The Wirecutter Show
What You Actually Need for a Baby
May 7, 2025
Kalee Thompson, a senior editor at Wirecutter with extensive baby gear expertise and personal experience as a parent, dives into the essentials for newborns. She shares her must-have items such as car seats, strollers, and thoughtful gifts for expecting parents. Kalee emphasizes the importance of choosing wisely amidst overwhelming options, including the benefits of buying used gear. She also discusses navigating parental pressures influenced by social media and highlights how meaningful gifts can foster connections between families and new babies.
37:40
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Quick takeaways
- New parents should focus on essential items like safe sleeping spaces and car seats while avoiding unnecessary baby gear to reduce stress.
- Opt for meaningful gifts from registries or offers of help instead of trendy products, prioritizing practicality over consumerism in new parenthood.
Deep dives
The Importance of Minimizing Baby Gear
The conversation highlights that new parents often feel pressured to acquire an overwhelming amount of baby gear, but this isn't necessary. In fact, some essential items include a car seat, a safe sleeping space like a crib or bassinet, and basic feeding supplies. Experts emphasize that babies require much less than one might think, with suggestions to consider alternatives, such as using a cardboard box for a newborn’s sleep space. This minimalist approach helps alleviate the stress associated with navigating the extensive marketing and consumer goods surrounding new parenthood.
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