What Not to Put on a Baby Registry: 13+ Items to Skip

Inside: Find a list of what not to put on your baby registry. Though I get that registering for everything makes you feel more in control, having too much of the unnecessary can only mean more clutter. So leave out these 14 items! No regrets!

Let’s admit it. As first-time parents, we tend to overthink things. And EVERYTHING overwhelms us. That includes what to put on or not put on the baby registry.

I guess it is because of this constant fear of not measuring up and failing at parenting altogether. While that fear often goes away, trivial matters tend to trigger it.

“You know what the great thing about babies is? They are like little bundles of hope. Like the future in a basket.”

 ~ Lish McBride

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One thing that could trigger it is when you hear different opinions from seasoned moms telling you what to do and what not to do in preparation for your baby’s arrival.

As much as I hate to be one of those moms, I have to share my opinion on this subject as well.

Moreover, I need to place greater emphasis on this matter at all costs: There are a few things you don’t need to put on your baby registry.

Key Reminders

• Carefully consider the items you add to your baby registry to avoid unnecessary products and hidden costs.
• Be vigilant about the safety of the products you put on your baby registry. Certain products should be avoided due to potential hazards.
• Focus on practical items that will not only make your life easier but also contribute to your baby’s overall health and happiness.
• Don’t get carried away and add every adorable item you come across. Not all baby items are essential, and some may even be overstocked.
• Thank your gift-givers with meaningful notes to express your heartfelt appreciation.

What not to put on your Baby Registry

When you’re anticipating the arrival of your little one, creating a baby registry can be a thrilling experience. It’s an excellent way to prepare for the arrival of your new baby and ensure that you have everything you need to make your life as a parent more comfortable.

Therefore, be cautious about what you include in your baby registry. While many items are required for your baby’s security and well-being, there are several you should avoid considering.

It is also vital to prioritize essentials and steer clear of unnecessary items that can clutter your space and strain your loved ones’ finances.

Here is a list of items you should consider leaving off your baby registry:

1. Breast pump

Hey! I am not saying that you won’t need a breast pump because YOU WILL NEED ONE! I promise you…

However, I don’t recommend that you put it on your baby registry. Most providers (if not all) will cover the cost of your breast pump. Make sure to reach out to your health insurance provider for an in-depth explanation of the coverage.

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2. Wipe warmer

While having warm wipes for your baby’s bottom can appear to be a lovely indulgence, wipe warmers are actually unnecessary and can be a waste of money.

I got two of these as gifts at my baby shower.

My first baby was born in December, and we live in freezing South Dakota!

In all honesty, I did use both of them for a short while because I hated the thought of him being cold.

Hey, cut me some slack! We live in South Dakota, remember? And it was the winter season!

Having said that, if you live in a warmer area, skip this particular baby product. You will end up not using it.

3. Diaper pail or diaper genie

Diaper genies are frequently promoted as a must-have item for new parents, but they can be difficult to operate and maintain. They require special bags, and if you don’t change the bag, the odor might be overpowering.

We personally purchased a decent diaper pail to use for our firstborn, but I was not happy with its capacity.

Aside from the fact that you will need to buy refills after refills of diaper pail bags, the maximum capacity of these diaper pails is not as good as regular trash cans.

A Seasoned Mother’s Advice: When using standard trash bins, consider taking out the garbage more frequently to avoid unpleasant odors.

4. Several sets of a particular brand of baby bottles

When I was pregnant with my firstborn, I was naive enough to think that a baby could just get accustomed to a particular baby bottle if you just let him use it regularly.

I never had baby bottle problems with my first, as he was okay with what I used with him.

Then my second baby came, and I got slapped with the truth.

Unfortunately, as unbelievable as it can sound, your baby chooses his own baby bottle and will constantly refuse a baby bottle he doesn’t like.

So I ended up buying a different set, and my second baby took to this brand without resistance!

5. Bottle warmer

My mother-in-law is so generous! She practically bought everything she thought we would use.

Unfortunately, I only used our bottle warmer for a couple of months.

6. Bottle sterilizer

Using a sterilizer is tedious. Using the dishwasher to wash your pump or baby bottles, on the other hand, is smart! So go for it.

7. Pacifiers

Pacifiers do have several advantages, but like everything else, they also have pitfalls.

My kids and I personally chose not to use them. It was one of the wisest decisions we ever made.

8. Baby mittens

Disregard the mittens. Contrary to popular belief, babies don’t need mittens. They rarely do! [Read more about it here.]

