Updated August 3, 2022
Are you confused about when to start buying baby stuff during pregnancy?
You are not alone!
It can be super confusing to know what to buy for your baby and when to buy it during pregnancy.
We all can’t deny the shopping itch that befalls a pregnant woman or an expecting couple over buying baby items.
It is suggested to wait a while though before starting the shopping spree.
Waiting to know the gender can help but most people want to shop before then.
Some expectant parents don’t even want to know the gender before it’s born.
Let’s shed some light on what to buy, what not to buy when to buy what, and the taboos associated with this issue.
At this point shopping smart is the best way to go.
Making a list will always help to avoid shopping on impulse or buying the wrong thing.
When To Start Buying Baby Stuff During Pregnancy?
Tips to Consider before Buying the Baby items:
Research; there is a wide range of products out there and boy does everybody become an expert around you.
With the idea of safety in your mind, make sure you do your research and get the right products for your child.
Consider the size of your home and baby nursery space when making purchases.
Cost: a budget is essential to avoid wastage of resources you could direct on other things for your baby.
You can decide to buy expensive stuff or low-price stuff and this will depend on the item.
How long will the baby use the item? Will I need to replace it?
Desire to buy newborn clothes; yes buying newborn size clothes is okay but these little people grow out of them so fast.
Settling on bigger sizes is better than squeezing your baby in tiny clothes.
Know what to hold off on; things like baby-proofing gear, a high chair, and even some toys can be bought later after the baby is born.
They don’t need these things until after a few months older.
You may also get many of these items at your baby shower.
Make sure you sign up for a baby registry.
Do not pass up a baby stroller and carrier; taking your baby outside on walks and runs is one of the best ways to bond.
It’s also a good way to lose baby weight by exercising.
Using a baby stroller and carrier can be an amazing way to do it.
Trends: products are always changing in the market to better, safe and easier things to use.
Ensure you compare and get the latest products and at a good price.
Is it Bad Luck to Buy Baby Things early?
This superstition is quite common in many cultures in Asia, Europe, and Africa.
Many people in North America believe it can be bad luck to purchase baby items early in the pregnancy.
Many cultures believe that they should only talk about the baby when the bump is showing or keep bought baby stuff a secret.
There is no truth to this. It is 100% myth.
What is true is that in women who have a confirmed pregnancy as many as 15% miscarry. Most miscarriages occur during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy (March Of Dimes, 2017).
That is the likely source of the superstition that buying baby items in early pregnancy is bad luck.
Buying baby stuff in early pregnancy is not bad luck.
The real reason most people encourage expectant moms to wait on buying things is to have time to learn the baby’s gender, see more options in baby items for purchase, and save money.
Impulse purchases are often more expensive purchases.
Let’s see what to buy all through the three trimesters.
What To Buy During The First Trimester:
Most expectant parents have no idea what the baby’s gender is during the first trimester.
This can be a challenging period of pregnancy and you should ensure your comfort and avoid stress.
Prenatal vitamins to boost your health, comfortable pillows for when your back gets sore, a comfortable bra for your tender breasts, comfortable leggings, and a pregnancy journal are the few things you can do for yourself that will help ease the pregnancy journey.
Ensure to stock up on things that will benefit both you and your developing baby.
Your body is going through a lot of changes and the baby too needs a stress-free environment.
If you suffer from morning sickness ginger rale, ginger tea, and ginger candy can help ease your symptoms.
It is very important that you stay well hydrated throughout your pregnancy.
This is a good time to purchase a water bottle you like and will use all the time.
What To Buy During The Second Trimester
The second trimester begins on the 13th week of your pregnancy.
At this point, many expectant parents feel comfortable telling family and friends about the pregnancy.
It is during the second trimester that most parents will find out the baby’s gender.
I wanted to know with my kids, but my brother and sister-in-law didn’t want to know the gender of their second baby.
It was a surprise. While it made it a little tougher to plan, they were very happy not knowing until the baby’s birth.
If you do decide to do a Gender reveal it will play a big part in what to buy.
We think the best time to start shopping is close to the middle to end of your second trimester.
What should you buy at this time?
A rocker chair, a baby bassinet, a crib, a car seat, and a stroller are some of the things you can buy at this point.
This is the time to start creating your dream baby nursery space.
Safety should be the first priority when purchasing these things.
Our job #1 is to keep our babies safe and secure.
Shopping during the second trimester is ideal because you are not as tired as you were in the first trimester.
And you are not as tired and uncomfortable as you’ll be later in your third trimester.
What To Buy During The Third Trimester
The third trimester begins during the 28th week of pregnancy till birth and a lot is going on.
If that baby bump did not show in the first trimester then it surely will at this point.
The baby is kicking and in a few months, you will be holding your bundle of joy in your arms.
But before then, you’ll also get more fatigue, and aches and pains that prepare your body for labor and delivery.
So let’s break down the rest of the things you need to buy before the baby is born.
The good news is there isn’t much that is a must-have.
Infant clothes, diapers, wipes, and baby toiletries can be bought at this time.
But I would not advise that you buy too many newborn outfits before your baby is born.
Why? You may be asking.
Because estimates on baby size before birth can be way off.
The same goes for newborn diapers.
My son was in newborn diapers for a very short time.
The one item of newborn clothing I think all moms-to-be should buy is newborn sleeper gowns.
These are amazing!! Out of all gifts I received sleeper gowns are by far my favorite and the item I recommend most to new moms and moms to be.
They make diaper changes a snap.
I can’t recommend them enough to any new mom or mom-to-be.
They have elastic bottoms so there is no messing with snaps or zippers in the middle of the night.
If you are a new mom, a mom-to-be, or need a baby shower gift get these baby gowns.
They will make the first 4 weeks home with your newborn so much easier for you.
When I was exhausted, sore, and had not slept in days it seemed these simple gowns were the best baby gift I ever received.
A breast pump, formula, and feeding bottles also come in handy, but they are best purchased after your baby is born.
My only caveat is if you plan to deliver at a hospital designated as “Baby-friendly”.
In which case bringing your own ready-to-feed formula and pacifiers can be a good idea if you intend to use them.
Sometimes they don’t provide them.
If you don’t know what a “baby-friendly hospital is, this is a good synopsis:
These things will be beneficial when you deliver because you will not have to run around right after the baby is born getting things you need.
Things to Avoid buying Before the Baby is Born
Stuff like buying tiny booties, toys, baby bathtubs should be held off until your little person is born.
Anything that comes in contact with the baby’s skin and tummy should be bought in moderation before the baby is born.
You never know what your baby might end up being allergic to.
If you plan on buying used stuff, always inspect them for safety and ensure they are up to standard.
Buying baby clothes after your baby is born
I also advise opting for quantity over quality.
Besides sleeping, newborns spend most of their time spitting up or pooping.
This means that more than a few items will get stained, and you’re going to have a huge pile of laundry.
Having more helps with the laundry pile, and spending less keeps you from wincing every time your baby makes a mess.
You don’t need to buy your newborn expensive clothes.
It would be better to buy a few extra onesies and sleepers than just one expensive outfit.
Final Thoughts
We hope this helps ease your anxiety about when to start buying baby items.
You may want to hold off on making too many purchases for your new baby until after your baby shower.
You can hold off on many of these items until after the baby’s birth if you are looking to save some money.
Many baby items are not required and can be skipped altogether.
Waiting to see what need is a great plan.
