed. It's okay — a little discomfort won't be the end of the world.

6. Mobiles

It's nice to imagine that the mobile is stimulating the baby's brain cells and making her super smart. But a mobile isn't more stimulating than a ceiling fan or the shadows and light coming from a window nearby.

7. Baby food processor

If you're going to make your own baby food, a regular food processor or blender might seem bulky but will work just fine. Do you really want to add an extra kitchen gadget that will only get used for six months?

8. Bottle sanitizer

Bottles don't need to be sanitized after every use. Sanitize them the first time in boiling water. After that, warm soap and water will clean them fine. (See also: What a New Baby Really Needs)

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