Where and How to Find the Best Baby Deals

When is the best time to start buying baby items? 

Almost as soon as you know you are pregnant most of us are tempted to begin collecting all the miniature, adorable things you want your baby to wear and put in their room. Still, it’s a good idea to wait until you are at least 13 weeks pregnant to begin buying baby clothes and other items. Most people prefer to know the baby’s gender, but you can always look to more gender neutral colors like cream, mustard and coral. For baby nursery themes you can do neutral rainbows, animals and geometric patterns.

For your first child, wait until after the baby shower to buy anything. Literally, anything and everything. Your friends and family will likely want to take care of most of what’s on your list. After that, you’ll know better what you still need to get. If you’ve done your research, set up a detailed baby registry and give it to anyone who asks what you need. There are so many baby brands and items out there, and sometimes it’s hard to know what you should get. Parents will help you out by getting their favorite brands and products, which is always a ringing endorsement. 

Start collecting diapers of mid-range sizes (two to four) starting at 20 weeks. Because babies vary a lot in size when they are born, it wouldn’t hurt to see what size you will actually need to start with. Buy a few newborn diapers, but not too many— you may need a size up right off the bat. 

Other items you’ll want to buy before you head into your 26th week are essentials: diaper cream, formula if you are planning to use it (even as a backup), baby soap, a towel, bottles and wipes. These are things you will be using right away for your baby. Gather “want to have” big-ticket items like a baby carrier, play pen and a bouncer more slowly – just as you see them on sale. Newborns really don’t need many toys or furniture; a car seat, a blanket and a place to sleep are all they will use in the beginning.