When should you buy things for your unborn child? Are we preparing a dowry for the baby, or what to buy before giving birth? Get a lot of pleasant emotions from shopping

For a woman, shopping in itself is a kind of relaxation, and when it comes to shopping for her future baby, the expectant mother gets her second and third wind at the same time.

Every pregnant woman, from the beginning of this period, begins to worry about having time to buy everything before the baby arrives, tries to provide him with everything he needs, and therefore often makes purchases of completely unnecessary things ahead of time.

But this kind of shopping cannot be canceled completely, because it is a lot of positive emotions and positive impressions that are so necessary for pregnant women.

When is shopping time and what does the baby need, and what can he do without? What should you consider when purchasing a baby kit? Read the answers to these questions below.

Shopping time

Each expectant mother begins shopping for her child at a different time. Some people prefer to buy everything gradually, and start shopping immediately after the first fetal movements. Others are in no hurry, preferring to buy everything at once, just before giving birth.

And some are generally too superstitious, and firmly believe that shopping for a baby before it is born is absolutely a bad omen. Of course, it is a personal matter for each expectant mother when and what to buy for her baby.

Still, for those who doubt when to shop for a child, it is worth noting that you should not wait until the very moment of birth, and then rush everyone who is nearby to the store and buy everything that is at hand. This is the most inappropriate tactic for such a moment. You definitely need to prepare in advance everything you need to take with you to the maternity hospital, and the kit includes things for the baby. When contractions begin, someone else (husband or mother) will have to run to the shops and pharmacies, and they will buy something completely different from what you want to see on your child.

Timely presupposes an assembled kit, starting from the thirtieth week of pregnancy. By this time, you should go around all the stores, find out the assortment and pricing policy of each, and in the thirtieth week you should already go with a specific goal and make purchases. And don’t forget to talk to sales managers and ask them about promotions or discounts for pregnant women. This often becomes an extremely pleasant surprise for expectant mothers and significant savings in their financial budget.

Another option for those who are not fans of children's shopping: you can entrust this important event to your mother, husband, godparents, and so on, anyone you trust, almost the same as yourself. The main thing for everyone is to make a clear list of things that one or another trusted person needs to buy. A shopping list will help you avoid creating unnecessary clutter in your home with identical items. Such a shopping list, a kind of shopping instruction, should be drawn up taking into account the financial situation of each participant in this shopping.

What to buy and where?

There is no need to buy a dozen things of the same size at once. Remember, babies grow faster than adults, and therefore you won’t even have time to put many things on your child before they become too small for him.

It turns out that the money was wasted in vain. Most quickly, various hats - caps and body suits - become small. So be careful when selecting and ordering these items. Two warm hats, three to four thin ones and two body suits will be enough for the first time.

It is also worth knowing in advance that sliders that fasten on a child’s shoulders are not very comfortable when changing diapers, and therefore, while the baby is lying down, it is better to purchase several sliders with light elastic bands.

When buying diapers, you need to look at their sizes. You can buy a couple of packs of the first size, then you definitely won’t go wrong. Subsequently, you will just need to monitor the child’s growth and buy the appropriate size for him.

For the baby, two blankets will be enough - warm and light, one warm walking envelope and a couple of warm suits.

Important purchases include hygiene products. It is necessary to purchase hypoallergenic products immediately. This fact must be indicated on the packaging; if there is no line on the packaging stating that this drug does not cause allergies, do not take it.

A child under one and a half years old needs his own bath; it is not hygienic to bathe a child in an adult shared bath. Choose a bath according to your taste, light and beautiful. Today their choice is simply huge. So there shouldn't be any problems.

And it is best to purchase a stroller together with your spouse. After all, men are better versed in all mechanisms. Give him this opportunity to make a convenient and comfortable gift for his future child. Both the crib should not only be comfortable for the child and beautiful to your eyes, but reliable, durable enough and multifunctional. The versatility of a stroller usually lies in the fact that it can play the role of two strollers at the same time - a winter and a summer version. The crib should be suitable for the child’s growth, that is, with an adjustable bottom and railings.

