13 Things You Don’t Need for Baby, According to Mums – Essential Antenatal Shopping Tips

Pregnancy is a time when expectant parents are often bombarded with recommendations for what to buy for their growing family. There are endless lists of must-have products, from clothes to gadgets, toys, and equipment. However, as many seasoned mothers will tell you, not everything that’s marketed as essential actually turns out to be necessary. Antenatal shopping can quickly become overwhelming, especially when you’re trying to prepare for the arrival of your baby while staying within a budget. To help you navigate the maze of baby products, we’ve compiled a list of 13 things that mums across the UK say you don’t need. We’ve gathered real-life experiences and advice from mothers who have been there, done that, and lived to tell the tale. Whether you’re a first-time parent or adding to your growing family, this article will help you make informed decisions about your antenatal care and shopping choices.

1. A Fancy Changing Table

It’s tempting to splurge on a designer changing table, especially when you see all the beautiful options available in shops. However, many mums find that this is one item they end up barely using. Instead, a sturdy surface (like a regular table or even a changing mat on the floor) works just fine. Anna, 32, from Manchester, shares, “I bought a changing table because it seemed like a must-have. In the end, I hardly used it. I ended up changing my baby on the bed or the floor, as it was so much more practical. I wish I’d spent that money elsewhere.”

2. Baby Shoes

Tiny shoes may look adorable, but they’re largely impractical during your baby’s early months. Babies spend a lot of time on their backs or crawling, and shoes are not necessary for comfort or warmth. Rachel, 28, from Bristol, says, “I got so many cute little pairs of shoes as gifts, but they never stayed on! My baby never wore them, and honestly, they just took up space in the wardrobe. Socks or soft booties are all you really need at first.”

3. Bottles and Formula (If You Plan to Breastfeed)

If you’re planning to breastfeed, many mums find that having a stash of bottles and formula isn’t necessary. Bottles and formula can be useful in certain situations, but if you’re committed to breastfeeding, you may not need them at all in the early days. Emma, 34, from London, says, “I bought a whole set of bottles and formula, thinking I’d need them in case breastfeeding didn’t work out. But it did, and I never used the bottles. I wish I hadn’t spent money on that.”

4. Baby Wipes Warmer

It might sound like a luxury, but a baby wipes warmer is one of those items many parents regret purchasing. Babies are resilient, and a room-temperature wipe works just as well. Laura, 29, from Sheffield, comments, “I thought my baby would love warm wipes, but I never used the warmer. It just took up space and was another gadget I didn’t need.”

5. Expensive Baby Clothes

It’s easy to be swayed by cute outfits for your newborn, but babies grow quickly, and they don’t need expensive clothes. In fact, you’ll probably end up changing your baby multiple times a day due to spills and accidents, so simple, affordable clothes will do just fine. Catherine, 30, from Cardiff, shares, “I bought so many cute, expensive baby clothes that were barely worn. Babies grow out of them so fast, and they often get covered in milk or baby food. Stick to the basics!”

6. A Bassinet (If You Plan on Co-Sleeping)

Many parents opt for a bassinet or crib as their baby’s first bed. However, if you plan to co-sleep or have your baby sleep in a cot next to you, a bassinet might not be necessary. Megan, 26, from Birmingham, says, “We co-slept from the start, so the bassinet we bought was never used. It just took up space in the room. If I were to do it again, I’d skip it entirely and just use a co-sleeper cot.” Important Safety Warning: While some parents choose to co-sleep with their babies, it’s important to be aware that co-sleeping carries significant safety risks, including suffocation, strangulation, and falls. The NHS strongly advises that babies sleep in the same room as their parents for the first six months but in a separate sleep space, such as a crib or Moses basket. Co-sleeping is not recommended unless you are fully informed about the risks and are taking every precaution to ensure your baby’s safety. Always seek advice from your antenatal clinic or healthcare provider about safe sleep practices.

7. A Baby Bathtub

A baby bathtub can seem like a great idea, but many parents find that using a regular bathtub or sink with a bath support works just as well. Hannah, 33, from Liverpool, shares, “I used the baby bathtub once, and it was just too much hassle. I ended up just using a baby bath support in the regular tub, which worked much better.”

8. Changing Bag with Multiple Compartments

While having a changing bag is important, the idea that you need one with 100 compartments isn’t necessarily true. A simple, spacious bag can work just fine. Sophie, 27, from Leeds, says, “I bought an expensive changing bag with loads of pockets, but I rarely used all of them. A simple bag is more than enough—just make sure it’s large enough to carry everything you need.”

9. Specialised Baby Food Makers

You might be tempted to buy a special baby food maker, but many parents find that a regular blender or food processor works just as well. Plus, you can always mash foods with a fork as your baby starts solids. Charlotte, 30, from Edinburgh, says, “I bought a baby food maker thinking it would make things easier. But honestly, I just used a regular blender or mashed food with a fork. It was a waste of money.”

10. Too Many Toys

It’s easy to get carried away with buying toys, but babies don’t need an excessive amount. In the first few months, babies are more interested in faces, voices, and simple objects rather than fancy toys. Olivia, 31, from Brighton, shares, “We got given so many toys as gifts, but my baby didn’t even play with them until he was a little older. At first, he was more interested in the things around him, like my phone and remote control.”

11. Maternity Clothes You’ll Only Wear Once

While comfortable maternity wear is essential, some mums find that they only wear their maternity clothes for a few months, so it’s best to buy wisely. Many women can get away with using regular clothes that accommodate a growing belly. Isla, 29, from Glasgow, comments, “I bought a whole wardrobe of maternity clothes, but honestly, I ended up wearing just a few staple items. Save your money and go for stretchy, comfortable pieces that you can wear beyond pregnancy.”

12. A Stroller That Can Do Everything

The market is flooded with strollers that promise to do everything from jogging to navigating narrow aisles. However, many parents find that a simple, lightweight stroller suits their needs better than a heavy, multifunctional one. Sarah, 35, from Nottingham, says, “We bought a fancy stroller with all the bells and whistles, but it ended up being too bulky. In the end, we just used a lightweight one for everyday walks.”

13. A Breastfeeding Pillow

While some mums swear by breastfeeding pillows, others find that a regular pillow or cushion works just as well for supporting their baby while breastfeeding. Rebecca, 32, from Cambridge, shares, “I got a fancy breastfeeding pillow, but I didn’t use it much. A regular cushion worked just fine for me. Don’t feel pressured into buying one.”

Keep It Simple and Practical

Preparing for a baby is an exciting time, but it’s important to focus on what you truly need. While there’s no shortage of baby gear available, many items are unnecessary or quickly become redundant. By focusing on the basics and avoiding overbuying, you can simplify your antenatal shopping and save both money and space.