Top ten things not to include on your baby registry

by Megan Murphey

Getting ready to pack your baby registry chock-full of widgets, toys, clothing, bedding, baby gear, furniture, gadgets and things that go beep?

Buyer beware! Not all baby products are created equal. Some are absolute lifesavers; others are nothing more than expensive frills and a waste of your hard-earned money.

We've asked parents who've recently made their way through the baby store jungle to let us know which products their babies could definitely live without. Some of their suggestions could surprise you!

Top ten "thumbs down" list

1. Baby wipes warmers

This gadget gets the wipes slightly warmer than room temperature until you whip one out to clean up your messy child. We give this appliance double negative points for wasting money up-front and wasting electricity over time.

2. Bottle warmers

Do you really need a bottle warmer? No. Will you use one? Maybe. Many parents choose to feed their babies breast milk at room temperature. If you want warm it up, you can run the milk under hot water in the sink or set the bottle in a pan of hot water. Be careful not to melt or boil the bottle.

3. Changing tables

Marketed as the perfect little piece of furniture for nurseries and very small people. Sounds good, but it takes up quite a bit of room and if your kid is a wiggler it's useless after 3 months. Instead, invest in a good changing pad for the dresser top (if low enough) or just use the couch or floor. The kitchen table works in a pinch.

4. Fancy bassinets

They are certainly pretty to look at, but you’ll probably only get a few weeks' worth of use out of it before it starts to collect dust in the corner of the room. Instead, try a travel crib, side-sleeper or even a play yard with a bassinet option.

5. Baby blankets

There's no need to register for baby blankets. Sure you need them, but people shopping for your shower and little one won't be able to resist all the adorable baby blankets they see. Before you know it, you’ll be drowning in blankets, wraps and quilts. You'll get plenty of them without having to add them to your registry.

6. DVDs and toys

Toys are great. Kids love them. Sometimes kids assume the world is their toy. In fact, it's likely that your child would rather play in your kitchen cabinet with your "toys." Other people shopping for your baby won't be able to resist all the awesome baby toys they see. Are you seeing a pattern yet?

7. Nursery monitors

Many moms who thought they'd use a monitor find they don't. If your baby sleeps in your room, you probably won't need one until later. Other items, like that jogging stroller, could replace the monitor on the registry.

8. Hooded bath towels

They seem snuggly, sweet and marvelously miniature. Then, you get them home and realize they're snuggly and sweet…and ridiculously small. I admit, my kids claimed these for dolls and they were the perfect size. Regular, adult-sized towels are so much better for wrapping and warming your baby after a bath.

9. Fancy diaper disposal systems

It's a fact that soiled diapers stink. Take the stench right out and pitch it in the garbage or the laundry bucket in the garage. Many parents find a regular garbage can with a step-lift lid works just fine. Leave the "sausage-making" to your local butcher.

10. Crib bedding sets

Some are so cute you think you just have to have them. Take them off the list. Unfortunately, they just aren't safe. The bumper pads and the blankets are a hazard. You'll find you won't need any of it.

What other off-the-wall baby and kid products did you remove from your list? Why not register for your own FREE universal baby registry right now?