When making a natural baby registry, here are 25 baby items you don’t need to buy or include on your list.
You’re welcome.
(I feel like I need to put some sort of disclaimer here. The following is a list of 25 baby items you don’t need to buy… in my opinion. Sure, maybe a few of you swore by your baby cologne, but overall I think you’ll survive having a baby without having the following items. If anything, by not having these items you will save your money and cut down on clutter. Baby gear clutter drives me nuts!)
25 Baby Items You Don’t Need to Buy
1. Baby Shoes
Baby shoes might be cute, but they are ridiculously impractical. Not only does your baby not know how to walk, but most baby shoes typically fit poorly and look uncomfortable. And then they fall off. Skip the baby shoes for when they’re actually walking.
2. Infant Socks
Infant socks don’t stay on. Parents put them on… and they come off within minutes. Infant socks are a waste of time and money. Buy some footed pjs to keep their tootsies warm. And when your baby gets a little older, Target’s socks have always worked great for me. They’re very long!
3. Baby Towels
Baby towels are definitely in the category of baby items you don’t need to buy. Babies can absolutely use regular adult sized towels. They work great, actually! I often find baby towels to be thin and not as absorbent anyways. I will say the baby towels are pretty cute, but in my home we hardly ever used them.
4. Baby Gowns
Baby gowns are awful. All they do is shimmy up baby’s body and I am constantly readjusting and pulling the baby gown back down. Baby gowns should be banned and are definitely baby items you don’t need to buy. My mom always said these worked well for her, making diaper changes simple. But they annoyed the crap out of me.
5. Baby Robe
If you insist upon buying baby towels, you might be in the category of parent that needs a baby robe too. Baby robes are absolutely unnecessary. What is the point? Someone tell me. I just don’t get it.
6. Tiny Baby Bibs
The purpose of a bib is to prevent something exiting a baby’s mouth from getting on baby’s clothes right? Tiny baby bibs only cover part of baby’s clothes making them completely worthless. I’m not sure who designed these tiny baby bibs, but they obviously don’t have children. Bibs should cover the front of baby’s clothes like in the picture below. Aden + Anais makes some great bibs that are large enough for the purpose.
7. Baby Hairbrush
If you bought and used a specialty hairbrush, please comment and let me know. Did your baby have a lot of hair? And if so, did the baby brush actually brush through their hair? Granted, my children were never born with a head full of hair, but I always thought these baby hairbrushes were a bit over the top. Are regular hairbrushes not good enough for babies? Do they actually need their tiny baby hairs brushed??
8. Wipes Warmer
Did you know that five seconds after you remove the wipe from the wipe warmer it gets cold again? And do babies really need semi-warm wipes on their bum? I hate clutter and a wipes warmer just seemed like one more thing in my life I had to maintain/see. Maybe I’m a child abuser, but I have always used cold wipes on my babies. They survived.
9. Boogie Wipes
Again, maybe I’m just a mean mommy but I use regular wipes (or whatever’s around) to wipe my children’s noses. I bet you’re thinking, “Lindsey, Boogie Wipes are actually way softer and amazing for wiping my kids’ noses. Stop judging!”. Whatever. I think these are a waste of money and just one more thing to add to the clutter pile.
10. Pacifier Wipes
Really? Who has time to coordinate the purchase and execution of such things?
11. Baby Scented Detergent
In all seriousness, if your baby detergent is scented you need to throw it out. Free and clear all the way! Life out of the womb is a big enough adjustment as it is, leave the harsh soaps at the store.
12. Baby Cologne
I’m guessing first time parents own such things, right? Babies smell soooooo good as it is. Why do they need baby cologne? They don’t.
13. Baby Oil
I have no idea what this is used for. I have three kids. I’m still confused. (Baby oil is made from mineral oil. If you own it throw it away.)
14. Baby Powder
I think baby’s from the 1950s used baby powder. I never have. I’m not sure the point… And I’ve also heard that this stuff is TERRIBLE because it can cause breathing problems in children. (The only thing this stuff is good for is to remove sand from the body. If you’re trying to wipe off sand from feet, toes and legs put some baby powder on and then wipe of the sand. It’s ahmazing. But just don’t use it on your babies.)
