What to buy and when?

[essexanon]

Hey everyone.

I’m 6+5 and it’s my first baby.

I’m trying to be prepared with what’s needed and would prefer to start buying ASAP so I can spread the cost of everything.

When did you all start buying baby bits?

Is there anything you bought 2nd hand?
(I’m currently looking at a 2nd hand monitor and steriliser as they are really good priced compared to new and in vgc)

Any info or advice is much appreciated.

P.s early 8w scan is on the 22nd so defo wouldn’t buy anything until then.

Xx

We waited until 12 weeks and then bought a few bits like vest, babygrows, muslins etc.

We waited until 20 weeks before ordering any of the larger things such a pram, snuzpod etc.

We did save every month from finding out so that when we did want to buy we had the funds. This was another way of spreading the cost without starting to buy everything straight away. Also means you don’t have lots of boxes of baby items around that you won’t be using for another 7 months.

I didn't really start buying anything until well after the 20w scan (superstitious). Based on my experience I'd say sort out where you're going to store all the baby stuff before you buy it (we've had it piled up in the living room for the last 3 months, looks great ).

Also, people will give you a lot of things. Including, ime, people you barely know and had no reason to expect such generosity from. If you're going to buy anything, buy a pack of Thank You cards.

I started saving straight away but didn’t buy anything until I was about 30 weeks, even then I’ve only bought basics as there is so much that can be picked up at 24 hr shops / next day delivered.

You sound like you like being organised (like me 😊) so I’d recommend making an Amazon baby wish list, a budget for what you need / want and a savings plan, which you could do week by week so it progresses with the pregnancy.

The things I budgeted for and subsequently bought:

Pram
Car seat
Next 2 me crib
Reusable nappies and wipes
Baby bath (only because of upcoming house renovations, otherwise may have relied on sink)
Changing mat and bag
Muslins
Breast pads + nipple creams

I was given a lot of clothes etc, but made sure I had vests, sleepsuits, hats and mitts and a couple of snow suits/thicker hats (baby due Jan)

Not necessary but extras I fancied:
Night light + a dream sheep
Play mat (Ikea impulse buy!)

You’ll also need to think about hospital bag (toiletries etc) but don’t worry about that yet!

There’ll be things you’ll need along the way too - I started wearing nursing bras to accommodate growing boobs, plus maternity clothes can be pricey.

I haven’t really done much with nursery other than store everything as we’ll be renovating next year and baby will be with us for at least 6 months.

Hope that helps a bit!

Buy as much 2nd hand as you can they don't use any of it for long apart from the pram and cot. Ebay and Facebook market place is brill for clothes bundles i got DS his entire wardrobe from first size to 3-6 for about £50 in total all just needed re washing and ironing but you'd do that anyway with new stuff. Id buy brand new bottles and sterilizer as those are things i wouldn't want 2nd hand as they could be scratched or damaged and it can habour bacteria etc and a new cot mattress and car seat as those aren't recommended to buy 2nd hand either for safety reasons. I bought my pram when i was 15 weeks as it was 2nd hand a bargain so i had to have it but i didn't buy a cot or any big items till i was about 25 weeks as they take up a lot of room till your due date. Just buy what you want when you want there's no set guideline and superstition is all nonsense anyway

I put a ban on baby things until 20weeks, as we weren't sure baby would 'stick'.
Of course, my mother in law and my mum both just bought things and didnt tell me.
Then at around 30 weeks I realised everything was getting real so made a baby Amazon wishlist and picked up clothes and furniture. 37 weeks now and I'm still not sure I've got everything, but we're basically ready.

I started buying little bits before the 12 week scan. Pram I wanted was on a really good offer at 18 weeks so we bought it. I’m 24 weeks now and we got a nursery set in the Black Friday sales.

I went with the ‘anything could happen at anytime’ mentality (after 2 MCs, we had bought some stuff for both of those babies and I treasure those little outfits massively as a result) and I wanted to spread out the cost and take advantage of deals - it was the right decision for us. After Christmas I’ll be working 6 days a week until half term and the Mat leave starts soon after so we won’t have time (and I won’t have energy!) for much shopping! Plus PGG takes the joy out of most things at the moment 🙈

In short, there is no right or wrong time, it’s a personal choice. If you want to buy Now/soon then go ahead, if you want to save then do that, if you want to do nothing until the 12 or 20 week scan then don’t :)

I've been quite superstitious after a prior mc at 16 weeks and had to seel things I had bought for that baby which broke my heart so for me I just bought 2 or 3 things until my 16 week point. I'm just over 25 weeks now and pretty much have everything. Its each to their own but personally I wouldn't buy much early on maybe nappies, wipes, vests etc. Plus once you know the gender of your baby buying things becomes much more pleasurable :) Congratulations on your pregnancy.

Sell not seel things sorry*