When Did You Start Buying Baby Stuff? A Look at the First Time Parents’ Shopping Habits

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It’s an exciting time when you find out you’re going to be a parent! You start thinking about all of the things that you need to buy for your little one. And, as any first-time parent knows, there is a lot of baby stuff to buy! So when do most parents start buying baby stuff? In this blog post, we will take a look at the shopping habits of first-time parents and see when they typically buy baby stuff. Stay tuned for more information!

One study found that the average parent starts buying baby stuff around the fifth month of pregnancy. Some parents start earlier, while others wait until later. There are a number of factors that influence when parents start shopping for their little ones, including how much they want to prepare in advance and how much money they have available.

Many first-time parents start buying baby stuff when they find out they are pregnant. This includes items like clothes, diapers, and bottles. As the pregnancy progresses, parents may purchase more items like a crib or stroller. And once the baby is born, there are even more things to buy, such as a car seat and nursery furniture.

It’s important to note that not everyone buys everything on the list. In fact, many parents receive a lot of baby stuff as gifts from family and friends. But regardless of where you get your gear, it’s important to start shopping early so you have plenty of time to choose the best products for your needs.

Things to Consider Before You Start Buying Baby Stuff

When you’re pregnant, it’s so easy to get carried away with all of the exciting things that come with preparing for a new baby. Before you know it, your house is cluttered with baby clothes, toys, and gear that you may not even need yet. So when should you start buying baby stuff?

The answer to this question depends on a lot of different factors, but there are some things to keep in mind before you start buying baby stuff. Here are a few:

 

How Many People Are in Your Baby’s Life?

If you have a large family or close friends with children, it might be wise to buy some basic necessities early on, like a car seat, stroller, and crib. However, if you’re flying solo with this new addition to your life, it might be a good idea to wait until after the baby is born to buy most of your stuff. You’ll be able to get a better sense of what you need once you’ve met your little one.

 

What Kind of Parent Are You?

Are you a minimalist or do you like to have everything ready before the baby comes? If you’re the type of person who likes to be prepared, go ahead and buy some basics early on. However, if you’re more laid back, it’s probably better to wait until after the baby is born so that you can get a sense of what you actually need.

 

How Much Money Do You Have?

This is an especially important question to consider if you’re not planning on using cloth diapers. newborn clothes and other basic items can add up quickly, so it’s important to be realistic about your budget and only buy what you can afford.

 

Space

Another key element to consider while purchasing for your child is the amount of space you have in your house. Reclining gliders, huge dressers, and free-standing bookcases may appear attractive, but they’re unlikely to work in a tiny space. Make sure to measure your house and see what kind of furniture will actually fit before you go on a shopping spree.

 

Baby Shower

Baby Shower

Are you expecting to have a baby shower? If yes then it would be a wise idea to go easy on shopping until after the baby shower. People usually give a lot of stuff at baby showers, so you may not need to buy as much.Even if you aren’t planning a baby shower, it may be worth waiting to buy infant items. You could receive a lot of hand-me-downs from other parents once news gets out that you’re having a kid.

 

Gender Of The Baby

Many expecting parents would wait until they find out the gender of their baby before they purchase anything, just to be sure. If this is the route you want to go, then waiting until after the baby is born to buy most items would be a good idea.

When you’re ready, start buying baby stuff by considering these factors. It’s important to remember that every family is different, so there’s no one right answer to this question. Talk to your partner, friends, and family members who have children to get their advice, and then use your best judgment when making decisions about what you need for your baby.

What should I buy when I find out I’m pregnant?

Below is a general timeline for buying baby stuff when you find out you are pregnant, again as I mentioned above it is important to remember that every couple is different and this timeline may or may not fit your needs.

First Trimester

 

Research what you will need and want for your baby.

Now that you know you are pregnant, it is time to start researching what you will need and want for your baby. This can include anything from what type of crib to buy, to what stroller will work best for your lifestyle. Start reading some baby guides and blogs, and take note of what other parents recommend. You may also want to consider registering for a baby shower if you have one coming up.

