Shopping for a newborn can be an overwhelming experience, especially for first-time parents. Marketing tactics have convinced us that we need everything we see, which simply isn’t true. Your newborn needs surprisingly few things to thrive and be happy, so you may want to take a step back and consider, “Do I really need all that stuff?”

Photo: Shirota Yuri/Unsplash

If you’re trying to build a baby registry list for your friends and family to follow, you may want to forgo the following five items in exchange for more practical, useful baby things. 

1. Baby Powder

Baby powder is designed to keep a baby’s bottom dry between diaper changes, but it’s not exactly the safest option for the job. Often containing talc, it may cause health issues later in life, especially in females.

A much safer and better option if your baby is prone to rashes is nappy rash cream. These creams form a protective barrier that keeps wetness away from baby’s delicate skin and won’t cause health problems in the future. 

2. Wipe Warmer

Something every new mom feels her baby needs is a wipe warmer. How devastating it must be to have your bum cleaned with a cold wipe! 

The reality is, while wipe warmers are great in theory, they are actually a fire hazard, and what happens when you’re away from home and have to use room-temperature wipes? Your toasty-bottomed baby will be shocked! The truth is, your baby will not notice and there is no need for wipe warmers. They are a luxury-turned-potential-hazard that your little one can do without. 

3. Bedding Sets

Decorating a nursery is a rite of passage many new moms and dads look forward to. It’s fun choosing a theme and then adding all the accents and elements to bring it all together. 

While decorating your newborn’s nursery, though, you may be tempted to purchase a collection of bedding sets that coordinate with the theme of the room. Sure, it’ll look great, but did you know that the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that newborns sleep in a crib on a firm mattress with only a fitted sheet and nothing else? Any additional padding, stuffed animals, or soft bedding could be a suffocation hazard that leads to S.I.D.S (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome). 

Rather than wasting money on bedding that could pose a danger to your child, invest in several good fitted sheets – you’re going to need them as you’ll be changing sheets often! 

4. Newborn Diapers

Of course, you’ll need newborn diapers, but this entry is to warn you not to buy too many. Babies grow fast, and if yours is born on the bigger side, they will outgrow the newborn size in no time. 

It’s a great idea to have plenty of diapers on hand, but it’s hard to estimate how many you’ll need of each size. If you have Amazon Prime, you may want to consider purchasing diapers from there when you need them because the guaranteed two-day shipping can get them to your door quickly. 

5. Newborn Shoes

OK, so newborn baby shoes are super cute, but when it comes down to it, they’re pointless. Your little one won’t be walking anywhere anytime soon, and they’ll likely outgrow them in a few weeks. Instead, invest in some thick, warm socks to keep those adorable little feet warm. There are lots of fun options available!

Newborn babies need surprisingly little to live their best lives. While it’s nice to have the luxuries, you may want to consider leaving these five baby items off your registry list.