Too Much Baby Gear? What You Really Need (And What You Don’t!)

If you’ve ever found yourself buried under a mountain of baby gear, wondering if your little one actually needs all of it—you’re not alone.

Or maybe you’re expecting your first baby, or have a newborn, and you’re asking yourself: What do I really need?

The baby product industry would have us believe that without the latest swing, bouncer, or plaything, our babies are missing out. But here’s the truth: some gear is super helpful, and some… well, let’s just say it might be doing more harm than good.

So, let’s break it down—the good, the bad, and the downright unnecessary.

The Good: The Gear That Actually Helps

Some baby items truly make life easier (and safer!). These are the keepers—the things that support your baby without holding them back:

✔️ Car Seats – Because car safety is non-negotiable. (Check out my previous post on moving beyond the bucket seat!)
✔️ Baby Carriers – A game-changer for getting things done while keeping baby close. (My faves: Ergo and Mabe!)
✔️ Playmats & Gyms – Great for tummy time and engaging little hands.
✔️ Highchair – A supportive seat at the table is important for feeding and development.

These essentials help your baby grow, explore, and move without unnecessary restrictions.

The Bad: When Baby Gear Works Against Development

Ever heard of Container Syndrome?

That’s when babies spend too much time in restrictive gear—swings, bouncers, car seats—limiting their ability to move and explore. A few minutes here and there? Totally fine. Constant use? It can delay important milestones like rolling, sitting, and crawling.

Babies need floor time—lots of it! That’s how they build strength, coordination, and confidence. No gadget can replace the magic of a baby wiggling, rolling, and discovering what their little body can do.

The Ugly: Gear That Might Be Doing More Harm Than Good

🚫 Baby Walkers – They don’t actually teach walking and can increase fall risks.
🚫 Jolly Jumpers & Bouncing Activity Centres – Fun? Yes. But overuse can affect hip development and create a dependency on supported movement. (Babies love to jump, but if they were ready for it, they’d be practicing on their own!)
🚫 The Snoo – I know parents love it for sleep, and it can help. But it also limits natural movement, limb stretching, and wake-to-feed cycles. If you use it, do so wisely.
🚫 Unsafe or Recalled Gear – Always double-check hand-me-downs and trendy gadgets for safety issues.

How to Use Baby Gear the Right Way

✔️ Limit time in “containers” – No more than 10-15 minutes at a time in swings, bouncers, or seats.
✔️ Prioritize floor play – The more time your baby spends moving freely, the better!
✔️ Choose posture-friendly gear – Supportive seats (like the Upseat!) are better than slouchy, restrictive ones. (Reply to ask for my discount code—I love this Canadian product!)
✔️ Encourage movement-friendly gear – Push toys (instead of walkers) and ergonomic carriers allow babies to strengthen their bodies naturally.
✔️ Create movement opportunities – Use wedges, cushions, and rolls to encourage crawling, climbing, and pulling up.

The Minimalist Mom Approach: Less Clutter, More Connection

Trust me, your baby does not need a mini baby-sized version of everything.

Choosing a few high-quality essentials over piles of gear saves space and encourages meaningful play and interaction. Plus, you won’t be constantly tripping over unnecessary baby gadgets (win-win!).

It’s easy to feel like your baby needs all the things, but at the end of the day, what they really need is you—your love, your cuddles, and plenty of opportunities to explore.

So take a deep breath, give yourself some grace, and maybe do a little gear audit.

And most importantly—no guilt here! My goal is to educate and offer a developmental perspective, not to shame anyone for their choices. You’re always doing your best with the knowledge you have in the moment. We’re all learning and growing every day.

You’re doing amazing! ❤️

Want to Learn More About Baby Development?

If you’re looking for evidence-based guidance on how to support your baby’s movement, milestones, and development in the first year, my online course for new moms is for you!

Join the waitlist today to be the first to know when enrollment opens! Click here to sign up! 🎉