The 10 Newborn Items That Don't Need to Break the Bank

Flickr user April and Randy

First-time mamas, beware: swank kiddie boutiques and flashy advertising may beg you to buy only the best of everything for your babe, but the truth is you don't need it. There are some items that aren't worth dipping into the college fund for — think rhinestone pacifiers that end up on the floor!

Check out our picks to see what's best to skip when making budget cuts!

01
Newborn Shoes

Newborn Shoes

Look, newborn shoes are just about as cute as it gets. I get it. But the fact is that baby kicks are pricey and rarely stay put — plus, babies don't walk. Get a few showstopping pairs, but there is no need to stock up.

02
Expensive Bottles

Expensive Bottles

When I was pregnant with my first child, I stocked up on a slew of absurdly expensive nipple-like all-natural bottles as I anticipated my designer-baby-bottle-sucking baby to arrive. Guess who's baby never took a bottle? This mama. And guess what is not returnable? Unused baby bottles. Learn from my mistakes, and save your cash until you know what bottle your child likes (or will even take).

03
Pacifiers

Pacifiers

Expensive is not always better when it comes to pacis. And just like with bottles, babies can be picky when it comes to these little suckers.

04
Expensive Rattles

Expensive Rattles

Expensive rattles are just that: expensive rattles. These little playthings rarely capture baby's attention longer than a few minutes — and the pricey silver ones are generally more for looks than play. Sure, it may serve as a nice keepsake, but I personally want to hang on to items that my kids actually loved and used.

05
Warmers

Warmers

Bottle warmers and wipe warmers are great if you're willing to shell out the dough, but they are also completely unnecessary (and add dangerous cords to your babe's room). Here are simple tricks from seasoned moms to solve the cold problem: place the bottle in microwaved water for a few minutes, or hold the wipe in your hand for a few seconds.