It gets really exciting when you find out you’re having a baby but it can get a little worrying too. You never know when to get what you need to get!
I’m certain if we had our way, we’d start getting baby stuff the very day of the pregnancy test. Relax mama, I will guide you through when to start buying baby stuff so you can rest easy.
Well, let’s dive in!
How Early Do You Need to Buy Stuff for Your Baby?
As I said, you could easily start buying baby stuff for your little one from day one but is it a good move though?
Not to be a downer, but there is a little uncertainty in your first week of pregnancy and if a miscarriage occurs, these baby stuff can be physical reminders which you won’t appreciate much.
So, most moms wait until their second semester before they start to shop for the baby. That doesn’t mean you can’t do a little baby-related shopping in the first trimester though. Here are some equally exciting things you can purchase:
- A baby or pregnancy journal
- A waistband expander for your jeans
- Pregnancy vitamins
A good alternative to shopping in the first trimester would be planning. Grap a note and a pen and set a budget then research on all the best baby brands that ft into it. This makes your shopping much easier when you finally begin.
Is Buying Baby Stuff Too Early Bad Luck?
There is a common misconception that surrounds buying baby stuff early and I believe it stems from the high chance of a miscarriage at the early stages.
If a lady were to buy baby stuff at say 6 weeks of pregnancy and experience a miscarriage at the 8th week, people would term it bad luck. In reality, this is mere superstition as there is a high chance of miscarriages in the first trimester and it usually has an underlying cause.
So, if you were worried about this, I’d say you shouldn’t. The time you spend buying baby stuff has nothing to do with your pregnancy and will not affect its progress.
Things To Consider When Shopping For Your Baby
It’s time to shop!
Now that you are finally ready to get the baby’s stuff settled, there are a few things you need to put in place. Otherwise, you will end up buying too many unnecessary items.
You should be very prudent with money because caring for a baby is not only time-consuming but money-consuming as well. But as long as you plan for it, you will have no problem at all. Well, let’s get to it.
Budget
This is the one thing you cannot afford to leave off your list. I mean, it practically holds it all together. Trust me when I say babies are expensive, and it will take a toll on you if you don’t plan properly for your bundle of joy.
The first thing you want to do is keep your eyes on all the latest and greatest baby things. The truth is, your baby doesn’t need all those fancy cribs or designer clothes that you find in every ad. Take your eyes off those and focus on what your baby actually needs.
If you plan your budget well ahead, you may also be able to get in on some premium deals or even get coupons for your next shopping trip.
How Much Space You Have
It’s easy to get caught up in buying all the cool yet useful baby gear, but it’s no use if it won’t fit into the teeny tiny room you have prepped for your baby.
So, when buying baby gear, consider the amount of space you have to accommodate these things. You may likely benefit from a mini crib or other necessary gear that fits the room but doesn’t cramp it up. Again, planning.
Baby shower
If someone is planning to throw you a baby shower, then you may want to slow down on buying baby stuff. You won’t want to have two of the same thing when you could’ve gotten something else.
Friends and family will most likely shower you with lots of useful baby items at the baby shower. And even if you aren’t planning a shower, chances are you will receive lots of hand-me-downs when the news of your pregnancy spreads.
Gender Of Your Baby
Some expectant parents prefer to know the gender of their baby before they start buying stuff. Now, this can happen anywhere between 18 and 21 weeks or even as early as 12 weeks.
Although gender isn’t a limiting factor when buying baby clothes, you can always stock up on unisex clothes, especially if the gender reveal is a surprise. Still, it’s completely fine to wait on the baby’s gender before going shopping.
Your Energy Levels
In any case, the second trimester is the most comfortable time during pregnancy. This means you’ll have just enough strength to go on shopping sprees for your little one.
The 2nd trimester is just after the morning sickness of the 1st trimester wears off and just before the fatigue of the 3rd trimester starts. During this time, you can most likely pick up your baby’s essentials, like the crib and nursery decor.
