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minimalist baby registry

Baby Registry Ideas: What To Include And Leave Out

It’s definitely worth having a baby registry (also known as a baby wishlist) so your friends and family know what you want for your new baby. But expectant parents always wonder, “what are the items needed and not needed on a baby registry”? Here is a list of baby registry ideas to include and leave out.

If you’ve been reading up on some must have baby items, you’ve probably come across a few things that are quite unnecessary. I’m going to help you decide what things you should and shouldn’t put on your baby registry so you can avoid having baby products you most likely won’t use.

when should you start a baby registry?

This is just my opinion but I believe it’s never too early to start planning your baby registry once you find out you’re pregnant. I suggest you take your time to decide which specific baby items you want.

There is no set time to deliver your baby registry to friends and family. But you want to give them plenty of notice for them to shop before your baby shower (as your guests will probably give you the presents then) or before your baby is due. So, make sure your friends and family get your baby registry several weeks in advance.

Let’s start with items you could probably leave off your baby registry

baby shower gifts for baby

1) A Bottle Warmer

I’m not saying that a bottle warmer isn’t useful, but my argument is that they’re not that convenient when all you need is a bowl of hot water to warm up your baby’s bottle.

2) Changing Table

If you’re like most people, then you will probably change your baby on the bed or sofa. Instead of including a changing table in your baby registry, consider adding a waterproof changing mat as this will protect your bed and sofa.

Machine washable changing mats (such as the ones pictured below) will cost a lot less for your friends and family to purchase than a changing table. Plus, they don’t take up as much space as a changing table does.

baby registry ideas

3) Baby Shoes

You don’t need to include any baby shoes in your baby registry as these are useless until your baby starts learning to walk.

It can actually cause problems for your baby if they are put in shoes too early because shoes can cause them to trip as they crawl around.

4) Baby Food Maker

Baby food makers often take too much time and effort to use (and clean). The best and simplest thing I found for blending home cooked food is a regular hand blender – these are easy to use and clean. The baby food makers, unfortunately are one of those products that make life more complicated than it really has to be.

5) Scented Baby Bath Soap

The NHS recommends that newborns should be bathed with just plain water in their first month to protect their delicate skin. When you do start using baby soap to wash your baby, you can protect their skin further by using unscented / fragrance free soap.

6) Nappy Rash Cream

Most young babies don’t often get nappy rash. This often occurs when babies start eating solid foods. Even then, petroleum jelly works great as a nappy cream alternative because it has a similar effect and costs much less.

7) Too Many Blankets

Many new parents get too many blankets and then end up never using them. What you really need for your baby are 3 (or so) cellular blankets. These have small holes in them (see image below) that help to protect babies from overheating and suffocating. It’s good to have spare blankets but you don’t need more than a few.

Items for new baby

8) Too Many Clothes

Babies grow out of clothes way too fast so you don’t need many. Here is a full breakdown of the newborn clothing you need for a Summer or Winter baby.

9) Wipes Warmer

This is simply a luxury item that’s not essential. As long as your house is warm enough then your baby shouldn’t be bothered by the temperature of the baby wipes you use on their bum.

10) Baby Powder

Baby powder can actually be quite harmful to babies as some powders can cause respiratory problems and other harmful side effects according to Parents.com. We have covered what can help with nappy rash in number 6, as a baby powder alternative.

11) Cot Bumper Cushions

These may look pretty when they are placed around the sides of babies cots but they are dangerous due to risk of suffocation. So, do not include this in your baby registry.

12) Bottle Drying Rack

This product takes up a lot of extra space in your kitchen and is not necessary for drying bottles. You can simply sit the clean bottles on a dish rack and they will still dry.

13) Disposable Nursing Pads

Instead of getting disposable nursing pads, I would recommend getting the reusable breast pads that go in the washing machine. This will save you money and they are much better for the environment so it’s a win/win.

14) Blue and pink baby furniture

If you know the sex of your baby, it could be tempting to go for colours like blue and pink that we often associate with boys or girls. However, I would suggest that you reconsider this when it comes to getting things like furniture, just in case you have any more babies of the opposite sex.

Gender neutral colours such as beige, cream or yellow are not only beautiful but they are synonymous with boys and girls so opt for these colours instead.

Here Is a list of must have items for your baby registry

What are the best baby buy Items?

Some people my still consider these items as not essential. However, as someone who has used and loved these items again and again, I definitely consider them worth having to make life simpler with a baby.

1) A Pram Organiser

I definitely see the value in pram organisers. Simply put, they help parents to be organised when leaving the house as everything has its place. With an organiser, you can rest assured that you are unlikely to forget anything on your trip out.

2) Machine washable changing mat

I have mentioned washable changing mats above but I believe these are a must have for a number of reasons.

1) They help to protect your furniture when changing your baby’s nappy.

2) The washable mats often last longer than the others that have foam inside.

3) The washable changing mats are compact as they can be easily folded and carried around.

4) Because these change mats are washable, they are often more hygienic than other mats.

3) Travel Cot

These are great whenever you plan to travel as you will always know that your baby has somewhere comfortable to sleep. These also make a great playpen for babies to play in safely when you need them to stay in one place for a short period.

4) Car sun shade

A car sun shade is a great item to have, especially in the summer when it’s hot. Sun shades help to keep your baby cool, comfortable and they help to protect their eyes whenever you are travelling somewhere by car.

5) A Baby Car Mirror

With a baby car mirror fitted in your vehicle, you will have peace of mind knowing what your baby is doing while you are driving.

Here’s a full checklist of essentials needed for a new mum and baby

Now it’s time to create your baby registry

You don’t need to buy everything that is marketed towards babies. You just need the essentials and some necessary items to make life simpler.

Also, if you’re shopping and you see something you like but you’re not sure about, then ask other parents or research the product online.

Hopefully, this post has been helpful in guiding you on what you need to include in your baby registry and what you can pass up. You can always refer to this list of baby registry ideas at anytime if you forget what you do and don’t need on your list.

Also, don’t forget to thank your guests for their gifts and their support by giving them a sweet baby registry message.

You may also like:

Beautiful Mother To Be Wishes She Will Adore

18 Baby Shower Activities That Aren’t Games

20 Baby Shower Venue Ideas To Inspire You

Pregnancy Expectations Vs Reality (By Trimester)

baby items needed for newborn

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