Are New Parents All that Gullible?

I didn't enter the realm of motherhood blindly. I put significant thought and energy into the decision to become a mother. What I didn't think that much about was that I was becoming a very popular type of consumer and would be subjected to all kinds of marketing ploys.

Entering into this world of baby merchandising and product-pushing has been overwhelming. I have found products and services pushed on me like I was the newest lottery winner in a small town. Therefore, I decided to list some of the products that I think are useful, essential, and worth the money. And, of course, I will list those products that are ridiculous, needless, or designed to pray on new parents' insecurities. (Please note, I have not included the obvious things on this list that are good inventions such as car seats, safer cribs, nursery monitors, etc. Those are items are a given, I am focusing on newer things.)

The Good Thing List
(1) Baby Bjorns - the freedom of having both hands free to get things done while still making baby happy? Priceless.
(2) Battery Operated Swings - I remember the time when you had to hand crank the swing every 15 minutes. It made this horrible grinding metal sound, which inevitably woke the baby up, defeating the purpose of the swing.
(3) Simple Pack n Plays (see below for exceptions) - baby containment at its best. It keeps small babies safe from the dog, it keeps mobile babies safe while you are taking a shower. They can play there, they can sleep there, it fits in my car, and it holds a lot of toys when the cleaning lady is coming.
(4) Boppy - so many uses, so little time. I have been known to rest on it myself while watching TV.
(5) Sippy Cups - I know these are hugely controversial. A lady from Easter Seals told me sippy cups were to blame for all speech delays in young children. Well, I don't know about that, but they are a big convienence item for me. For me, they encourage independance, earlier weaning from the bottle, less mess in the house, and, therefore, a happier mama.
(6) Strollers with cupholders for parents. I love, love, love this invention.

The Useless Thing List
(1) Wipe Warmers - Give me a break! I know they can get a little cold, but take 5 seconds, hold one in your hand, and there you go. Warm wipes.
(2) "Toddler" foods - These are just grown-up foods in smaller portions but twice the price. If you can't dice or cut up food for your child, you have a serious problem.
(3) "Germ Protectors" - This is a whole category on Target's baby website, consisting of multiple items designed to protect your child at the grocery store, restaurants, or any public place. Why not just keep your baby in a bubble until he is 15? In the end, they are just not necessary and just take up extra room in your life. I am not saying one should dip their baby in a vat of germs, but use common sense with germ protection. Wash your hands and the baby's hands often. There are whole generations of us that grew up healthy without the constant extra protection from germs.
(4) Extra Fancy Pack N Plays - The pack n plays with changing tables, storage bins, activity centers, etc. are just a waste of money. You will only use them for a few months and they are not worth the extra money or storage space needed.
(5) Diaper Genie - learn how to change a diaper and wrap it to contain smell and spills. If you need a lesson, email me. Put them in a regular garbage can. When they get stinky, walk them outside. Much easier (and cheaper) than the genie.
(6) Battery Powered Formula Mixers - Seriously. If you are too lazy to shake or stir your baby's formula, think twice about parenthood.
(7) Special Swaddling Blankets - Swaddling is great, but you don't need a special blanket. Any blanket will work. Or towel, sheet, adult shirt, etc.
(8) Baby Bathtubs - Waste of money and space. Your baby will only tolerate this thing for a few months. Why not just fill the regular bathtub with about an inch of water, put down a washcloth, put the baby on it, and wash. Or, use a turkey roaster, as my mother suggested.
(9) Sleep positioners. Again, another item that you will only use for a few months, if that long. For most babies, simply placing the baby on his back to sleep is sufficiently safe without the added protection (and costs).

I am sure there are people who will disagree with me (there always are), but I get so frustrated hearing new parents talk about the things they felt they "had" to have when they had their first child. Months, and even weeks, later they realized it was a waste of money. Feel free to add your own items to the list!!