Baby clothes are one of the cutest things in the world. Even as a child, I loved to look and touch the tiny baby clothes in the stores wondering whether a little human can fit into such a small dress. When I got to know I am pregnant one of the first things that came to mind was all the baby clothes and shoes that I can shop for. It was so delighting to think that I have finally got a chance to buy that cute stuff for my baby.
I know all of the pregnant mothers feel like I did. Pregnancy is a beautiful journey and shopping for baby items is one thing that makes it prettier. There are so many changes happening in your body during pregnancy and you might need some extra rest sometimes. Therefore, it is always good to plan things and prepare for the arrival of your baby. When should you start shopping for your baby? There is much to consider before start shopping for your baby. Let us discuss all of them in this article.
CONTENT
1.  When should I start shopping for my baby?
2.  Is it bad luck to shop for baby items early?
3.  What to consider before shopping for a baby?
4.  Timeline for shopping during pregnancy
1. When should I start shopping for my baby?
There is no hard-fast rule to decide when to start shopping. You can start it whenever you are comfortable. But many parents prefer to wait until the end of the first trimester. After the first trimester, the risk of miscarriage decreases. This is the time when most of the parents start to share the news of their pregnancy. Therefore, starting to shop for your baby starting from 13 weeks is a wise choice that you can make.
Again, it depends on your preference. Nobody can complain about it if you are comfortable shopping around for baby items during your first week of pregnancy.
2. Is it bad luck to shop for baby items early?
If you shop for baby items early, can it make a medical impact on your pregnancy? No. Hence, it is a very superstitious belief that starting to shop for your baby early can bring bad luck. The first trimester can be tiresome for some mothers with pregnancy symptoms like morning sickness. If you do not have such a condition and are fit to hunt for baby items, go for it. Do not shop in the first trimester if you believe that it is bad luck. The mind matters the most, and you do not need stress bothering you during your pregnancy which must be enjoyed to the fullest.
3. What to consider before shopping for a baby?
- Budget
Babies are little, but it costs a lot to bring up a baby. You have nine months to plan your budget and save the money that you need to buy all your baby will need. It is vital to make a list of baby items that you need. Most of the baby items marketed as essential are not essential, and some are not even safe for your baby. Even if you start shopping late, start researching baby items early and finalize a budget.
The benefit of budgeting is you will know what you exactly want. It will hold you from wasting your money on items that look cute but are not required for your baby. You will also be able to make use of coupons and best deals if you budget ahead.
- Space
There are thousands of baby furniture available in the market. You will feel like your baby needs all of them to feel comfortable in his new home. But the first thing you should consider while planning for baby furniture is the space available in the room and your house. Do not load unnecessary furniture just because they look nice.
As the baby grows up, he needs space to move around and explore the world. Too much furniture blocking the space of your house will take away the opportunity of your baby to play on the floor and develop his muscular strength.
- Baby shower
If friends or family are planning to throw a baby shower for you, it is better to wait to start baby shopping. Most of the mothers receive many baby items in the baby shower as gifts. You can cut off the received gifts from your list of baby items and invest your hard-earned money on other useful baby gear.
When you announce your pregnancy to family and friends, there will be people who are happy to hand over their used baby gear. Therefore, you can have a gap between the pregnancy announcement, baby shower, and the date to start shopping.
- Gender
Some parents prefer to buy baby items based on the gender of their baby. You will be able to find the gender of your baby after 18 weeks. Sometimes you will be able to know the gender of your baby as early as in the 12th week of your pregnancy. If you are keeping the gender of your baby as a surprise, you can start shopping for your baby starting from the first trimester.
You do not have to wait till the gender revelation to start shopping for your baby. There are gender-neutral items like baby furniture that you can buy early. But if you are planning to buy all baby items based on a theme depending on the gender of the baby, you will have to wait at least 18 weeks.
- Delivery time
This factor is relevant only if you are going to order items online. Delivery of some packages may take longer than expected during the holiday season. Pandemic situation to affect to the shipping of goods. You have to consider all of these factors when shopping for baby gear online. You should also have the time to return or repurchase if an ordered product did not come as expected.
4. Timeline for shopping during pregnancy
Shopping in the first trimester
- Start baby shopping by creating a budget. Research on the items that your baby will need. Avoid unnecessary furniture that may only take up space in your house.
- You should always consider the safety and composition of the items that you purchase for your baby. They must be non-toxic and safe.
- Set up a baby registry. It can be private until you are ready to share it with friends and family. Select the items from your researched budget and include them in the baby registry.
- The first trimester is the right time to start stocking up everyday items like detergent and toothpaste. It will help to keep your mind free from grocery shopping trips and also in the aspect of finance.
Shopping in the second trimester
- In the second trimester, you will get to know the gender of your baby. Now you can select a theme for the nursery. Choosing a theme makes it a lot easier to shop for baby furniture and other items.
- Deep clean your house and declutter every room. Many baby stuff will come in, and you will need plenty of space to store them.
- Start ordering baby furniture in the second trimester. You will have both time and energy to assemble them when you buy them early.
- Include the crib in your baby furniture list even if you have planned to use a bassinet with your baby first. Your baby will need to move to the crib eventually, and then you will have very little time to invest in searching for a crib or assembling it.
- Decide on the type of diapers you will need and the number of diapers required before the baby arrives.
Shopping in the third trimester
- Research on a good car seat and purchase it in the third trimester. Assemble it in your car as soon as possible. You should also practice how to harness your baby safely to the car seat. Most of the newborns come home in the car seat under very dangerous conditions just because their parents have no idea how to harness the baby properly.
- Make sure you have enough amounts of diapers. Baby wipes, diaper creams, and other essential items are stocked up in your house. Once the baby comes, you cannot run around to buy these most needed items.
- Arrange the baby clothes you have purchased and received as gifts. Pre-wash them to ensure that no chemicals or dust will touch the skin of your newborn. When you tidy up the baby clothes early, you will notice if you missed any essential items.
