Having had two children, I have spent a lot of money (and wasted a lot) on various baby equipment over the years. 

In this guide, I’m going to take a serious look at the baby equipment worth investing in and then a light-hearted look at the useless baby items you should save your money on and not bother buying at all. 

Read on to discover the unnecessary baby items you don't need and save your money instead!

The Baby Equipment Worth Spending Your Money On

It’s surprising how many products you’re suddenly told you “need” when you’re expecting a baby. From the moment you announce your pregnancy, the suggestions start pouring in. Family, friends and even strangers have their own lists of “must-haves”. Shops and baby brands are constantly pushing new gadgets and accessories that can make you feel like you won’t cope without them.

The truth is, most babies need far less than we’re led to believe. Over time, you learn what actually makes life easier, and what ends up pushed to the back of a cupboard or sold online. That’s why guides like this are helpful, especially if you’re navigating the baby world for the first time.

It can be overwhelming when you’re trying to prepare for a new baby and have no idea where to begin. Some lists online make it look as if you need an entire warehouse of supplies. The reality is much simpler. A few key purchases can make your daily routine smoother and reduce stress. Prioritising durable, practical items means you’ll spend less in the long run and avoid unnecessary clutter. Many parents end up wishing they’d bought fewer things but better quality.

There are so many companies trying to sell you everything and anything baby-related when you have a newborn, it can be confusing to know exactly what you need.  Here are five things you definitely need that will make your life a lot easier:

#1 Invest in a sturdy buggy - you won't regret it

You’re going to need to transport your baby from A to B, so a buggy is a must.  There are all sorts of clever designs nowadays, including whole travel systems that incorporate the car seat, so the baby can swiftly be moved from car to buggy in one fell swoop.  If you have more than one child and they are both of buggy/pushchair age, then a double buggy is going to be a lifesaver.  

When choosing a buggy, it helps to think realistically about how and where you'll use it. If you enjoy walks on uneven paths, you’ll want something with suspension and sturdy tyres. If you’ll mostly be navigating shops and pavements, a lightweight and manoeuvrable model will be easier. It’s also worth checking how it folds down and whether it fits comfortably into your boot. A buggy that’s awkward or heavy quickly becomes a daily irritation. A good model feels smooth, stable and comfortable to push, even when you’re tired or juggling several tasks at once.

Handmade Pom Pom Baby Blanket: Soft Newborn Gift

#2 Do choose the correct car seat for safety

There’s so much to learn when you have a baby, and that includes an education in the different car seats and their legalities!  There are different car seats based on age, height and weight, and you must use the correct one to ensure your child’s safety and comply with the law.  Companies such as Halfords offer a bespoke car seat fitting service in which they’ll find the most suitable for your child’s age and car.  They’ll even fit it for you, so you know it’s properly installed.

Car seats can feel complicated at first, but taking the time to understand them is worth it. A well-fitted and well-designed seat offers peace of mind on every journey. Some parents also choose models that grow with their child so they don’t have to purchase multiple seats. Others prefer lightweight infant carriers because they can be moved easily between the car and home. Comfort is important too. A baby who is happy and supported in their seat makes travelling much calmer. You’ll be using this item regularly, so it’s one of the few areas where it makes sense to invest properly.

#3 Opt for a convertible cot bed to save money

Time goes super-fast once you have children, and before you know it, they’re out of their cot and into a bed.  To make the transition easier on both the child and your wallet, consider buying a cot bed instead of a separate cot and toddler bed.  The cot bed is a cot that can be converted into a small toddler bed once the child is old enough.  It can usually be used until the child is 4 or 5 years old, so you’ll not have to worry about buying several pieces of furniture for a few years.  Our cot bed was around £100 new and lasted for both children.

Another benefit of cot beds is familiarity. Your child already associates the space with comfort and sleep, so transitioning to the toddler stage feels natural rather than intimidating. You also avoid storing, selling or passing on items sooner than expected. Some families choose cot beds that match future bedroom furniture so everything grows together. It’s a small detail, but it can save money and future redecorating.

Handmade bed canopy

#4 An ergonomic bath support will make your life easier

We tried the baby baths, but found the ergonomic bath support to be a much better investment.  This can be used in the main bath, so there’s no need to buy a separate baby bath, which takes up valuable space.  It is also cleverly shaped to hold the baby, so your hands are free to wash the child.  This clever piece of equipment makes bath time so much easier, but you must still always stay with the baby in the bath.

Bath time is one of those routines that becomes a daily rhythm. Anything that makes it calmer and safer is helpful. Having both hands free allows you to focus on your baby rather than juggling awkward equipment. It also means you're not leaning over the bath in an uncomfortable position. Little things like this add up when you're tired or busy. A good ergonomic support feels secure, simple and practical.