Don't forget to purchase a mask net for the stroller. It is important.

Shopping can be done where it is most convenient for future parents. Strollers and cribs can be purchased second-hand if they are in good condition. Online stores today also provide a huge selection of children's products. But it is best to buy things for a child in specialized and stationary stores in order to see with your own eyes the naturalness of the materials and the required size of a particular item.

The expectant mother may not have to worry about shopping for things at all. After all, most likely, she still has all the things from her firstborn. You just need to take them out in advance, wash and iron them, and put them in a bag for the maternity hospital by about the thirty-fifth to thirty-seventh week of pregnancy.

When there is already one child in the house, and a second one is on the way, the mother just needs to collect hygiene items for the child and for herself, and not fuss about more.

Every married couple expecting the birth of a baby asks the question: is it possible to buy a dowry for the child in advance? After all, most people are inclined to believe that purchasing things for an unborn baby is a bad omen, and they also impose their point of view on others, seriously frightening future parents. Where did such a sign come from, and is it worth blindly believing in it?

Why do many people believe that you should not buy things for your baby in advance?

The superstition that says that you absolutely cannot buy things for a child in advance is supported by several components from various areas of life. Among the most common reasons for refusing to prepare in advance for the birth of a baby are the following:

Threat to the health of a pregnant woman

This point of view can still be shared by doctors today. In this case, we are talking about the fact that a pregnant woman herself can harm her health by immersing herself in the hassle of preparing a dowry for the child. This reason really does exist: if a woman does not rest for the required amount of time, then she runs the risk of experiencing elementary fatigue, which is fraught with consequences in the form of poor health, dizziness and pain in the spine.

Threat to a child's life

This reason has mystical roots. The ancestors, firmly believing in the existence of the other world, argued that if you collect clothes for a child in advance, then before the baby is born, evil spirits can take his place in these clothes. And after the birth of the baby, they will not want to give up their place to him, and will make every attempt to get rid of the child. In the modern world, of course, such a probability is reduced to an absolute minimum, although even today there are people who share the belief in evil spirits.

Extra waste of the family budget

This point of view also comes from the distant past. Considering that the birth rate in families used to be higher and the financial situation worse, children's things were practically not thrown away. They were tidied up and left for the next child. After all, not every family could afford to buy diapers, baby vests and other things again for the second (third) child. However, it is fair to note that in some large families, things that are still well preserved are inherited from one child to another, which actually allows parents to save a significant part of the family budget.

Thus, from a medical and economic point of view, the statement that there was no need to prepare a dowry for the baby in advance was completely justified at one time. But how true is this statement now?

What should an expectant mother do if she nevertheless decides to purchase everything necessary for the baby in advance?

If a married couple has firmly decided that it is necessary to start buying things for the child in advance, then first of all, it is worth throwing away all superstitions once and for all. As you know, thoughts are material. Therefore, you should not think that something bad could happen if the mother starts preparing a dowry for her baby even before giving birth. It is better, on the contrary, to realize all the benefits of the fact that most purchases will be made before the birth, and block all attempts by others to convince parents of their decision, not paying attention to conversations about bad omens.

However, if a woman expecting a child decides to independently sew diapers, knit and sew clothes for her child, then she must remember that she should not push herself to the point of exhaustion. You need to rest more often, take breaks between sewing, and do a warm-up, because the same position for a pregnant woman can have a negative impact on health: there will be pain in the neck and back.

