When to Start Buying Baby Stuff: Best Guide for New Mothers (2024)

Are you expecting a new baby? Congratulations! It’s so exciting to prepare your home for a newborn. You may already have a list of what you need, but before you know it, that list can fill your mind with a lot of questions! Things like, is it too soon to buy baby clothes? Or, when should I childproof the house?

If you’re confused about when is the best time to buy baby stuff, don’t worry. WebBabyShower recommends that you begin your shopping somewhere between 15-20 weeks of the pregnancy (about month 4 or 5).

That way you have time to get all the items you need. It’s also a good idea to throw a shower (at least, we think so), because you’ll likely get gifts from your registry given to you. There’s actually a lot to think about when it comes to buying baby stuff – so WebBabyShower is here to answer all of your questions.

Why Should You Plan Your Purchases Beforehand?

Between the late-night feedings and constant diaper changes, the last thing you’ll want to worry about is running out of essentials like diapers or wipes.

That’s why it’s crucial to stock up on everything you’ll need before the baby arrives, ideally in the second trimester when the mom-to-be often feels her best. By the third trimester, and certainly after the baby’s arrival, it’s vital for mom to focus on resting and relaxing as much as possible.

So, plan your purchases early and set a timeline for when to get everything. This way, once your little one is here, you can avoid unnecessary stress.

Things to Consider Before You Shop for a Baby

In psychology, “choice overload” describes the challenge of making decisions when faced with too many options. This is especially true when shopping for a baby, where you have countless items to choose from and want to ensure they’re safe and reliable. While this can be overwhelming, don’t stress. We have handy tips and tricks to help you make confident choices for your little one.

Budget

First up: determine your budget. This will help you figure out which items you might want to splurge on and which ones you can find at more affordable prices. Try setting up a budget scale, where you decide what percentage of your budget will go towards different categories like the nursery, travel items, and so on. Keep this plan handy before making any purchases—it’ll be a lifesaver!

Space Available

If you have a small nursery or are sharing a room with your baby, you’ll need to carefully consider your purchases. Understanding your available space will help identify essential items and those you can skip. Choosing multi-purpose items, like a dresser that also serves as a changing table, is a smart way to save space.

Baby’s Gender

If you’re not opting for gender-neutral items, your baby’s gender may influence the clothes you buy and the nursery items you choose. This can guide your purchases, allowing you to select items that not only fit your little one’s gender but also align with your overall aesthetic.

Baby Shower

Many parents-to-be create a registry for their baby shower, listing all the essentials needed for their new arrival. This allows guests to choose gifts from the list, helping to alleviate some of the financial burden. After the shower, you can easily see what wasn’t gifted and purchase those remaining items. This approach makes it easy to track what you still need to buy.

When is the Best Time to Buy Things for the Baby?

If this is your first child, you may not have any baby items yet. And you’re probably eager to get started with shopping.

Our advice? It’s a good idea to wait until the first trimester is over. By the second trimester, you are probably starting to tell relatives and friends about the baby, and it’s an excellent time to begin looking for baby stuff.

If you do let people know about the pregnancy, they may begin offering you items for the baby. This can be very helpful if anyone has a big-ticket item, like a crib or a stroller that’s in good condition. However, you may also have to pass on some things that are very old or no longer in good enough shape.

Timeline for Buying Baby Stuff

If you’re unsure when to start buying baby stuff, we have you covered! We know how overwhelming it can be to start purchasing items for your little one. Let us take the guessing game out of this important venture for you.

This detailed guide breaks down the vital tasks expecting parents should tackle in each trimester.

First Trimester

We know how exciting it can be to find out you have a new little one coming! You may want to start shopping right away as you look forward to the upcoming birth. However, it’s often best to wait until the first trimester is over before filling your home with supplies.

Many people recommend delaying purchases until the second and third trimesters for several reasons.

