When to start buying baby stuff?

Start around 20 weeks (after anatomy scan). Big items by 32 weeks. Hospital bag by 36 weeks.

How much does baby stuff cost?

Essentials only: $1,500-3,000. With nice-to-haves: $3,000-5,000. Buy secondhand for things baby outgrows quickly.

Wipe warmer (unnecessary), shoes (they can't walk), most toys (they prefer boxes), too many newborn clothes (they outgrow in weeks).

Cloth: $300-500 upfront, saves $1,000+ over time. Disposable: convenient, cost $2,000-3,000 over years. Try both.

Going-home outfit, car seat (installed before), diapers (hospital provides), blanket, pacifier if using. Keep it simple.

Nursery, clothing, feeding, health, travel. Budget-friendly essentials vs. nice-to-haves. Don't overbuy.

Start at 20 weeks. Big items by 32 weeks. Hospital bag by 36 weeks. Essentials only = $1,500-3,000. Buy secondhand where possible.

Print. Shop smart. Don't overbuy. Baby needs less than you think.

Buy secondhand. Clothes, toys, bouncer — baby outgrows in weeks. Save hundreds.
Don't overbuy newborn size. Many babies skip it entirely. Buy mostly 0-3 months.
Check insurance for pump. Most insurance covers breast pumps. Call before buying.
Install car seat early. Fire department or hospital will inspect for free. Do this by 36 weeks.
Accept hand-me-downs. People love giving baby stuff away. Say yes to everything.
Skip the wipe warmer. Sounds nice. Doesn't matter. Baby won't know the difference.

Buying everything new. Used items are fine for most things (except car seat and crib mattress).
Too many newborn clothes. They wear them for 2-4 weeks. Buy mostly 0-3 month size.
No car seat inspection. 75% are installed incorrectly. Get it checked professionally free.
Panic buying. You don't need everything day one. Amazon delivers next day. Relax.
Ignoring registry. Let people buy the expensive items. That's what registries are for.

Start at 20 weeks. Big items by 32. Hospital bag by 36.

Essentials: $1,500-3,000. With extras: $3,000-5,000. Buy secondhand.

Wipe warmer, baby shoes, excess newborn clothes, too many toys.

Cloth saves money long-term. Disposable is convenient. Try both.

Going-home outfit, car seat installed, blanket. Hospital provides most things.