Package Delivery Dates
If you plan on ordering your baby items online, you’ve got to consider the day they come. We don’t want your baby’s bassinet to arrive 4 weeks after their arrival, after all.
Double-check that the items will come on time and possibly start ordering in your 13th week. just in case your little one comes earlier than expected or if there’s a delay in shipping or delivery.
Trimester Timeline For Baby Purchases
First Trimester
Set Up A Baby Register
A baby registry would do you a lot of good since you are just collecting the things you need for your little one. You could simply set it to “private” until you’re ready to show your friends and family.
You could go on sites like Amazon and get started with some baby clothes on your registry.
Research Baby Essentials
There’s a good chance you already know what your baby needs, like a crib, but there are so many brands out there. So settling on just one can be a little challenging.
You can go to some online stores and check out different brands; read a little about them and their reviews. See if it’s something you’d be interested in, and check some baby guides for further assistance.
Stock Up On Consumables
You shouldn’t be buying baby stuff just yet, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t stock up on consumables. You can get things like laundry detergent, dish soap, shampoo, conditioner, or any consumable that may cost more in the long run.
Second Trimester
Set Up The Nursery
You would want to choose the theme for your nursery right about now and also start purchasing nursery furniture. The earlier you get to ordering these items, the better, since you’ll be sure of their arrival before your delivery date.
Declutter Your Home
You can start preparing your home for the baby well into the pregnancy. Remember that you don’t have to do it all in one day; just focus on clearing things out and possibly dropping them off at the donation center.
Third Trimester
Purchase All The Baby Essentials
This is where you’ve got to buy any baby stuff that has been left out, especially after your baby shower. Make sure you fill your baby’s wardrobe to the brim in time for their revival.
Pre-wash Your Little One’s Clothes
It’s a good idea to wash your baby’s clothes, regardless of whether they are brand new or have been gently used. You want these items to be completely clean for when your newborn finally uses them.
Ultimate Checklist For Baby Stuff
Now that we’ve got the purchase timeline down, here is a checklist so you know exactly what you need to buy for your baby.
Feeding Items
Here is a list of the must-have feeding items
- Breast Pump – That is if you plan to not nurse or in addition to nursing.
- Breast Milk Storage Bags – A perfect addition to the breast pump.
- Nursing Bra and Breast Pads – That is if you plan to nurse.
- Bottles – You’ll needs this regardless of whether you are breastfeeding or using a breast pump.
- Bibs and Burping Cloths – This help to keep things clean while your little one feeds.
- Nursing Pillow
- High Chair
Nursery Items
Here are some nursery items to check off your list.
- Bassinets and Cribs
- Changing mat
- Changing mat covers
- Baby Clothes
Bathing Items
Here is the checklist for baby bathing items
- Washcloths
- Baby body wash and shampoo
- Baby bathtub
- Hooded Towels
- Baby Lotion
- Bath toys
- Bath Thermometer
- Baby Nail Clippers
- Baby Hairbrush
Diaper Items
- Diapers
- Diaper rash cream
- Diaper bags
- Baby Wipes
Clothing Items
- Bodysuits
- Onesies
- Baby Sleeping Sack
- T-shirts
- Gowns
- Pants
- Socks
- Hats
Safety Items
- Thermometer and aspirator
- Baby Monitor
- Night Light
- Baby gates
- Changing Bag
- Outlet caps
- Furniture and TV Straps
Tips For Buying Baby Stuff Early
- Shop for a few small items like body suits if you cannot resist once you hit 12 weeks.
- Start shopping fir the big-ticket stuff at about 20 weeks.
- Make a list of all you need alongside the budget.
- Be careful not to buy what friends and family would gift you during your baby shower.
- Do not buy too many newborn-sized clothes as your little one will outgrow them fast.
Conclusion
There are so many things you may want to buy for your baby, but it is important that you get just what you need. I’d say the 2nd trimester is a good time to start shopping, as you’re most comfortable and it gives you enough time before your expected delivery date.
When did you start shopping for your little one, and what did you get? I’ll love to hear your thoughts, so drop them in the comment section.