15. Bumbo
Of course there’s going to be the baby out there that loved the bumbo and sat in it for more than three minutes. My kids never did. And many babies’ thighs are too big to fit. Also, sitting your baby up in a Bumbo isn’t great for their development. But that’s another post for another day. 😉
16. Bouncy Seat
All the bouncy seat was good for was a few minutes of freedom to try to cook dinner, wash dishes or go to the bathroom. Like the Bumbo, my kids wanted out. If I had to pick one baby holder it would probably be the mamaroo. Don’t get a bunch of cheap baby holders. Save up for the thing that actually is helpful.
17. Baby Pillow
Don’t put things in your baby’s bed. No pillows, blankets, toys… nothin.
18. Crib Bedding Set
Which brings me to the next item in the list of baby items you don’t need to buy – a crib bedding set. I don’t think you need to buy a crib bedding set. First off, they’re super expensive. Second, the bumpers are a choking hazard. Third, you’ll never use the quilt that comes in the package. It’ll just be displayed on a rocking chair, but never actually used. Spend your money on a really nice crib sheet set by aden + anais instead. They are SO SOFT and much better than those crib bedding sets. They even make crib skirts!
19. Baby Tub
I’ve tried many, many baby bath tubs in my years of motherhood. I’ve found them all to be a waste. This one wouldn’t allow baby to actually sit in any water so they basically froze to death instead of enjoying bath time. They’re all bulky and take up a lot of space. The best thing to do is to place a hand towel down in the regular tub, put a naked baby on it, turn on the water and bathe baby in very shallow water with a washcloth. And no, I don’t think baby washcloths are necessary.
20. Diaper Genie
I’ve known few moms that genuinely thought a diaper genie was worth it. I can’t tell you how many of these things I see at garage and consignment sales. Just use a trash can and take the trash out often.
21. Travel Changing Pads
You know those changing pads you can buy just for travel? I’ve never used them. I’ve owned them, but never used them. To change a diaper on the go I always used a receiving blanket that I kept in my diaper bag.
23. Baby Blankets
Speaking of baby blankets, try not to buy them. Baby blankets are baby items you don’t need to buy because you will end up with A LOT of baby blankets, especially after a baby shower. Many people’s go-to baby gift is a blanket. You will drown in baby blankets, especially receiving blankets which are only good for catching baby spitup. However, I will say that if nobody ends up buying you some aiden + anais baby blankets… BUY THOSE. They’re so soft and versatile too!
22. Dishwasher Case for Bottle Parts
Even when I went back to work and was pumping/bottle feeding every day, I never used this thing. I always hand washed our stuff. I felt like the dishwasher didn’t clean our small parts as well as I could.
24. Pee Pee Tee Pee
This is in the category of baby clutter. If diaper changing pee-peeing is a problem, keep a stack of prefolds or receiving blankets nearby (I guess they do have a purpose after all!). They’re also absorbent and will clean the mess at the same time as containing it. Without having to buy one more thing.
25. Boppy
Finally, on this awesome list of 25 baby items you don’t need to buy, I’ll leave you with the Boppy. I found the Boppy anything but helpful for breastfeeding. In fact, the only thing I found my Boppy to be helpful for was for postpartum sitting. You know, that first week after having a baby (especially your first baby ) you’re so sore – bruised, swollen, tender, etc. Sitting on the boppy was helpful because it was like sitting on a donut – there was no pressure in the middle. I sat on my boppy so much that it was pretty deflated looking when I was done with it. If you’re looking for a great breastfeeding pillow try this one.
Disagree?
Alright, I’m ready. Do you disagree with my list of 25 baby items you don’t need to buy? Leave a comment and let me know.
PS – Check out my natural baby registry to see what I think you SHOULD buy.
