Re: Unnecessary Baby products
Here are some answers from a dad who is very involved with his daughter's upbringing:
First of all, no two moms/dads are alike. What one might consider useless, another might consider priceless, so don't go by articles or what people insist on. Here is my recommendation, when you go to the store to make your baby registry, try to go 2-3 times, each time with a different person who has had a baby recently, within the last 6-8 months. This way you'll get 2-3 different, realistic perspectives.
Second thing to remember, it's not the end of the world if you don't buy absolutely everything you need before the baby comes, remember, life goes on and stores stay open after your baby comes so you can always buy things you need more of and return things you didn't need. A lot of baby purchases are trial and error, you buy one swing, your baby might not like it, return it and try another.
For me, the diaper bag was an issue, being a dad and a primary care giver (my wife was in residency and working 80 hours a week so I was the primary provider), I did not need/want a cutesy cartooney diaper bag. I opted for a nice hiking backpack, there are plenty of compartments for all your necessities, diapers, wipes, extra clothing, bottle, bibs, etc and you don't look like a git.
The pump was critical for my wife. She was absolutely hell bent on breast milk for the first year. She fed our daughter every day multiple times, it was only when she was on call that I gave her a bottle of mama's milk. I have tremendous respect for my wife who breast fed and pumped CONSTANTLY even working 80 + hours a week. She pumped in meetings, she pumped in the car while driving to work, she pumped when doing charts. For ladies who want to pump in a public place, please consider a product called the 'hooter hider'.
I used a bottle on our daughter when mama wasn't around, I tried bottle warmers, they just didn't work for us. A lot of people swear by them.
So, just keep an open mind and when your baby comes, you will find out yourself what YOU and YOUR baby need versus everybody else in the universe.
Congratulations, by the way.