Preparing for a new arrival is an exciting journey, but the question of when to start buying can feel like a moving target. While there is no single "right" time, most parents find that a helps balance excitement with practical budgeting and safety . Timeline at a Glance Trimester 1

Look into current standards for car seats (like the ECE R129 ) and cribs to avoid making uninformed impulse buys.

Focus on finishing the checklist and preparing for the first few weeks at home.

Many babies outgrow newborn (NB) sizes in just a few weeks; focus your budget more on 0–3 month items. When Should You Start Buying Baby Stuff? - HiPP Organic

People love gifting tiny outfits. Focus your own money on boring but essential items (like health kits or plain onesies) and wait until after the shower for the "cute" stuff.