Baby Items You Don’t Need

Before a newborn arrives, many mamas spend countless hours researching and registering for the cutest and most perfect items for their precious little miracle. Thanks to the Internet, there are hundreds of options for every item you could possibly think your baby may need. In all honesty, making registries and preparing for your newborn can be incredibly overwhelming!

On top of simply trying to decide what items you need for your newborn, it also depends on what season they are born in. If you’re going to have a brand new little miracle in the summer, there are essentials that you can’t live without and likewise for winter. Again, there are so many different things to consider when making your registries and determining what your newborn will need upon arrival.

Especially if you’re a first-time mama, you may be surprised at how many items that you thought you absolutely needed that may never see the light of day. Of course, every baby is different and there will be some items you register for that your baby just won’t like. But, there are also items that most mothers will find completely unnecessary that they once thought of as essential.

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We’ve put together our list of 8 baby items you don’t need. No matter when your baby is born, their gender, or their personal preferences, these are 8 items that most people place on their registries that the baby can live without…

1. Newborn Diapers

Of course, diapers are essential and one of the most important baby registry items! They are a necessary expense that will add up over time, but many mamas don’t consider or think about the sizing until the baby arrives.

When you’re registering for diapers, you may want to consider registering for Size 1 diapers instead of Newborn diapers. Surprising, right?

Well, considering that the average newborn baby is already 7.5 pounds, most babies grow out of newborn diapers QUICKLY! With Size 1 diapers being for babies that weigh between 8-14 pounds, it simply makes sense to register for and stockpile more of these as the baby will stay in Size 1 diapers longer. This is especially true since Newborn diapers are only for babies up to 10 pounds!

2. Infant Socks

Infant socks are definitely something that your baby CAN live without! While infant socks are cute, even in the winter time, they serve little purpose.

In the winter, there are lots of baby outfits for newborns that come with “footies”, such as footie pajamas and even pants that have feet already built in. In the summer, quite frankly, it’s just too hot for newborns to wear.

On top of this, it is incredibly hard to keep newborn socks on your newborn! Newborns are adorable, wiggly babies and, chances are, if your baby is wearing socks, you’ll have them randomly go missing or find them all around the house from falling off!

If it is in the winter, an amazing alternative to socks are these baby fleece booties. They’re similar to socks in the sense that they will keep your baby’s feet warm, but they velcro to ensure that they will stay on his/her feet!

3. Baby Shoes

There’s no question that baby shoes are adorable! But, they just aren’t necessary. If your baby isn’t walking, what’s the point of shoes? It’s just another accessory that you’re going to have to keep up with and that is bound to fall off.

In the summer, your baby will more than likely get sweaty feet. If it’s winter, we suggest booties, like we mentioned above, or something that is really easy to slip on to keep your baby looking cute and comfortable!

4. Baby Hairbrush

If your baby isn’t born with a head full of hair, there’s really no need to get them a hairbrush. While this is a small unnecessary baby item, it could still save you money in the long run. If your baby only has a little hair when they are born, don’t worry about running out and getting them a hairbrush. Chances are, they will lose a great deal of it before it starts growing anyways!

5. Wipe Warmer

Though it may be nice for a baby to have a wipe warmer if they are born in the freezing months of winter, it’s still a baby item that you don’t necessarily need. One of the biggest reasons a wipe warmer isn’t necessary is because you’re not going to have one around all the time.

Let’s say that you’re at a restaurant and need to change your precious baby’s diaper really quickly. If your baby is used to a wipe warmer, how do you think they’re going to react to a chilly wipe on the little bum? Probably not well..However, if your baby is used to baby wipes the way that they are, you won’t have to be concerned about this.

Save yourself $30-$45 and ditch the wipe warmer that’s on your registry!

6. Baby Pillow and Bedding

Not only are baby pillows and beddings unnecessary, they are also considered incredibly dangerous for any infant. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, any form of bedding (pillows, comforters, quilts, etc) other than a tightly fitted sheet on a mattress is considered a risk for SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome).

Baby bedding may be incredibly adorable and go with the carefully planned nursery design, but it is just so much better to err on the side of caution. Don’t even bother spending money on or registering for baby pillows or bedding until after your little one is at least one years old.

If you want something cute to go with your baby’s nursery for the bed, find an adorable crib sheet and matching bed skirt! There are a great number of adorable and safe options out there!

7. Crib Bumper

Continuing with the theme of safety, crib bumpers are another baby item you don’t need. It is so tempting because there are some really adorable crib bumpers out there that go perfectly with your well thought out nursery, but don’t do it!

Similar to the baby pillow and comforter, crib bumpers are another item that the AAP strongly suggests against using.

8. Changing Table

This last item is definitely the most costly on our list. A changing table for your baby is one thing that you don’t need for baby, and it will save you a great deal of money.

Nowadays, many moms-to-be are dumping the changing table and opting for more functional furniture instead. For example, many mamas will simply purchase a changing pad along with a cute changing pad cover and put it on top of a dresser.

By utilizing a dresser as a makeshift changing station in your newborn’s nursery, you’re not only saving space, but you’re also saving money. Sounds like a win-win to us!

How to Know What your Baby will Need

As we shared earlier, it can be incredibly difficult knowing exactly what all you will need to buy for your precious little miracle that is on the way! It seems like with each item you need, there are about seven thousand different varieties and options to choose from. So, how do you know what’s best for a baby that isn’t even here yet?! It’s so overwhelming!

Whether you are making your baby registry or shopping for your little one on your own, consider using these tips for knowing what your baby will actually need..

Research Online

There are countless lists online and Pinterest boards dedicated to items your baby will need. Start by looking over these lists and jotting down items that you are seeing over and over. For example, you know you will need a carseat, high chair, crib, diapers, wipes, some clothes, etc.

Be sure to not spend too much time researching online! Set a limit for yourself or you could be stuck researching forever!

Think Practically

Once you research and take note of what people are saying you need, you should first think practically about what is essential for your baby’s safety and wellbeing. Those items should be at the very top of your list. Then, as you continue down you list, keep challenging yourself by asking, “Is this functional?” “Does this make sense in our house?”

Seek Advice from Friends

After you have thought practically and made a list of items, start seeking advice from your friends. You shouldn’t be seeking advice from just anyone. You need to be asking friends whose lifestyle is similar and have already had a baby. Your friends have been in the trenches, and they are the ones who know which brands are the best and which items you are going to need!

In Conclusion…

It is so exciting when you reach the point in your pregnancy that you begin preparing for your beautiful baby’s arrival! But, of course, it can be overwhelming! While you want to get any and everything that your baby might need, there are some items out there that may seem important, but will never get used.

Always utilize researching, practical thinking, and friendly advice when trying to determine what baby items you do need and what baby items you don’t need!