Once your pregnancy is confirmed, the next thing that a woman thinks about is shopping for the baby. But then, in Indian culture shopping for the baby before birth is not considered lucky by many and women tend to delay it till the last trimester. That is not really the best idea! So then when to start buying baby stuff during pregnancy?
Ofcourse, pregnancy is the most beautiful and magical period in the life of every woman. It is also the most responsible time for one woman. You are going to have a new member of the family. And this new member needs lots of stuff. There are some basic arrangements to do to welcome this new member. And doing that when your belly is huge and you are dealing with a zillion pregnancy issues could be cumbersome.
Once the baby arrives, going out for shopping, spending time to select items is out of the question, at least for the initial weeks. You may have to depend on other people for that. Therefore it is always better to buy baby stuff if you wish to have your participation in it. Are you wondering ‘When to start buying baby stuff during pregnancy?’ Read on.
When To Start Buying Baby Stuff During Pregnancy
There is no “right” time to start buying baby stuff during pregnancy. However, an early start gives you more time to research and plan what you have to buy now and what you can buy later. It also helps you to find products at its best prices.
You have to consider some factors before starting to buy stuff for your baby while you’re pregnant.
- Do some homework before heading shopping. You should come to a decision about using a cloth or disposable diapers. Find out what works best in your baby’s room-crib, cradle, or a bassinet. Talk to other new mothers and find out the amount of clothing and diapers the typical newborn needs. Read reviews on baby gears like car seats, baby carriers, strollers, etc. and make a shortlist.
- Buying gender-based baby stuff before knowing about the gender of your baby is not a good idea. Therefore stick on to gender-neutral items.
- If you plan on throwing a baby shower for you, better wait until then before starting buying stuff. Remember, you will get a lot of stuff that you don’t have to buy anymore.
- How far pregnant are you is the key factor to consider when it comes to starting buying baby stuff during pregnancy. Typically, you can start purchasing your baby’s stuff once you pass your first trimester (12 weeks). By that time, the risk of miscarriage and other possible complications will reduce significantly.
You can go ahead buying baby stuff until towards the middle of the third trimester. After that, going out and spending too much time to select items and organizing them might be tedious. Again it depends on how energetic you feel towards the end of pregnancy.
When to start buying baby furniture
Building up a nursery for your little one is both exciting and enjoyable. Wondering when to start buying baby furniture for your nursery? Just like any other baby stuff, you can order furniture after your first trimester
However, you have to consider a couple of matters before buying baby furniture. You have to choose a theme and designthat either blend in with the rest of the house or stand out as special.
Calculate Due Date With LMP
If you are in India, be aware that prenatal screening is prohibited by law and punishable. Unlike western countries where one can plan baby nursery basis the gender of the baby, in India you will have to go with a neutral choice or as per your preference.
Buying baby stuff can make you bankrupt, literally! Everything baby is all cute and EXPENSIVE. Chalk out a budgetstick to it.
Choose the color, number, and size of the furniture wisely. The room should not look overstuffed
Remember, you need time to completely set up your baby’s room. Don’t wait until your third trimester to buy furniture if you plan to set up a baby room.
If you are not going for readymade furniture, order the furniture as early as possible, preferably before you get into the 24th week of pregnancy. This is because some of your furniture choices might take one month or more to arrive. It is always a better idea to set up the baby room before getting into the second half of the third trimester.
When to start buying diapers when pregnant
You can buy items like diapers and wipes at any time. Yet, it would be a good idea to wait until your baby shower (if you plan one). Many people choose to gift diapers, wipes, or gift cards that you can use to purchase diapers for the baby shower.
If you do not plan to have a baby shower, you can start buying diapers from your second trimester. Before buying diapers, do your research on the best prices, pros, and cons of different brands. Also, keep all the receipts in case you have to exchange them for some reason.
Don’t overdo it. You don’t know if a certain brand of diapers or wipes will suit your baby. So stocking up on them could all be a waste. Stash one pack of a newborn diaper from one brand and another pack from another brand’s newborn diapers’ range. You can also stock one or two packs of baby wipes. Only once you use it, you will find out if it suits your baby’s skin.
How early can I buy baby clothes
Are you planning to find out the gender of your baby? If so, it is better to wait until then before buying clothes for babies. In some countries baby gender is revealed as soon as poosible.
In India, prenatal gender screening is punishable by law. So, buy a few simple and convenient gender-neutral new-born baby outfits that suit the climate when you are due.
If you are planning a baby shower, don’t buy clothes until then. Mostly people gifts baby clothes during the baby shower function.
Babies come in all sizes and shapes. So better wait until your baby comes out before investing too much on clothes.
Is it bad luck to buy baby stuff early during pregnancy
Superstitions are related to important events of life like marriage, job, childbirth, etc. Pregnancy is also not an exception. It is a time of expectancy and uncertainty and also a time of marked changes-both physically and emotionally.
Why are so many superstitions connected to pregnancy? One basic reason is that pregnancy is a time you are holding another life within you. You have no control over your pregnancy. Anything can happen at any time. This makes pregnancy a breeding ground of superstitions
There are several superstitions associated with pregnancy. Some of them sound silly like a pregnant woman should not see the moon, should not cut her hair, and should not let others touch her pregnant belly, etc. while some others are really scary.
