21 | 10 Baby Items You Don’t Need
& My Recommendations as a Mom of Three
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When I was pregnant with my first baby, I was determined to take a “wait and see” approach. I didn’t want to get caught up in all the marketing that convinces us we need a million overpriced items to be a good mom. I registered for as little as possible and figured I’d buy what I actually needed once the baby arrived.
So whether you’re building your first baby registry and trying to build a minimalist baby registry or you’re having another baby and wondering if you really need certain things, I’m excited to share my thoughts. I’m expecting my fourth baby in four years, so if an item has a place in my home it means it actually gets used!
I know its easy to worry, but its highly unlikely you’ll be missing something essential in those early newborn days. Anything you need that you didn’t think of can be delivered the next day from Amazon or picked up that afternoon by your husband. So, take a deep breath—you already have everything you need to love and care for this baby, and the stuff that really matters can’t be bought at a store!
5 Baby Items I Never Bought (And Never Missed)
1. A Baby Swing
I was pretty skeptical about swings from the beginning. I didn’t want to become dependent on it or have a baby who could only sleep if they were rocked a certain way. We actually borrowed one with my first, and while it was nice to have the option, I barely used it. I preferred giving my baby tummy time on the floor or carrying her in a wrap.
Swings are also one of those things you can find everywhere secondhand—Facebook Marketplace, consignment shops, you name it. So, if you decide you really want one later, it’s easy to grab one.
2. A Changing Table
I’ve never understood the hype around changing tables. I change my baby wherever I am—on the couch, on the floor, on my bed. I don’t want to walk to a separate room for every diaper change, especially when newborns are peeing constantly.
3. Newborn Clothes
My babies are usually around 9 pounds at birth, so they barely fit into newborn clothes for a week. I just put them in 0-3 month sizes, and while they were a little big for a few days, they fit perfectly after that.
Plus, I like keeping my babies cozy in pajamas for the first few months. One or two “cute” outfits are more than enough.
4. Baby Loungers (Snuggle Me, DockATot, etc.)
These loungers are so expensive for something you’ll only use for a few weeks. I preferred laying my babies on the floor or directly on the couch. If you really want one, borrow it or buy it secondhand. But honestly? You don’t need it.
5. A Diaper Pail
I never wanted to maintain another trash system, and I’ve heard such mixed reviews. Some people swear by diaper pails, while others say they still smell. I just toss everything in the kitchen garbage, which goes out every other day. And let’s be real—newborn diapers (especially if you’re breastfeeding) don’t even smell.
5 Things I Bought and Regretted
1. A Nursing Pillow
I fell for the idea that a nursing pillow would guarantee a smooth breastfeeding journey. I used it more with my first, but when my second had more nursing struggles, I realized the pillow was just bulky and awkward. I ended up using throw pillows or extra bed pillows—they’re squishier and way easier to mold into whatever position I needed.
2. Newborn Toys
I thought I needed all the black-and-white contrast cards, teething toys, and sensory gadgets to “stimulate my baby’s brain.” But the truth is, babies under 4 months don’t really need toys. They’re more interested in random household items like the wipes package or a kitchen spoon. One or two teething toys is more than enough!
3. A Baby Bathtub
Someone gifted us a baby bathtub, and we never used it. I either took my babies in the shower with me or laid a towel down in the regular bathtub. The kitchen sink works just as well too!
4. Pacifier Clips
These just felt clunky and unnecessary. My babies only use pacifiers when they’re sleeping or when I’m holding them. I didn’t feel the need to clip them on because I was usually right there.
5. A Bassinet
Bassinets are one of those things that feel nice to have, but babies outgrow them so quickly. If you’re planning to keep the baby in your room for a while, a pack-and-play works just as well.
My Recommendations
Baby Sleep Essentials
A crib is probably at the top of your list. We love the SNIGLER Crib from IKEA. It’s super simple, inexpensive, and converts to a toddler bed.
When it comes to a mattress, I prefer to spend a bit more for something organic, like Naturepedic. But I’ve also found great deals on used ones in the past.
We’ve tried a lot of crib sheets, but the Bare Home brand on Amazon has held up the best.
I’m not a huge fan of swaddling. It’s a lot of work unswaddling every time you feed, and the research is mixed on whether it’s actually a good idea. I switch to a sleep sack pretty quickly, and my favorite is the Woolino Sleep Sack. It’s made of merino wool, regulates temperature really well, and lasts forever. One size fits from two months to over two years!
