What NOT To Put On Your Baby Registry
When you’re a first-time mom, creating your baby registry is so much fun! It’s easy to get caught up in all of the cute baby items, but it’s crucial to know what not to put on your baby registry.
If you’re starting your baby registry, you are probably figuring out the theme of your nursery, looking through tons of cute baby things, and just daydreaming about when you finally get to meet your new little love. It’s all so exciting!
But don’t let that excitement cloud your judgment on what you actually need for your baby!
Also, you are probably getting tons of advice (sometimes unsolicited) on everything people insist you need for a new baby. Quite often, the things that people suggest you need aren’t necessary.
You will save yourself a lot of space and money when you know what not to put on your baby registry, and register for newborn essentials instead!
Now, here’s what not to put on your baby registry:
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1. Wipe Warmer
When it comes to wipe warmers, half of the moms out there love it, and the other half (myself included) think it’s a big waste of money and space. Wipe warmers have a tendency to dry out your wipes, which ends up being a waste.
Also, during my pregnancy, I read a lot of articles that said, ‘would you like a cold wipe on your bum?’. With my baby, he never cared if his wipe was a bit cooler. As he got a little older, he started to think that the slight chill of a cold wipe during his diaper change was funny.
Not to mention, if you have to change a diaper when you are out of the house, you probably aren’t going to have a warmed-up wipe to use.
2. Baby Shoes
Even if you don’t put baby shoes on your registry, you will most likely receive at least one pair at your baby shower.
What to get instead:
When you have a new baby, easy and cozy clothing options are the best choice. Don’t bother with anything unnecessary. Instead of baby shoes, add some baby socks to your registry.
I used these socks with my newborn, and they never slipped off like other brands out there.
3. Baby Mittens
Baby mittens are another item that isn’t needed, but many people will tell you that they are. Any time that I tried using baby mittens, they would always slip off.
Yes, baby fingernails are surprisingly sharp. But, I find that if you keep them trimmed, they most likely won’t be a problem. These fingernail clippers for babies are great and comfortable to hold!
What to get instead:
If you are worried about your baby accidentally scratching themself, opt for long sleeve onesies with mitten cuffs. You fold the cuffs over your baby’s hands, and then you never have to worry about losing mittens.
4. Butt Cream Spatula
Many moms these days choose to skip the baby powder and use butt cream for diaper rashes instead. That’s what I prefer to use, and I like Boudreaux’s brand the most!
One newer thing on the market is a little spatula that you can use to apply the diaper rash cream instead of using your finger. As a first-time mom, I thought that this would be a handy purchase.
But, it ended up being a waste of money. I found it much easier for me to use my finger because I wash my hands after the diaper change anyways.
Also, there were so many times that my baby would be upset during a diaper change. I didn’t want to spend extra time making sure that the spatula also got washed afterward.
Plus, if you change diapers in different rooms of the house, you have to make sure the spatula is even in the same room as you.
5. Bumbo
The Bumbo seat is another item that is love-or-hate amongst moms. I chose to skip the Bumbo seat because I didn’t see the need for it; they are kind of spendy and just don’t look comfortable!
Many moms choose the Bumbo seat because it can help babies sit upright before they learn how to on their own. To use a Bumbo, your baby must be able to hold their head upright.
What to get instead:
Instead of using an item like the Bumbo, I used a bouncy seat. This way, my baby could recline in it, and he didn’t need to be able to hold his head up on his own. This also meant he could use it earlier.
Whether you choose to use a seat like the Bumbo, or a bouncy seat, always practice safety first. Never leave your baby unattended in them, and never put them on a surface like a countertop.
6. Changing Table
If you are having a baby on a tight budget or low on space, then definitely skip buying a changing table.
What to get instead:
Instead of a stand-alone changing table, you can get a dresser with a removable changing area on top. Once your baby is older and doesn’t use it anymore, you can take it off.
To increase storage space, I have a little cart next to the dresser to hold the things that you would typically put on a changing table. If that’s not something that you would like, you can also use one of the top drawers of the dresser. Baby clothes don’t typically fill up a whole dresser, so you will likely have some extra space in there. (Be sure to check out this post for more nursery organization tips!)
Another option is to keep changing pads in the rooms of your home where you and your baby typically are. That way, you can conveniently lay the changing pad down on a bed, couch, or even the floor and change your baby without having to leave the room.
