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Are you wondering when to start setting up baby stuff? This timeline will make your pregnancy stress-free.
It isn’t long before expecting mamas wonder when to start setting up baby stuff. Finding out you are expecting brings such joy to your life. The thoughts on what exactly to buy and when to buy these items quickly flood in. As a mama myself, I am giving you the best advice about when to start setting up baby stuff.
You are going to learn about when to set up crib for baby, when to start buying stuff during pregnancy, what are the first things to buy when expecting a baby, and so much more!
After reading this quick guide on when to start setting up baby stuff, you will have your question answered and be well prepared!
This post is all about when to start setting up baby stuff.
Best Advice For When To Start Setting Up Baby Stuff
First Trimester
Take this time to relax as much as possible! Easier said than done. I know. The extreme exhaustion and morning sickness are a beast! I swear they should do away with the phrase morning sickness and call it all day sickness.
Most people choose not to announce their pregnancy until the end of the first trimester.
I know you must be thinking how can I just relax during the first trimester? This doesn’t mean that you don’t do any planning. You can absolutely brainstorm, make your baby registry, and ensure that you and your significant other have a shared vision of what projects need to be completed around the house before the baby’s big debut.
You can make your baby registry during the first trimester and keep it hidden until you have finalized it and are ready to share it with family and friends. I started this early on and just kept adding to it every time a need popped into my mind.
I strongly suggest that you make a running checklist of all of the baby things you need. As you buy or are gifted these items, simply check them off your list. This helped me make ensure that I got everything I needed.
This is also a great time to explore Pinterest for nursery inspiration ideas.
(RELATED POST: 9 Out Of This World Baby Organization Ideas That Will Enhance Your Life)
Second Trimester
Hopefully, by the time the second trimester hits, you are feeling better and more energized.
This is the time when you should begin shopping.
When To Start Buying Baby Stuff During Pregnancy
Begin shopping when you feel ready! Some people choose to start shopping immediately, while others choose to wait until the first trimester is over. There is no right or wrong answer to this question. Do what makes you feel comfortable.
Whenever you decide to start, I recommend shopping a little at a time. In my honest opinion, this will help take away the overwhelm. This was helpful for me. It helped lower my anxiety. Plus, the baby’s needs list is constantly changing. There are so many baby products out there that make life so much easier that I had no idea about until my mommy friends told me about them.
You want to keep in mind that it can take extra time to receive the nursery furniture. So you will want to make sure that you buy that sooner rather than later. Around week 15 is a great time to buy nursery furniture.
(RELATED POST: 13 Baby Must-Have Items That Are Perfect For Your Little One)
What Are The First Things To Buy When Expecting A Baby
Detergent
Buy detergent early on. I suggest buying Tide Free & Gentle. It is perfect for sensitive skin. It is crucial to only buy products that are compatible with sensitive skin. When I found out my baby girl had eczema I had to get rid of SO many products because they were not gentle on the skin. Sure the baby fragrances smell great, but they are not the best option for their skin.
It is smart to buy detergent early on so that you can wash clothes as you buy them or as you are gifted them. Do not wait until you are close to your due date to wash all of the baby’s clothes.
Diapers
It is so smart to have diapers in bulk. The last thing you want to worry about when your baby arrives is running to the store for more diapers. You want to be able to spend as much time at home as possible without worrying about diapers.
My favorite diapers are Huggies. They are hypoallergenic, fragrance-free, and dermatologist tested. We have never had a reason to switch. I highly recommend these diapers!
I also really love that the newborn boxes come with wipes! You can never have enough diapers and wipes.
Wipes
You also want to be sure to have wipes in bulk. I love Huggies wipes as well. They work like a charm do not irritate my daughter’s skin.
Bodysuits
Buy plenty of bodysuits! You will quickly find out how many messes babies make. Bodysuits are easy for diaper changes and they are cozy.
These bodysuits are great. They come in so many different colors. Pick the set you like the most!
PRO TIP: Try to buy more bodysuits that are 0-3 months instead of newborn. Babies grow so fast and will quickly grow out of newborn sizes.
Swaddles
Nested Bean swaddles are amazing! These swaddles mimic our touch, which helps your baby sleep more soundly. If you are looking to learn more about this brand I wrote about them in the post below.
(RELATED POST: 15 Best Baby Care Brands You May Or May Not Know About)
Pacifiers
You want to make sure that you have a few pacifiers before your little one arrives!
