6 Things Frugal New Parents Should Avoid Buying at Kohl’s

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Kids are expensive. According to a 2024 SmartAsset study, the median annual cost to raise a child is $22,850.
New parents especially have to stock up on quite a few items, which can get expensive. However, there are ways to save money by comparison shopping, reading reviews and avoiding items that just aren’t worth the money.
New parents can find plenty of low-cost baby items at Kohl’s, but not everything is a good deal — or great quality. To help you save, here are six things frugal new parents should avoid buying at Kohl’s.
Baby Brezza Advanced One-Step Baby Bottle Sterilizing Dryer
- Price: $139.99
Baby bottle sterilizers definitely come in handy, especially the ones that also dry bottles for easy and safe storage. While several other similar products received stellar reviews on Kohl’s website, many shoppers had problems with this Baby Brezza bottle dryer. And for $140, you’d better be completely satisfied.
Several shoppers wrote that they noticed a burning smell when using the dryer, and others noted its poor quality, stating that it was not worth the money.
Maxi-Cosi Zelia Luxe 5-in-1 Modular Travel System
- Price: $499.99
The Maxi-Cosi Zelia modular travel system isn’t poorly rated on the Kohl’s website, but it’s not great either. The stroller is $500, and shoppers pointed out that it’s cheaply made, it’s not sturdy and the fabric comes apart.
Owlet Cam
- Price: $119.00
The Owlet Cam is one of the most popular baby monitors. It streams in HD 1080-pixel video with night vision, and it has two-way audio to your phone over an encrypted Wi-Fi connection. There’s also a room temperature sensor to monitor your baby’s comfort.
Kohl’s sells this monitor for $119, which is the regular retail price. However, the Owlet website is currently selling it for $99.Â
Melissa & Doug K’s Kids 2-in-1 Talking Ball and Take-Along Farm Play Mat
- Price: $57.99
This talking ball and take-along farm play mat looks fairly simple, but it’s not cheap. Also, shoppers weren’t impressed. On the Kohl’s website, reviewers said the mat was very thin, barely over a foot long and not worth the money.
Baby Trend Navigator Double Jogger Stroller
- Price: $279.99
The Baby Trend stroller is another expensive stroller on which you can find a better deal elsewhere. Kohl’s shoppers said it wasn’t worth the price and to not ignore reviews about the item.
If your heart is still set on it, you can find the same stroller for only $229.99 on Amazon.
Tiny Love Meadow Tales 4-in-1 Activity Center
- Price: $119.99
Activity centers can help stimulate your child’s development and help them reach developmental milestones. However, shoppers weren’t impressed with the quality of the Tiny Love activity center — or the price.
It’s also cheaper at other retailers. For example, Amazon and Target both sell the same activity center for $109.99.
Editor’s note: Pricing and availability may vary depending on location.