As I work on my baby registry series, I am finding that there are certain things that I didn’t need. Baby goods are expensive and I wouldn’t want you to waste your money, so these are some items that I felt I could live without.

1. Wipes warmer ~ I am a faithful supporter of Moms on Call. In their books, they say that wipes should be used cool so they will be refreshing. Also if you get babies used to the feeling of cool wipes, you won’t have to worry about having warm wipes in public. I use cloth wipes and water and throw them in the washer with my cloth diapers {post coming soon} and never have to worry about them drying out, not being on sale, etc.

2. Baby bathrobes and slippers ~ Buy some nice fluffy hooded towels for after the bath instead.

3. Baby bedding sets ~ There some cute ones out there, but you are not going to use that baby comforter and you will need more then one sheet. These sets are usually overpriced and you can find adorable custom sheets and crib skirts for much less. We’ll get to the bumpers a little later. But don’t forget to buy that waterproof mattress pad!

4. Bumbo ~ Everyone told me I had to have one of these. I love the idea behind it. It’s a little chair that baby can practice sitting in and then use with a tray later on for snacks. When our little girl tried one at 3 months, she was already too big for it. Her little legs were so pinched! I have heard that the Bumbo works well for skinnier, smaller babes so if you really have your heart set on a one, perhaps wait to buy it until after your little one is born, or keep the receipt just in case your little one is on the chubbier side! I do have an alternative for you. I have the Baby Snug from Mamas and Papas and it still fits my daughter perfectly {she is ten months now}, and it has a removable seat for younger infants so she can use it later on as a toddler as well. Two seats in one and it comes with the tray.

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5. Stuffed animals ~ Not all stuffed animals, but ones that can only be spot cleaned and not machine washed.

6. Baby food makers ~ If you have a food processor that your well meaning Aunt bought you as a wedding gift, it does the same thing as a baby food maker in larger batches. It’s one less thing to pack away after baby grows up too.

7. Crib bumpers ~ I get it — they make your crib look adorable! But when you’re home from the hospital and are up most of the night hoping that your baby is still breathing, you don’t want to worry about bumpers. Thank you Canada for removing them from bedding sets!

8. Diaper pails ~ I use cloth diapers so this is not something that I felt I needed to invest in. However after using disposable diapers for the first little while and still using them overnight {and talking to many friends that have these cans}, I still think that you don’t need one. They are expensive garbage cans with expensive bags that go with them. Buy a good steel can with a lid that closes tight, then empty it regularly. Much cheaper and you don’t have to buy special bags.

So Mamas please share – what baby gear do you think new moms should skip?

Mrs. Tea’s Registry Series part 3 of 3

1. Newborn Essentials by Mrs. Tea
2. My Top Ten Picks for Registering ~ Part 1: Sleep by Mrs. Tea
3. Baby Gear to Skip by Mrs. Tea

Baby Gear: Buy or Skip? part 2 of 2

1. Baby Gear: Buy or Skip? by Swarm
2. Baby Gear to Skip by Mrs. Tea

Gear to Skip or Register For Instead part 1 of 3

1. Baby Gear to Skip by Mrs. Tea
2. Baby Gear: Buy or Skip? by Swarm
3. Mrs. Polish's CAN Live Without Gear by Mrs. Polish

Mrs. Tea’s Registry Recommendations part 1 of 3

1. Baby Gear to Skip by Mrs. Tea
2. My Top Ten Picks for Registering ~ Part 1: Sleep by Mrs. Tea
3. My top picks for registering ~ Part 2: toys for the first year by Mrs. Tea