Related post about baby essentials:

Your Practical Baby Registry Checklist (Free Printable)

Baby Nursery Essentials: Your Ultimate Checklist

9. Baby shoes

Your newborn baby won’t need shoes until he is walking. That won’t be happening very soon.

Some babies start walking as early as 8 months, while others start later, up to 18 months.

While baby shoes may be cute, they are not necessary for your baby’s development. In fact, your baby should go barefoot or wear soft-soled shoes to help strengthen their muscles and develop their balance.

10. Crib bedding sets

Crib bumpers and skirts are not worth bothering about. To ensure your baby’s safety while sleeping, the only thing you will ever need is a fitted crib sheet.

It’s also a great idea to skip baby blankets and pillows for safety reasons. An awesome alternative to blankets are sleep sacks like these or sleep suits.

11. Sound Machine

No noise or sound machine is necessary.

YouTube can do it all.

I suggest you play soothing nature sounds through it at bedtime to help your little ones drift off to sleep.

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12. Bouncer

This is more of a preference. Some or many will argue with me on this.

As much as I agree that a bouncer is nice to have, I don’t recommend it.

If you want it, though, go ahead.

However, you have a choice. You can either go for a swing or a baby bouncer. If you have a swing on your baby registry, skip the bouncer. If you have a bouncer, skip the baby swing.

[For additional reading: Safe Sleep Recommendations from the American Academy of Pediatrics]

13. Baby Monitor

Maternal instinct kicks in when your baby arrives. Mothers will do anything to protect their young, even when asleep.

Unless you live in a huge house, a baby monitor won’t be needed.

If you receive it as a gift without even asking, on the other hand, take it! (*winks)

14. Toys

Though baby toys are essential for your baby’s cognitive development, they can be overstocked.

People will give you tons of toys even if you don’t ask for them. They will come nonstop. Toys are too cute to pass up, you know!

Trust me! You don’t have to put this on your baby registry.

Note: It is totally okay to accept second-hand toys. As long as they don’t have any broken parts and are clean, accept them with open arms.

Related article about stockpiling for baby: 29 Necessities to Stockpile Before Baby Arrives

15. Baby Food Makers

While having a machine that can prepare baby food for you may sound convenient, it’s actually unnecessary.

You can simply make your own baby food at home using a blender or food processor, and many babies are quite content with mashed or pureed versions of the solid foods you consume.

Assessing Your Baby Registry

One of the most enjoyable aspects of preparing for your child is creating a baby registry. A baby registry is a list of items that you would like your loved ones to give you as a gift.

Deciding what to add to your registry can be tough, but it’s essential to remember that it’s okay to ask for help.

When creating a baby registry, keep in mind that you’ll need things that are both useful and practical. You don’t want to include items that you won’t use or that your baby will outgrow quickly.

Here are some factors to think about when creating your baby registry:

Budget

Establish a spending limit before starting your baby registry. Assess a budget and determine how much your gift-givers can afford to spend. Doing this will help you avoid adding expensive products that can cause financial strain.

Evaluate the items you need the most and prioritize them. If your loved ones declare that they have room in their budget, you can always add more stuff later.

Needs vs. Wants

It is crucial to distinguish between products you need and those you want when making your baby registry. Prioritize needs like diapers, wipes, baby clothes, and bath essentials.

When you’ve taken care of the necessities, you can add items for entertainment, such as baby crib mobiles and play mats.

Tip: Avoid asking for too many newborn diapers. A diaper in newborn size is appropriate for infants that do not require premature sizing and weigh less than 10 pounds at birth. Your little bundle of joy will only be that little for the first few weeks. A pack or two of the newborn size will suffice for the baby registry.

Consider Your Lifestyle

When creating your baby registry list, it’s crucial to consider your lifestyle and living arrangements. If you live in a small apartment, you may have limited space for bulky baby items.

Think about what you can realistically accommodate in your living space.

For instance, a giant baby swing or a heavy high chair might be impossible to fit in a small apartment. Instead, you could consider purchasing a space-saving swing or a compact high chair that can be easily stored away when not in use.

If you are an on-the-go family and plan to travel frequently with your baby, a portable crib or a travel system are brilliant baby registry items.

A portable crib is lightweight and easy to fold, making it ideal for travel. Similarly, a travel system that includes a car seat and stroller can make traveling with your baby much more convenient.

By taking your way of life into account, you can create a baby registry list tailored to your family’s needs, ensuring you receive practical and useful items that will make your life easier as a new parent.

Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help

Putting together a baby registry can be challenging, but don’t be reluctant to ask for assistance. Get suggestions from friends and family members who recently welcomed a baby. They may have insights into items you might not have thought of on your own.