7. Crib Bedding
To practice safe sleep, you don’t want anything extra in your baby’s crib: no fancy comforters, no cute pillows or stuffed animals, nothin’.
What to get instead:
Instead of crib bedding, all you will need is a couple of mattress protectors and a couple of fitted sheets. I say ‘a couple’ because there will be inevitable spit-ups and accidents. It’s easiest to have at least one set of clean backup sheets while you wash the dirty ones.
When buying mattress protectors, make sure you buy these waterproof ones! They will save your baby’s mattress from getting dirty or stained, especially when it comes time for potty training!
Related Articles:
- How To Write The Best Baby Shower Thank You Cards
- How To Transition Baby To A Crib
- 30+ Things To Do Before Your Due Date
- What To Put On Your Second Baby Registry
8. Nose Frida
I know people who swear by this product, but the bulb aspirator your hospital will give you does the job just fine. As an added plus, those are free!
The Nose Frida is spendy, to begin with, when compared to the traditional bulb aspirator. But on top of the aspirator cost, you have to buy replacement filters that you change out after every use.
9. Diaper Genie
The Diaper Genie technically isn’t necessary. I have one, I like it, but I mostly only use it for diapers that I change in my baby’s bedroom or for poopy diapers. The diapers that I change in the living room, for example, end up in the regular garbage can.
If you are trying to save money, you can skip this item and use a regular garbage can. Another thing you can do for the poopy diapers is to tie them off in their own little plastic bag.
You’ll also love: How Diapers Do I Need For The First Year?
10. Baby Food Machines
If you decide to make your baby’s food from scratch instead of buying premade jars or pouches, don’t bother getting a product like the Baby Bullet.
What to get instead:
If you already have a blender or a food processor, that will work perfectly. If not, add one of those options to your registry, and you can still use it when your baby is done eating purees!
I use this food processor for making my baby’s food, and it works great! I also use the processor to make things like spaghetti sauce or smoothies, so it gets its fair share of use.
You’ll also love: Must-Have Items For Starting Solids
11. Full-Size High Chair
Here’s another space-saving tip! Skip buying a full-size high chair and save yourself some room at your dining table.
What to get instead:
You can get a booster high chair that attaches to one of the dining chairs you already own. We have the Graco Swivi Seat, and we love it! You can swivel it around, tilt it back for bottle feeding a younger baby, or use it as a booster seat for a toddler, and it doesn’t take up any extra space.
12. Video Baby Monitor
A video baby monitor is one of those items that I thought necessary because so many people recommend them. But, the more I thought about it, I struggled with justifying the price tag.
Then my husband brought up a good point; our parents and our parent’s parents never had a video baby monitor, and it was just fine.
What to get instead:
We chose to use an audio baby monitor, and it has worked great. If you are worried about your baby during the night and want to check on them, room sharing might be right for you.
If you need help choosing the right baby monitor for your home, check out this guide!
13. Baby Blankets
There are many go-to baby gifts that people love to buy; one of those things is baby blankets. Even if you don’t register for baby blankets, I’m sure you will receive at least a few.
What to get instead:
To practice safe sleep, you shouldn’t let your baby sleep with a blanket until they are over 1-year-old. Instead, register for sleep sacks and swaddles! Both of these options are much safer and will get more use than baby blankets.
14. Stuffed Animals
You might think your baby will love snuggling that ultra-soft teddy bear you saw, but chances are they won’t care about it one bit. Plus, stuffed animals are another item that people love to buy, regardless of if it’s on your baby registry.
What to get instead:
Instead of adding stuffed animals to your baby registry, add a soft pacifier holder like this one! These paci holders help your little one keep the pacifier in their mouth, and they are the perfect size for your baby’s tiny hands. Not to mention, they are pretty adorable.
15. Baby Toys
There are so many cool baby toys on the market that promise to help your baby learn. But, like stuffed animals, your new baby won’t care about flashy toys. If anything, those flashy toys might overstimulate your baby!
What to get instead:
Your newborn doesn’t need much more than you to entertain them. But, if you do want to add some toys to your baby registry, add some black-and-white books or a baby-safe mirror which are both great for tummy time!
