Becoming a new parent is an exciting, emotional, and overwhelming experience — which is why thoughtful gifts can make a huge difference. But while some gifts are incredibly helpful, others end up collecting dust, taking up space, or even getting donated right away.

To make gift-giving easier (and avoid those politely forced smiles), here are the top things new parents wish people wouldn’t buy.

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1. Newborn-Size Clothes (Especially Fancy Outfits)

Sure, tiny baby clothes are adorable — but newborns grow FAST. Most babies outgrow size NB in 1–3 weeks, and parents often receive more outfits than they could ever use. I got newborn clothes as gifts when my baby was close to 2 months old and ended up not using them. 

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Why to avoid:

• Sizes are outgrown almost immediately

• Fancy fabrics can be uncomfortable

• Buttons, bows, and snaps = inconvenient

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Better alternative:
Buy sizes 3–6 months or 6–12 months in simple, soft, daily-wear styles. Onesies with zippers are preferable. Pick gender neutral colors so they can be reused for the next baby.

I prefer these Carter's 3 pack onesies as they cover the tiny little hands and feet as well. And they have zippers!

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2. Stuffed Animals (More Than One)

One plush toy is sweet. Ten plush toys? Storage nightmare.

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Why to avoid:

• Babies don’t play with plush toys for months

• They collect dust and take up shelf space

• Parents already receive too many

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Better alternative:
Black and white baby sensory book or this prefect foot finder set toy

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3. Crib Bumpers, Positioners, and Unsafe Sleep Products

Many well-meaning gift givers still bring items that are no longer recommended for safe sleep.

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Avoid:

• Crib bumpers

• Sleep positioners

• Pillows for infants

• Weighted blankets/sleep sacks

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Why to avoid:
These items don’t align with safe sleep guidelines and usually go unused.

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Better alternative:

I personally prefer Swaddle sleep sacks instead of swaddling cloth as babies tend to break out of the swaddle.​

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4. Strongly Scented Baby Products

Newborn skin is delicate, and strong fragrances can irritate or cause rashes.

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Why to avoid:

• High chance of skin sensitivity

• Parents often have a preferred brand

• Scented lotions, powders, and soaps can be overwhelming

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Better alternative:
Unscented or hypoallergenic essentials — or gift cards so parents can choose their preferred brands.

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5. Bulky Baby Gear They Didn’t Ask For

Parents often plan their gear based on space, style, and safety. When giant items appear unexpectedly, it causes stress — not joy.

Common regret items:

• Large swings

• Walkers

• Bouncers

• Extra bathtubs

• Giant play mats

• Oversized activity centers

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Why to avoid:

• They take up space

• Parents usually have a specific item in mind

• Duplicates are hard to return

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Better alternative:
Check the registry or ask directly. Or just get the ultimate gift - Gift cards 

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6. Gimmicky Gadgets

Some baby gadgets sound amazing… until parents realize they never use them.

Common examples:

• Wipe warmers

• Bottle sterilizer bags

• Bottle-prep machines

• Baby food makers

• “Smart” novelty items

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Why to avoid:
They are used once or twice, then pushed to the back of a cabinet.

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7. Complicated Baby Carriers or Wraps

If a carrier is difficult to put on in less than 60 seconds, most parents will never use it.

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Why to avoid:

• Some wraps have a steep learning curve

• Cheaper carriers may cause back or shoulder pain

• Parents often choose based on their own comfort

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Better alternative:
A gift card toward a high-quality, parent-chosen carrier.

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8. Personalized Items Before the Name Is Final

This one happens a lot. Parents sometimes change their baby’s name late in pregnancy or even after birth.

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Why to avoid:

• Wrong spelling = awkward

• Personalized blankets or wall art may not match the nursery

• Large personalized gifts are hard to return

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Better alternative:
Wait until the baby is born, or choose items that don’t require customization like these Ink Pad hand and foot print keepsake. At first, I got clay hand and foot print keepsake and they were hard to use and I messed it up. Ink pads are very easy to use.

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9. Baby Shoes

Tiny shoes look adorable… and that’s pretty much it.

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Why to avoid:

• Newborns don’t walk

• Shoes fall off constantly

• They serve no real purpose

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Better alternative:
Soft socks, unisex organic cotton booties, or footed sleepers.

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10. Parenting Books That Feel Like “Advice”

Books can be helpful — but gifting a sleep training manual or breastfeeding guide without being asked can feel judgmental.

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Why to avoid:

• Unsolicited advice can offend

• Every family has a different parenting approach

• Books imply a “right” way to parent

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So… What Should You Buy Instead?

If you want safe, practical, and highly appreciated gifts, consider:

• Diapers + wipes

• Meal delivery

• Swaddle blankets, Onesies(size up)

• Thermometer, comb/brush, nail clipper

• Baby carriers (well-reviewed, easy-to-use)

• Gift cards (always a hit!)

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Final Thoughts

Gift-giving for new parents doesn’t have to be complicated. Skip the clutter, avoid the unsafe or impractical items, and choose things that make their life easier, safer, and more comfortable.

If you focus on usefulness and simplicity, your gift will never be forgotten — and definitely won’t end up in a donation box.