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Cassidy says
I totally agree with all but the tub! Our TEENY duplex meant that I was already thinking as a minimalist pre-baby. So, I got a PUJ tub that folds to use in the sink and unsnaps to hang flat & dry & then stay in our shower until the next use. The PUJ is ridiculously priced, so we bought one from a garage sale. It is malleable enough that my 6 week old can “sit” in it. We all delight in bath time because he loves it and is so content. It’s my favorite piece of baby gear.
Lindsey Morrow says
Maybe I just haven’t experienced the awesomeness of this PUJ. My SIL has one and really liked it. But I’ve never seen it in action. Thanks for commenting!!
Sabrina says
I agree, I am so blessed I have a tub! We just bought a house with a handicapped tub! You know the ones on TV with the jets and the door. Nowhere can you give a baby a bath in that thing!
Peggy says
I had my babies years ago (they’re grown-ups now) but a lot of things were new on the market then, such as Diaper Genie. I got one so I used it but was it necessary? No. Now, I did use a baby tub because my kitchen sink was small so I think it depends on your kitchen or bathroom.
I will also disagree about baby bibs. My second kid was a drooler. OMG. I look back at pics of him and he always had a mini bib on. They’re good for droolers. My first not so much.
My nieces are having babies now and their lists are filled with stuff I wouldn’t buy right away. Like expensive pacifiers. Nowadays with Amazon you can get stuff within a day or two so why get all this stuff up front. My first baby liked his bouncy chair but second kid hated it. And so on!
Ella says
I love my boppy! I literally made my husband drive home from the hospital to get it. Maybe it’s just my body shape and ability to move post c section but I love love love that thing! We used it for more than 6 months of breastfeeding before it was easier to use nothing. And it makes for cute photos when baby gets bigger, too. And then, pregnant again, it is a great way to prop up my laptop when I can’t bring my knees up (belly in the way!).
And Boogie Wipes or other saline only wipes– these are great if baby has a diaper rash–or if the nose is really falling apart from too many tissues. I don’t use them often and I never stock up, but I do get them on purpose and sometimes use them for myself.
The rest I never use.
Courtney says
So I love my wipe warmer. Mainly for my older one, she would stay sleepy through diaper changes as long as there was a cold shock to the girlie parts! It was a shower gift and lasted three years so far, so probably wouldn’t buy another but I use it.
Our tub was super convenient since our actual tub really wasn’t.
The boppy I think does depend on body shape. I found it very comfortable with my older one. I had already nursed her for 18 months when 2 came around and kind of felt like a pro by then so didn’t use it as much. We also used it for tumy time and a prop for sitting up.
ShawndA says
I actually use the little brush and comb all the time. Our baby has lots of hair and the baby brush is really soft. The comb is nice because the teeth of the comb are small and close together and they actually are the right size for his hair and head.
Lindsey Morrow says
After I wrote this a bunch of people said they used the brush. Who knew?!
SK says
I used the brush as well. My baby was born with a head full of hair. In fact I think his hair cane out first , at least that’s what my ob told me. If I don’t comb it after bath it always stands up all spiky
Lara says
What’s up with baby robes? I totally agree… We have received two of them as gifts, but I don’t think we’ll be using them. As for baby towels, also gifts, I agree, an adult towel works just as well if not better.
My boy is 7 weeks old and we did buy a brush before he was born. Luckily he has quite a mop of hair. However, the brush is not really used and a fine toothed comb works much better for those knots. My husband enjoys using the brush on occasion as a way of bonding I guess, but I wouldn’t recommend it or buy it again.
My best way of bathing him is getting into the bath with him, but I realise this is not always practical. Either way, don’t buy the newborn insert for the bath- that’s a waste!!
As for baby oil, use coconut oil- I know, it’s the new black and all, but works well. In the meantime, buy all the baby oil at your local shop and throw it in the bin so that the next unsuspecting mother doesn’t buy that rubbish.
Instead of baby powder, use corn flour- it works wonders on drying baby’s bottom and no harmful ingredients really (unless gmo), and you probably already have it in your cupboard.