• Recognizing the uncertainty that can happen with pregnancies less than 12 weeks gestation
• Space requirements can hinder storing supplies and large items for long periods
• Waiting until a gender reveal can help you decide exactly what you want for the baby
• Some retailers might not honor returns if they were purchased months in advance
• Your budget may not allow for extra spending
• If you buy everything, friends and loved ones won’t have anything to contribute when celebrating your new baby

One important task you can do in the first trimester is to start researching the features of big-ticket items. This step will help give you a better idea of what works for you and the baby. However, there are things you can buy in the first trimester that are useful and necessary.

During these first 12 weeks, moms-to-be should be focusing on themselves! You’ll have plenty of time to shop for the little one later, so use the first trimester to concentrate on your needs.

• Explore maternity items like comfortable and stylish clothing that are necessary as you grow with your baby
• Choose some of your favorite skin creams, lotions, and serums to help keep your skin moisturized as your body changes
• Don’t forget the prenatal vitamins to keep your body healthy
• Stockpile consumable items like laundry soap, toilet paper, and dish soap to ease your budget and schedule later once you are busy with the baby

Second Trimester

Congratulations on reaching your second trimester! Many expecting moms look forward to this time because the morning sickness subsides, they have more energy, and they might even be starting to show! Announcing the big news to extended family and friends is probably at the top of your list.

Once you hit your fourth month, it’s time to start getting organized! This is the perfect time to start looking for big-ticket items. You’ll have plenty of time to decide which products suit your needs and budget best.

Here are some terrific pointers on what to tackle once you are in your second trimester.

• Create a checklist of necessary items you’ll need, like a crib and car seat/stroller combo
• Choose a theme/colors for your nursery
• Set a budget to keep purchases within reason (many baby items will only be used for a short time, so costly products may not be worth it)
• Set up your baby registry for family and friends to choose items you’ll need
• Think about diapers – do you want disposable, cloth, or both, and what brands?
• Purchase large furniture items, like a change table or rocking chair
• Declutter your home to make room for baby items
• Start setting up the nursery by putting together furniture, decorating, and arranging everything the way you want

Third Trimester

Once you enter the third trimester, the end is near! Expecting parents will want to finalize everything before the big day when the new baby arrives.

Many new moms will now enter their “nesting phase”, kickstarting the urge to finish any tasks left undone. If you feel the need to clean, organize, and do laundry, go ahead – within reason, of course! Any chores you complete before the big day can help make your life easier later; just don’t overdo it or stress yourself out if you can’t finish every task on your list.

The third trimester is the final stretch to preparing your home for the new baby. Here are some practical jobs to tackle in those final months.

• Throw a baby shower or a diaper shower to celebrate with your family and friends
• Finish your baby registry by purchasing any items you haven’t received yet as gifts
• Take care of any exchanges or returns you may have
• Purchase the car seat you need to bring the baby home in
• Ensure you have enough diapers on hand to last the first few weeks
• Prepare your little one’s clothes by prewashing them with baby-safe laundry detergent
• Buy any essentials your infant may still need
• Organize products for feeding – nursing bras, breast pump, bottles, formula (and salve for your skin if you are nursing!)
• Continue to watch for sales on diapers, wipes, and other consumables you’ll need later

These last few months will fly by as you prepare for your new little one. Don’t forget to organize your hospital bag and choose a “coming home” outfit for your baby! With all the timing recommendations and informational tips in this article, you’re sure to be beautifully prepared for one of the most exciting moments of your life.

What is the First Baby Item That You Should Buy?

Everyone is different, so the first baby item you should buy will be different, too. Some might prefer to start with major items like a crib, while others may wait to see if big items like these are gifted during the baby shower. Others might start by purchasing smaller essentials, like diapers and wipes. Whichever path you choose, it’s best to focus on necessities before buying fun or optional items.

When Should You Start Buying Baby Clothes?

Sometimes it’s very tempting to buy every baby outfit in the store. But WebBabyShower recommends a bit of a different approach – don’t shop for baby clothes. According to Emmie Martin of Business Insider, buying too many clothes for babies isn’t a good idea. It could seem like it isn’t much money, but those little expenses really add up, and babies grow so fast that they don’t stay in the same size for very long. She advises asking friends and family for old baby clothes instead.