Set up a baby registry.

A baby registry is a great way to get all of the items you will need for your baby in one place, and it also lets your friends and family know what you need. You can create a baby registry at most major retailers, like Walmart or Target. Some popular baby registries include Amazon, Buy Buy Baby, and Babies R Us.

Prepare your budget.

It is also important to start preparing your budget for the new addition to your family. Babies can be expensive, but there are ways to prepare for the added expense. Start by estimating how much you will need to cover basics like diapers, and clothes, and so start setting money aside now to ensure you have enough saved up when your baby arrives. There are many great tips online for how to save money on baby items, so do some research and get started saving.

Second Trimester

 

Choose A Nursery Theme

Now that you’re in your second trimester, it’s time to start thinking about setting up your baby’s nursery. By now you know the gender of your baby, so it is a great idea to start thinking about a nursery theme or maybe start buying baby clothes. With a nursery theme in mind, it would be much easier to choose the furniture and decor that matches your theme.

Begin to buy some of the larger items.

Now that you have some idea of what you will need, it is time to start buying some of the larger items. This can include things like a crib, car seat, and stroller. It is important to make sure that you buy quality items that will last, and that you also buy items that are compatible with each other. For example, if you buy a car seat, make sure the stroller you purchase is compatible with it. There is no need to buy all the baby stuff now.

Declutter Your Home

The last thing you want to do when preparing for a new baby is to declutter your home. This can be a daunting task, but it is important to do so in order to make room for the baby’s things. Start by going through each room in your house and getting rid of anything you don’t need.

It is important to declutter your home before the new baby stuff arrives but do not stress if you do not get to it all. Set aside sometime every day and make a list of items to be donated or removed. Go through the list and check things off as you go.

Third Trimester

Finish buying your baby’s essentials.

The third trimester is the time to finish buying your baby’s essentials. This includes things like diapers, a diaper bag, wipes, and clothes. It is also a good time to start stocking up on items like baby food and formula.

Set Up Baby Wardrobe

You can go through your baby’s clothing and fill in the gaps in their wardrobe once the shower is done and over with. If you’re like most expecting parents, you’ll wind up with a mountain of newborn clothing but only a few baby outfits in bigger sizes. Fortunately, that’s something that’s simple to correct! Shop for bigger size clothes at your favorite baby store.

Get A Baby Car Seat

Don’t wait too long to get a car seat. You’ll have plenty of time to practice using your car seat before you need it. Furthermore, you can’t leave the hospital without one!

FAQ’s

When should I buy baby furniture?

For expectant parents, preparing for a new baby can be both exciting and daunting. One of the first questions that many people ask is when to buy baby furniture. The answer, of course, depends on a variety of factors. If you’re planning to purchase new furniture, it’s generally best to wait until you know the baby’s gender and approximate size. This way, you can choose pieces that will suit both the nursery’s décor and the child’s needs. Keep in mind that babies grow quickly, so it’s often best to buy furniture that can adapt as they grow. For example, a convertible crib can be used as a toddler bed, and a dresser with removable rods can later be used as a regular dresser.

If you’re planning on finding used pieces, it’s best to start early so you have plenty of time to search for the perfect items. You’ll also want to consider whether you want the furniture to match or if you prefer a more eclectic look. And finally, think about how long you’ll need each piece – for example, a crib can be used for several years but a changing table will only be needed for a few months. By keeping these factors in mind, you can make sure you get the right furniture at the right time.

How many baby clothes should I buy in each size?

Shopping for baby clothes can be a lot of fun, but it can also be a bit overwhelming. With so many cute options to choose from, it’s easy to get carried away and purchase more than you really need. So how can you make sure you have enough without going overboard? A good rule of thumb is to buy two or three outfits in each size. This will ensure that you have enough for everyday wear, while also allowing you to mix and match pieces to create different looks. Plus, it gives you some wiggle room in case of stains or accidents. Of course, every family is different, so ultimately it’s up to you to decide what works best for your needs.

What should I buy first for my baby?

