15 Things Every New Parent Thinks They Need (But Don’t)

Getting ready for a baby can be a lot. There’s advice coming from every direction, and stores are packed with things that claim to help. But the truth is, most of it never gets used. Here are some things new parents usually buy—and don’t actually need.

Wipe Warmers

This sounds like a nice idea until you realize how much effort it takes to keep it clean and plugged in. Babies don’t care if wipes are room temp, and once you’re out and about, you’ll be using regular wipes anyway. It’s one of those extras that ends up in a closet after a few weeks.

Diaper Stackers

They’re cute, but totally unnecessary. You’ll end up grabbing diapers from the package or keeping a small basket nearby instead. Most parents find it easier to skip the extra steps and just keep diapers within arm’s reach wherever they do most of their changes.

Bottle Warmers

Unless your baby is extra sensitive, a quick warm-up in a mug of hot water works just as well. Some babies even prefer room temperature bottles, which makes outings way easier. A bottle warmer takes up space and adds one more gadget to clean.

Shoes for Newborns

Tiny baby shoes are adorable. They also fall off constantly and serve no real purpose until your baby is walking. Socks (if they’ll stay on) or footed pajamas do the job just fine in the early months. Save the cute shoes for later.

Changing Tables

They look nice in a nursery, but most parents end up changing diapers on the couch, bed, or floor. A changing pad on a dresser or portable mat is often more practical—and doesn’t take up extra space. It’s one less piece of bulky furniture to buy.

Fancy Bedding Sets

Crib bumpers, quilts, and frilly pillows might look beautiful, but they’re not safe for sleep and end up being decorative clutter. All your baby really needs is a fitted sheet and a safe sleep space. The rest just ends up getting removed or never used.

Nursing Covers

If you want one, go for it—but many new moms find them bulky or awkward. A swaddle blanket, scarf, or loose shirt can do the same job if you want privacy. And as you get more comfortable, you may find you don’t need a cover at all.

Baby Food Makers

It sounds smart in theory, but a regular blender or food processor does the same thing. Plus, some babies skip purées altogether and go straight to soft table food. Unless you really love prepping baby food from scratch, this gadget usually ends up collecting dust.

Shopping Cart Covers

They’re meant to protect babies from germs, but they’re bulky and often forgotten at home. A quick wipe with a sanitizing cloth does the trick, and most stores keep carts relatively clean. Once your baby’s old enough to sit in the cart, you’ll want to keep things simple.

Baby Bathrobes

They’re adorable for photos but not very useful in real life. After a bath, most babies just want to be dried off and dressed—not wrapped in a tiny robe. A soft towel works better and takes up less space in the laundry pile.

Specialized Laundry Detergent

Unless your baby has sensitive skin, you don’t need a separate detergent. Most fragrance-free or sensitive-skin options work for the whole family. You can always switch if needed, but there’s no reason to double up on laundry products from the start.

Dozens of Newborn Outfits

Newborns grow fast—and they mostly wear pajamas or simple onesies in those early days. It’s tempting to stock up, but you’ll probably rotate through the same few pieces. Stick with the basics and wait until your baby’s size and preferences are more predictable.

Baby Timers and Tracking Devices

There are apps, gadgets, and notebooks to track everything from feedings to sleep to diaper counts. While some tracking is helpful in the beginning, many parents ditch the systems pretty quickly. You’ll find your rhythm, and your instincts are more reliable than you think.

Pacifier Wipe Packs

Pacifiers fall. A lot. But you don’t need a special wipe for every single drop. A rinse under water—or wiping it with a clean cloth—usually works just fine. These wipes add up fast and are more of a “nice to have” than a must-have.

Fancy Outfits for the First Few Months

Between spit-up, diaper blowouts, and constant changes, dressing your baby in fussy outfits just isn’t worth it. Simple, soft clothes that are easy to take on and off will be your best friend. Those tiny jeans or button-up shirts? Cute in photos, but not so practical for daily wear.

What You Really Need Is Less

It’s easy to feel like you need everything when you’re prepping for a new baby. But most of the time, less really is more. Stick to the basics, focus on what makes your life easier, and trust that you’ll figure out what works best as you go. Your baby doesn’t need perfect gear—they just need you.

This article first appeared on Happy From Home.