Find out when you should start buying baby stuff once you know that you’re expecting. We break down all the must-have items and when you should purchase them in pregnancy. Show
If you’re expecting, then you might be a bit overwhelmed at the idea of all the baby stuff you need to buy. It’s a lot and well-meaning family and friends always want to give their input on the must-have products that they just loved using for their baby. But don’t fret! You have plenty of time to start buying baby stuff and chances are, you are going to get a lot of the items you need from friends and family or at your baby shower. It’s not super urgent to start buying up baby items when you’ve got 8+ months to go in your pregnancy, but you can also save yourself a lot of stress by not waiting until the last minute. You’ve got many months to spread out all of the to-do items and purchases for your newborn. My advice to you is to not leave it all until the last trimester! In my pregnancy checklist post, I go through each item you can do to help prepare you for the birth of your baby, broken down by trimester. Let’s talk about the various baby items you’ll eventually need to buy as well as the things you can start buying when you’re pregnant to prepare for your newest little arrival. What Are the First Things to Buy When Expecting a Baby?After the initial shock and excitement of finding out you’re pregnant, it’s easy to start feeling overwhelmed. It can feel like there’s so much to be done, especially if this is your first baby. But don’t panic! I’ve got you covered with some suggestions for essential items that will help you through pregnancy and in those early days with your precious newborn. Things to Buy for Your PregnancyThese are items you may want to purchase as soon as you get a positive pregnancy test!
Things to Buy for Feeding and Diapering a NewbornYou can include many of these must have baby registry items, even if you’re creating a minimalist baby registry. Many woman choose to have their baby shower toward the end of their second trimester or beginning of their third trimester. This ensures you have plenty of time to buy any last-minute necessities you may need! If you’re anxious to get started on your baby purchases, stock up on the following or add them to your baby registry.
Other Must-Have Items for Your NewbornYou’ll probably get plenty of gifts from your baby shower for your newest addition, especially if you’ve created a registry. Make sure to include some of the most overlooked baby registry items on your wish list! Here are some essential items you’ll want to make sure you have waiting for your newborn when you bring them home from the hospital. You can wait to purchase many of these items until after your baby shower so you can fill in the gaps of what you might still be missing.
In the last month or so of your pregnancy’s final stretch, you should also stock up on necessary household items. Make sure you have plenty of toilet paper, cleaning supplies, toiletries, and any other pantry or consumable goods that you use on a regular basis. For an extensive list of non-baby things to buy when pregnant, check out my post on what to stock up on before baby arrives. When Should You Start Buying Baby Furniture?The second trimester is a great time to get to work on procuring your baby nursery must-haves. You’ll probably start getting back some of that energy you’ve been missing since the first trimester. Plus your belly won’t be too big to make getting around tricky! Nursery furniture can definitely be the priciest—but most fun—baby stuff to buy before you give birth. Seeing things coming together in your baby’s space is so rewarding. It also makes their imminent arrival all that more exciting. Although a newborn doesn’t have many furniture needs, one thing is for certain: your baby needs a safe place to sleep. The American Association of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends starting your newborn off by sleeping in the same room as you, on their own safe sleep surface (not bed sharing). Most parents choose to set up a crib or bassinet in their bedroom in those early weeks. The mattress must be firm and flat with a fitted sheet, and no blankets or other items inside the crib. You’ll also need to make sure that the sides of the crib or bassinet are breathable, and not made from pillow-like material. For more information about sleep safety for your newborn, check out the ABC’s of Safe Sleep. All your newborn really needs is a safe place to catch some z’s, but that doesn’t mean the nesting and furniture fun has to stop there! Consider getting a changing table, and a dresser to hold all those adorable baby clothes and diapering items. I’d also recommend looking for a cute and functional rocking chair where you can comfortably nurse. Chances are pretty good that you’ll rack up some serious hours in that chair, so make it a good one! Is Buying Baby Stuff Early Bad Luck?You may have heard people say that buying things for your unborn baby too early is bad luck. I understand that some people hold their pregnancy superstitions, but this is a misconception that I just can’t get behind. It’s not necessary to start buying stuff before you’re pregnant, but once you’ve got the positive test, go for it! From a practical standpoint, it makes the most sense to start buying things for your baby when you have the energy and are still feeling physically capable. No one wants to be building and rearranging nursery furniture at 9 months pregnant! It’s also worthwhile to buy baby stuff with enough time to test things out and return things if you don’t like them. Pregnancy can be an uncertain and stressful time. I understand the urge to not want to “jinx” anything. I just think it’s best to focus your energy on preparing for and creating a beautiful new life instead of fearing the worst. You’ve been loving your baby since the first day you found out you were pregnant. It’s okay to start preparing for their arrival as soon as you’re ready! Should you buy baby stuff before your pregnant?It's not necessary to start buying stuff before you're pregnant, but once you've got the positive test, go for it! From a practical standpoint, it makes the most sense to start buying things for your baby when you have the energy and are still feeling physically capable.
Can I start buying baby stuff at 10 weeks?Is it Bad Luck to Buy Baby Stuff Early? Buying things for your baby early on (before 12 weeks) isn't going to impact the outcome of your pregnancy.
Is 8 weeks too early to buy baby stuff?Although I recommend waiting until the third trimester and after your baby shower to complete your baby registry purchases, if you find a great deal, snag it. The second trimester is a great time to start planning for some bigger gear items to look for sales and be ready to jump on a sale.
What should I start buying for my unborn baby?Nursery Basics. Baby monitor.. Crib, bassinet, or play yard.. Crib bedding.. Crib mattress.. Diaper changing table.. Diaper pail or trash can.. Dresser or bins for clothing storage.. Glider or rocking chair.. |