These pacifiers are often given out in hospitals. My daughter loves them.
They are a saving grace.
My baby girl isn’t a huge pacifier fan but when she is fussy they are really comforting for her. They are great to have. Always keep one in your diaper bag! They are also really great to have while traveling.
I also keep pacifiers in the freezer and use them as teethers.
Baby Care Kit
This baby care kit is one of the first things I bought when I found out I was expecting.
It is so great to have all baby care items in the same place. I am obsessed with the decorative storage bag it comes with.
Brush
I am so in love with this brush. I should really say these brushes. They come in a set of two. I use this on my daughter’s head and it is so gentle on her skin.
It is also so easy to clean. I simply put it in the dishwasher.
Shampoo
You want to make sure you have bath necessities ready. There are so many bath products out there. It is natural to wonder which ones are gentle for your baby.
I love Mustela shampoo. If your baby has baby eczema or cradle cap, this shampoo will get rid of the dryness. This shampoo has helped my daughter tremendously.
Even if your baby does not have eczema or cradle cap, it is best to choose products that are not harsh on the skin.
Body Wash
I have been through many body washes and my favorite one is Aveeno.
I am so happy with this body wash.
Bassinet
The SNOO Bassinet is definitely pricey! However, it is worth the money.
Your baby will be sleeping in your room when they come home from the hospital so you will have to have a bassinet ready.
The SNOO moves and rocks your baby. It will respond to your baby’s cry and will automatically soothe your little darling. This bassinet helps keep your baby on their back, which is so important. The app will track your little one’s sleep. You can control the motion, sound, and cry sensitivity.
(RELATED POST: 17 Insane Baby Essentials First 3 Months That Will Simplify Mom Life)
When Should I Start Setting Up The Baby Nursery
The second trimester is also the time to start setting up the baby nursery.
My husband was a worker bee during all three trimesters because he was renovating the house. However, most people don’t have to do that! So I suggest ordering the furniture at the start of the second trimester. Remember this can take time to get the furniture delivered. Mine felt like it took forever! Actually, it did take forever.
In the meantime, you can make a plan. I suggest making a list of all of the nursery needs for your baby. I am a big list person. Nothing feels better than crossing items off your list.
If you are starting to set up the nursery at the beginning of the second trimester, you can relax. You have time. Try to accomplish nursery tasks little by little. It is important not to overexert yourself.
While you are waiting on furniture to be delivered you can make a sketch of where you want to place everything.
Pick out your paint color and have your hubby paint the room!
Remember when I mentioned one of the first things to buy for a baby is detergent? Wash the baby’s clothes after you buy or receive them. Hang them up in the closet once they are clean. Do not wait until you are about to go into labor to wash the baby’s clothes. You will be given so much and you really do not want to stress yourself out with the to-do’s.
(RELATED POST: 20 Baby Nursery Must Haves To Consider For Your Little One’s Room)
Third Trimester
When To Set Up Crib For Baby
You will probably have your nursery furniture delivered during the third trimester.
I suggest setting up the crib once it arrives. I know I was super excited and had my husband set up the furniture for me right away. I am not exactly the most patient gal.
PRO TIP: Once you are certain about the nursery furniture placement, decide where you want to hang the decorative items in the nursery.
This post was all about when to start setting up baby stuff. Hopefully, this has put your expecting mind at ease!
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9 Out Of This World Organization Ideas That Will Enhance Your Life
Nested bean swaddles are truly life savers and I could not have survived the newborn months without them! I’ve also always wanted to try the SNOO because that seems like a god send too. Great post!
Things have certainly changed. Years ago my mother insisted that no major baby stuff go in the house. But we need so much it’s good to plan ahead. I remember her calling the furniture store to deliver the crib when I was in the hospital.
Great article with lots of good advice!
Great advice for expecting parents. Sending this over to my niece who is expecting her first child – I sure this will relieve some stress!
Such great tips for planning on a new baby in your home. I love that brush you posted about…so tender on the baby’s head and the fact that you can wash it in the dishwasher is awesome. So many cute ideas for adding a new one to the family!
Such great ideas and helpful suggestions for setting up all of the baby stuff. You also really give great ideas of things to have purchased and are ready to go. Great post!
Swaddlers are a life saver! I highly recommend to ALL of my new mom friends. I’ve never thought of those brushes, though. I will definitely invest in those with my next pregnancy :). Thank you so much for a thorough post!!!