The Den of Baby Things You’ll Never Need

Mom and I ventured out last night on a child-free excursion of dinner and a little shopping. We only get to see each other a few times a year, so I always look forward to her visits. When we lived near each other, shopping (often window) was one of our favorite past times. Oh, how I miss Ross stores now that I live in the Midwest!

We stuffed our faces had a bite to each at TGI Fridays, where I learned that a full-size appetizer, plus steak, followed by peanut butter pie is more food than this gal can consume in one sitting. We headed to Toys R Us to return toys Mom purchased for the kids earlier this week because they both turned out to be small pieces, fall apart nightmares. This toy return is kind of ironic because we’d spent maybe 2 hours browsing Toy R Us with the kids earlier in the week. They rarely enter this kid’s haven, so it was a treat to explore, although they quickly became overwhelmed by the choices. We walked out with expensive toys because we wanted something educational/special/really awesome, when they probably would have been happy with something simpler.

After leaving Toys R Us the second time empty handed, we stopped in Babies R Us for a moment. Whenever I walk into this baby mega store, I feel a bit of nostalgia. Babies R Us reminds me of being pregnant for the first time, my nesting instincts kicking in, and feeling like I needed so many of the fancy, overpriced, unnecessary items permeating the place. I also laugh a little because my husband had the opposite reaction to this store – and still does – We don’t need it and are we done here yet? He loves the babies, but he hates the stuff.

We walked around looking for bibs (nothing great for toddlers) and swim shoes (cute!). Along the way, I amused myself because I agree with Tim somewhat now – Babies R Us is stocked with a ton of items that are overpriced and unnecessary. Here are a few of my favorites:
Piddlers – $5.99 for some colored starch your kid can pee on? Um…buy some generic fruit loops.

High Chairs – A little while back, we were looking for a new crib mattress, thinking we’d transition Ella to a toddler bed. I saw a young couple, clearly registering for their first baby, wandering around with that overwhelmed, glazed look. The high chairs were right across from the mattresses and I could tell they were debating about which pricey model would be best. I couldn’t help myself – I was a pregnant-with-my-second-know-it-all and politely advised them to simply purchase a booster chair. It’s cheaper, saves space, and will take them into toddler hood. They didn’t seem to appreciate my assistance.

Swaddling blankets – These miniature blankets will cover a baby for maybe a month, but they’re never much good for swaddling. Don’t waste your money on these – the best swaddling blankets are homemade (or purchased on Etsy).

Fancy Baby Baths – I’m a big fan of the $5.99 Duck or Turtle Sponge. It is soft, takes up very little space, and you can simply replace it with your next baby at a low cost.

Crib Bumpers – These are cute, but an unnecessary expense, and several groups actually recommend against them because of the risks associated with SIDS and strangulation.

Oh, I could go on about this – and also create my own list of must haves as well. Of course, I can’t finish this list without adding diaper genies, name-brand disposable diapers, and cheap packs of cloth diapers and plastic covers to the list.

In case you’re thinking this couldn’t have been much of a girl’s night out at the R Us franchises, we also had a fantastic time at TJ Maxx – I actually found shorts that are modest and flattering! It’s a miracle – and Target. Sometimes it’s not about where you go, but just being out and free to look and roam as long as you like without a diaper bag, snacks to dispense, noses to wipe, or diapers to change.