In summary, building a baby registry may be an exciting and fun part of preparing for your child’s arrival. Set a budget, prioritize your needs over your wants, think about your lifestyle, and don’t be afraid to ask for help.

Conclusion on What Not to Put on Your Baby Registry

Knowing what to include on your baby registry can be overwhelming, particularly if you are a first-time parent. You want to make sure you have everything you need without overdoing it.

Remember that creating a balance between functionality and indulgence is critical!

There are a couple of products on this list that are absolutely baby essentials.

Take the breast pump, for example. You will absolutely need one!

However, you need not put it on your baby registry, as your insurance can definitely cover it.

Furthermore, some of these items are so nice to have for the convenience they offer and can significantly make life as a new mom a little less stressful.

I recommend you check to see if you can procure them without having yourself or your loved ones spend a dime. These items are completely fine when obtained used.

Congratulations on creating your baby registry, Mama! We hope that this article has helped you understand what not to put on your baby registry. By avoiding these items, you can save space and ensure that you receive gifts that will be useful and appreciated.

Additionally, remember that your baby registry should reflect your personal preference, and there is no one-size-fits-all solution. Consider your lifestyle, budget, and parenting style when deciding what to include on your registry.

If you’re unsure about a particular item, ask your friends, family, or a trusted parenting community for advice. You can also consult online reviews and product guides to make an informed decision.

Remember to take the time to thank your gift-givers. A small gesture like a thank-you note or phone call can show your appreciation and help build stronger relationships.

There you have it! Share this with your family and friends before you leave. Happy parenting!

Talk to you soon,

✔️ By the way, you’re probably not sleeping well anymore. I know it’s not easy carrying a baby in the tummy (I was there myself), and it gets uncomfortable, especially at bedtime. So, you would want to grab this pregnancy pillow to help with sleep. It sure was a lifesaver for me when I was pregnant. I am positive it will do wonders for you too.

Did you have any baby items you felt like you didn’t need at all?

Leave a comment down below and help fellow new moms out! Share some advice on what not to put on a baby registry, so new parents and their loved ones can make the most of this wonderful time without wasting time or money.

Frequently Asked Questions about What Not to Put on a Baby Registry

What items should not be included in a baby registry?

While it’s crucial to have the necessities on your baby registry, some baby products aren’t necessary and may merely take up room. For example, you may not require a bottle warmer or a wipe warmer. You may not need as many baby clothes as you think because babies grow so quickly.

Instead, consider adding big-ticket items such as a baby carrier, a stroller, a car seat, and a diaper bag, which are necessary for going around with your infant.

What are some common baby registry regrets, and how can they be avoided?

One common baby registry regret is getting too many outfits in newborn sizes. Infants grow quickly, and they may not even wear all of their garments before outgrowing them. Avoid this by adding larger-sized clothing or supplies like diapers and wipes that will always be needed.

Another common regret is not adding enough items to the registry. To avoid this, ask friends and family who have children for a list of things they find most useful.

What is too much to put on a baby registry?

Determining how many items to put on a baby registry can be a personal decision that varies from person to person. Some people may feel comfortable with only 20 items, while others may want to add more expensive items like a car seat, stroller, high chair, changing table, bassinet, play yard, nursery glider, or even a crib.

Whatever you decide, remember that there’s no right or wrong answer. It all depends on your personal preferences and needs.

Additionally, providing a variety of options for friends and family members to choose from can be rather thoughtful.

Is it bad to put expensive items on a baby registry?

It’s fine to include pricey products on your baby registry but bear in mind that not everyone will be able to afford them. Consider including a variety of things at various price points so that everyone can find something they can afford.

You can also reach out to family and close friends for support if you can’t afford a big-ticket item. Pooling resources can make the purchase more affordable and feasible. Additionally, this approach is an easy way to spend time with loved ones while accomplishing a goal.

What are some items that are not safe for a baby and should not be on a registry?

Items like crib bumpers and fluffy mattress padding should be avoided. They increase the risk of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome).

When should I start making a baby registry?

Starting your baby registry at the 12-week point of your pregnancy or after the first trimester is a good idea. This gives you plenty of time to study things and add them to your registry.

Make sure to update your baby registry as needed throughout your pregnancy, and consider adding items like breastfeeding gear and postpartum care products as your due date approaches.

What are some baby registry etiquette tips to keep in mind?

When building your baby registry, bear in mind that it is a request for gifts, not a demand. Be grateful for gift givers and consider sending thank-you notes after the baby is born.

Besides that, it’s a good idea to avoid including registration details on the baby shower invitation because they can come off as tacky.