10 Baby Gear Items You Can Live Without

I frequently hear parents with two- and three-year-olds say, "Wow, they didn't sell that three years ago." It's true. Here in the land of plenty, the list of baby gear items every parent "needs" seems to grow by the minute. If you're a new or expecting parent, don't let yourself get sucked into this "buy, buy buy" mentality. Sure, there have been a few nice modern inventions for parents in recent years, but the reality of it is that our culture has crossed the thresh-hold where more is not necessarily better ... for the baby, the parents or for the landfills.

So before you take your first mind-numbing walk through aisles and aisles of brightly-colored plastic at Babies R Us, take it from a mom who's been there, done that - you DON'T need it all. And you certainly don't need any of the items listed below.

1. Stroller Travel System. Contrary to what the experts tell you at Babies R Us, you do not need one of these big hunks of plastic. They're like ocean liners on wheels, and total overkill for pushing around an itty-bitty newborn. Instead, spend your money on a good sling or baby carrier. Babies prefer (and need!) to be held anyway. Plus, did you know that carried babies cry 50 percent less? If you do buy a stroller, get one that's more practical for an older baby or heavy toddler, like a small umbrella stroller or jogging stroller or even a fun wagon. But for Pete's sake, just carry your newborn in your arms or baby carrier.

2. High Chair. Again, can you say, big, clunky and expensive? These days, it's a given that every parent needs a high chair, but if you think about it, a booster chair does everything a high chair can do -- for a lot less money. And since it sits on a regular dining chair, you can slide it right up the table so that baby feels just like everyone else. Plus it takes up less space and can be easily folded away into the closet when not in use or thrown into the trunk for easy transport.

3. Boppy. If you have pillows in your house, then you don't need to shell out money on a boppy. 'Nuff said.

4. Bottle Warmer. Both Mother Nature and health experts agree that breast milk directly from the breast is best whenever possible, but sometimes giving baby milk or formula through a bottle is necessary. A bottle warmer, however, is just another kitchen gadget to clutter your kitchen. There is no medical reason to heat bottles before serving. Some babies prefer warm milk and some prefer cold. If you have a child who prefers warm milk, simply place bottle in a pot of warm water.

5. Walkers. Walkers enable babies to move around before they are physically ready for it, and can even discourage them from learning to walk on their own. And not surprisingly, more babies are injured in walkers than in any other baby gadget. So, nix the walker.

6. Diaper Genie. Sure, no one likes the smell of poop, but there are better alternatives that doesn't require buying expensive plastic refill bags that create yet another layer at your local landfill. Instead, pick up a basic garbage can with a good plastic seal around the lid. This will work like a charm whether you are using disposable or cloth diapers.

7. Wipes Warmer. Most babies are going to protest when you change their diaper, regardless of whether their wipes are toasty warm. If babies could speak, I am sure they would tell us that they are just fine with wipes kept at room temperature or maybe warmed a bit between your hands on chillier days. If your baby communicates a preference for warm wipes, set your wipes in the window on sunny days or run them under warm water just before using them.

8. Hooter Hiders. This apron-like fancy piece of fabric is the latest invention designed to help mothers breastfeed discreetly. The problem is, it's so colorful and flashy it's guaranteed to cause everyone and his brother to check you out anyway. If you're bashful about breastfeeding in public, just use any old neutral-colored receiving blanket you have lying around the house. Otherwise don't worry about it. It'll do the "Looky-Lous" some good to witness just how Mother Nature intended our babies to be fed.

9. Bouncy Seat, Swing and Pack N Play or Play Yard. It's nice to have a safe yet entertaining place to put your babe when you need your hands free for a moment to answer the phone, clean the bathtub or cook at the stove. A vibrating bouncy seat, indoor swing and play yard all serve this purpose. So choose one and resist the urge to buy all three. Unless, of course, you're planning on turning your home into a daycare one day.

10. Bumbo Babysitter Chair. According to the product description, this "unique design allows infants (up to 22 pounds) without trunk control to sit upright on their own." The way I see it, if your baby is not able to sit up by himself yet, then he probably shouldn't be. And if you read the customer reviews, it sounds like parents like this contraption a lot more than the babies do.