You can also check out some thrift stores. There’s usually plenty of baby clothes at a fraction of the price, so you won’t end up spending a crazy amount of money on clothes they’ll only need for a few weeks or a couple of months. However, if you just have to buy some adorable baby clothes, go for it! We just advise that you don’t buy too many.

A good time to buy is around month 4 or 5 of the pregnancy when you find out the baby’s gender. Or, if you plan on keeping the gender a surprise until later, you can always buy neutral clothes and ask your friends and relatives to do the same.

You can also ask around if your relatives or friends might still hold on to some of the baby clothes their child no longer wears. They may just give them to you, or they may allow you to borrow them if they want them back later. It’s a great way to save some money, since babies rarely wear the same clothes for very long.

When to Buy a Stroller and Carseat During Pregnancy

Both of these are big-ticket items that are very important to have. You’ll need them before the baby is born, but you’ll still want to buy them a bit later in the pregnancy.

Waiting until the 8th month is usually good. It isn’t too early, but you’ll have it ready in case the baby is early. Plus, since this is an expensive item, you can also wait to see if someone gives it to you as a present. Most likely someone will, but if not – aim for month 8.

When you’re picking out a stroller and car seat, take your time and do a little research. Depending on what your family needs, there may be some choices that are better than others. For example, you can find strollers that are also car seats or strollers that turn into baby carriers. Some are ideal for jogging and others are double strollers if you have more than one child. Car seats have different safety features, and some are made for infants or are convertible. Since these items tend to be expensive, don’t rush into anything and be sure what you want before buying.

Your Ultimate Checklist of Baby Essentials

An easy way to figure out what you need is to look at it in list form. We’ve created a list for you that is just the absolute essentials that you can’t do without when the baby arrives. Obviously, every family is different, so there may be additional items that you need that are not on the list.

Check out the WebBabyShower list below to help you plan out what you need. You can download this list on this page!

Safety Items

You’ll need some safety items around the house to protect your new little one. These are the primary safety things you don’t want to be without.

• Baby Monitor – to check on the baby while they’re sleeping and make sure you hear them if they wake up.
• Night light – so you don’t have to stumble around in the dark when the baby wakes up at 3 am.
• Thermometer & aspirator – the thermometer is for checking temperatures if your child has a fever, and a nasal aspirator can unclog a stuffy nose.
• Changing bag – a bag to keep diapers and other items needed for diaper changes.
• Baby gates – these block stairs and various sections of the house for safety. You might be surprised how much you need these!
• Outlet caps – to plug into the outlets, so they aren’t exposed.
• Furniture/ TV straps – will help hold the furniture and TV in place so they can’t fall over.

Nursery Items

While decorating the nursery can be really fun, there are some items that you’ll need, as well.

• Crib & accessories – accessories like crib sheets and a mattress pad are crucial, as this provides – everything your baby needs to sleep comfortably.
• Changing table or dresser – this is essential for easy changing.
• Changing mat – a changing mat is important as it provides chushioning for while the baby is being changed
• Changing mat covers – it goes over the changing mat and can easily be cleaned.
• Baby clothes – check out a complete list here. You will need clothes for various seasons, and make sure you match them with the baby’s age. For example, you don’t want summer clothes for a newborn if your baby will be six months old by then.

Feeding Items

This list depends on whether you are breastfeeding or going the formula route. Just narrow down the list a little based on what you need.

• Nursing bra and breast pads – for when the mother is nursing.
• Breastpump – These are covered by most insurance.
• Breast milk storage bags – especially helpful if you are going to be away from the baby for a while and leaving your baby with a family member or caretaker
• Bottles – whether you are breastfeeding or using formula, you’ll need these.
• Bibs – you’ll want several bibs because these tend to get dirty quickly.
• Burping cloths – same as bibs, you will need quite a few of these.
• Nursing pillow – many moms feel like these are a life saver!
• High chair – these range from $100-$1000 so make sure you research what will work for you.

Bathing Items

Most babies love bath time. Here are some items we love that are essential.