Expectant parents often have a long list of items they need to purchase before their baby arrives. While it may be tempting to splurge on the cutest outfits or latest nursery furniture, there are some essential items that should take priority. First and foremost, you will need a safe place for your baby to sleep. A crib or bassinet is a good option for newborns, but be sure to purchase a mattress and bedding that meet safety standards. You will also need to stock up on diapers, wipes, and other supplies for changing and cleaning your baby. In addition, you will need some basic feeding supplies, such as bottles, formula (if you’re not breastfeeding), and burp cloths. And don’t forget the car seat.

Is it bad luck to buy baby stuff early?

For expecting parents, the arrival of a new baby is an exciting time. However, it can also be a time of superstition and worry. One common belief is that it is bad luck to buy baby supplies too early. The thinking goes that if you purchase items like clothes or cribs before the baby is born, something might happen to prevent the birth from taking place. While there is no scientific evidence to support this claim, it is understandable why some parents might be hesitant to take any chances. After all, a new baby is a precious gift, and no parent wants anything to stand in the way of bringing their child into the world safely.

Is 13 Weeks Too Early To Buy Baby Things?

Expectant parents often face a lot of pressure to start buying baby things as soon as they find out they’re pregnant. However, is it really necessary to start stocking up on diapers and onesies 13 weeks into the pregnancy? There’s no right or wrong answer, but there are a few things to consider. For one, many couples like to wait until they know the baby’s gender before buying clothes and other gender-specific items. Additionally, some parents prefer to wait until later in the pregnancy to avoid buying things that the baby may never use. For example, if the baby is born early, he or she may not be able to wear newborn-sized clothes. Ultimately, there’s no rush to buy baby things, so expectant parents can take their time deciding what they need.

When should I start buying baby things?

The short answer is – there’s no wrong time to buy baby things! Some parents prefer to wait until later in the pregnancy, while others like to stock up on supplies as soon as they find out they’re pregnant. The important thing is to do what feels best for you and your family.

When should you buy a breast pump?

For many new mothers, the decision of when to buy a breast pump is a source of anxiety. After all, breast pumps are not cheap, and it can be difficult to know if you will even need one. Ultimately, the best time to buy a breast pump is when you have decided that you want to use one. If you are unsure about whether or not you will need a breast pump, it is best to wait until you have made a decision. However, if you are certain that you want to use a breast pump, then it is best to purchase one as soon as possible. This way, you will have the pump on hand in case you need it and you won’t have to worry about rushing out to buy one at the last moment.

 

Tips For Early Baby Purchases

If you can’t wait until week 20 of your pregnancy to go shopping, that’s fine. It’s your kid, so most parents will purchase something before this moment. Here are a few tips for early baby purchases:

Stick To Gender Neutral Clothes

If you don’t know the sex yet then try to stick with gender-neutral baby gear.  Most babies will outgrow their clothes within a few months so you won’t want to spend too much on clothing that the baby might only wear for a short time. You can always buy gender-specific clothes after the baby is born if you have a preference.

Watch Out For Sales & Specials

If you’re thinking about buying baby items early, consider keeping an eye on prices. Certain goods can change dramatically in price, and special offers may appear from time to time. It’s also a good idea to wait for sales so you can save as much money as possible.

Some Items To Avoid

In my opinion, you should try avoiding these items in the beginning, especially if you are on a budget:

  • Baby bath
  • Shoes
  • Too many baby clothes in newborn size – your baby will grow out of them in a matter of weeks
  • Cot bumpers – they’re unsafe and you really do not need them

Final Thoughts

So what is the right time to start buying baby stuff? It’s up to you as every couple is different. However, there are a few general tips we can give you. Start by creating a registry and researching what items you will need. Once you have an idea of what you will need, start slowly purchasing items over time. This way, you won’t be overwhelmed and can take your time finding the perfect products for your little one.

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Sandy

Sandy

This post is written and edited by Sandy who is a clinical pharmacist with over 20 years of experience specializing in pre-natal and post-natal care.