24 Things you MIGHT NOT Need on your Baby Registry
For minimalist parents or those looking to save money
For many parents, the amount of stuff you need for a baby can be daunting. If you are looking for options on how to declutter or save money as you are preparing for a baby, this list is for you. Many of these things are common items that most parents own. However, I hope this list helps you think creatively about what the options are and what will work best for your family. You can always try to go without some of these and decide to buy them later. For example, I had a client who decided not to buy a bottle warmer. She did fine without one but about a month after her baby’s birth, she decided to buy one just to save some time.
Unsafe items you should not buy
Amber Necklaces - I agree that they are adorable but there is no evidence that they work to minimize teething pain and can actually be an unsafe choking and strangulation hazard
Crib Bumpers or Positioners - due to safe sleep practices, these are not recommended at all and are not considered safe, even the mesh ones.
Crib Bedding - I do recommend having one thicker blanket for the stroller or car seat on cold days but it is not safe to have any blankets or pillows in the crib or bassinet so there’s no need to get that whole matching set - just some cute fitted sheets are perfect!
Baby Powder - diapers these days are really good at keeping babies dry and baby powder containing talc has been linked to all kinds of bad things so now we just use diapers and wipes and diaper cream if they get a rash.
Items that may be Counterproductive
Wipe Warmer - it will be difficult to travel if your baby is used to warm wipes only - best to not set that precedent and get them used to regular wipes from the beginning.
Mobile - while these are totally adorable they can actually be distracting to a baby and may not promote the best sleep environment. If you must have a mobile I recommend putting it over your changing table instead of the crib.
Night Light - the darker the better for baby’s sleep. The womb is SUPER dark, babies like it and it helps them sleep better. So avoid the night light. Don’t worry, babies aren’t afraid of the dark. If you need a little light when you go in at night you can get smart light bulbs you can adjust with your phone or you can get the hatch sound machine that doubles as a night light you can use when you need a little for the middle of the night feeds and diaper changes.
Items you can wait to buy
High Chair - I love a good highchair but many parents are happy with a travel seat and tray or one that hooks onto a table. Regardless, you don’t need a high chair until they are eating solids (4-6 months) so you can wait to buy one
Crib - Many parents opt to have their baby sleep in a bassinet for the first 6-12 months instead of a crib. So if you need more time to save, you can wait to buy a crib.
Toys - Babies typically don’t play with toys till about 6 months of age. Also, babies don’t need a lot of toys and are usually much more interested in you or just regular household items than fancy baby toys. Fewer toys mean less to manage and less to have to clean.
Shoes - babies do not need shoes until they are walking and any shoes you put on them will fall right off. Trust me, they just don’t stay on.
Socks – for the first 6 months it is very difficult to keep socks on a baby so I recommend footie PJs and maybe just 1 pair of the zutano booties that snap and stay on. See The Baby Planner’s baby clothes guide for alternatives!
Common Items you Might not Need
Crib and Bassinet - If you travel a lot or are in a small space, you can skip the crib and the bassinet and just go for a travel crib. Most people use a bassinet for 6+ months so you can also wait on a crib. Also, if you plan to exclusively bedshare (not recommended by AAP) and babywear, you may not need any until you are ready to transition to a crib or toddler bed. Some parents who follow Montessori at home also opt for just a mattress with a fitted sheet on the floor to foster more independence in their child. For all options make sure you understand the AAP safe sleep guidelines!
Fancy Swaddles - I love the swaddles that velcro like the Ollie but it is perfectly fine to use a regular swaddle which is basically a large square of fabric and swaddle the “traditional” way.
Many also love the moms-on-call method of swaddling
Waterproof Mattress Liners - you can buy a mattress that is already waterproof and that you can wipe clean
Nursing Pillow – I do love a good nursing pillow but plenty of parents are happy with using regular pillows to support their arms and baby during feedings
Bottle Warmer - running bottles under a warm faucet or sitting in a bowl/mug of warm water works just fine but it just may take a few more minutes - also some babies are ok with cold milk!
Bottle Sterilizer - you can boil your bottles and pump parts to sterilize them when you first get them (if allowed by the manufacturer) - the dishwasher typically gets hot enough to sterilize as well. Another option is the medela sterilizer bags that you put in the microwave.
Baby Bathtub - many parents are happy to wash their babies in the sink or in the big bathtub just by holding them - however, something to consider is that a baby tub can save water!
See the Moms on Call Bathing Video for how to bathe your baby without an infant bathtub
Baby Towel - the hooded baby towels are really adorable but really any soft towel will do! Also, your baby will grow out of the hooded towel pretty quickly.
Changing Table - you can easily use any dresser with a flat top and add a changing pad on top - just make sure it is attached well and your baby is safe and secure when changing so they can’t fall off the top
Changing Pad - while it’s convenient to have your baby up on a changing pad on top of a dresser, you can easily change your baby anywhere (on the floor or a bed) on top of a travel changing pad
Diaper Pail - you can throw diapers directly in the trash and just take the trash out more often or wrap diapers in individual diaper baggies before you put them in the trash. Of course, the most economical and sustainable option is cloth diapers.
Diaper Bag - the only difference between a diaper bag and a regular bag is there is a travel changing pad and usually an insulated pocket for bottles. You can easily get a small lunchbox for bottles and throw a travel changing pad in any bag! Or grab a diaper caddy and put it in your car for quick changes
Disposable Diapers - consider cloth diapers to save money and the planet. But you don’t have to go all or nothing, you can use both. Even using cloth diapers sometimes is beneficial!
Disposable Wipes - if you are open to cloth diapers then reusable wipes are an option as well! Just wash with the cloth diapers.
Nice Outfits - you will mostly have your baby in zipper footies or onesies for the first 6 months until they are in daycare/school. See our baby clothes guide for more information.
Toys - Babies don’t need a lot of toys and are usually much more interested in you or just regular household items than fancy baby toys. Fewer toys mean less to manage and less to have to clean.