Despite common superstitions, preparing in advance for the birth of a baby has many advantages. The biggest advantages include the following:

• The expectant mother still has time and opportunity for long shopping trips. It is during pregnancy that a woman has enough time and energy to select all the necessary things for her baby. After the birth of the baby, the mother will certainly not have time for shopping, because other pleasant chores associated with caring for her baby will fall on her shoulders. You cannot leave a baby with the father for a long time, and shopping with a baby in your arms is not very comfortable, and visiting places with large crowds of people will not benefit a newborn child.
• It is the mother who knows what things are best for her child. In this case, we are talking about the fact that if a woman does not buy things for her child before giving birth, then after the baby is born, the man (father) will most likely have to make the purchases. But a woman will still have a better understanding of choosing things for the baby, because it is important to choose clothes not only of the right size, but also of high quality, so that the things do not cause allergic reactions in the baby, and so that the baby feels comfortable.
• Emotional uplift. Good health and peace of mind are one of the main components for the health of a pregnant woman. And the positive emotions received while purchasing a dowry for your baby will only have a positive effect. As a rule, when buying things for a baby, a pregnant woman imagines what her baby will look like in this or that clothing, and such a positive charge has a beneficial effect on the pregnancy process itself.

Thus, purchasing a dowry for children in advance has many positive aspects. But it is fair to note that some modern mothers still do not dare to break their grandmother’s prohibitions, and try not to prepare a dowry for the child during pregnancy. This is a personal matter for everyone, and this approach also has its positive sides. For example, relatives will be very happy that they have been entrusted with such an important matter as buying things for the baby. Relatives and friends will have enough time to purchase everything they need while the mother and her newborn baby are in the maternity hospital. Some mothers, following the old tradition, buy everything during pregnancy, but keep things with close relatives until the baby is born. There are also parents who order clothes and other items for their baby through online stores after the baby is born.

But with this approach, it is important to know that some things still need to be collected for the baby in advance. These are the things and objects that a newborn baby will need in the maternity hospital. So, to the maternity hospital you must take with you diapers, a blanket, an envelope for discharge, disposable diapers, several sets of clothes (rompers, undershirts, hats and socks). Also in the maternity hospital, the baby will need skin care products (baby powder, baby cream, wet wipes) and medications (it is better to get a list of necessary medications in advance from the supervising doctor).

In addition, it is advisable that upon the mother and baby’s return from the maternity hospital, a crib and stroller for the newborn should already be prepared at home. After all, the baby will need them from the first days of life, and there will be no time to purchase these items after childbirth. In any case, no matter what parents expecting the birth of a child decide, the main thing is a positive attitude, and then no superstitions will harm the long-awaited baby!

The second and third trimester, when a woman goes on maternity leave and starts reading various articles on pregnancy, childbirth and child care, many want to spend it more actively and with greater benefit. For example, you can start buying a dowry for the future newborn.

However, there is a common belief that purchasing things for the baby too early is a bad idea, since the birth may be complicated. Where did this sign come from, does it have any basis and can it be ignored? Read the answers below.

First of all, it is necessary to find out where this superstition came from. Various experts indicate different sources of origin for such an ambiguous taboo:

A certain tendency towards mysticism remains in us even now, so some expectant mothers feel uneasy at the thought that pre-purchased baby things can lead to some negative consequences. That's why you should work on your psychological state.

When conception had not yet occurred, many women did not even think about the question of whether it was possible to buy things before the birth of the child. However, in an interesting situation, some expectant mothers become overly suspicious, which is actively taken advantage of by various “well-wishers.”

Representatives of the older generation, especially from the outback, with good intentions, begin to teach a pregnant woman everything in a row, including various signs and superstitions. What to do:

The best assistant in this matter can be women's and mother's intuition. If you are convinced that a baby wardrobe item purchased in advance will bring both you and your child exceptional joy, feel free to go shopping.

If you are afraid of premature purchases, then it is better to trust your emotions and spend time not on fruitless thoughts, but on something more pleasant.

If the expectant mother is distinguished by pragmatism, it is worth considering the problem of whether it is possible to buy things for a newborn in advance, from the point of view of healthy rationalism.