Thanks for the list… I think it’s brilliant
Lindsey Morrow says
Thanks for your feedback!! Made me laugh about the coconut oil!
Melissa says
My daughter had tons of hair and we used the baby brush after every bath. Regular brushes are too hard for their delicate soft spot and the baby brush is much safer. It works really well. We also loved our diaper genie. I’m always miserable when we visit my parents and have to walk out every diaper to the trash outside so the house doesn’t stink. Finally the bouncy seat was one of the best things we bought. I have countless videos of my daughter dancing and jumping in it. It was great and was the only way I could get away to feed myself some days when she was extra clingy.
Khendra says
Just because some of these things didn’t work well for you does not mean they are useless. The boppy saved my life many times while feeding and both my sons love their bouncy seat! My oldest fell asleep in it many times!! And a baby tub is a great way to bathe an infant who is tiny and slippery. Trying to bathe them in a big tub or a sink without support could mean dropping them which to me, is dangerous.
Pancha says
The boggie wipes are great when you live in a really dry area , mixed with a dry skin baby . The buggers are so dry that peeling them off can cause bleeding.
Momma b says
This seems like a round about advertisement for aden+anais products.
Also, baby hairbrushes are necessary. They have soft bristles that work on super fine baby hair. You cannot use an adult brush on baby hair. I have tried. The bristles are too far apart and they are too rough on a baby’s scalp.
We also use that angelcare bathtub and it is the only one out of three we tried that worked out. Plus water cannot stand in it because of the drainage holes all over it. That is better than the ones that can harbor mold from lingering water.
I agree with the most of the rest… except I did use my boppy pillow with both kids and baby blankets are good for covering the carseat in winter. Oh, I also used baby powder on my daughter in 2010…. not the 50’s… and she had no breathing issues. I also used baby oil for cradle cap. A small amount softens it up then you comb it out and wash the oil out. If works, and as long as you are responsible and keep it out of reach and don’t let the baby inhale it or drink it… it’s perfectly safe.
Baby cologne is a new one. Never heard of that. But it might have been nice when our son vomited every bottle and smelled like formula constantly. Baths only do so much when they vomit on themselves 10 min. after it.
Justine says
I used my boppy all the time. And baby oil is used for cradle cap.
Susan says
My son used to have quite a lot of cradle cap and when I talked about it with my hairdresser she said that I should use some warm olive oil. This worked so much better than the baby oil and it’s all natural without any creepy numbers.
Tabitha says
Here’s my thoughts:
Boppy: I chose to get one because it can be used for more than just breastfeeding. I worked in daycare and they used Boppys for tummy time, as well as head support when lying on the ground.
Baby oil: Use to make your own baby wipes, using paper towels. (1 cup water, 1/4 cup baby oil, 1/4 cup baby shampoo) They smell great.
Diaper Genie: I only got one because it was used and I wanted a second trash can (with a closing lid). The diaper pail was cheaper than a new trash can.
I completely agree with everything else.
Jamie says
I agree with most of these, except the boppy. I purchased the one you posted (my breast friend), and I COULD NOT use it. For me, I assume my chest was too big, but not 100% sure. I tried several times, and gave up, I went back to the boppy and my cheap small one that both worked much better with my body type. Plus I use the boppy to prop my son up when he’s stuffy and can’t lay flat, you can’t use the my breast friend for propping, it just doesn’t work.
Ashley says
I am currently using 14 of the items you named. Lol
I wouldn’t say I need them all, but they all help a lot!
jul says
Actually, small baby bibs are very nice for babies when they drool excessively and have a spitting up problem,then you just change the bib, not the whole sleeper. but your spot on with mostly everything. I’m going on my 5th baby and I don’t have most of the stuff on the list
JeSsica says
I have the angelcare bath tub, it’s amazing, probably the best thing I purchased.
My daughter had a full head of hair, used the baby hair brush and comb everyday.
Tess says
Although I have used alot of these items, and swore by them for all of my children, the 1 thing that I had that will never use again was the diaper genie! Totally bogus imo! The bedroom smelled horrendous! I’m on my 3rd child now and do plan to use most of these but agree with some being a waste of money such as a baby robe. And baby cologne? What!? No.
