While waiting for your baby to be born, there are ultrasounds to do, strawberry or spaghetti cravings to satisfy, childbirth preparation classes to complete... and some unrestrained shopping sessions. Of all these expectant mom activities, the last one is probably the riskiest. Without warning, you might splurge on yet another baby nest, a play gym "for later," or a rocking animal you’re not even sure you'll use. By the way, here is the top 10 of these unnecessary baby purchases—right now, and for every mom.
CONTENTS:
- 10 unnecessary baby items your little one doesn't need (and their alternatives)
- 10 smart tips to avoid useless newborn purchases
10 items your baby doesn't need (and their alternatives)
Before we begin, let's clarify: the items on this list are not ranked in any particular order, and it's not an exhaustive list 🙂. Depending on your situation, habits, choices for your baby, the number of children you have, or even where you live, one or another might actually prove useful to you—and that's perfectly normal.
A diaper pail designed just for diapers
As its name suggests, the diaper pail is designed specifically to hold your baby's diapers and nothing else. It's true, diapers aren’t like other trash.😉
Moreover, for it to work properly, this special pail must be equipped with compatible bags, which individually seal diapers as you toss them in to prevent odors and mess. Yet in practice, a dirty diaper is still a dirty diaper, and you'll always need to wash your hands after changing. Plus, those individually wrapped diapers will eventually end up mixed with regular waste in the trash when you empty (often) your baby's pail.
One last thing, the diaper pail is relatively expensive (expect to pay around $44), and so are the refills (about $10 to $14 per month for average use).
Less expensive, just as practical, and reusable: a regular swing-top trash can with a roll of freezer or scented bags right next to the changing table. With every change, just bag it up, seal the diaper, and you’re done. Later, the baby pail becomes a paper bin, and the bags can go right back into your kitchen drawer.
Too many newborn-size clothes
Labeled newborn or 0 months and recommended for babies about 20 inches and 7.3 lbs, they are, in most cases, already too small when your baby arrives. Plus, if you consider a full-term baby gains about 2.2 lbs and roughly 1 inch a month, they’ll definitely outgrow them soon.
The trick here is to buy in moderation. Why in moderation? Because teeny-tiny baby clothes are irresistibly cute, of course! 😍 But also because, just like all the clothes you'll buy until your child is two or three, they won't be worn for long. To avoid quickly filling up cardboard boxes, just get a few iconic pieces to dress up your favorite new-mom memories.
Stuffed animals and bath toys, stuffed animals and more...
It’s hard to say whether the flood of stuffed animals your baby doesn’t look at or the deluge of bath toys they don’t use is cuter or more unnecessary. Especially since some stuffed animals will always be left behind at the bottom of the toy box, while your child will more likely use their hands to splash you during bath time.🐳
To save time and space, buy the one you think will become THE lovey for your little one, their transitional object, and maybe add a giant plush for decoration. For bath play, a natural sponge and a few different-sized plastic containers (for pouring, dumping, filling, and transferring) will be plenty. Also, give your friends and family a heads-up! Otherwise, they’ll be sure to shower you with many more as gifts.
Baby scale at home
In the vast majority of cases, buying a baby scale is unnecessary, since after birth, medical and pediatric appointments come one after another, and you’ll have plenty of chances to monitor your baby’s weight with your doctor.🩺
If you truly think you’ll need one—if you’re breastfeeding, if your baby is premature, or if your pediatrician recommends regular weigh-ins—consider renting a scale for a few months, perhaps from your pharmacy.
Shoes for a baby who doesn't walk yet
Again, as with almost anything newborn-related, baby shoes are incredibly adorable, but totally useless. First, babies don't walk and generally don’t walk until about age one 👣. Second, because of the shape, flexibility, and position of their feet, shoes just won't stay on.
Instead, opt for newborn booties—they’re just as cute and easy to match but more comfortable and suitable for tiny feet—or choose non-slip socks with thick, protective, anti-skid soles.
A baby walker (to bump into things)
No doubt you’ve experienced this: your little one, strapped into a walker, is screaming, speeding around, and crashing into everything. Last time you got hit in the ankles by the walker, you decided to stick it in storage—not your baby, the walker. Very bulky, somewhat dangerous, and controversial (in France, they are banned in daycares due to concerns over posture and walking development), the baby walker is almost certainly not essential—especially as kids barely use them, mostly between 8 months and one year.