After some thought, mothers settle on the option of purchasing in advance, because, indeed, this option has many advantages. Let's look at them in more detail:

• it's comfortable. The birth of a little lump into the world is a revolution in the life of a woman and the family as a whole. There is not enough time for anything, and if you buy things in a hurry, you can end up with a pile of unnecessary or unsuitable clothes. But imagine that it still needs to be washed and ironed... That’s why it’s much more convenient to buy a dowry in the second trimester;
• it's practical. Agree that no one knows better than a mother what a baby should wear after birth. A woman must take into account all the nuances: color, style, quality, etc. If you shift this responsible responsibility to relatives or a spouse, then there is a risk that mom simply won’t like the things she didn’t buy;
• it's nice. Many expectant mothers experience a lot of indescribable sensations when choosing tiny suits for their future newborn baby. Agree that it is very nice to hold pink or blue booties, envelopes, vests and other things close to you.

Thus, the decision to buy clothes for future use is completely justified and correct. Mom prepares everything in advance, enjoying these chores, and after giving birth she spends all her time exclusively on the child.

But let's consider another option.

If the superstitious attitude prevailed and the woman refused to make premature purchases, it is necessary to find the advantages in such a decision. And they are:

Thus, there are advantages to each behavior option. The main thing is to put aside negative emotions and enjoy every minute of your pregnancy.

Regardless of whether a woman believes in the superstition that one should not buy things for a child before birth or not, there are some kind of mandatory items. Both superstitious and rational mothers should worry about purchasing them in advance.

Must buy:

• children's bed with linen. There is no time left to choose and buy a crib after returning from the maternity hospital - the baby must immediately take its rightful place. It is worth entrusting the purchase of this accessory to a spouse who is better versed in all the technical intricacies;
• stroller You should also purchase it in advance, and you should choose a high-quality model from a well-known company. A possible (also the most preferred) option is a transforming model that “turns” into a cradle or car seat;
• diapers, envelope. These items will be required in the maternity hospital upon discharge, so you should think about purchasing them in advance;
• baby care products. Various powders, napkins, some medications - all this should be purchased in advance by asking your gynecologist or obstetrician.

The first vehicle for a child must be chosen very carefully. This article by our technical specialist describes the most popular companies and brands.

There is a list of things that may also be needed, but you can wait to purchase them, for example:

• children's wardrobe A narrow and low chest of drawers for a child’s things is also necessary, since it is unreasonable to keep clothes and other baby accessories in an adult closet;
• changing table. Not everyone agrees that this accessory is definitely needed to care for a child, which is why we added a changing table to the list of desired items;
• baby seat. If the stroller does not transform into a car cradle, transportation will have to be purchased separately. By the way, even with a newborn child you only need to ride with a special restraint device. By the way, the device can be borrowed to transport a child home from friends;
• sling An extremely useful device, which is a type of sling. The mother will be able to carry the child, and her hands will be free.

As a conclusion

Superstitions and omens are not only “scary” and carry some kind of negative connotation. If the expectant mother is prone to mystical thinking, another well-known belief should be called for help.

So, many have probably heard the opinion that our thoughts are attracted by those events that we often think about. That is, our psyche is capable of “controlling” the future. Why not take advantage of this common superstition?

If a pregnant woman begins to attract positive emotions, think only about a good future, and do not doubt the favorable outcome of labor, then there is a high probability that this is exactly what will happen.

The question of whether it is possible to purchase things for a newborn baby in advance does not seem naive to everyone. Until now, some women in an interesting position are racking their brains in search of an answer.

If you take a rational position, then it is not only possible, but also necessary, since buying for future use will free up time to care for the little man. However, what to do in a particular case must be decided on an individual basis. Trust your intuition!

Many mothers wonder: is it possible to buy things before the baby is born? You want to spend the languid weeks of pregnancy, especially when you have already gone on maternity leave and are mainly focused on your own health, reading useful articles on the Internet and books on pediatrics, more actively and usefully. There is a desire to start purchasing everything for the future newborn. Mom wants to choose a variety of products for bathing, playing and walking, clothes, and a crib when she has time and relative freedom of movement.

