From the time you get that positive pregnancy test, you start to plan out all the things for your future baby in your mind. Will it be a boy or a girl? What kind of baby shower will you want? When is the best time to buy baby gear? And so much more. It’s such an exciting time, but can get overwhelming for expectant parents.
In this post, we’re going to go over how to decide when to start buying all the baby stuff. And what might work best for you and your family!
Things to Consider Before Buying All the Baby Gear
It is such an exciting time when you’re pregnant. Some people want to go out and buy things immediately, while others feel hesitant about when to start. If you’re wondering when to start buying baby items, here are a few things to consider.
Budget
First and most importantly, plan out a budget for how much you feel comfortable spending on baby items. I recommend choosing a few baby gear items you want to splurge on, and then sticking to more budget-friendly items for the rest of the stuff.
For example, baby furniture can get expensive! If you want to splurge on a crib and high-quality mattress for your baby, find more affordable furniture that isn’t necessarily made for nurseries. There are ways to safely convert a regular dresser to a changing table without spending thousands of dollars for a nursery designed dresser.
Maybe you’ve been eyeing the fancy baby stroller that can be a double, or a nice jogging stroller if you like to stay active. Choose the big-ticket items that are important to you and then research more affordable options for the rest.
Space
Before buying baby items, you should consider the space in your home. If your baby has a small space, you may want to consider a mini crib versus a regular crib. Or maybe choose a rocker that doesn’t take up as much space.
If you have limited space in your home, it may be important to you to find baby gear that can easily fold up & store, or is easily portable to bring to different spaces in your home.
Baby Shower
Will you be having a baby shower? If so, a registry is a must! I always recommend registering for everything you want for your baby. Even if it doesn’t all get purchased at your baby shower, most baby stores you register through will give you good deals by a certain date. Take advantage of these great deals and buy as much baby stuff as you can then.
If you are having a baby shower, it may be best to wait to purchase the big-ticket items until after! Some family members may purchase them for you. Or you may get gift cards you can use towards those purchases.
Gender of Your Baby
If you’re planning to find out your baby’s gender, this may make a difference in the type of nursery decor or baby items you’d like to buy.
If you’re not finding out or you just choose to buy gender neutral items, then this won’t affect you much!
Best Time to Buy Baby Gear: By Trimester
There is no “right time” that applies universally to everyone. Some people like to start purchasing right away in their first trimester, while others wait until the third trimester. After reading over the things to consider before buying all the baby stuff, you may have a better idea of when the best time is for you and your family.
There are ways to prepare in each trimester that allows you to be excited but not cause overwhelm or any unnecessary purchases. Let’s go over how to prepare and the best time to buy baby gear by trimester!
First Trimester
The first trimester is all about planning! This is when you should create your budget and determine what baby items you want to splurge on.
If you’re really excited to start baby shopping, start working on your baby registry setting up the essential items you will need for your baby. Things like diapers, wipes, a bulb suction, nail clippers, breastfeeding items, different pacifier options, bottles, etc.
Begin to do your research on baby gear. Will you baby wear? What type of stroller do you want – double for future babies, a single lightweight stroller, or a jogging stroller? What kind of car seat do you want? Will you use or have space for a bouncer or swing? Which high chair fits your family’s needs?
And you may want to buy things for you, like a pregnancy journal or bump milestone photo props. And you’ll definitely want to get some prenatal vitamins if you aren’t taking them already.
Second Trimester
If you’re finding out the sex of your baby, you may want to pick a nursery theme based on that. Now that you’ll know your baby’s sex, you can begin looking for nursery decor items and start shopping for nursery furniture.
The second trimester is a great time to research and discuss where you will have your baby sleeping. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends room-sharing with your infant for at least the first six months, but ideally up to a year.
Depending upon your space and your budget, look into buying a bassinet, crib, or mini crib for your baby to sleep in when they come home.
Research and choose what diapers you’d like to go with. You don’t have to have them all purchased just yet. But decide whether you’d like to use cloth diapers or disposable diapers. And what brands you like and want to use.
If you plan to breastfeed, contact your insurance company (if you have any) to see if they will cover a breast pump. Some insurances give you options to choose from. Research the different breast pumps based upon what you think you will need one for and make a decision.