A good sound machine is a lifesaver. We love the Dreamegg Sound Machines, especially the portable one. It’s handy for car rides and even saved us during a power outage. You don’t need anything fancy that connects to your phone—simple white noise does the trick.
We like using pacifiers for the first year, and I prefer the ones with a natural rubber nipple. BIBS pacifiers are cute, but pricey. Itzy Ritzy makes an identical version for half the price!
Breastfeeding Supplies
If you’re planning to breastfeed, don’t go overboard buying gear. You don’t know how your breastfeeding journey will go until your baby gets here, so you don’t need to stock up on bottles and pumps. Let’s plan for the best, and you will be able to get any extra supplies you need.
Breast Pump: Don’t splurge on an expensive pump unless you know you’ll need it. If you do need one, check if your insurance covers it. Otherwise, a simple hand pump is a great and affordable place to start.
Haakaa Pump: I highly recommend getting a Haakaa. It’s perfect for relieving engorgement or catching extra milk while nursing on the other side. I’m usually able to build a freezer stash just by using it!
Lactation Pads: I like to have disposable lactation pads on hand for the early days, but once I’m back in a good laundry rhythm, I switch to reusable ones. They’re way more comfortable.
Starting Solids
If you’re still pregnant, don’t even worry about buying stuff for solids yet. You have at least 6 months to decide how you want to approach solid food! Come back and read this part when you’re ready.
We found some adorable Amish-made highchairs on Facebook Marketplace for our toddlers, but for babies just starting solids, I prefer the Ingenuity Booster Seat. It’s portable, has a tray, and is easy to take with you.
We love Panda Ear silicone dishes from Amazon, but honestly, you can skip plates until your baby is about a year old. I usually serve food directly on the tray or table because they’ll just play with the plate anyway.
For cups, Munchkin 360 Cups are our go-to. They teach babies how to drink from an open cup and work well from six months through toddlerhood.
We like our reusable food pouches for homemade applesauce or other purees. We like to do a mix of baby-led weaning and purees, so these are a mess-free way to use purees when out and about.
Baby Gear
Choosing a stroller feels like such a big decision, but trust me—nothing is permanent. We started with the City Select Lux, and it was great for one or two kids. Now, with more little ones, we’ve switched to a wagon stroller, which works better for us.
If you get something and don’t love it, you can always sell it and try something else. Don’t overthink it!
My Ergo carrier is still my absolute favorite. It’s easy to use and works from newborn to toddler. I’ve also experimented with slings and wraps this time around, and I like the convenience of a sling in public or at church. But if you want one carrier that does it all, go with the Ergo.
You don’t need a swing, but having one little seat or bouncer is helpful. I like the Bjorn Bouncer because it moves naturally with the baby’s movements and folds flat to store.
Baby Hygiene Essentials
I loved having an electric nail trimmer with my first baby when I was terrified of cutting tiny fingers. I don’t use it anymore, but it was great for building confidence.
You don’t need much when it comes to hygiene because you don’t need to bathe your baby much in the first few months. A little spot bath here and there is enough, and their skin will thank you for leaving it alone as much as possible! I typically don’t use soap until my babies start solids and I’m scrubbing food pieces out of their hair. When you look for soap, don’t trust just anything that says “baby." You want something that is as gentle and natural as possible. Carina Organics and Young Living Seedlings are my favorites. This brush set also comes in handy since my babies are typically born with hair.
You can get a snot sucker if you want, but I usually just use a few drops of breast milk to clear out my baby’s nose. It works wonders!
Baby Toys
Like I said, don’t stress about buying toys for a newborn. They don’t need them! Even as your child grows, you will probably end up with more toys than you need because people love gifting them.
A teething toy or two and a simple collapsible playgym might come in handy. We also usually make use of an exersaucer.
Books
One thing I can’t get enough of? Books! Even for a tiny three-month-old, you can prop up a book for them to look at. As they get older, they’ll love flipping through the pages and reciting their favorite stories.
I shared more about our favourite books in episode 10.
Here are some of my favourites:
Final Encouragement
I know, that seemed like a lot in the end. But again, if you’re unsure about something, don’t buy it. It’s easier to add something later than to get rid of stuff you don’t use.
At the end of the day, your baby needs very little—food, a safe place to sleep, a way to get around, and lots of love. You’re already going to be a great mom, and no amount of baby gear will change that. So take a deep breath and enjoy this sweet, simple season! Blessings as you grow your family.
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