Anjana says
Couldn’t agree more
Inder says
I use diaper genie for poopie diapers becausd we live in an appartment and empty trash like once is 3-4 days. We tried using the regular trash can for few days and it made our appartment stink. My baby loves warm wipes and I think its necessary to keep your baby comfortable. Absolutely agree on blanket part. Currently I own 16 blankets from the shower gifts. Complete waste was buying buttoned onesies. I could not even imagine trying to keep those buttons in line would be so difficult. You should add that to this list.
Courtney says
So baby powder is actually really great for absorbing moisture to prevent that chub rub and feel more comfortable. Have you ever wiped you butt with a wet wipe and felt uncomfortable walking around with a overly moist butt crack? It’s kinda annoying and uncomfortable. Especially for people live in high humid climates yuck! That’s the grossest feeling ever.
Laura says
I agree with most of these but I used a bouncer with all three of my kids and felt it was pretty essential in order to get things done around the house—even if at times, it was short lived. And while socks aren’t absolutely necessary there are socks that are affordable and stay on really well—in fact, I found adorable shoe socks at my local dollar tree (4 for $1). With my first two children, I used a diaper pail (diaper decor) that worked fairly well and while I agree that it isn’t necessary, it does make life a LOT easier and much easier on the nose)! Oh, and those mini bibs are actually useful if/when baby is frequently drooling.
Ali p. says
I agree with you for the most part. We did get a baby hair brush with our second. She came out with a full head of luscious dark hair. I never even considered getting a brush for my first baby, however, with the second, it was a necessary purchase. It did work well and I didn’t feel like the bristles were too hard for her tender baby skin. Without brushing her hair looked like a mohawk when she woke up which led to many, unsolicited “look at HIS little mohawk” statements. I also would never have survived without a baby bathtub. Our house came with a fabulously deep soaking tub. And while that was amazing for a sore back during pregnancy, it was horrid on my back once she was born. I would venture to say that the need for many of these items varies by individual circumstances.
Laura says
Hi there, I just wanted to say I really appreciate this type of article, as a first-time mom-to-be it feels really overwhelming seeing all these incredibly long ‘baby essentials’ lists full of things I had never known even existed and couldn’t imagine how they could be essential or even useful. My main question is what is this ‘boppy’ thing everyone keeps talking about???? also would it be possible along the same theme to make a list of real, unavoidable baby essentials? Especially items that first-time parents might not have heard or known about but are actually majorly important especially for health/safety. Thanks!!!
Mariya says
I agree with everything on here. Except the brush which people have already mentioned. I hated the boppy. I’m 6’1 so it sat on my lap while my baby was all the way up at my chest. Maybe if I bought 2 more it would help. Baby tubs only take up space. A new born for not need a bath very often so just sponge bath. But once they sat up they start eating solids so that’s messy and I put them in the kitchen sink and they loved it. Didn’t hut my knees either.
Mariya says
The boppy is supposed to help hold the baby to your breast. I used it mostly for setting the baby in the hole to prop up.
Priscila says
Ptetty many of these items are unchecked on our list. I should add lots of clothes too. There is no need to buy so eat ahead all those clothes and your baby may outgrow or when the season is perfect, they won’t fit.
I am also maybe too picky but even long before having kids I always thought if the idea if making what my baby needs to wear. Of course, I cannot make everything but I do some. I get my own chance to choose the color, material or fabric type, and design.
We prefer cotton only and colors to be soft, not so overly bright with uncomfortable decor.
We also skipped the baby shower, we pretty much got what we need for now from other friends or hand-down used stores. We found basically new clothes with the tags on it still, cotton fabric, at less than $3!
We understand relatives and friends will want to get things for you: but do you need all of that and do you get to enjoy choosing what it us really necessary? I heard from other patents how they got solo many stuffs they did not need and ended up reselling or donating. In our case, we want this journey be ours and get things for our baby as he or she grows.
