Have you ever wandered into the baby aisle just to ooh-and-ahh over the adorable baby stuff? Those little socks! That sweet tiny hat! It can be tempting to shop for adorable baby clothes, even if you are not pregnant. However, some moms worry that if they purchase items ‘too soon’ it can be back luck.
Can you jinx a pregnancy just buy going on a shopping spree? Of course not!
I wouldn’t suggest shopping too early, though, either. These reasons have nothing to do with superstitions or fears, though, just practicality: some baby essentials items expire, some baby gear or baby furniture can be recalled for safety risks and baby clothes follow fashion trends, just like adult clothes.
If you start buying baby stuff before pregnancy, you risk wasting money. Instead of going out and buying nursery furniture or baby supplies before that positive pregnancy test, it’s a good idea to use this time to read and learn about the best brands, safety ratings, etc.
This article is not a substitute for medical advice or consultation.
Can I Start Buying Baby Stuff Before Pregnancy?
While it’s not bad luck to buy baby things before you become expecting parents, it could cost you, later.
New parents get excited, and it’s understandable – a new baby is life-changing!
However, you won’t be able to counteract feeling overwhelmed by buying baby stuff before the first trimester. You might end up with crowded garage or guest room full of baby gear, instead, and have a different type of stress on your hands.
Other reasons to hold off on baby purchases include:
- Items may expire
- Possibility of getting gifts from friends/family or if you have a baby shower
- Waiting to know baby’s gender
- Recalled baby item
Expiration/Return Windows
Some baby care essentials expire pretty quickly. You don’t want to risk baby’s delicate skin on a lotion you purchased over 2 years ago.
Some new mothers think they can snag a good deal on baby essentials buy purchasing early, but a better idea is to buy baby care items as needed, because they do expire. Even for items like baby clothes and baby gear, there is generally a short return window in order to get your money back.
Gifted Items
You may find that a friend offers to throw you a baby shower. If so, expect a lot of useful baby items. Some new mothers have discovered they got almost all the essentials for baby’s arrival, just from their baby shower!
Many parents discovered that family members offer to share hand-me-downs from older kids. These are great ways to get items like a high chair, toys, clothes and baby swings or bouncers.
Do You Want To Know Baby’s Gender?
Some parents want to know baby’s gender, while other parents want to be surprised. This is totally up to you, but is a good reason to hold off on buying baby items until you’re further along in pregnancy.
Knowing if you’re expecting a little boy or girl can play into nursery décor, baby clothes and more.
Recalled Items
It can be tempting to want to buy some useful baby gear items well in advance (hey! they can be expensive), but you should definitely spend time researching before making a purchase.
For example, if you buy a baby car seat in advance, you could discover the item has now been discontinued, and you cannot get any matching accessories, or worse! that it’s been recalled for safety reasons. Then, you’ll need to try to return the item (if you have your receipt) and go shopping all over again.
Is It Bad Luck To Buy Baby Stuff Before Pregnancy?
No. Let’s de-bunk this myth straight off: you cannot cause harm to your unborn baby by buying baby clothes or any other item.
What can cause harm to an unborn baby are1:
- Alcohol
- Drug abuse
- Certain types of medications
- Some types of infections2
- Injury to the mother
If you have concerns about any of these, talk to your doctor right away.
How Early Should You Start Buying Baby Stuff?
While it isn’t a ‘risk-factor’ I still wouldn’t recommend you start shopping if you’re not pregnant, but for different reasons entirely.
The best time to start buying baby items is actually around the second trimester. This gives you enough time to prepare a reasonable budget, save up for expensive items and see if which nursery items you still need after a baby shower.
Some parents wait until the last trimester to start really getting into buying baby stuff, so they can be sure of what they want, and look for discounts and deals on baby gear.
Should You Buy Baby Stuff Before 12 Weeks?
There is another myth about buying things in early pregnancy being ‘bad luck’ but, as I’ve stated above, this just isn’t true.
If this is your first child and you’re over the moon; go ahead and buy something.
Some moms choose a cute newborn outfit for their baby as a keepsake, or a toy they chose as one of the first things they ever bought for their baby.
When To Start Buying Baby Clothes?
It’s so tempting to buy baby clothes because they are so darn cute!