#5 A high-quality baby sling can work wonders

I never purchased one with my first, but regretted this once I used one with my second.  I used an AmaWrap when Reuben was a baby, up until he was almost one, as he was quite large and too big for it.  Many people use it way beyond one, though.  He absolutely loved being so close to me in the sling and often fell asleep.  It also meant I could be hands-free to hold my daughter’s hand when out and about, or even use a trolley and shop like normal in the supermarket. 

Once Reuben was too big for the AmaWrap, I used an Ergobaby carrier. I’d definitely recommend this even though it’s over £100.  We tried 3 cheap versions with our first, Bella, and they were a total waste of money – Bella hated being in them, and they were really uncomfortable to wear.

Babywearing also has unexpected emotional benefits. It helps many parents feel more connected and confident, especially in the early weeks when everything is new. Some babies find it soothing for colic or reflux, and others simply love the closeness. A comfortable sling or structured carrier is also brilliant for days when babies want to be held constantly. Instead of feeling stuck or limited, you regain movement and flexibility while still meeting their needs.

Newborn Baby Wrap Carrier

5 Useless Baby Items You Don't Need To Buy

Buying baby equipment requires a bit of trial and error.  There are lots of recommended products that companies market to you as things you couldn’t be without, but aside from the essentials, most of it is personal choice, and most aren’t needed at all.  All babies are different, too. What one may love, another may detest! 

It’s easy to feel guilty for not buying what others call “essentials”. But parenting isn’t one-size-fits-all, and many items sound better in theory than they are in practice. Some things only get used once, and others never make it out of the box. Understanding what’s genuinely unnecessary can help you shop smarter, save money and feel more confident ignoring pressure to keep up with trends.

That said, here are five baby items that I don't believe are worth spending any money on:

#1 You really don't need a baby bath or top ‘n’ tail bowl

For our first baby, we purchased a lot of useless baby stuff that we really did not need.  Things you see sold in all the baby stores, so you just assume you need it.  We bought a baby bath and a top ‘n’ tail bowl for washing that keeps the water separate for the top and tail.  These were both totally useless purchases. 

When Bella was so newborn she was so small, we washed her in the sink!  Then we used this bath once or twice, but quickly realised it was easier to wash her in the main bath using an ergonomic bath support.  I’m not even sure if we ever used the top and tail bowl.  Perhaps once or twice, the very first times we bathed her, as we thought it was something we needed to use, but totally didn’t.  Needless to say, we didn’t keep these or repurchase them with our second child.

A lot of baby products fall into the category of “sounds useful, but rarely is”. The top-and-tail bowl is one of those ideas that seem sensible until you actually live day-to-day life with a newborn. Convenience becomes more important than perfect systems, and practicality always wins. You quickly prioritise speed, comfort and simplicity. If something requires extra steps or setup, it usually ends up ignored.

Personalised Lion Hooded Cotton Towel

#2 Nappy bins are a waste of money (for most people)

In our first home together, when we had Bella, we lived on the first and second floors, upstairs, so we thought a nappy bin would be a lifesaver, stopping us from running downstairs and across a car park to the communal bins to dispose of hundreds of stinky baby nappies.  These are marketed as keeping your home smelling fresh, but in our experience, they never totally masked the smell, making them quite a useless product. 

We also found it just as easy to nip outside and dispose of the nappies or leave them by the door, and the next person to go out would take them.  Perhaps if you were in a much higher flat, these would be of use, but in a regular house or low-level flat, they’re not worth the money.

One of the biggest traps new parents fall into is assuming anything labelled “special baby version” is better. Often, normal household solutions work just as well. Nappy bins also come with ongoing refill costs, which can add up over time. The novelty wears off quickly and you’re left with another plastic item taking up space. Simplicity almost always beats specialised products in daily routines.

#3 Swing seats are hit or miss

This is a debatable one, as many of my friends say their children loved their swing seats and it was the only way to get them to sleep.  Perhaps I purchased one too late, as Bella was already so used to sleeping on me.  By the time I tried to put her in a swing seat, she wouldn’t have it, so it was quickly another item listed for sale on Ebay and us making a loss on an almost new item.

If you’re tempted by a swing seat, it often helps to borrow one before buying. Babies have strong preferences and aren’t afraid to express them. Something that works beautifully for one child can be completely rejected by another. Because they’re bulky and expensive, they’re one of the riskiest purchases if you’re trying to keep costs sensible. The last thing any parent needs is another item gathering dust.

Personalised Organic Cotton Muslin Baby Comforter: Embroidered Bunny

#4 Plug socket safety covers aren't actually safe!

