Baby Items You Don’t Need: What NOT to Put on Baby Registry

Preparing for a new baby is an exciting, yet overwhelming experience—believe me, as a mom of three, I’ve been there.

I still remember waddling through the aisles of a baby store during my first pregnancy, holding a mile-long checklist, and wondering, Do I really need a bottle warmer? What’s a nasal aspirator, and why does it look like something out of a sci-fi movie?

By the time my third baby came around, I could practically register in my sleep, but those first decisions? They were intimidating.

As you build your baby registry, it’s important to distinguish between essentials and nice-to-haves.

With some thoughtful planning, you’ll feel confident that you’re ready to welcome your little one into the world—and maybe even enjoy the process of preparing!

I have a guide on minimalist baby registry here if you’re into that.

I also have an eco friendly registry guide if you’re into that too.

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Definitely Do Not Add

Wipe Warmer While a wipe warmer sounds appealing, it’s often unnecessary. Babies can adapt to room-temperature wipes, and the warmer might dry out the wipes or become a source of bacteria. If you must have one, this one is good.

Crib Bumpers Crib bumpers pose a significant safety risk and are not recommended by pediatricians. They can lead to suffocation or entrapment, so it’s best to avoid them altogether. If you do add these, I recommend the mesh ones.

Pillow & Crib Blankets Similar to crib bumpers, pillows and crib blankets can be hazardous for infants. They increase the risk of suffocation and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Stick to fitted sheets and wearable blankets for safe sleep. These are hard to resist through, how cute is this.

Wearable Breast Pump While wearable breast pumps have become popular for their convenience, they may not be the best choice for every registry. For moms who are unsure about breastfeeding, starting with a simpler manual pump can be a more cost-effective option to gauge your needs. Wearable pumps are also a significant investment, and some moms find they don’t work as efficiently as traditional electric pumps. Additionally, many hospitals and insurance plans offer pump rentals or provide a standard pump, which might eliminate the need to purchase one altogether.. I always go with Medela for my pumps, this is a good one if you decide you need it.

Diaper Pail A diaper pail is not essential for managing the endless stream of dirty diapers, but it does make it easier. It keeps odors contained and makes diaper disposal more convenient, saving you from multiple trips to the trash. If you need one, I prefer Dekkor to Diaper Genie!

Baby Proofing Items As your baby becomes mobile, baby proofing items are crucial for ensuring their safety. From outlet covers to cabinet locks, these items help protect your little explorer from potential hazards around the home. You can get these later, when the baby is on the move. We moved houses several times, this is the set we bought over and over.

Crib Mobile While crib mobiles can be cute and entertaining, they’re not an essential item for your baby registry. Many babies don’t begin to notice or engage with a mobile until around 3 months old, and by then, they may have outgrown the need for it. Additionally, mobiles are often removed once babies can sit up for safety reasons, making their usefulness short-lived. If you’re looking to prioritize your registry items, you might consider skipping the mobile and focusing on items that have a longer lifespan or more practical use. Something simple like this is great.

Sterilizer A sterilizer might seem like a helpful tool, but it’s not a must-have for every family. Most baby items can be effectively sterilized by simply boiling them in water or using the sterilizing cycle on a dishwasher, both of which are free and easy options. Additionally, sterilizers can take up valuable counter space and may not be worth the cost, especially since frequent sterilization is often unnecessary after the newborn stage. If you’re looking to simplify your registry, this is an item you can probably skip. This is the best one from reviews, but I never used this.

Bottle Warmer While a bottle warmer can be convenient, it’s not an essential item for your registry. Many parents find that running a bottle under warm tap water or placing it in a bowl of warm water works just as well, without the added cost or counter space. Additionally, not all babies are picky about milk temperature, and you may not end up needing to heat bottles as often as you think. If you’re looking to streamline your registry, this is one item you can skip without much hassle. I used mine maybe once or twice, this is the one we had.

Baby Food Machines and Accessories Baby food machines may seem like a helpful addition, but they’re not a necessity for most families. In reality, a regular blender or food processor can do the exact same job of pureeing fruits, vegetables, and other foods for your baby. Plus, many parents find it just as easy to mash soft foods like bananas or avocados with a fork. These machines can also take up precious counter space and may only be used for a short period of time. If you’re trying to keep your registry practical, this is one item you can comfortably skip.This is what a food maker is, but I did not use this. I don’t have that kind of counter space, and it is kind of expensive for what it is? I don’t know, maybe that’s just me. It could be great for you!

Expensive Sleep Devices Expensive sleep devices, like high-tech bassinets or sound machines, promise to help your baby sleep better, but they’re not a necessity for every family. Many babies do just fine with a simple bassinet, a basic white noise machine, or even a free app on your phone. These high-priced gadgets can be tempting, especially when you’re exhausted and desperate for sleep, but there’s no guarantee they’ll work for your baby. If you’re on a budget or looking to keep your registry practical, skipping these devices can save you a significant amount of money without sacrificing your baby’s comfort.

Nice-to-Have But Not Essential

Diaper Caddy Cart While a diaper caddy cart can be helpful for organizing and transporting diapering essentials, it’s not an absolute must-have. Many parents find that a simple basket or tote works just as well to keep everything within reach. Plus, if your home is small or you tend to do diaper changes in one designated spot, a portable cart may feel unnecessary.

Diaper Cream Applicator Tool Diaper cream applicator tools are popular for keeping hands clean, but they’re not essential. Most parents find that using their finger is just as quick and effective, with minimal mess. It’s one of those items that might seem convenient but is easy to live without.

Hiking Baby Carrier A hiking baby carrier can be a great investment for active families, but it’s not something you’ll need right away. Newborns are often better suited to soft-structured carriers or wraps for the early months. You can wait to purchase a hiking carrier when your baby is older and ready for outdoor adventures.

Baby Toys or Stuffed Animals While baby toys and stuffed animals are lovely for stimulating your baby’s senses, they’re not essential for a newborn. New babies are often more entertained by simple items, like a parent’s face or a black-and-white picture card. You can gradually add toys to your collection as your baby grows and becomes more curious. I like these baby toys here.

Baby Mittens Baby mittens can be helpful for preventing scratches, but they’re not strictly necessary. Socks on your baby’s hands or onesies with built-in hand covers work just as well and are often more practical. These alternatives can save you money and simplify your baby’s wardrobe.

Baby Hangers Baby hangers might seem useful for organizing your little one’s wardrobe, but they’re usually not needed right away. Most newborn clothes can be folded in drawers, and hanging items typically become more relevant as your baby grows and their wardrobe expands.

Baby Shoes While baby shoes are undeniably adorable, they’re not necessary during the early months. Babies don’t need shoes until they start walking, and soft socks or footed onesies are usually sufficient to keep their feet warm. You can hold off on shoes until later, making them an easy item to skip on your registry.

Bottom Line

Creating a baby registry is about balancing essentials with nice-to-have items. Focus on what will make your life easier and more comfortable for your baby. Remember, the best registry is one that suits your lifestyle and meets your baby’s needs. Happy registering!

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