For me, shopping essential and extra gear for my future angel before the due date is one of the biggest events in my life. The number-one question that I usually receive from moms is “What items should I buy for my baby?”.
In addition, there is another common concern. It’s about when to start buying baby stuff. If you’re finding an appropriate answer for this question, this article will help you.
When to Start Buying Baby Stuff?
The preparation for your newborn starts before he/she is introduced to the new world. Usually, a few months prior to the due date, mom and dad should begin shopping for baby items.
However, if you ask me to give you an exact number for that question: I don’t think there is a right or wrong time. For different moms, the suggestions will be different. The answer depends on your expectation, spare time, and even how ample your living space is.
Buy in the First Trimester, Why?
Many moms like buying baby stuff as soon as they discover the appearance of their offspring growing day by day inside their body. For example, from 4 to 12 weeks. There are some reasons for this choice.
You’ll have plenty of time to get things organized: Early purchasing can help you get into the mummy mode. It’s also a good way to make sure everything is well prepared before the big day.
If you’re a new mom planning to give the first birth, it’s possible that you’ll miss some important items for your baby. Thus, buying little by little or extending the time of preparation means lessening the chance of these shortcomings.
You don’t want to be busy near the big day: We’re living in a modern society where work all around and time is a big concern. If you don’t have plenty of spare time, keep in mind that the sooner you prepare, the less stress you have to suffer.
Your house is spacious: If putting dozens of new baby items, from a single stroller to several boxes of diapers, is not a big problem to your house, you can start shopping anytime you want.
Buy in the Second Trimester, Why?
For the majority of moms, the period from 16 to 24 weeks is the favorite time of starting buying baby gear. Personally, I also chose this time for my first birth giving six years ago. The reason why I went this way is very simple. It’s the most suitable moment to start the preparation.
Besides, waiting for the baby gender is another reason, and I think, it also matches with other moms. Even though baby items aren’t really distinct in terms of gender, and some even don’t have any sexual difference (such as diapers, milk bottles, feeders or strollers), many moms still take gender into consideration.
For example, choosing neutral color clothes for son while picking up pink, cute clothes for daughter. Also, keep in mind that the gender of your baby is only discovered in the mid-pregnancy, usually between 16 and 20 weeks, or later.
Buy in the Third Trimester, Why?
It’s possible that there may exist inconveniences in pregnancy during the first or second trimester, so it could be better if you decide to purchase baby stuff in the final trimester. For some reasons why starting shopping in this period is a good choice, let see:
You want to wait for the baby shower: You can hold a baby shower at any time, but in most cases, enjoying such memorable party somewhere during the last three months is the most ideal.
We all know that baby shower is the best time to give gifts to the mother. So, if you want to save money on baby shopping by understanding exactly what you’re having and what you’ve bought yet, waiting for this day is a good idea.
Your house is not spacious: If you’re afraid that putting too many baby items will create chaos for your house or make your tiny apartment even more cramped, delaying the shopping day should be taken into account.
What Should You Do Before Buying Baby Stuff?
Because there will be many choices and price tags to decide when it comes to buying baby stuff, doing your own research before taking any further step is very important. Of course, a list of essential items and tasks must be created for an exact schedule. Ask yourself at least the following kinds of questions:
- What kinds of items should you buy? And how many?
- Whether you want to go with high-tech models or live with low-tech ones?
- Do you know enough pros and cons of items that you’re going to buy?
- Do you want to reuse baby gear from your older baby or utilize the secondhand or buy completely new gear?
What to Buy for Your Unborn Child?
There are a lot of essential items for your baby, and the following are just some of the most common:
- Feeding supplies (bottles, pacifier, …)
- Diapers
- Changing mat
- Newborn clothes (short-sleeve bodysuits, long-sleeve bodysuits, newborn bibs, socks, hats, cardigans, …)
- Baby carrier (basket, car seat, stroller, backpack, sling, …)
- Baby bathtub
- Baby bedding
- Nursery accessories
- Educational toys
For an excellent reference for pre-baby must-haves, check this video:
Conclusion
Purchasing baby clothes, diapers, toys and numerous items could make you tired. But it also brings great happiness to every moms and dads.
After determining when to start buying baby stuff, don’t hesitate to make a list of to-do tasks and to-buy gear. There is a considerable number of things you need to purchase, so also make sure you don’t run out of money when needed.
Hope my post today can help you answer your query. If you have any comment, please leave it in the comment box below. I always appreciate your support! Thank you for reading!
Hi, This is Emma Baster; As a mom, I spend my free time caring for my kids. I’ve read a lot on the Internet to improve my childcare skill and bring the best to my kids. Eruditemommy shares my knowledge and experience through helpful posts. I hope you enjoy them!