However, many expecting parents find that this is one of the most popular gifts they receive. That’s why the best time to go shopping for hats and onesies is after a baby shower. That way, you can take stock of what baby clothes you have and see what gaps you need to fill: do you have enough socks? what about burp cloths? newborn onesies?
Some parents discover that they receive so many baby clothes, they actually dont need to buy any before baby arrives. Remember, a newborn grows very quickly! They might outgrow all newborn outfirst within 2 or 3 weeks.
When To Buy Baby Stroller And Car Seat?
Since these are likely the more expensive items for babies, the best time to buy these items is at the end of the second trimester or in the last trimester. This gives you plenty of time to save up, and also enough time to be sure of the product you want.
When To Buy Nursery Furniture?
The right time to buy baby furniture is in the second trimester, because you have more energy than the first trimester to actually put the furniture together, but can easily get around to set up the item, without your 9-month pregnant belly getting in the way.
Baby Registry: Baby Items To Buy In Each Trimester
Here’s an action plan and a list of items that you could start buying for your baby in each trimester.
First Trimester
- Do your research
- Make a budget
- Prepare cute pregnancy announcement (for example with dogs) for your family and friends
- You don’t actually need to buy anything in the first trimester, unless you really want to
Second Trimester
- Furniture: crib, crib mattress
- Babies bedding (sheets, mattress cover)
- Plan out baby’s nursery
- Changing table (or changing bay for diaper changes)
- Rocking chair
- Stroller
- Monitor and/or sound machine
Third Trimester
- Baby clothes; including hats, mittens and swaddles
- Diaper bag
- Baby hygiene items; diaper rash cream, baby lotion, baby wipes
- Newborn diapers or reusable diapers
- Baby bath and soft towel
- Bottles or breast pump and accessories
- Bottle sterilizer
- Car seat
- Baby carrier
- Baby bouncer/ baby swing
Reasons To NOT Buy Baby Stuff Too Early
The main reasons to not buy baby stuff too early is to avoid wasting money. Buying baby stuff too soon could mean you buy the wrong item, you buy something that is later recalled, or you change your mind, but cannot return it later.
Avoid Fads
Hey, baby stuff is really cute! But just like fashion, there are trends. This month, it might be neutrals and safari-inspired themes for babies, and six months later under-the-sea adventure is where it’s at.
Since it’s all so cute, don’t get drawn into buying baby stuff too early. There will be a new trend (and a cute one!) coming soon; and generally, you’ll have more options of things to choose from (sales, discounted ‘last season’ items) if you wait until you’re expecting to start buying baby stuff.
Recalled Items
Every year, baby items are recalled for safety risks. From beds, baby chairs, car seats and accessories; baby items are frequently recalled for safety measures.
Buying items too far in advance can be a risk, because if you miss the recall return dates, you’re stuck with an unsafe item you cannot use for your newborn – woops!
Avoid this by waiting and reading up on all big ticket items (like strollers, car seats, high chairs, baby cribs) before you buy.
What You Can Do Instead: Do Your Research & Start Planning
That’s why it’s best to use all this energy and enthusiasm for shopping to start planning, instead. Don’t buy baby stuff right now; learn about all the baby stuff instead.
That way, when it comes time to buy, you know exactly what to look for, and you’ll probably already have a good price in mind, so you won’t get tricked by little 10% off sales you’ll hold out for bigger discounts.
New parents who are struggling with feeling anxious can also use this to shift to feeling empowered; you’ll have plenty of knowledge under your belt to make a good purchase, without buying at the last minute.
The purpose of this article is informative. It’s not a substitute for professional medical advice or medical care. Remember: safety first! Consult your doctor/pediatrician in case of any doubts. The author of this article does not accept any responsibility for any liability, loss or risk, personal or otherwise, incurred as a consequence, directly or indirectly, from any information or advice contained here.
Resources:
https://www.nichd.nih.gov
https://www.pregnancybirthbaby.org.au/
Hello Moms! I am Zooey. I am a wife and a mother of three amazing kids: almost 5-year-old Haley and 2-year-old twins Jesse and Matthew. I am a jogger, cooker and blogger.If you have a question or a comment, do not hesitate to write to me! 🙂