Creating a baby registry is overwhelming (speaking from experience). It feels like there are 1000 things you need. And everyone you talk to (or follow) is adding a new item to your list. It took me MONTHS to create my registry. I spent literal hours researching products because I wanted to carefully select every item I added. Making sure I was choosing the best option for our needs – budget friendly and non toxic, but also aesthetic. It was a process. Anyone relate?
And then, after ALL THAT, we didn’t even need or use many of the items we received from our registry. *sigh* So, I’m here to save you. Save you from wasting your money and precious time researching and adding things to your registry you just don’t need.
A note – obviously these are all my own opinions so take what you like and leave what you don’t! I just see these products on a lot of baby registries (including mine), and I personally didn’t need or use them.
1. Wipe Warmer/Wipe Holder
In the newborn stage especially, you’ll be going through so many wipes! We stashed wipes in multiple rooms so we could change our baby’s diaper in whatever room we were in. It feels inefficient and impractical (to me) to be taking out the empty wipe package and putting a new one in. Because you’ll be doing it so often. The wipe warmer I’ll admit, we actually purchased and used for maybe 2 days. It kept the wipes warm for approximately 8 seconds. By the time I actually got the wipe to my baby’s bootie, it felt cold.
2. Bottle Drying Rack
This just takes up counter space, in my humble opinion. You can just as easily wash and dry your bottles/pump parts and put them on a towel or wherever you set your other dishes! We have limited counter space so I like to limit what I leave permanently out on the counters.
3. Changing Table
A table with the sole purpose of changing baby’s diaper feels like a very inefficient use of space (in my opinion). Especially because nurseries are generally smaller rooms and you also need to furnish it with a crib, dresser, chair, toy box, books shelf, etc. I recommend using your dresser as a multipurpose changing table! Add something like this on top and you’ll be golden. More aesthetic too.
4. Winter Coat
For your babe’s safety, you aren’t supposed to strap them in the car seat in their winter coat. You should take it off before you buckle them. That seems like a big hassle to me. So instead, we just wrap our baby in blankets to and from the car. If you want to go for a walk and you need to bundle, get the full bodysuit instead! This has built in snow pants, gloves, and a hood! A one stop shop AND saves you from buying and losing the individual pieces. Definitely the way to go in my opinion.
5. Toys
Toys are overrated. In my experience, our son was much more interested in the packaging the toys came in, than the actual toy. Or in things we already had in our home. He specifically loves remotes, spatulas, and measuring cups.
Toys are a go to for gift givers, however. So we have SO MANY. It’s actually overwhelming. We store over half of them in our basement to create a little rotation system (which def helps). Then it feels like he’s getting new toys every time we rotate new toys to the toy box! A couple of toys are really, truly all you need for the first year. Once they’re a little older they’ll appreciate them more! So, I recommend putting larger items on your registry that you ACTUALLY need. And I can (almost) guarantee you’ll get some toys anyways. Also, if you change your mind and want your babe to have more toys, they’re a cheap thing you can always pick up later!
6. Nose Frida
I purchased the nose Frida per recommendation and I didn’t love. First of all, sucking my baby’s snot into my mouth (there’s a filter, but still) made me a little woozie. My husband refused to try it (understandably haha). You also have to be pretty coordinated with holding one end in your mouth, one end in the baby’s nose, AND holding your baby still (my legs were involved lol). I also never knew if I was sucking hard enough or too hard. I would be lying if I said i didn’t worry about sucking my baby’s brain out lol. Overall, it just didn’t seem very efficient. (Some moms swear by it though, so you do you). I prefer the regular suction bulb (that the hospital gave us for free). I can tell if I get snot in it (based on the sound) and it has the same suction power every squeeze. And it’s so cheap. So if you get grossed out with cleaning it out, or aren’t sure if you got it fully clean, you can pitch it and buy a new one.
7. Baby Comforter/Bumper Pad
Okay yes to the cute aesthetic, but no to the practicality and safety. Bumpers and comforters are not breathable. And not to be dramatic but your babe could literally suffocate if they cozy up against them. We put our newborn in the crib in only the swaddle or sleep sack, nothing else. That’s all you need. Once our son started moving, he would stick his limbs out the bars of the crib. So if you’re worried about that, we purchased this breathable mesh liner and it’s the perfect solution! Breathable and aesthetic.
8. Baby Bath Products (baby soap, shampoo, lotion, baby oil)
I’m saying NO to fragrance! Your baby’s skin is so precious and sensitive, it absorbs everything! My son is 15 months and I still just bathe him with water!
If you just can’t get behind not using soap, I get it. And I would recommend Earth Mama – made with organic, clean ingredients. I have a special discount code for you if you use my link here!
9. Diaper Rash Cream Applicator
This honestly seems like more of a hassle then a help. Between losing it, cleaning it, and losing it again, i opted out of this. If touching your baby’s booty grosses you out and you’re organized enough to not lose it, by all means, buy it!
10. Bottle Warmer
My caviat for this is I solely breast fed. So my son took an occasional bottle, but it wasn’t a regular thing. So, we just warmed water on the stove and put the milk in there. However, if you are pumping or formula feeding, this may be more helpful than it was for me.
You Got This
Okay these are my hot takes. I hope they help you feel a little less overwhelm when creating YOUR baby registry! Here’s a link to check out my (updated) baby registry for some ideas of what you SHOULD have on your registry! I researched literally EVERYTHING.
Again, these are all opinions, so feel free to disagree and adjust to your personal needs and wants. You’re going to be an amazing mama to your babe! Comment below your thoughts on my list, and if you’d add anything!
You’ll love my other posts here!
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