Keep an eye out for good deals at this time! If you see something you definitely want for your baby and find a great deal, purchase it! It may pass by and you don’t want to miss out on those savings if you know it’s something you’re going to purchase later in the third trimester anyway.
If you’re not planning to have a baby shower, it might be a good idea to start slowly buying the essential items you will need for your baby. So that you’re not making multiple large purchases in the third trimester.
Third Trimester
If you had a baby shower, now is the time to sort through everything you were gifted and determine what you’re still missing from your list of things for the baby. Buy the items you need that weren’t purchased and start organizing the nursery/areas in your home for baby!
If you didn’t have a baby shower, now is the time to finishing stocking up on everything you need for your baby!
Research and buy an infant car seat! Make sure the car seat you choose is compatible with your vehicle and you learn how to safely install it! Practice putting a doll in the car seat so you feel comfortable putting your baby in at the hospital. Most postpartum units are not qualified or allowed to verify your baby is safely in their car seat. I highly recommend Safe in the Seat for all things babies and car seats!
Finish preparing spaces in your home for your baby. Create a basket of postpartum essentials for you in the bathroom, a nursing cart with all of your breastfeeding essentials, and a basket near the baby’s sleep space for diapers, wipes, and an extra onesie.
Take tags off of baby clothes and pre-wash to protect their delicate skin. If you got tons of clothes, choose a handful of your favorites and wash them. Don’t overwhelm yourself with loads and loads of laundry with baby clothes (this happened to me with my first baby!).
You never know when your baby will make their appearance, so try to have the important things ready (car seat, baby’s sleep space, and baby care essentials) ready about 3-4 weeks before your due date!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it bad luck to buy baby stuff early?
There is such a stigma around miscarriage, and women having to suffer with their grief quietly. There is no “bad luck” when buying baby items early. 1 in 4 pregnancies ends in miscarriage. Which makes it incredibly common sadly. Getting excited and buying baby stuff early does not mean you will have a miscarriage.
Some women just like to hold off on buying until after the first trimester, just in case. As it may make some women’s grief harder seeing all the stuff for the baby they were so excited for. You do whatever feels best for you!
When is the best time to start buying baby clothes?
If you plan on having a baby shower, I recommend waiting until after the shower to buy the majority of your baby clothes. Some people love buying all the cute clothes for the new baby, and you may end up with a lot of one size. If you’re not having a baby shower, you can start at any time and gradually build up your collection of different sizes for your baby.
It’s totally okay to be excited as new parents and buy baby clothing that feels special and catches your eye at any point in your pregnancy!
What are the first things to buy when expecting a baby?
The first things may not necessarily be the most important things. This all depends on how you’d like to plan for your baby. If you want to start buying simply because you’re excited, it may be worth it to start purchasing things you know your baby will use. Baby items such as diapers, wipes, nail clippers, a safety kit, different pacifier options if you plan to use them, etc.
You may also want to purchase things for you. Postpartum care essentials and things to keep you comfortable after your baby is born. Or start purchasing breastfeeding must haves if you plan to breastfeed!
What should you not buy for a baby before they’re born?
A lot of people like to buy cute crib bumpers, but they are not safe for baby sleep so I wouldn’t recommend them. I would also avoid purchasing tons of clothes or a stockpile of formula if you’re formula feeding. You won’t know if your baby will have a sensitive stomach or what type of formula they may tolerate.
This goes for most baby items. I recommend not stocking up on too much of the same item until your baby is here. If they don’t tolerate the product because of their sensitive skin or any other reasons, you’ll be left with a lot of products you can’t use.
Best time to buy baby stuff on sale?
After you do your research and find the big-ticket items you want to purchase for your baby, keep an eye out for any good deals from baby stores. The best deals are usually around holidays and Black Friday.
Also take advantage of the discount you get when using a baby registry! Even if you don’t plan on having a baby shower, create a baby registry to keep track of all of the items you need and get great deals!
It can be such an exciting and special time becoming a new mom! Just remember, there is no perfect or right time to get all the baby stuff. The best time to buy baby gear is when you’re ready! I hope this guide helped you get a better idea of how to start!
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