In the third trimester, mom usually has a lot of free time to make necessary and useful purchases

The baby will be born, and you simply will not have the opportunity to purchase everything you need on your own. You will be busy with the baby, breastfeeding issues, setting up a new daily and daily routine, and restless nights. Many people decide that they can start buying a dowry for the baby before he is born, although this issue remains controversial. There is a belief that this cannot be done, otherwise the birth may end unfavorably. Let's look at folk superstitions, facts and try to answer the question: is it possible to buy things for a newborn in advance?

Where did this belief come from?

The sign, which is associated with the preliminary purchase of things, furniture and accessories for the baby, is characteristic not only of the Slavic peoples. It also exists in rationalistic Europe, even in the USA. Let's look at why you shouldn't buy things before the baby is born. Why is it impossible to purchase a dowry for a baby even at a later stage?

Religious explanation

Since ancient times, it was believed that clothes, loose and simply lying at home awaiting the birth of their owner, are a “free home” for spirits, especially evil ones. Otherworldly forces may move there and will not allow a new person to be born in order to take away his clothes, or the newborn may be tormented by illnesses, bad dreams, and constant fears.

Centuries ago, there was a real taboo on purchasing a dowry for a child in advance. Modern esotericists and people close to the transcendental do not reject the possibility of evil spirits interfering in the life of a newborn. They choose not to do things that our believing ancestors were against. Previously, even the baby had two names - one for people, the other for God and the guardian angel.

If a family follows the customs of their ancestors, then in this case it is better to listen to the instructions of old people

Rational point of view

From a pragmatic point of view, in Ancient Rus' it was not customary for peasants, who always had many children, thrifty and poor, to purchase new things for the future newborn. They were passed down from friends, relatives, and older children. Only rich people and nobles bought new things or ordered them from seamstresses.

Medical point of view

Previously, it was customary for the mother to sew things for her baby herself, and for the father to make a cradle. This helped to strengthen family ties, bringing future parents closer to each other and energetically to the baby.

The long time a woman spent doing needlework, uncomfortable posture and excessive zeal led to premature birth and serious health problems, which is why later a taboo arose on preparing clothes in advance.

It's all about your beliefs

It happens that the mother has a clear conviction on this matter. She is either absolutely sure that you can’t buy anything in advance, or she is skeptical about this superstition and calmly fills the children’s room before childbirth. What to do if you don’t have your own opinion on this matter?

Grandmothers, friends and relatives, who usually live far from big cities, forbid you to make a “preliminary” trip. Modern girlfriends, acquaintances and work colleagues laugh at ancient superstitions and drive them to the store while the baby is still screaming in the crib. What should a confused expectant mother do?

Preparing a “dowry” for a baby is still associated with stress and fatigue of the mother

First of all, calm down. It is unreasonable to worry and make a scandal about this. You must be healthy mentally and physically for pregnancy and childbirth to end successfully; this is much more important for the baby than the location of his future clothes and stroller. The comfort and peace of mind of a pregnant woman should come first, and not the question of whether baby vests and booties should be kept in your closet or on a store shelf (we recommend reading:). While in the womb, a small developing person feels and understands everything; it is much more important for him to feel that he is expected with joy and positivity.

Avoid psychological pressure. Sift the opinions of grandmothers, girlfriends and experienced friends through a fine sieve in your head. Guided by your own intuition, you should make a decision yourself. You need to consult only with the future father of the child. If you are both burdened by the social program prohibiting advance purchases and the fear of making a mistake, do not take risks and purchase everything only after giving birth. If you don’t care, go shopping and enjoy choosing both essential goods and touching little things!