• Baby bathtub – this makes bath time easy and safe
• Hooded towels – they are super handy and make for adorable photo moments!
• Washcloths – you can usually find these in packs, so buy a bunch at once.
• Baby body wash and shampoo – make sure to get a baby-approved one so it doesn’t sting their eyes.
• Baby lotion – a lotion that is safe for babies is essential.
• Bath toys – these are nice to have to keep the baby entertained.
• Bath thermometer – keep baby safe and make sure the water is a perfect temperature.
• Baby nail clippers – to safely clip baby’s nails – trust us – baby nails are sharp!
• Baby hairbrush – a baby hairbrush is designed to be softer than a regular hairbrush.

Diaper Items

Maybe one of the least fun parts, but still important.

• Diapers – you’ll need a lot of these; there are cloth or disposable ones.
• Baby wipes – you’ll go through a lot of these, as well, so having extras is good.
• Diaper rash cream – essential to have on hand just in case.
• Diaper bag – to carry diapers and extra items around with you.

Out and About Items

Whenever you go out, whether it’s to the grocery store or the park, you’ll need a few items for the baby. Here are the basics.

• Car seat – this will keep the baby safe while riding in the car, and there are a ton of options, including convertible ones.
• Stroller and accessories – there are jogging strollers, convertible ones that are also a car seat, and more.
• Travel crib and fitted sheets – in case you’re out of town or away from your home during nap time.
• Baby carrie – to make carrying the baby around more convenient and comfortable. You’ll love feeling super close to your baby too!

Download Your Ultimate Checklist of Baby Essentials Now!

Practical Tips for Buying Baby Stuff

Planning is vital when preparing for a new baby! These practical tips for buying baby stuff can help make this task less stressful.

Start Early for Big Items

Start early in the pregnancy by watching for deals and sales on big items like cribs and car seats. This way, you can save money and spread out the financial burden of purchasing everything you’ll need.

Consider Secondhand Purchases

New parents can save a bundle by purchasing baby items secondhand. Infants grow quickly, sometimes using clothes or other items only a few times, remaining in like-new condition. So, take advantage of discounted items and buy them at a fraction of the retail cost.

Buy Gradually

You’ll have plenty of time to purchase baby items throughout the pregnancy. When you buy things little by little, you spread out the cost, making it more financially manageable. This approach helps you stick to your budget while still getting everything your little one needs.

Focus on Essentials

It’s easy to get carried away buying cute outfits and colorful toys, but it’s critical that you focus on prioritizing the essential items. There will always be many things to buy as your little one grows, but being ready is vital.

Ensure you have items that fill these needs:

• A place to sleep – whether it’s a crib, bassinet, or both
• How you’ll feed your baby – nursing, formula, or a combination, and the supplies (bottles and breast pump)
• Safely bring the baby home – an approved car seat that fits in your vehicle
• Basic clothing items – like onesies and sleepers for comfort and easy changes

Personal Comfort Level

There is no perfect time to start shopping for your new baby. Although this guide breaks everything down by trimester, it’s up to you when you are most comfortable purchasing items.

Some expectant parents will be so excited about the new addition that they’ll begin as early as 9 or 12 weeks, while others will wait until much later. Remember, the decision to add items to your nursery is an individual choice that should be comfortable for you.

Budgeting and Planning

Creating a plan and budget is critical for many first-time expecting parents. It’s easy to forget or miss an item in the busyness of the pregnancy.

Many retailers capitalize on the whirlwind by pricing big-ticket items and unique products with a higher price tag. It’s best to wait and resist those unnecessary high-end purchases, even in your excitement. There are many affordable alternatives for a fraction of the cost, including secondhand stores and hand-me-downs from family and friends.

Post-Baby Shower Purchases

You can save yourself money and stress if you wait until after your baby shower to make purchases. Often, friends and family will select items from your registry, making it easier for you to cover your baby’s needs.

Online Shopping Considerations

The internet makes shopping simple for many expecting moms. However, it’s critical that you consider the shipping of these products. Depending on your purchase, shipping times can vary, and some retailers may experience product delays, especially around the holidays or busy seasons.