25 Baby Items You Don't Need to Buy
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.
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.
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!!
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!
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!
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.
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.
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.
After I wrote this a bunch of people said they used the brush. Who knew?!
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
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
Thanks for your feedback!! Made me laugh about the coconut oil!
what's so wrong with GMO? please, google well smth before writing. Otherwise, you may mislead other people into believing it is really harmful while it's not.
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.
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.
Agreed! Let’s not project our preferences onto others. What works for me, might not work for you but that doesn’t make it useless/bad.
She said it's her opinion and you still decided to post this?
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.
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.
We had a wooden brush for my 1-year-old sister's kinky 4B hair and she was fine. That isn't considered a baby brush and she was fine chill
A one year old’s head is a lot different than a newborns. A soft brush is definitely needed for a newborn if they have a lot of hair because their scalp is very soft. By the age of one a normal brush or comb can definitely work just fine but does depend on hair type and thickness. As a baby I had super fine, thin hair and a regular brush did nothing.
I used my boppy all the time. And baby oil is used for cradle cap.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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
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.