The benefits of shopping in advance

If you are determined to purchase a dowry for a newborn in advance, but still have doubts, we will highlight several pragmatic advantages:

• It is much more convenient to purchase in advance. The dowry for the baby will then be bought and not at all what the mother wants and what the baby really needs. The mother herself will have neither the strength nor the time to go shopping. Sometimes things are bought that are unnecessary and unsuitable.
• Mom is deprived of the right to choose when purchases are made after childbirth. More often, grandmothers and fathers go shopping, and the new mother receives something that she did not choose herself. Lack of personal participation worsens the psychological background in the family and aggravates postpartum depression.

The expectant mother really wants to choose things and arrange the baby’s room herself.

• Expectant mother and father, visiting shops together, receive a lot of positive emotions and become closer, passing on positive energy to the baby.

The benefits of shopping after childbirth

In the case when you decided not to play with otherworldly forces and planned to purchase everything necessary for the child for the time after birth, we can also highlight the advantages:

• joint purchases bring relatives closer and teach dad to be responsible;
• you can use the dowry of your grown-up nephews, godchildren and friends’ children;
• you can place an order via the Internet while in the maternity hospital, in the 21st century this is quite realistic and reliable;
• you won’t find yourself in an awkward situation if the baby’s gender was mistaken on an ultrasound scan;
• your apartment will not suffer from advance clutter with a stroller, cradle, or playpen.

What things should I buy in advance?

What you must buy before going to the maternity hospital:

• Crib. This could be a classic wooden playpen or a modern crib with a mobile and a canopy (more details in the article:). It requires a mattress, a set of bedding and protection so that the baby does not thrash or get stuck between the bars (we recommend reading:). A large purchase, when is the best time to make it? After 30-32 weeks of pregnancy. It’s better to choose a model with a drop-down side so that you can move your child to your bed and not get up to a crying baby in the middle of the night.

The drop-down side allows you to place the baby very close to mom

• Stroller. Choose depending on the time of year; you shouldn’t buy two at once. If it’s summer outside and you have good roads, then a stroller with small wheels will do, a light and maneuverable vehicle so that mom can handle it herself. If childbearing occurs in the winter, purchase a model with large wheels, brakes, rain protection made of water-repellent materials, and a high basket.
• Clothes for the first days. It needs to be washed before you dress your baby.
• Diapers for newborns, regular and disposable diapers, on which you can leave your baby without clothes without fear of staining the bed or sofa (we recommend reading:).

What it is advisable to buy, but you can wait:

1. Wardrobe for a baby. It can be small in size; more often they choose a narrow, high chest of drawers. You will need it from the very beginning, don't think that making room in the closet for adults will be enough.
2. Baby changing table. This innovation allows the mother to conveniently change the baby’s diaper or swaddle him (see also:).
3. Car seat carrier. If your family has a car or you often travel on wheels, then you cannot do without a special portable place for a newborn in the car.
4. Sling or kangaroo. This is a modern device, which is a regular sling. It comes from Indian traditions and allows mother and child to always be together, while parental hands remain free.

You will definitely need a car seat, but you can wait a bit with it

What should you do before going to the maternity hospital?

Think through all the aspects before you go to give birth to a baby, because then you won’t have time to do everything in one evening. As a “dowry” you will need a bathing kit for your newborn. Buy a special bath with a slide, herbs and potassium permanganate to add to the water, a very soft towel, and baby-friendly liquid soap. If you are determined to use pacifiers, then buy several sets, they tend to get lost. Think about what you will use to sterilize dishes and pacifiers for your baby.

If it happens that you do not have milk, and the child will eat formula, you need to buy formula and bottles; sterilizers are also sold for them. Buy washing powder for baby clothes, dishwashing detergent, toys and pacifiers from the same company. As your first first aid kit, you should have hydrogen peroxide, brilliant green, cream and diaper powder, and a gas outlet tube. A few rattles, and feel free to go to the maternity hospital!

