The Real Baby Gear Checklist: Must-Haves vs. Total Skips

Two transparent plastic bags filled with various baby essentials, with baby shoes, a stack of diapers, a pink bottle, and a notebook with a pen placed on the floor

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Let’s be real—babies are expensive, and stores know it.

In the first year, you’ll see over 100 baby items pushed on you. But guess what? You don’t need most of them. Some are cute but pointless, and others just take up space.

Here’s a simple breakdown of what baby gear is actually worth it, what you can totally skip, and a few money-saving tips that helped me stretch our budget when I had my first.

🛑 What Baby Gear You Can Skip

a hand placing a baby bottle into a sterilizer filled with multiple bottles

1. Wipe warmers
They sound fancy, but babies don’t care. Cool wipes are just fine, and warmers tend to dry out the wipes anyway.

2. Diaper stackers
They look cute in the nursery, but a basic basket or shelf does the job just as well—and takes up less space.

3. Baby shoes (for non-walkers)
Yes, they’re adorable. No, they’re not necessary. Until your baby walks, stick to socks or bare feet.

4. Changing tables
Unless you have a huge nursery, skip this. A changing pad on top of a dresser works perfectly and saves space.

Baby changing table with a padded mat, diapers, bottles, a human wooden figurine, and baby shoes hanging on the wall

5. Bottle sterilizers
Unless your pediatrician says otherwise, hot soapy water or the dishwasher is safe for cleaning bottles.

6. Baby food makers
Your regular blender or food processor works just fine! Or skip purées and try baby-led weaning instead.

✅ What’s Actually Worth Buying

a man securing a child in a red car seat, carefully fastening the seatbelt

1. Convertible car seat
Instead of buying multiple seats as your child grows, get one that lasts. It’s safe and saves money long term.

2. Soft baby carrier
Perfect for fussy babies, errands, and multitasking. A comfortable, adjustable carrier is a lifesaver.

3. Safe crib or bassinet
This one matters. Make sure it meets current safety standards, fits your space, and feels sturdy.

4. Stretchy swaddle blankets
Get at least 4 to 6. They double as burp cloths, nursing covers, tummy time mats—you’ll use them constantly.

5. One swing or bouncer
Some babies love movement, but you only need one. Don’t fall into the trap of buying every version.

6. Diaper bag backpack
Hands-free is the way to go. Get one with lots of pockets and a fold-out changing pad.

7. A good stroller
Skip the trend and pick a stroller that fits your lifestyle (walking, jogging, travel). You don’t need five different ones.

💰 Smart Ways to Save on Baby Gear

mother carrying a baby in a front-facing carrier while standing beside the father, surrounded by shelves stocked with baby essentials in a baby store

Buy secondhand when possible
Gently used baby gear is everywhere. Try Facebook Marketplace, Once Upon a Child, or local parent groups.

Skip the full registry list
You don’t need everything on those checklists. Focus on what fits your space and routine.

Accept hand-me-downs
Say yes to clothes, swaddles, and gear from friends and family—babies grow out of stuff so fast.

Wait before buying everything
Don’t stock up on things like pacifiers or bottles until you know what your baby will actually use. Every baby is different.

👶 Final Thoughts

Babies don’t care if their nursery is Pinterest-perfect. What they need is simple: love, food, sleep, and diapers. Everything else? Bonus.

Save your money for what really matters—like meals you don’t have to cook, a stroller that actually works for you, or putting a little extra into that RESP.