De-Influencing Baby Gear: What to Invest In and What You Can Skip

It’s hard not to swoon over itty-bitty baby shoes and tiny sundresses, but when it comes time to put together a comprehensive baby registry that’ll cover all of baby’s needs, things start feeling a little more daunting. Newborns require a lot of stuff, and it can be hard to discern what’s a necessity versus a “nice to have.” With inflation, tariffs and price increases, it’s no big surprise if your wallet is hurting. Luckily, there are some common baby registry items you can get along just fine without.

So what’s a non-negotiable and what can you skip? The key lies in thoughtfully addressing what gear will best support your lifestyle as a new parent. “Think of your registry in phases,” says Audra Jones, a baby gear expert with GoodBuy Gear. “What will you realistically use in the first six months? If you’re planning to use a bassinet or even a gently used SNOO, you can hold off on a crib and put that money toward the essentials you’ll need right away.” Here, experts break down all the things to think about and tips for determining the essentials from the fluff.

Must-Haves: Baby Gear That’s Worth the Investment

When creating your registry, think about “high-impact, daily-use items like a quality stroller, a safe car seat and whatever you need to support your feeding journey—whether that’s a great pump or a full bottle set,” Jones says. “These are your day-one essentials and are worth the investment.” It’s important to note that what counts as an essential item may look different for you than it does for someone else—and that’s okay. “For some families it’ll just be the basics: a car seat, a safe place to sleep, feeding gear and diapering gear. For some families, having some other items such as a stroller, a bouncer, a baby carrier, a high chair or a monitor may be necessary,” adds Rebekah Kimminau, CPST, a baby gear and registry expert.

Plus, remember this doesn’t have to be the gear that’s the most expensive or from the luxury brands you’re seeing influencers use on social media. These products are meant to meet you where you are—functionally and financially—as you adapt to a new chapter in your life. As long as they meet safety standards, that’s all that matters.

Car seat

This one is really non-negotiable. Very few things are more important than baby being safe in the car. In fact, the hospital won’t let you head home after birth without a car seat. While they can get expensive, experts say it’s best to buy these new so you know it hasn’t been in an accident. Car seats actually have expiration dates, and a used car seat may not perform up to its original crash-safety standards. The best car seats will not only have superior performance features, but will also be comfy for baby and easy to clean. “The number one priority would be to purchase your car seat new. Almost everything else can be purchased second hand,” says Kimminau. “If finances are super tight, I’d put this on the top of the priority list.”

Stroller

“Just as important as a car seat, a stroller allows you to travel with baby safely and efficiently,” says Benjamin Ho, MD, medical director of the concierge medicine program at Texas Children’s Pediatrics. “There are many types of strollers with different features and purposes, and it’ll take some research to figure out what fits your specific needs.” In the past, parents have sometimes bought multiple strollers for different purposes, such as a jogging and travel stroller, but multiple strollers isn’t a necessity. Just find one that solves all your purposes and your daily needs. For example, if you live in the city, your stroller should be lightweight, easy to maneuver with one hand and easy to fold for hopping on the train. If you’ll be strolling along dirt or gravel roads, consider a jogging stroller with lots of storage for packing up a picnic. If you’re on the go a lot, you may want a travel system stroller that your infant car seat can snap into (so you don’t have to wake your little one when you get to your destination). The good news for strollers is they usually last for multiple kiddos, so it’s often worth the investment.

Baby carrier

Baby carriers allow you to keep your hands free, while also keeping baby safe, snug and close to you. Kimminau calls this item a necessity for new parents, but again this will depend on your needs. Babywearing can come in handy for families that are out and about a lot; they’re also a great way for your partner to bond with baby. Not to mention, a carrier can help if your little screams every time you put them down. Of course, you won’t know baby’s temperament until after they’re born, but the ability to have baby close to you and be hands free to handle chores makes this a product that’s usually worth the investment.

Breast pump and supplies

These can be pricey, but if you plan to breastfeed and eventually head back to work, occasionally be away from baby during a feeding or simply have your partner offer baby a bottle, you’re going to need a breast pump. “The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends breastfeeding and breast milk, if at all possible,” Ho says. “ With this in mind, you’ll surely have to invest in a breast pump.” A top-notch double electric breast pump will help you get as much liquid gold out as you can in a session, and keep you as comfortable as possible. And here’s the good news: You might actually be able to score a breast pump through your insurance. Under the Affordable Care Act, many health insurance plans cover the cost entirely or with a small co-pay. But every insurance plan is different, so check in with your provider.