Clinical and perinatal psychologist, graduated from the Moscow Institute of Perinatal Psychology and Reproductive Psychology and Volgograd State Medical University with a degree in clinical psychology

Things for a newborn in advance

The modern approach to parental responsibilities is mostly devoid of prejudice: now it is possible and necessary to buy things for newborns in advance, if only for reasons of convenience and practicality. However, in the old days, purchasing things in advance was considered a bad omen - and there are still many people who, willy-nilly, believe in this. The reason for this long-standing sign is the terrible or absent medical support of childbirth, which provoked problems. So it was believed that purchasing anything in advance was impractical. But times have changed.

In advance, this is an opportunity to tune in to the joyful anticipation of the baby, take your time to choose, and consider all the offers. Such shopping will significantly brighten up your pregnancy period. It remains only to determine at what month pregnant women can start purchasing things for their future newborns so that it is convenient, not difficult and not dangerous. Well, we must not forget about the practical side of the issue.

Things you can buy for newborns in advance

At any time before giving birth, you can go to the store for “essential” things. This is exactly the case when it is better to choose everything for the newborn in advance in order to avoid serious expenses and nervous choices at a later stage or after childbirth. What are these things:

1. Stroller. Choosing it is difficult, because you need to take into account a lot of nuances, find a really high-quality, beautiful, comfortable, lightweight, reliable model among thousands of offers from modern stores. Plus, you can slowly decide on the desired functionality - for example, the presence of a removable cradle that turns into a car seat.
2. Crib. This is an item that a newborn needs to purchase in advance. The unborn child should have a perfectly prepared sleeping place. When buying a crib during pregnancy, you can slowly choose a model and determine the ideal place for it in the nursery or parents’ room.
3. Bed sheets. We are talking about such things as an orthopedic mattress that fits the size of a crib bed, as well as a pair of bedding sets (sheet + duvet cover). To these things you can add blankets for different temperature conditions (thinner, denser, warmer).
4. Furniture(mainly a chest of drawers, a cabinet). The future newborn should have separate furniture where you will put things. Purchasing such an item is not only a choice, but also waiting for delivery, assembly, and installation. It is unlikely that you will have time for all these processes after the birth of your child. The presence of furniture will allow you to distribute the first things in advance and determine their convenient location.
5. Medicines, hygiene products. You can stock up on navel treatment products, a thermometer for a newborn, anti-bloating medicine, powder, towels, and other things in advance

Why can and should you buy these things in advance, at any month of pregnancy? There are many reasons, but the main one is a practical approach to the birth of a newborn. When you bring your baby from the hospital, you will need to put him somewhere, provide care, and hide his clothes. Just imagine if all this doesn't happen. You can, of course, entrust your relatives with purchasing everything during your stay in the maternity hospital, but where is the guarantee that they will choose suitable furniture, a stroller and a crib?

At what age can you buy such things for a newborn? If you choose them in online stores, there are no restrictions. Do you prefer classic shopping? Then it is better to do this after the first trimester of pregnancy, when the extra stress will not be so dangerous. Practical expectant mothers tie large purchases of things to going on maternity leave and receiving related funds.

Stocking up on clothes

Buying clothes for a newborn in advance: when and what to stock up on?

When should you look for the first items of clothing for your future newborn? The answer is logical: things are acquired when the sex of the child becomes known - that is, after an ultrasound at 20-22 weeks. It’s even better to buy things when the approximate parameters of the baby are known - that is, after the last ultrasound. But in this case there is a problem - the expectant mother is no longer able to withstand hours of shopping. The only solution is to purchase clothes with accessories in an online store.

If you don’t believe in omens, stock up in advance on several sets of items made from natural fabrics with external seams, ready for washing, boiling, and ironing. You cannot buy things that can be worn over your head. If you take clothes in advance (before the last ultrasound), give preference to standard size 56. Prefer plain clothes - bright multi-colored ones will still fade from frequent washing. It would be better if there were no decor or frills - such things are easier to iron. So, in advance the newborn should purchase:

• “ceremonial” set of clothes for discharge from the maternity hospital;
• an envelope for the same occasion;
• cotton vests or “shirts” stylized as them – 10 pcs.;
• rompers with garters or snap fasteners – 5-10 pcs.;
• slips with front fasteners – 10 pcs.;
• warm sweaters – 2 pcs.;
• sleeping bags – 2 pcs.;
• thin socks – 3 pairs;
• warm socks – 2 pairs;
• thin hats – 3 pcs.;
• warm hat – 1-2 pcs.;
• scratches, booties – up to 5 pairs.

