Are you a first-time parent? As exciting as it is to be starting a family, it can also be overwhelming to figure out what you need for your little one. One of the early tasks on your list is likely to be buying baby stuff.
There’s a lot of baby gear to buy, from car seats to cribs to bottles and pacifiers. So, when is the ideal time to start shopping for baby items? And what are considered necessities? Check out this handy checklist of baby must-haves to help you get started!
When to Start Buying Baby Stuff During Pregnancy
First-time parents tend to get too excited and make long lists of baby items to purchase. But some are unsure of the baby stuff they need to buy. As a result, many first-time expecting parents ask, “When should I start buying baby stuff?”
There’s no wrong or right time to buy baby items, but many parents like to get a head start during their first trimester. This allows them to purchase items over time without feeling overwhelmed.
Is it Bad Luck to Buy Baby Stuff Early?
While many expecting parents like you want to start buying baby items as early as the first trimester, some are afraid to do this. While you may say it’s hard to resist buying baby clothes and other baby items when pregnant, some believe it can cause bad luck.
So, is it bad luck to buy baby stuff too early? There’s no need to worry—buying baby stuff early doesn’t bring good or bad luck and doesn’t influence how the pregnancy will progress. However, it can be beneficial to start buying baby stuff before your baby arrives to avoid feeling rushed and overwhelmed later on.
Factors to Consider Before Buying Baby Stuff
Anyone who has ever walked into a baby store knows that there are a lot of choices to make when it comes to buying baby stuff. So, before grabbing your shopping cart or placing your orders online, here are a few factors you should consider to help you narrow down your choices and find the perfect baby items.
Baby’s Sex
Nowadays, there are so many amazing options for baby gear that it can be tough to decide what to buy. However, many parents agree that it’s best to wait to purchase certain items until you know your baby’s sex, which you’ll know between 18 and 21 weeks.
While it can be tempting to get a head start on shopping, it’s important to remember that babies grow quickly. They’ll likely be ready to move up to the next size before you know it. If you want to start buying baby stuff, you can purchase unisex baby clothes and other items.
Baby Shower
Try to limit your purchases of baby stuff till after your baby shower. Your family and friends will likely want to help you get started with all the basic baby items, and you’ll probably get a lot of great gifts and hand-me-downs.
Before you add every baby item you can think of to your baby registry, consider what you need and what will be nice to have.
Budget
Many costs are associated with having a baby, from medical bills to the cost of newborn diapers and formula milk. Additionally, you may need to purchase nursery furniture or equipment, such as a crib or a jogging stroller.
Plus, getting caught up in buying baby clothes and all the cute baby items is easy. To help keep your costs under control, create a budget for baby-related expenses. By sticking to a budget, you can avoid overspending on baby items and use that money for other things, like savings or investing in your child’s future.
Storage Space
Before asking, “When to buy baby stuff?” it’s important to think about how much storage space you have at home for baby items. You’ll need room for all the baby clothes, newborn diapers, baby wipes, toys, and more.
There are also creative solutions to enhance storage space in your house. For example, you can use wall hooks to store baby clothes and blankets, or invest in a storage ottoman for the nursery.
Baby Essentials to Buy Every Trimester
While it’s exciting to care for, dress up and feed newborn babies, there are many things you should prepare before your little one arrives. One of the most important is buying baby stuff and determining which of them you need to prioritize or delay purchasing.
Here’s a list of essential baby products to buy in every trimester.
First Trimester
There’s a lot to think about when you’re pregnant, and it can be difficult to know what you need. Aside from buying items that will help make your pregnancy easier, you can also start by buying baby items during the first trimester.
Here’s a list of baby stuff you may start purchasing.
Baby Clothes
Buying baby clothes is such an exciting part of pregnancy. It’s a reminder that a real, live human being is on the way. During this trimester, you may start buying a few baby clothes. Since you still don’t know your baby’s sex, you should purchase unisex baby clothes such as pajamas, socks, and bottoms.
When purchasing baby clothes, look for items made from natural fibers like cotton, which are gentle on your baby’s delicate skin. Also, choose baby clothes that are easy to wash and care for, as you’ll be doing a lot of laundry in the months ahead!
Baby Gear
Do you already know what kind of baby gear you’ll buy? If you’re planning on buying a stroller, choose one with a neutral design or color since you still don’t know your baby’s sex.
Consumables
During pregnancy, you may also start stocking up on consumables such as baby wipes, fragrance-free baby wash, changing pads, and newborn diapers.
Second Trimester
As you enter this trimester, you might start to think about everything you need to do to prepare for your newborn. Aside from stocking up on baby essentials, this is the time to start buying baby stuff you didn’t include in your baby registry.
Here’s a list of baby items you may want to start buying during this trimester.
Baby Furniture
There are a few basic items of nursery furniture that you should start with. These items include a crib, dresser, crib mattress and sheets, changing table, and closet.
Nursery Décor
Decorating a nursery allows you to be creative while also creating an attractive and useful environment for your baby. So while it’s tempting to wait until the third trimester to start shopping for nursery décor, the second trimester is the best time to get started.
This is because you’ll have more energy during the second trimester, and you’ll also be able to get a better idea of your baby’s needs. For instance, if you’re planning on breastfeeding, you’ll want to ensure that you have a comfortable chair and plenty of storage space for all your supplies.
Feeding Bottles
This trimester is often considered the best time to start buying feeding bottles. This is because there will be chances that your baby’s appetite will begin to increase, and you’ll want to have a few bottles on hand in case you need to supplement your breast milk.
Before buying the right baby bottle, consider its size and material. You should also select a simple feeding bottle to clean and assemble.
Third Trimester
This trimester is the right time to pick up other baby essentials. As your baby grows and develops and your body prepares for labor and delivery, it’s easier to start buying the basics.
Here are some of the baby things you can buy during your last trimester.
Baby Care Essentials
You’re getting closer to meeting your little one, but you may feel like there’s so much to do to get ready. One task on your to-do list is likely stocking up on baby care essentials. While every family is different, and you’ll ultimately need to decide what works best for you and your baby, some items are generally considered must-haves.
Make sure to include burp cloths when buying baby stuff. These are great for catching and cleaning up those inevitable spills, while baby bibs can help to keep clothes clean.
You’ll want to have plenty of newborn diapers on hand, as well as some cream for those inevitable diaper rash episodes. Baby wipes are another must-have, as they can be used for everything from cleaning up messes to refreshing baby’s face or your own hands after a diaper change.
Baby Car Seat
Your baby will need a safe and comfortable place to ride, and a baby car seat is the best option. Choose one that is comfortable for you and your kid.
Stress-Free Baby Shopping With Ashtonbee
Are you considering adding a chair to feed your baby safely? Ashtonbee’s high chair may be what your baby might need from 6 months onwards! With this chair and other baby must-haves, you can enter your pregnancy prepared and relaxed to care for your baby.
While you’re at it, why not make life a little easier on yourself by shopping for other baby products with Ashtonbee? We offer the best baby essentials and accessories tailored to your baby’s needs. Check out our collection now!