If you’re pumping, you’re also going to need milk storage bags, nursing pads, nipple creams and baby bottles.

Bassinet, playard or crib

One of the non-negotiable baby products baby will need is a playard or crib to offer them a safe place to sleep. Safe sleep is paramount for babies, especially considering the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). “Just like you and me, baby will spend a lot of time sleeping. It’s essential to have a comfortable crib and mattress that fits your nursery needs,” Ho says. To reduce the risk of SIDS, the AAP now recommends that baby should sleep in your room (but not in your bed) for at least the first six months of life, and ideally up to a year. Of course, many parents’ bedrooms aren’t spacious enough to accommodate a full-size crib. A bassinets is a great solution—but this item can be expensive and only last a few months before baby outgrows it. If you’re trying to get the most bang for your buck, consider trying a more affordable travel crib or playard instead—you’ll be able to get great use out of those well into your child’s toddler years.

Cloth or disposable diapers

Diapers and diapering items, like diaper rash cream are essential. You can opt to go for cloth diapers and wash them, or buy disposable ones. If you choose the latter, you can turn to wholesale markets like Costco or Sam’s Club for deals on bulk diapers. Many retailers will also let you exchange unused diapers for a different size if baby grows out of them.

Of course, not all diapers are created equal—and, just like the fabrics we choose to wear, each baby may have their own sensitivities. You may need to test-run a few diapers to find the best fit, but once you find a brand you like, see if they have rewards, loyalty or subscription programs.

Baby wipes

You’ll need something to clean baby’s diaper area during changes, and disposable wipes that can be bought in bulk (like diapers) are often the go-to, as they’re the easiest to use. Sure, you might think about buying wash cloths instead (similar to cloth diapers), but you’ll need to have a lot on hand. “This can become quite messy with pooping and definitely will add to your laundry load,” explains Oklahoma-based pediatrician Denise Scott, MD. “Keep in mind that babies can stool quite frequently and the cloths will need to be rinsed before putting in your washer. This may be more budget friendly, but also more labor intensive.” Our recommendation? Cut costs elsewhere and buy the wipes!

Baby care items

You’ll likely need to invest in a first-aid kit for baby. “Babies naturally get sick,” Ho says, especially as they build and strengthen their immune systems. To set your family up for success when this happens, you’ll want to have care items like a recital baby thermometer, nasal aspirator and medicine like infant Tylenol on hand. (Of course never give medicine to an infant, unless instructed to by your pediatrician.) Luckily, brands, including Fridababy, sell baby first aid kits that include many—if not all—of the items you’ll need.

Clothing

Again, this is a basic necessity baby will need. But, as is true for adults, they don’t need the cute but pricey outfits they’ll probably only wear for an hour before they spit up. When it comes to babies, simple, soft fabrics like cotton work best for their sensitive skin. Buy enough newborn clothing essentials—like onesies, hats, socks and swaddle blankets—so that you’re not doing laundry multiple times a day. Plus, you can definitely get clothing secondhand if you feel comfortable doing so. “Utilizing the baby gear secondhand sites and reselling places can be a really helpful tool, especially during financially stressful times,” Kimminau says.

Baby monitor

As a new parent, baby’s naps often become the best time to get work and chores done. But, for peace of mind, you’ll want to be able to watch over them with a baby monitor as they sleep. The good news is baby monitors are often on sale for big discount events—like Prime Day summer sales and Black Friday—so there are many opportunities to save.

Books and toys

Books and toys may seem frivolous if you’re trying to be fiscally responsible, but they’re actually crucial to baby’s learning and development. Studies have found that reading with baby from a young age really helps build their vocabulary and strengthens language development. Age-appropriate toys also help teach babies skills like problem solving and hand-eye coordination.

Of course, there are tons of books and toys for littles out there. To be budget-friendly, stick to getting only a few books and toys that’ll hold up over time. You can also get these used from your local library, retailers, friends and family members. There’s also a good chance loved ones will get baby toys and books for holidays and birthdays, so it’s okay to buy a little less than you think you’ll need.

