Soon after you learn you’re pregnant, you’ll probably realise just how many things you’ll need to buy for your baby.
The list of things you’ll need will be a long one. But do you need to buy everything at once? And how soon is too soon?
When Is Too Early to Buy Baby Stuff?
It’s all down to you. There’s no right or wrong. You have the best idea of what you need, and of what sort of budget you have. Buy everything at once, and you’ll have everything you’ll ever need, immediately. But this will be very expensive, and you may end up buying some things that you won’t need for some time. On the other hand, if you wait a while, you’ll be able to save up for certain pricier items, and you might be able to take advantage of seasonal sales. Also don’t forget to talk to your friends and family. They might be able to provide you with some second hand things that they don’t need anymore, which can help you make huge savings. But there are some things you should never buy second hand – such as a car seat.When To Start Buying Baby Stuff
The only time it’s “too late” to buy the essential baby stuff is after your baby’s been born. But in the final months and weeks of your pregnancy you’ll probably feel too preoccupied to shop around for essentials. So while you don’t have to buy everything from the moment you learn you’re pregnant, at the same time you shouldn’t leave things until the last minute. Most babies arrive between 37 and 41 weeks of pregnancy. Ideally, you should aim to have everything you need by week 35. Aim to start as soon as possible, but don’t worry about getting everything at once. Take your time, pace yourself, and think about the following:- Go gender neutral. We’re moving away from a world in which blue is for boys and pink is for girls. But those who sell baby stuff still tend to gender their products. So especially in the early days, it’s a good idea to try and make everything you buy gender neutral.
- Keep an eye on the sales. Larger items, such as cots and prams, regularly appear in sales. You could make some huge savings if you take your time and shop around for the best deal.
- Keep all your receipts. You might find a better deal later on. And some items might turn out to be impractical or unsuitable, for one reason or another.
- Have a baby shower. You could receive many of the items you need as gifts!
- Talk to your friends and family. Ask anyone with children if they have anything they could donate – even if it’s only temporarily. Babies and children grow up very fast, so most parents will have things that are still in very good condition, but which their children have now outgrown.