*This is a contributed post. I only accept contributed posts when I feel they can be relevant to the readers of Sunshine and Holly.*
Expecting parents are a marketers dream, especially first time parents. They’re so anxious to ensure their baby has everything they need that they’ll spend crazy amounts of money on all kinds of things. Most of those things, barring the obvious (crib, diapers, stroller), are not at all necessary for bringing up a perfectly healthy, happy baby. That being said, there are a few baby accessories you’ll be glad you bought.
A Diaper Pail
If you’re using disposable diapers, the last thing you want is for them to build up creating a smelly mess in your kitchen trash can. Nor do you want to have to keep running outside to dispose of them where they, at least, won’t stink your house up so much every five minutes. That’s where a good diaper pail comes in. It will safely contain your diapers, keeping the smell at bay so that you can dispose of them outside in the trashcan less often. Check out this diaper pail guide if you don’t believe you’ll need one. I’m sure it’ll change your mind completely. Maybe invest in a nice aromatherapy diffuser too- babies are REALLY smelly sometimes!
A Swaddle Blanket
Swaddling blankets are every parent’s best friend, particularly in the first few months of baby’s life. Why? Because when your baby is wrapped up in a cozy warm swaddle blanket, they feel amazingly safe and happy and that means that they fuss and cry less! They’re pretty darn cute too.
A Pacifier
I know there’s a big ole debate about whether the use of pacifiers is a good or bad thing, but most parents do eventually end up using them. You know why? They are really good at soothing a crying baby as he or she comes to grips with the world. As long as you transition away from their use before they get too old, it really shouldn’t be a problem.
A Changing Table
You might think that a changing table isn’t necessary when you have ample floors and surfaces on which to change your baby. But you know what? Babies are wriggly, unpredictable little things, and that means that they can make a mess. If you don’t want your floor and carpets covered with the smelly brown stuff, then you’ll be really glad you have a changing table in your home.
A Video Monitor
Baby monitors are a pretty standard buy when you’re expecting a baby, and for good reason – they enable you to listen to your baby even when you’re in a different room, so you can keep her safe and have peace of mind. A video monitor is even better though because as everyone who’s ever had a standard baby monitor knows, they don’t prevent mad rushes up the stairs to check the little one really is okay. If you can see and hear baby, well then you can breathe a little easier.
Although none of these things are what you would call essential, they will make your life as a new parent a whole lot easier, which means that they are worth the money!