“Nice-to-Haves”: Baby Gear That’s Safe to Skip

When you’re creating your baby registry, you’ll come across a ton of nice-to-haves. Don’t get us wrong, most of those truly are nice to have—but are they strictly necessary? No. If you’re trying to save on space or money, there are some baby items that you can skip, at least for the time being. “You can skip high chairs, plates and cups for now. You won’t need them in the early months, and your preferences might change once you’re there,” Jones says.

Nursery chair

You’ll spend hours feeding, rocking and reading to your little one, so it may be helpful to have a chair in baby’s nursery. That said, it’s certainly not a necessity, and it doesn’t need to be a fancy one that rocks, glides, swivels or even reclines. If you do end up wanting a nursery chair, just make sure it’s durable and comfortable enough for you to hold baby through their bedtime routines. Plus, as Scott notes, you can pick up a nursery chair second-hand—or even use an existing one in your house.

Bottle sterilizer

It used to be that parents sterilized their baby bottles after every feeding, but with today’s treated municipal water, that’s not necessary. When you first buy bottles, they’ll need to be sterilized before baby drinks from them (since you don’t know what the bottle touched before it was packaged)—but it’s usually a one-and-done type of deal. After that initial round, per the AAP, it’s fine to just clean the bottles with soap and water.

However, if your child was premature, has ongoing health issues or was recently sick, and if your drinking water isn’t safe, you’re borrowing a bottle or generally prefer to err on the side of caution, you might find yourself sterilizing multiple bottles. If that’s the case, dropping the bottles and parts into boiling water on the stove for a few minutes works just as well—no special bottle sterilizer needed.

Bottle warmer

Some babies have very strong preferences when it comes to the temperature of their bottles. Bottle warmers can be great, as they can save on time and hassle. But you can totally skip this registry item. It turns out, per the AAP, placing a baby bottle under running warm water from the faucet or inside a cup of warm-to-hot water for a few minutes will heat up a bottle relatively fast.

Wipe warmer

While room-temperature wipes may seem too cold for baby’s skin, a wipe warmer is absolutely something you can scratch off the list. “Wipe warmers may give you a sense that you’re making your infant more comfortable, but how many centuries did we survive without them,” says Scott. “Let’s face it, no baby really enjoys diaper changes, whether with wet or cold wipes. Just keep it quick…if you must, run your wipe under warm water, but again, [it’s] not necessary.” Plus, keep in mind that if you’re not on top of wetting the pads frequently, the wipe warmer can dry out, causing an overheating hazard. You’re too busy to add this chore to your list—and baby should get used to room-temp wipes for when you’re changing diapers on the go.

Changing table

Yes, you’ll need to have a space to change baby’s diapers, but a specially designed changing table isn’t necessary. Instead, invest in a midsize dresser, a comfy changing mat and some cute shelves. It makes for a perfect area to lay baby down and store your diapering supplies. When baby gets older, you can repurpose the dresser for storing their clothes.

Feeding pillow

There are many infant feeding pillows on the market, and while they can make nursing and bottle-feeding positions easier, they’re not a necessity. Plenty of moms use regular pillows from their bed or couch instead. Heck, we’ve seen moms walking and nursing at the same time (that’s talent!). Of course, if you want one to optimize your comfort, go for it!

Nursing cape

Breastfeeding in public can leave you feeling a little—exposed. But know that it’s legal in all 50 states. For those who prefer (rather than feel pressured) to cover up while nursing in public, there are many cool-looking nursing capes on the market. If you decide to skip them, a simple lightweight blanket or scarf will do the same job—and doubles as a comfy cover to keep baby snug and warm!

Burp cloths

Most infants do a whole lot of spitting up, so it’s smart to have some sort of cloth on your lap or over your shoulder during and after a feeding. But that doesn’t mean you have to buy special burp cloths from big-name brands. In the end, it’s going to be covered with baby’s vomit, so soft towels or dish cloths work fabulously for the same purpose.

Diaper bags

While you’ll need something to carry around baby’s diapers, wipes and other gear, it doesn’t necessarily have to be a designated diaper bag. “Diaper bags have gotten quite expensive—a marketing gimmick since any backpack or tote bag will suffice, and you can load it with whatever you choose,” Scott says. Odds are, you probably already have a bag that would work just fine as baby’s diaper bag at home.