Safety is the number one priority when you have a baby, and more so once they start moving around and exploring the world around them.  All parents want to provide a safe environment for their children to explore, but sadly, the baby stores play on this, making us feel like we need certain safety equipment that we don’t need at all. 

In fact, some of this ‘safety’ equipment, such as plug socket safety covers, could actually be dangerous!  I bought packs of these and used them all over the house until I read the NHS and Department of Health’s safety alert regarding them.

Read more at: Why Plug Socket Safety Covers Might Actually Be Unsafe

This is a useful reminder that not everything marketed as “safer for babies” genuinely improves safety. Sometimes, sticking to standard equipment and using common sense makes far more sense. Childproofing doesn’t need to involve dozens of accessories. Often, rearranging furniture, supervising, and reducing hazards is enough. Parenting involves making choices that feel right for your home, not just following marketing trends.

#5 They look lovely, but wooden high chairs are no good for small babies

As much as I really wanted a wooden high chair because they are so much more visually appealing than bulky white plastic ones, they are, in fact, very impractical for a baby.  The wooden chair seats are very large and slippery, so they’re more suited to a toddler.  They suited my children best at around two years old, and not in the early baby years. 

I tried to strap Bella into one, but she almost fell through the gap!

Needless to say, we ended up buying a much more suitable white plastic high chair from IKEA with plenty of padding and a 5-point safety harness to keep her safely strapped in.  Hopefully, someone will create a more eco-friendly and baby-friendly highchair soon. 

Practicality often wins over aesthetics in the baby stage. A stylish but impractical item quickly becomes frustrating. Choosing products that grow with your child means you’ll get longer use and better value. Many parents eventually discover that comfort, function and safety are far more important than appearance.

Teddy Bear Cushion Cover, Blue, Wipe Clean, stain resistant, IKEA Antilop Cushion

Extra helpful tips to avoid overspending as new parents

Don't buy everything up front

Becoming a parent is emotional, exciting and sometimes overwhelming. It’s very easy to get swept up in the pressure to have everything perfectly ready. But here’s something many parents only realise later: You don’t need everything before the baby arrives.

Some things only become useful later, and some only make sense depending on your baby’s personality, feeding style or sleeping habits.

Waiting can save you hundreds of pounds. It also stops your home from turning into a wall-to-wall baby shop!

Borrow before buying

If you have friends or family with slightly older children, there’s a good chance they still have items stored somewhere.

Most baby products are barely used before the child outgrows them.

Borrowing something temporarily lets you test whether it suits your lifestyle before spending money.

Buy second-hand where possible

Many baby items are used for such a short amount of time that they remain in great condition.

High chairs, carriers, clothes, bouncers, non-fabric toys, changing tables and storage baskets are especially easy to buy second-hand.

The only category where parents usually buy new items is mattresses and car seats. Everything else can be purchased preloved, used gently and then passed on again.

Think about storage and space

Some baby products are tempting until you realise there’s nowhere practical to keep them. Before buying something big, ask:

• Will I still want this sitting in my living room in six months?
• Will I use it every day?
• Does it fold away easily if needed?

If the answer is no, that’s a sign it may not be a worthwhile buy.

Carson The Lion Newborn Companion

Pay attention to multi-use products

One of the easiest ways to save money is to choose items that grow with your child. Examples include:

• Cot beds
• Adjustable high chairs
• Baby carriers with multiple positions
• Buggies with convert-to-double options

These reduce both clutter and cost over the long term.

Don’t compare yourself to Pinterest or Instagram

Baby marketing has changed. Social media often shows a perfect version of parenting with matching outfits, themed nurseries and designer accessories.

Real life looks different.

Babies don’t care what brand their pushchair is or whether their bib coordinates with the nursery wallpaper. If something is functional, practical and comfortable, that’s what matters.

Ask other parents what they actually used

A quick, honest conversation with another parent can be far more useful than scrolling online reviews. Most people are happy to share what they wish they hadn’t bought, what saved them time and what sat untouched.

Patterns appear quickly. The same “regret purchases” come up over and over again.

Final thoughts

The biggest lesson is this: Babies need care, comfort, warmth, feeding and love. They don’t need every product on a shelf.

There’s nothing wrong with wanting nice things, but spending wisely means you’ll enjoy the baby stage without stressing about wasted money or clutter. Focus on a few high-quality essentials and add things only if you find you genuinely need them later.

Hopefully, the above tips will stop you from wasting money on useless baby items. Invest in things that will be used and last instead.

Becoming a parent is a huge change, and it’s completely normal to want everything ready. But babies don’t need perfection. They need love, attention and a calm, organised environment. Being thoughtful with your purchases means you create a home that works smoothly without unnecessary clutter. And later on, you’ll be glad you saved the money for things that truly matter.