Instead, try a push wagon—it helps develop motor skills and helps little ones take their first steps confidently. Plus, it can be repurposed as a doll stroller or mini shopping cart, and it’s a lot easier to store.🛒
A playpen in the middle of the living room
Similarly, if you’ve ever used a playpen or know parents who do, you know that kids never want to stay in them, and they take up a ton of space—even the folding kind.
Much prettier and—again—repurposable, a play mat creates a wonderful learning and play area where your baby can’t fall, pinch themselves, or feel frustrated.😌
A breast pump just for you (you can rent one)
When it comes to breast pumps, it’s a bit different. Whether you practice combination feeding or exclusive pumping, returning to work soon and it’s time to switch to bottles 🧑🍼. Or maybe you’ve always bottle-fed but want to give your own milk. The breast pump itself is useful and justified, but buying one isn’t.
Did you know your midwife can prescribe a manual or electric breast pump, available for pickup at your pharmacy? Rental for a short or long term, reimbursed through health insurance.
A baby bathtub
Baby bathtubs are nice, but again, very bulky, and unless you have huge closets or a large walk-in shower, you never know where to store them. Plus, they’re not always as ergonomic as they claim. Even the Shantala will only serve you for a few short months.
If your home has a regular bathtub, you can bathe skin-to-skin with your baby 🛁. Guaranteed relaxation and wellness. If not, use a big wash basin (which is basically just a different-shaped baby tub) or even the bathroom or kitchen sink. Prepare for some adorable memories!
A bottle sterilizer
Yes, even though our moms did it for years, sterilizing bottles is no longer recommended. In fact, even the ANSES no longer suggests it. So free up some counter space and go ahead and put away your bottle drying rack, too 🍼.
Instead, get a simple bottle brush or choose bottles soft enough to hand wash easily with gentle soap and hot water.
10 smart tips to avoid useless newborn purchases
Impulse buys or bad recommendations, not every purchase from the baby aisle is a good idea. After pinpointing the most unnecessary items, let’s consider how to steer clear of wasteful spending and focus on useful, healthy, long-lasting choices for your child.
- The baby registry is the number one essential for staying focused on your purchases and avoiding impulsive in-store splurges. Take time to plan it during your pregnancy and weigh the pros and cons of each item.
- Prioritize the essentials : a few bodysuits, sleeper pajamas, a baby nest for winter babies, a bassinet, and a stroller/car seat. You can always add more as needed. There’s no shortage of baby stores, and 1- to 2-day shipping is widely available.
- Do your research everywhere: by reading articles like this one, asking friends, joining parent forums, or even out in public. Spot another parent with a baby carrier you love? Feel free to politely ask them what they think of it.
- Before buying anything, think about what happens after, and about storage. Figure out what you’ll do with each item and where you’ll store it between uses. (For things like a walker, this tip can be a game changer.)
- For your baby, a "minimalist chic" wardrobe made of natural fabrics in soft, neutral colors will make mixing and matching easy. No more last-minute purchases.
- Try out the "less is more" rule by, for example, skipping the stroller in favor of a baby carrier. Practical and space-saving. You can always get an ultra-compact umbrella stroller when carrying becomes too much.
- In general, aim for long-lasting, high-quality products that will last your child a long time and can even be handed down to siblings.
- Always keep a “survival kit” for outings with your baby on hand. Stocked with everything you might need when you're away from home (diapers, wipes, bottle, formula, change of clothes, baby cologne, etc.), it helps you avoid impulse buys.
- Modular furniture is another tool in your fight against clutter. Convertible dressers, beds, and high chairs adapt to your child's changing needs and help with a minimalist, anti-waste lifestyle.
- Lastly, to avoid unnecessary gifts from family (and we all know how hard those are to dodge), notify your loved ones, make lists, and suggest they become godparents by contributing to your baby’s future, instead of buying material presents.
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Still, we've all fallen for that super-cute yet never-used toy, the never-worn outfit, or the gadget that went straight into storage—and that's okay. Treat yourself, and remember the most important thing: there's always room for the everyday memories you'll make with your baby.
