What should you buy before your baby is born—and what can wait? You’ll likely get lots of advice from friends, family members, and brands. With so many recommendations, it’s easy to end up buying things that later turn out not to be necessary.
Every baby is different
Just like every pregnancy is unique, every baby is different too. A second baby might love the carrier even if the first one never did. That’s why it’s helpful to remember that with most baby gear, there’s no way to know ahead of time whether your baby will like it or need it.
Here’s a breakdown of what can be helpful—and what you don’t need to stress about buying right away:
Things that can be helpful to have
- A safe place for the baby to sleep
- Sleep sack
- Blankets
- Baby carrier or wrap
- Baby monitor
- Soft towels
- Diapers
- Reusable cloth wipes
- Cotton swabs
- Saline drops or spray (for a stuffy nose)
- Ear thermometer
Things you don’t need to buy before the baby is born
- Baby bouncer
- Diaper pail
- Baby play gym
- Baby bathtub
- Diaper bag (a backpack you already own often works just fine)
- Portable changing pad
- Baby lotions and creams
- Nursing pillow (regular pillows usually work well in the beginning)
- Toys
- Crib mobile
What really matters
- Stroller
- Infant car seat (if you have a car)
- Diapers
- Clothes for the baby
- A safe place for the baby to sleep
Buy as you go
Not every baby needs everything that’s available on the market, and you can always buy items later if and when the need arises. There are often simpler or more affordable alternatives, both new and second-hand. You may even be able to borrow items from friends or family to see what works best for you before making a purchase.
At the end of the day, you decide what feels right for you and your family. Try to base your choices on your own preferences and lifestyle. Either way, it can be comforting to know that very little is truly essential in the beginning.