16. Bottle Warmer
Depending on the model and brand that you buy, a bottle warmer can be expensive! Also, if you plan on breastfeeding, most bottle warmers aren’t approved for warming breast milk.
There are a few different ways to warm a bottle other than an electric bottle warmer. You can warm bottles in a bowl of warm water, prepare the bottles with pre-warmed water, or place the bottle under a running tap of warm water. Not to mention, some baby’s don’t even care if their bottle is warmed!
17. Breast Pump
If you are planning on breastfeeding, then a breast pump is a must-have! But, that doesn’t mean that you need to buy one or put it on your baby registry.
Most insurance companies will cover the cost of a breast pump and sometimes necessary spare parts! It’s best to call your insurance provider as soon as possible to find out how to get your free breast pump.
You’ll also love: Top Pumping Essentials New Moms Need
18. Baby Clothes
Baby clothes are something that you definitely shouldn’t register for. When people shop for a baby shower, they can’t resist throwing an adorable baby outfit in with their gift.
What to do instead:
Instead of registering for baby clothes, make sure you know how many baby clothes you actually need. That way, after your baby shower, you can fill in any holes that you need to in your baby’s wardrobe.
19. Baby Bathrobes
Bathing your baby can be awkward enough on its own, don’t torture yourself with a baby bathrobe. It’s so hard to get your baby into a bathrobe, and there isn’t much purpose in using them.
What to get instead:
Instead of baby bathrobes, just use towels! You can use any soft towels you already own, or you can register for hooded baby towels. The only advantage to hooded baby towels is that they can help keep your baby’s head warm.
20. Baby Laundry Detergent
Babies have very sensitive skin, so it’s no wonder that there is laundry detergent marketed towards them. The bad news is that baby laundry detergent is so expensive!
What to get instead:
Instead of getting baby laundry detergent, get a hypoallergenic laundry detergent that’s made for sensitive skin. I use All Free Clear because it’s hypoallergenic, has no perfumes or dyes, and it’s excellent at getting stains out. Not to mention, it’s a fraction of the price compared to baby detergent!
Of course, this list is all personal preference. If you end up with some of these items, you might love them! Keep in mind that every little expense adds up quickly, so if you need to save a little bit of money, you’ll be perfectly fine without these things.
Before you go, check out these related articles:
- What You Need To Know About Bathing Your Newborn
- The Minimalist Guide To Packing Your Diaper Bag
- The Best Toys For Your 0-6 Month Old Baby
- When To Start Buying Baby Stuff
- How To Have A Baby Shower On A Budget
Now that you know what not to put on your baby registry, what are some baby items you regret buying? I would love to know in the comments below!
I love that you put mittens on here! It’s so much better to start trimming your babies nails sooner rather than later to get them use to it!
I agree! Plus, once you get used to trimming your baby’s nails, you don’t get as nervous about doing it.
Besides a pair of baby cowboy boots we were gifted (and that were only worn a couple of times), the only item I have on this list is a full-size high chair, and I completely agree that a travel size (we have one as well) does just as well! So I can vouch for the products on this being unnecessary.
I’m glad you agree, Morgan!
Such a great post! With all the excitement of baby we overlook the things we will never use. The wipe warmer was such a great idea but a huge waste. I could have done without, but it was a gift.
Thank you! I agree; it’s easy to get excited while shopping for baby things and want to buy everything!
Some of these I skipped and others were given to me and I had no idea how little j would use them! Great list!
Lol I’m so amused that I’ve seen many of these items on must-have baby registry lists but I agree with you on most of them. Butt cream spatulas are not needed!
I loved our baby monitor we could see everything on our phone and it gave us such peace of mind or we would just watch him sleep.
Haha, I totally agree with most of it! A newborn mainly needs his parents and not “stuff”, right? I must say though I really have enjoyed having a baby monitor…
As a first-time mom, you tend to splurge on so many unnecessary things. This is a great post for expectant moms to read and perhaps save some money.
Yes to the baby mittens! I made the mistake of having my son wear them and luckily I caught it on early enough but he was literally clenching his fists underneath and his nails digging his skin. I also agree on butt cream spatulas! We didn’t use ours.
This is such a great list. I love the hooded baby towels as an alternative to baby bathrobes and using the bulb aspirator from the hospital. Seems more eco-friendly too because you’re not getting unnecessary products.