Get my Postpartum Playbook
When I was pregnant with my first baby, I made a detailed baby registry, had a wonderful baby shower, and got so many thoughtful gifts from friends and family. At the time, I thought I had everything perfectly prepared. But here’s the honest truth: you don’t really know what baby essentials you’ll actually need until your baby is here.
Now that I’m a mom of two, I can confidently say that some of the things I bought the first time around were either completely unnecessary or didn’t work for my second baby at all. Every baby is different, and you really do learn what matters as you go.
So here’s my real, nurse-mom take on what I regret buying, what I absolutely loved, and the upgrades I made the second time around that actually made a difference.
Packing your hospital bag soon? Grab my free nurse-approved checklist so you’re 100% ready, not scrambling at 2 a.m.”
1. Pacifiers
Regret: Buying a ton of the same kind (Avent green soothers).
My first baby used them a little, but my second isn’t really interested. I stocked up early on because I thought I’d need them for sleep and fussiness, but turns out, not every baby takes to them. My advice? Buy one or two kinds and see what your baby likes before committing.
2. Swaddles
Regret: Buying tight, traditional swaddles in bulk.
I loved tight swaddles with my first, but with my second I’ve learned more about the pros and cons of keeping a baby’s arms tucked in. This time, I’m using the Dreamland Baby weighted sleep sack, and it’s been a total game changer. It helps soothe my baby to sleep and gives me peace of mind.
3. Nursing Pillows
Upgrade: I got the My Breast Friend nursing pillow instead of the original Boppy.
The regular Boppy was okay, but it slid around and didn’t offer much support. The My Breast Friend straps around you, stays put, and supports your back and arms during feeds. I still use the old Boppy sometimes for baby to lounge on or for my husband to use when holding the baby, but the upgrade was absolutely worth it.
4. Bottles
Regret: Using Philips Avent bottles without realizing there are better options.
My second baby had some latching trouble, so I switched to wide nipple bottles that have air vents built in. They’ve been great for reducing gas and spit-up. Again, every baby is different—but I do think these newer bottles are a better design overall.
5. Baby Swing
Upgrade: We upgraded from a basic Graco swing to the 4moms MamaRoo.
It’s sleek, has more movement settings, and looks great in the nursery. But honestly? I’m not 100% sure it’s better. It’s still growing on me. If you’re tight on budget, the simpler swings get the job done too.
6. Rocking Chair
Upgrade: I got a reclining glider this time.
With my first, we had a basic plush rocker. It was fine, but my new recliner is so much more comfortable. It rocks, reclines, and even fits me and my toddler together. It’s perfect for breastfeeding, contact naps, and late-night soothing. Even guests have commented on how comfy it is. Highly recommend!
7. Hands-Free Breast Pump
Upgrade: Game. Changer.
With baby #1, I stood in the bathroom holding pumps for 15-20 minutes multiple times a day. This time, I invested in a hands-free pump that sits inside my bra. I can cook, work, brush my teeth, and more—all while pumping. There’s a bit of a learning curve, but once you get the hang of it, it’s a massive time saver.
8. Overly Warm Swaddles
Regret: Fluffy, thick swaddles.
I live in Arizona. It’s hot. I was gifted some cozy swaddles that looked adorable but were way too warm for summer babies. Maybe they’d be nice in winter, but for us? Totally unnecessary.
Wish someone would just hand you a hospital bag packing list? I’ve got you, mama. Here’s the exact one I used with both my babies
9. Car Seat Head Support Add-Ons
Regret: Those extra cushions meant to support baby’s head.
I got one as a gift, but didn’t end up using it. Car seats already come with built-in support. These extras felt bulky and kind of pointless.
10. Baby Carrier
Regret: A structured baby carrier that didn’t fit me right.
My husband likes it, but it never felt comfortable on my frame. I switched to the Moby Wrap this time, and I love it. It’s soft, cozy, and my baby falls asleep in it all the time. It lets me be hands-free, though it’s not great for cooking or bending over. Still, I use it every day.
11. Breast Pads
Regret: Stocking up on disposable breast pads.
I rarely used them. Maybe because I breastfeed on demand so often, but they felt unnecessary. They’d often just bunch up or shift around.
12. Too Many Onesies in the Same Size
Regret: Buying or registering for 20+ newborn or 0-3 month onesies.
Babies grow so fast. There’s no way you’ll use them all before they’re too small. I reused a lot from my first baby and only got a few new cute items.
13. Diaper Stockpiling
Regret: Buying huge amounts of one diaper size.
I thought I was being smart, but ended up with leftover sizes that we barely used. Unless you know what brand/fit works best, hold off on overbuying.
14. Nursery Cart & Setup
Must-Have: I still swear by our nursery cart.
It keeps everything organized—diapers, wipes, burp cloths, lotions, even extra pacifiers. It’s portable and makes nighttime care so much easier. A total essential.
Final Thoughts: Learn As You Go
You can’t predict exactly what your baby will like. And honestly, what worked for one baby might not work at all for the next. My advice to new moms? Focus on the basics, avoid overbuying, and give yourself room to adjust.
Looking back, I’m thankful for the baby shower and all the generous gifts. But if I could go back, I’d change some of the things I put on my list. And now that I’ve gone through it twice, I’m sharing this so you can hopefully skip some of the guesswork.
If you’re building your registry now or trying to decide what baby essentials you actually need—I hope this helped. You don’t need it all. Just the right things for you.
Want More Real-Mom Advice?
Don’t leave without grabbing this! I created this free checklist from my own nurse and mom experience so you can pack with confidence—even if labor hits early.
Get My Free Hospital Bag Checklist