One of the well-spread superstitions related to pregnancy and childbirth is –it is bad luck to buy baby stuff before the child is born. Let’s find out what is behind this superstition. Earlier, when medical awareness was very less, the rate of stillbirth and abortions were relatively high. Even now, most of the mothers have an underlying fear about if something goes wrong.
Unfortunately, if some unwanted event happens and a mother loses her baby, then seeing the baby stuff she bought for her baby always reminds her about the lost baby and puts her in an emotional roller coaster. It is to avoid this, it is said that it is not good to buy baby stuff early.
Buying baby stuff in advance is something many future parents choose to do. Especially if there is a big sale on otherwise expensive baby stuff, you can save a lot of money as well. No need to turn down the offer just because you are pregnant.
No one can blame you for decorating your little prince or princess’s room in advance when you have enough time to invest or buy stuff for your little one. And it is definitely not a bad omen.
Don’t let fear stand in the way if you find baby stuff that worth it. You can buy stuff for your baby whenever you wish to do it. As explained, this saying is just to safeguard the emotions of parents if some misfortune happens.
What Should I Really Buy For My Baby’s Arrival?
When it comes to buying the things a baby needs, you will come across millions of products in the market. Start buying baby stuff during pregnancy can be overwhelming and confusing. While some of these items are absolute necessities, some are personal preferences. The first step is to consider necessities.
Here is a baby shopping list that includes items for the baby nursery and items your baby needs during the first few days.
Crib
If you plan to make the baby sleep in your room, opt for a 3-sided crib. If you are looking for a more durable option, you can opt for a cot. Most cribs and cots do not come with mattresses. So buy a fire-resistance mattress that fits a cot or crib.
Note: Don’t buy pillows, crib bumpers, or anything fluffy like stuffed toys and comforters. These can pose a risk as choking hazards.
Linens/Blankets
You should buy crib sheets and blankets. Also, buy a few waterproof mattress pads. Always spread crib sheets on the top of the mattress pad. Remember to buy at least one quilted mattress pad, two crib sheets, and lightweight blankets.
Diapers/Nappies
Don’t stock up on too many diapers. The size of the baby changes faster than you think. In no time, your little one outgrows newborn diaper and get into size one. Keep this in mind while buying diapers. There is no need to stock diapers that are above size one. You might also have to go through a trial and error method before knowing which brand suits your baby. If you choose, clothe diapers choose a good brand one. Maximum 18 to 24 diapers will be needed for the initial three months. Remember to buy some waterproof diapers as well.
Along with diapers, remember to buy a changing mat, diaper rash crème, alcohol-free diapering wipes, a box to put soiled diapers.
Clothes
Onesies are the best clothes for newborns. You will need around six onesies. In addition to these, buy three to four infant gowns with drawstring, a few blankets, socks, and booties. Blankets should be large enough to swaddle the baby. If the baby is coming in the winter season, buy some caps, sweaters, and jumpers.
Baby tub
A baby tub is a must buy on the list. Choose a baby bathtub that is sloped with a foam pad inside. Baby hygiene will be one important component of your baby care regime. Other items you should buy along with the tub are-
- Baby bath towels
- Wash clothes
- No tear shampoo
- Baby soap
- Baby oil
- Baby lotion
- Hairbrush
- Nail clippers and scissors
Baby bibs
Baby bibs are essential while feeding. Babies tend to drool and spit quite a lot. Five baby bibs may be enough as an initial buy. Buy one made of superabsorbent material and comfortable to wear.
Feeding necessities
Depending on how you plan to feed your baby, you will need to stock up on baby feeding equipments. In case you intend to breastfeed, buy ointment for your nipples should they get cracked etc.
If you work and plan to pump, invest in a breast pump, feeding bottles, and nipples. Start small feeding bottles. A 4 or 5-ounce bottle will be enough for the first few months.
All above with the exception of breast pump would be needed if you decide to exclusively bottle feed your child. Do not forget bottle cleaners, baby bottle cleaning liquids, extra nipples or invest in a baby bottle cleaning machine.
The nipples you choose must go well with all top brands of bottles. Choose one from a reputed brand that is safe and closely mimics the feel of breastfeeding. It should have an internal vent system so that the baby will not ingest gas.
Medicine cabinet
Before planning a medical cabinet, you should consult your doctor to know about the basic medications and ointments you might need. Include a Thermometer, a bulb syringe to suck out excess mucus from the nose and mouth, some band-aids, essential medicines for the baby and so on.
Car Seat
It is an essential buy as you will be taking the baby home in this from the hospital. Plus you will be visiting the hospital frequently for vaccinations and post-natal care of yourself. Investing in a car seat is definitely a sensible step.
Buy a rear-facing baby car seat. Choose a baby car seat that is easy to carry, easy to install, and keeps the baby safe and comfortable.
Summing Up On When To Start Baby Stuff During Pregnancy
Let’s wrap it up:
- When to start buying baby stuff during pregnancy depend on how well your pregnancy is progressing, do you know your baby’s gender, and if you are planning for a baby shower.
- If everything goes well, you can start shopping soon after your first trimester.
- Do enough homework before deciding what to buy
- Order nursery furniture anytime after the first trimester.
- Spend less on baby clothes
- You can buy diapers any time after the 20th week of pregnancy
Good luck with your pregnancy and your exciting adventures to come as a new parent.