Buying such things in advance is an opportunity to make a leisurely choice, because the modern assortment of clothes for a newborn is admirable. At the same time, you can carefully select high-quality models, and not hastily scoop up everything that is more or less suitable.

What other things should you choose in advance?

To ensure that your future child is truly provided with everything he needs from the first days of life, you can prudently choose not only basic necessities and clothing. At any stage of pregnancy, you can find time to buy these things from the list:

1. Breast pump– mothers who have decided to breastfeed. Often an accessory is needed in the maternity hospital or in the first days after it, so there is no point in postponing the choice until later. But there is a chance that it will not be useful at all. So choose an inexpensive model. While you're waiting for your baby, you can slowly explore the types, best models, and prices.
2. Bath. It is not an essential item (it can definitely be purchased after childbirth), but you can find in advance the best option in terms of price and properties (for example, with an anatomically designed slide).
3. Diapers. Even if you don't intend to swaddle, buy these things for your newborn as a bedding for your bed (when feeding) or on the changing table. Light diapers are commonly used as summer blankets.
4. Car seat, carrying, sling. It is also better to choose these things for convenient transportation of newborns in advance, so as not to waste time choosing after the baby is born.

Why do you need to buy things for a newborn in advance?

There are many reasons to abandon outdated prejudices. For example, an independent, unhurried selection of things for a future newborn lifts the mood of a pregnant woman, strengthens her connection with the child, and helps to activate the maternal instinct. The second argument is no less important: you can choose things in advance that will fully meet your mother’s preferences. This concerns design and practicality, because it is the mother who most often has to manage the stroller, furniture, clothes, and so on.

Buying things during pregnancy is the best way to protect your husband and relatives from hasty preparations for the mother’s discharge from the hospital. Haste always means mistakes, conflicts, and stress. Only this was not enough during such a crucial period. The expectant mother can distribute the things that have been prepared in advance for the newborn in a way that is convenient for her - so that she can come home from the maternity hospital with everything ready.

To be fair, it is worth making arguments against buying things for a newborn during pregnancy:

• There is a risk of making a mistake with the size, because the newborn may turn out to be smaller or larger. Even determining the parameters by ultrasound is a fairly approximate process. The solution is to buy things after the birth of the newborn through an online store with delivery: you can choose everything you need, even while in the maternity ward;
• the child may have a different gender. This is rare, but it happens: ultrasound diagnostic specialists make mistakes. Solution: relax and dress the baby in what you bought - fortunately, after 3 weeks these things will become small;
• you will have to put large purchases somewhere (crib, chest of drawers, etc.) during the period of renovation in the nursery. After all, repairs are most often done in the last trimester of pregnancy. The solution is simple: first take care of the renovation of the nursery, and then purchase interior items to match this furnishings.

What to do if faith in omens is strong?

Psychologists advise in such cases not to choose things for a newborn in advance. Even if you buy everything under pressure from your husband or relatives, you will “wind up” yourself and be afraid of a negative outcome. This is fraught with stress and nervousness, which the child will immediately feel. It’s better not to bring yourself and him to such a state. The only thing worth doing is to make a detailed list of things that a newborn needs: it will help relatives make the right purchases during your stay in the maternity hospital.

We offer another solution - modern and optimal. You can choose the things your newborn needs in the online store, put everything you like in your bookmarks - and after the baby is born, you or your husband will only have to put the things in the basket, place an order and receive the package. In this way, a balance will be achieved between practicality and observance of signs.

When to buy things for a newborn before giving birth was last modified: October 19th, 2017 by Ekaterina Coruma