My dad said “they had only a couple of things for me and the overly crowded room with all what people think you must have”. They were also travelling constantly so that helped them to live a minimalist life. That is good enough for me too knowing that we are not weird in not getting so many things.
meadows says
I thought this was going to be a legit list of things. But it just a rant based on what didn’t work for you. Every child is different. Every race have different skin, hair. My daughter loved her bouncy seat, the bath tub worked great. I also used the brush for her. I used baby lotion and baby oil for her, on her beautiful brown skin. Their isn’t a serious issue with socks, pjs and onsies are fine, but if its summer time I’m not letting my child overheat because you hate socks, and I refuse to let me child be barefoot. Most of these other items I didn’t buy and probably won’t, not because its useless but because its not something I particularly need.
Sk says
I have used most items on the list & totally love it. Baby towels, robes, socks & shoes ( there wasn’t a single day my baby was without a pair of socks , even at home I made sure they match) of course after my maternity leave I only did that when we went out or during the weekend. We got him a pair of shoes that would fit through birth – 6 months & he always wore them on special occasion. Wiper warmer was a life saver , my baby used to yell his heart out of something cold touched him, so loud that my neighbors would wake up. I cannot imagine not having a bath tub, we got one that had a net when he was a infant , so he could lie down comfortably.& as he grew older we could take it out. I cannot imagine a day without my diaper genie, I mean where would I throw his diaper, I would never want to mix it with his diapers with other trash,& just using the regular trash will not prevent the smell as there’s no carbon filter. And of course I used the hair brush, he was born with a head full of hair.
And of course changing pad is very very convenient, as I can lay him down wherever I go
without worrying that’s he is going on it again. Receiving blanket is not going to do the trick. And I bought a breast friend pillow something like a boppy, it really helped with my back ache issues. Wouldn’t feed him without it, it’s a must for me. We actually received only one baby blanket as a gift & realized how useful they are & bought more after that. Crib set maybe although I have one, but currently I use only the fitted sheet & nothing else., I guess once he’s older I will use the rest. We recently bought the bumbo dear and my son loves it. I also use the baby nips, they are quiet useful to wipe his constant drool. I don’t know about the rest it might be useful for others but I don’t have it & with baby oil I just use coconut oil everyday before bath. It really depends on your lifestyle & your baby to decide what’s useful & what’s not. For me all these things are quiet essential.
Rosalie says
People are so easily offended and chose to be rude don’t they!!! Geez . Well lady, you and i would be buddies as your list is great! Your website is obviously more holistic and the article mentions a natural registry yet these women still bristle. Folks love their crap and think they actually need it to get by. Consumerism. Thanks for article.
ola says
I love a diaper genie. I used it on m 1st and I am reusing it with my second. I also don’t bother changing the detergent. Even if they get a mid rash initially the skin will adjust. My 1st and 2nd did just fine with regular detergent so don’t bother getting a special one. I also like my nursing pillow and I use a pillow for flathead in the car seat 🙂
Violet says
You should take your recommendation for the rock n play off this list. They have been recalled due to infant fatalities…
https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2019/fisher-price-recalls-rock-n-play-sleepers-due-to-reports-of-deaths
Also, baby robes, while perhaps impractical, are frickin’ adorable.
Lindsey VanAlstyne says
So true! Thanks for the tips.
Hillary says
Thank you for this list! I’m on to my 3rd child now and I 100 percent agree with you!! I enjoyed reading it and had some laughs! Stuff I wish I knew before becoming a mom. You’re so right, well done!
Lindsey VanAlstyne says
haha thank you! I’m glad you found it funny and helpful. 🙂
Ashlie Weleschuk says
I find the baby tub easier on my back then bending over big tub and my sinks are to small to bath my babies, so I have a baby tub and baby towels but givin as gifts never bought for myself .. the diaper genie I like because I dont like to run my trash out every time baby poops as well as the Boppy again for my back and arms getting tired from holding baby up
Lindsey VanAlstyne says
Thanks for your feedback! This is great!