What NOT to buy for baby:

Those baby registry guides are so overwhelming for first time moms. I remember thinking well if they say I’m going to need it I’m obviously going to need it. Almost all of those things I got, I donated before baby #2 even came around because I realized how useless they were. Here is a list of 24 things you really don’t need to register for.

1. A bottle warmer. You can easily warm a bottle by placing it in a warm cup of water for a few minutes. I even once saw a friend used her car seat warmer as a quick fix on the road.

2. A wipes warmer. I had two of these. They just dry out the wipes and you end up throwing them away or having to re-wet them. Baby’s tush can handle room temperature wipes.

3. A bottle sterilizer. This is also known as a dishwasher, you already have one that’s not big and bulky.

4. Bottle proppers. This is the one thing I didn’t have because I planned on breastfeeding exclusively besides for when dad was feeding to bond. You should never use anything to prop your baby’s bottle.

5. Pee-pee tee-pees. HAHAHA anyways, you can just toss a wipe over little man to keep him from spraying you, but it’s going to happen anyways and it’s just a little pee. If you can’t handle a little baby pee parenting is going to be a rough road for you.

6. Car seat headrests. You shouldn’t add any accessories that didn’t come with your car seat, they’re dangerous. If you think your baby looks uncomfortable think about how they were just wedged up in your midsection for the last 9 months, they’re flexible like that.

7. Crib bumpers. We’ve all heard the stories so I’m just going to skip this one.

8. Plush blankets. People love to buy or make these for you anyways, your baby can’t use it until they’re big enough to lay on the floor with them and you’ll still end up with too many.

9. Pillows. These are a suffocation risk, babies don’t need pillows.

10. More than a bottle or two of one style. Your baby may end up not liking certain bottles and if you have 8 of each style that’s a lot of wasted money. Maybe buy them but only open a two or three pack and wait to find out if your baby likes that style before you open the rest and can no longer return them.

11. A sleep positioner. We all know the saying back is best.

12. Newborn clothes. Most babies won’t fit into newborn sizes at birth. Unless you have a history of small babies or premature babies, your baby will probably skip right over this size.

13. Newborn diapers. See #12.

14. A changing table. Save money by placing a changing pad on the floor, on the bed, or on top of a wide, flat dresser when changing baby. Most of the time our babies get changed on the couch or the bed.

15. A scale. Unless your pediatrician specifically recommends that you have one, otherwise save the weigh-ins for doctor appointments.

16. A robe. These are ridiculous. Your baby is naked for as little time as possible after a bath.

17. A shopping cart and high chair cover. You end up bringing home more germs that you left with. Instead wipe down the surfaces with antibacterial wipes that most stores have right by the carts.

18. Knee pads. Toddlers are covered in bumps, bruises, and scratches. It’s a part of life.

19. Toddler or “transitional” formulas. Unless your pediatrician specifically prescribes them, they aren’t necessary. By the age of one, children can get all their nutrition from meals, snacks, and drinks.

20. A baby leash. These are hilarious but a better option is your hand. Try to teach children to walk next to you, hold hands, or ride in a stroller.

21. Baby shoes. Babies don’t need shoes until they are walking and even then they only need one good pair because they are going to outgrow them in a few weeks anyways.

22. Baby life insurance. The only advantage to purchasing baby life insurance is that it usually comes with a guarantee that your baby will always be eligible for coverage, but the amount that the policy would pay out usually isn’t enough to make it worth the premiums.

23. Perfumed lotions and oils. Baby’s skin is delicate and the fragrances may irritate them further. Instead, opt for all-natural hypoallergenic baby wash.

24. Sprays or wipes to clean pacifiers. There may be a few times you won’t have access to a sink but soap and water is always best, in emergencies you can use your mouth like I do.

What are some things you would add or take off this list?

The image featured at the top of this post is ©Hannamariah / depositphotos.