20 Items You Really Shouldn’t Put on Your Baby Registry

When you’re creating your baby shower registry, think of it as the ultimate present list — the best baby gifts of the year. You certainly will not receive everything you place on there, making it doubly important to be discerning with your choices. Nowadays, there are so many things for new parents that it’s easy to think you need everything when actually you need very little. 

We’re certain many of the items on this list are useful even if they’re not essential, and many parents will vehemently disagree with our choices. But, without ruffling too many feathers, ask yourself one question before you put that item on your baby registry: How long will this item actually be used for?

Because, trust us, the more items you put on your baby registry, the more they’ll fill your house until your kid is already out of diapers. 

Note: Prices are accurate at the time of publication, but they may fluctuate. Follow the links to check current pricing.

What an appropriate place to start! If you’re opting for disposable diapers, do not put them on your registry. You will end up with hundreds of newborn-size diapers and a growing baby who might move up to the next size quicker than you anticipated. This is why your parent friends are always offering you diapers — they were gifted 700 and only used 300. 

Luckily, you can donate unused diapers, but it’s better to budget for these purchases and buy in packs of less than 100. Yes, it will be a few dollars more expensive this way but you’re less likely to have tons of extra diapers when baby moves from a size 1 to size 2 in a matter of weeks. 

What to get instead: Alvababy Baby Cloth Diapers, One Size 6 Pack with 12 Inserts, $29.99

So, you’re excluding diapers but you want a container to hold soiled diapers. Makes sense. There is no shortage of special garbage pails designed just for stinky diapers to ensure the smell stays in the can. These can cost a lot of money, like the Diaper Genie from Playtex. It retails for about $40 and requires special bags that hold up to 270 diapers. Holy (poop)!  

Just do your research about diaper disposals before picking the first one that Amazon suggests.

What to get instead: Dekor Classic Hands-Free Diaper Pail, $29.99

Clothes are an easy gift that everyone thinks new parents need. If you put clothes on your registry, many friends and family members will be at Macy’s eyeing the four pack of onesies with the cute animal designs. Or they’ll find the little shirts that say “organic” or “grown locally.” They’re adorable, but they’re also a waste of registry space. 

Newborns do one thing really well: grow. They will grow out of newborn-size clothing in weeks, leaving you with a heap of unopened onesie four packs. Newborn clothing also gets peed and pooped on frequently, and it’s expensive. Try used clothes instead, or stagger the clothing options, asking for items at 3 months, 6 months, 9 months, etc.  

What to get instead: Gerber Baby 6 Pack Long-Sleeve Onesies Bodysuit, 12 Month, $20.99

Even if you have a dedicated nursery room, this item is a waste of money and space. As a parent, you will quickly learn the value of multifunctionality. A table with one purpose is the antithesis of that.

Instead of putting this large piece of furniture on your registry, opt for a beautiful dresser that can be used for years after baby grows out of diapers. They even make two-in-one changing tables that easily turn into a dresser as another option. One thing you will want, however, is an affordable changing mat that can go on top of the dresser or really any flat surface. You can even get one that’s portable and thus useful at home and on the go.

What to get instead: Delta Children Sutton 3 Drawer Dresser with Changing Top, $179.99