Six useless bits for your baby

Some baby gear is dangerous or of limited use aside from adding to clutter and credit card debt. Photo / Thinkstock

As a first time parent, it's easy to get duped into buying a bunch of fancy items for your newborn.

However, be warned - some baby gear is dangerous or of limited use aside from adding to clutter and credit card debt.

Here are the six most useless baby accessories:

1. Ill-fitting baby carrier

The baby carrier is a trendy device for "wearing your baby". They come in a variety of styles and sizes so you should try before you buy, preferably with baby. Otherwise, you may find your carrier too cramped, loose, uncomfortable, or difficult to use. Try not to squeeze into a baby carrier while pregnant, or like me, you might choose a large one that slips down your shoulders. Learn how to properly strap your baby in - and save tying yourself up in knots.

Learn how to properly strap your baby in their carrier. Photo / Thinkstock

2. Bumper pads

It is tempting to use a bumper pad to protect your baby's limbs from slipping between the cot slats or stop them from banging their head against the sides. However, Plunket tells us to avoid using them - and even breathable mesh pads are considered a no-go.

Rather than prevent injuries, bumper pads can suffocate, and the ties can strangle a child. They also reduce the flow of fresh air in a baby's cot, a contributing factor in SIDS.

3. Too many newborn clothes

As newborns are little for such a short time, they don't need a walk-in-wardrobe filled with tiny onesies. Nor do they need a variety of expensive outfits, given they spend most of their first three months dribbling, spilling and in a semi-comatosed state.

When shopping for newborns, buy garments that do not need to be pulled over their wobbly heads. Purchase neutral colours so the clothes can be recycled for another baby regardless of gender.

4. Newborn shoes

No gift has ever confused me more than shoes for a newborn. Surely no one expects a week old baby to walk - so what's the deal with teeny tiny trainers?

Babies have no real need for shoes until they start to stand, toddle and walk. It is much healthier to keep babies' feet warm in footed pyjamas or socks, than a pair of shoes. Hard-soled, restrictive shoes may impair the proper development of their feet.

Newborns don't need shoes until they become toddlers and start learning to walk. Photo / Thinkstock

5. Baby jumper

Some parents swear by this infant entertainment system that involves their baby hopping about in a doorframe. While they look like an enormous amount of fun, jumpers exercise incorrect posture which can cause musculoskeletal problems to the hips, pelvis, groin or spine.

Overuse can cause such tight calves and hamstrings that a baby may adopt "toe walking" due to difficulty in walking with feet flat on the ground. Unfortunately, there is no guide as to how often a baby can use a jumper before triggering problems.

6. Nursing chair

Thought it would be easy to nurse your baby in a specially made chair? Think again.

Wait until your little one has arrived before considering a rocking chair, recliner or glider. Some styles have arms that get in the way, provide insufficient support for your back or may be uncomfortable during your post-birth recovery. Consider nursing on any chair in your living room with a breastfeeding pillow.

Join the discussion on our Herald Life Facebook page:

- nzherald.co.nz