Swings or bouncers

A swing or bouncer can be a great place to set baby down when you want to keep them close but need to be hands-free. But these objects are more of a “nice-to-have” than a “need-to-have,” and can be easily skipped if you’re trying to save money. Or, consider purchasing them secondhand. “For items like swings, bouncers and baby entertainment, secondhand is the way to go,” Jones says. “Every baby is different, and you won’t know what they’ll actually enjoy, so these items can quickly turn into expensive clutter.” If you do decide to get a swing or bouncer—new or secondhand—consult the Consumer Product Safety Commission to ensure it’s never been recalled.

Activity centers

Similar to bouncers and swings, activity centers are a great way to keep baby entertained while you get some chores done. However, it’s a pretty short timeframe that baby will be able to use one—usually only from around 4 to 9 months—and there’s no guarantee baby will actually like sitting in it. Given this, getting an activity center may not be worth it. Some alternatives for an activity center are good old-fashioned floor play mats and toys. Or, like bouncers and swings, consider getting an activity center secondhand.

Diaper pail

A dedicated pail for all of baby’s diapers that’s conveniently located next to their changing station can sound like an easy way to deal with stinky and dirty diapers—but it’s certainly not necessary. Not to mention, this isn’t a one-and-done expense, as you’ll have to constantly replenish the bag or liner. The good news is any old trash can you already have at home will do the trick.

Crib bumpers and extra bedding

Not only do you not need crib bumpers, you actually shouldn’t have them. The AAP says crib bumpers and other loose bedding can be a suffocation hazard for baby and should never be placed in the crib when baby’s sleeping. In fact, the sale and manufacturing of crib bumpers and inclined sleepers was banned in 2022 as part of the Safe Sleep Act. When nap or nighttime rolls around, the only things that should be in the crib are a fitted sheet and your child.

How to Stretch the Shelf Life of Your Baby Gear

The cost of becoming a parent can be daunting in these financially uncertain times. Many Americans now face the threat of tariffs on top of rising costs—often without increased salaries to adjust for inflation. That can be scary when you’re looking at saving for childbirth, as well as baby’s health and education, but take heart in knowing there are ways to stretch your dollar and your gear. Below experts offer some tips on how to be budget-conscious when buying for parenthood.

• Consider renting and trade-in programs: Babies grow quickly—and won’t need some of their gear for more than a few months. This is certainly true for bassinets, which are usually only used until baby’s around 5 months old. This is why many brands, including Happiest Baby and Target, offer programs that let you rent gear or trade it in. This way you only pay for what you need and you free up space once baby’s done with it. Of course, if you’re planning for more kids soon, it could be more financially friendly to buy the equipment and store it for later use.
• Shop secondhand: You can do this in multiple ways. Depending on what your priorities are, consider shopping secondhand. Approximately 30 percent of modern baby gear purchases “now come from secondhand and open-box sources, and 43 percent of post-registry purchases are no longer brand new,” notes Jones. “Parents are getting smart about what they really need—and when.”
• Wait for sales: Prices may be going up, but tons of brands still have major sales year-round, offering discounts on many expensive essentials, like cribs, strollers, car seats and more. It’s worth it to do your research but wait for the items to go on sale before purchasing. “If you’re in need of baby gear and have time to wait, you can save yourself some money,” Scott says. The Bump community member KaiteKim0815 usually waits for Baby Gap sales to get her kids’ clothing. “When you shop the sales rack it’s not bad, and the quality is great for hand-me-downs for future kids,” she says.
• Be intentional about your purchases: The key to being budget conscious is really thinking about what’s a necessity—and why—and what can be skipped. “Realize that the majority of baby items are simply marketing ploys—much of what is marketed is unnecessary, some are convenient and others a luxury,” says Scott. Plus, look for gear that’ll last throughout baby’s early years, such as convertible car seats and cribs.
• Buy in stages: There are many baby gear items that you’ll need as baby grows, but not during the newborn stage. If you’re trying to budget, get all the things you’ll need for postpartum and wait to purchase the items you don’t need right away, Kimminau says. These things include a high chair, baby utensils and teething equipment.
• Share with your village: Creating a network to pass down toys and clothing your child has outgrown can be a great way to save money. “I’ve been donating most everything to a friend who just had twins last week. Getting their babies was a monumental financial investment for them,” shares srs5624, a community member on The Bump. “I’ve already started another box of clothes and toys, so I’ll have a load of stuff to take to her right about the time that they get home from the NICU.”

Please note: The Bump and the materials and information it contains are not intended to, and do not constitute, medical or other health advice or diagnosis and should not be used as such. You should always consult with a qualified physician or health professional about your specific circumstances.