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It is so difficult to know what you need before your baby arrives.
Your nesting instincts kick in and you want to be prepared for everything. It is easy to go a little crazy on your registry because you might need that item…just in case.
The motto of ‘be prepared’ might seem like the way to go. It can be, but it also can lead to having stuff you never use. If this is your first baby you don’t know what you will need or what your baby will like.
This is the biggest thing that has ever happened in your life and you want to be as ready as possible.
This is a list from my experience as a first-time mom. These are items that we had in our home and rarely used.
I have a separate list of 13 baby items you just don’t need. So this list will not have items such as a swing on it because a swing never made it into our home. Make sense? Hopefully, it does.
These are items I bought or was gifted that we didn’t use or used least.
1. NoseFrida
We didn’t register for this item but were given it sort of as a gag gift because my husband thought it was gross. He never has put it to the test.
Our baby was born in January and made it through the first ten months without getting sick. We never got this item out of the box.
No hate though, we very likely will use this item in the future. I’m sure eventually we will have a little cold run through the house.
2. Breast Pump
I was a lucky momma that got to bring my baby to work with me. Therefore, no real need to pump. I did use it a handful of times, but just found it to be more work and not necessary for my lifestyle.
I received my breast pump through insurance so at least we didn’t waste money on this item.
The item I did use was the Haakaa which I highly recommend. Check out my post What is the Haakaa and Why I Love It!
3. Bottles
Our baby ended up being 99.9% exclusively breastfeed. As I mentioned before she came to work with me so feedings were straight off the tap. We tried the bottle like 6 times total.
My personal goal was to breastfeed and I was successful in doing so. We did not register for any bottles. This was a tough decision because you just never know.
We got a few freebies and figured we could make due if breastfeeding didn’t work out. No regrets on skipping bottles on the registry. So glad we didn’t waste anyone’s money!
4. Bottlebrush
Again we didn’t use bottles therefore, no need to clean bottles. I don’t regret this item though.
This will come in handy with sippy cups as our baby grows. And in the long run, it can be used to wash any and all dishes. I wouldn’t consider this a regret, just not used much yet.
5. Multiple Types of Pacifier
The Mam became our baby’s favorite. We have two of them and never lost one the whole first year.
We keep two random pacifiers in the diaper bag for when we are out running around. We didn’t want to lose the “good ones” so we kept really good track of them.
Other random pacifier didn’t get used. We got random freebies when signing up for baby registries and stuff like that.
Sometimes it’s better to have less and keep track of them. If you have 20 floating around your house you start to lose them.
6. Drool Bib Scarves
These are the handkerchief scarf type bibs. These could be used once solid food is introduced but more often are to catch drool and spit up messes.
We used these some, but they were not a critical item for us. We found ourselves using receiving blankets to wipe up drool and spit-up.
I don’t hate them; I just don’t see them as this crazy must have-item.
They just felt like one more item to wash, dry, fold, and put away.
7. Newborn Hats
We always forgot to use them! Our baby was born in January, which for most would be a valid reason to use baby hats. We had a winter car seat cover, so I guess that worked for us.
We also had more than necessary. I purchased a pack of 5 on sale while I was still pregnant. Then a few outfit sets came with hats so we had more than we needed. My suggestion would be don’t go crazy on hats. Also if you are having a summer baby don’t bother!
8. Newborn Socks
WOULD NOT STAY ON. We gave up.
I’m sorry but I just can’t get myself to spend my hard-earned money on newborn socks that you likely won’t be able to keep on your little one. Which also means you will lose them all over the place!
9. Newborn Shoes
Who has time for this? We were given some hand-me-down shoes that I kept just in case. They were never used. Such a joke. I am glad we didn’t spend any money in this area.
10. Butt Paste
We got lucky in this department. At one year old our baby has needed butt paste about ten times. I don’t regret having it on hand because we have in fact used it. I just didn’t need to get so much.
Get small sizes rather than bulk. Keep one in the diaper bag and at all changing stations in your home. I would have rather had three tiny bottles than one bulk size for this.
11. Small Burp Cloths
I am not a big fan of the small over the shoulder burp cloths. I preferred a flannel receiving blanket.
The small burp cloths are one more item to fold and put away when you do laundry. I prefer to have fewer piles while folding. I would just simplify by using receiving blankets. While out and about if they capture a large spit up you can fold it and continue using it.
Conclusion
These are items we had just in case but didn’t get much use. They aren’t bad products. They were just items that didn’t fit our lifestyle or suit our needs.
Some of these items could be your everyday items, such as a breast pump if you work out of the home and away from your baby.
If you are heading into delivery planning to exclusively bottle feed you may think my list is crazy. Items I didn’t use are the items you will use daily. That’s ok.
My point is there will be items you receive or purchase that just won’t get much use.
These are the items you don’t recommend to a friend or wouldn’t purchase again for a second child. I keep this list in mind when purchasing an item for a friend having a baby.
As always follow your path and lifestyle. Good luck to you on navigating the endless lists of baby items!
Comment down below what items you used least.
Check Out My Articles
Everything You Need to Know About Introducing Solid Food to Your Baby
13 Baby Items You Can Absolutely Leave off Your Registry
Smart Purchases for New Parents: My Top 11 Favorite Baby Products