Q: Nursery gear to skip?
Posted
Monday, March 10, 2008 1:11 PM
Q: How
essential is a changing table? My space is very limited. And, are there any other common items I can skip?
Erika Lenkert: A changing table is nothing more
than a tall table or low dresser with a strapped-on contoured pad and shelf or
drawer space for all of the necessary accouterments. In other words, it's
handy, but not remotely necessary. You can easily make do by putting a
contoured pad on a dresser and loading it up with diapering necessities. If
you're a serious minimalist, you can also change your tot on the bed or the
floor -- although leaning that low can be the straw that breaks the new mommy's
aching back.
Other items that aren't so
essential? Super-cute newborn and 0-3 months and 3-6 months outfits. You may be
inspired to buy the cutest, tiniest fashions because, well, they're just so
darned cute. But if you're like me you'll soon find out that attempting to
wedge your tiny new being with its precarious bobble head into unwieldy
fashions is about as compelling as taking him or her for her first set of
shots. Stick with a small selection of practical items. My daughter lived in
virtually nothing but onesies and footed one-zip PJs for nearly a year -- and she
looked darned cute doing it. The fancy finds that I bought on sale before she
was born eventually became what I call "closet art."
You can also skip a classic diaper
bin, if you wish. Some people think they're a rip off, others love them.
But you can easily get by with a trashcan with a tightly sealing lid.
Guest expert Erika Lenkert is the author of The Real Deal Guide to Pregnancy ,available in stores this March, and mother to one girl.
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