Updated for 2025

What to Buy Before Birth: A Week-by-Week Plan

Cut the overwhelm with a simple schedule—what to buy now, what can wait, and how to stay on budget.

Fast Start

Your Buying Rhythm

Think in three waves so you don’t overbuy:

  • Wave 1 (Weeks 28–32): safety & transport (car seat), sleep basics, bathing.
  • Wave 2 (Weeks 32–36): feeding setup, clothing core, diapering, nursery practicals.
  • Wave 3 (Weeks 36–40): hospital bag, backups, the “oh no we forgot” items.
Our full guide maps 16 categories with “buy now / skip / upgrade later” flags.
Weeks 28–32

Lock in the Essentials

  • Infant car seat + base (install & test fit)
  • Safe sleep: bassinet/crib, 2–3 fitted sheets
  • Bath basics: gentle wash, 2 towels, rinse cup
  • Health: rectal thermometer, nail file/trimmer
  • Clothing: 4–6 zip sleepers, mittens optional
Weeks 32–36

Set Up Daily Routines

  • Feeding: 4–6 bottles & slow-flow nipples, drying rack
  • Diapering: diapers (NB + Size 1), wipes, cream
  • On-the-go: lightweight stroller or travel system
  • Nursery: dimmable light, hamper, extra storage
  • Laundry flow: fragrance-free detergent

Want the Full Category Map?

See top 5 picks, prices, and what to skip across 16 baby categories.

Get the Baby Buying Guide
Weeks 36–40

Finalize & Buffer

  • Backups: extra pacifiers, burp cloths (8–10)
  • Feeding extras: bottle brush, microwave steam bags
  • Sleep adds: swaddles (2–4), blackout shade if needed
  • Car check: install second base if using two cars
  • Paperwork corner: pediatrician info, insurance cards
Mini Schedules

2 Routine Templates

Weekday: prep bottles night prior → morning wash → afternoon tidy → Sunday deep wash.

Weekend: bulk laundry & bottle sterilize → inventory diapers/wipes → reorder gaps.

Hospital Bag

Pack Light, Pack Smart

For Parent ID/insurance, long phone cable, toiletries, lip balm, comfy clothes
For Baby 1–2 sleepers, hat, swaddle, going-home outfit, approved car seat
Comfort Water bottle, snacks, chapstick, small blanket
Most hospitals provide diapers/wipes. Confirm with your hospital’s checklist to avoid overpacking.
Budget Tips

Spend Where It Matters

  • Prioritize safety items (car seat, safe sleep)
  • Start basic; upgrade if a category becomes daily pain
  • Track per-category spend; aim for 10–15% buffer
Returns

Policies & Timing

  • Open boxes carefully—keep returnable until tested
  • Know store windows (often 30–90 days)
  • Register big items to extend support/warranty

Planning Wins

  • Less last-minute spending and duplicates
  • Clear “buy now vs. later” reduces clutter
  • Confidence at hospital discharge day

Common Pitfalls

  • Buying specialty gear before you know your routine
  • Forgetting spare sheets/burp cloths
  • Skipping car-seat install practice

FAQs

Do I need everything before birth?

No. This plan shows what’s smart now vs. safe to buy later. The full guide marks “skip/upgrade.”

What stroller should I start with?

Depends on lifestyle (city, car-heavy, travel). See our guide’s top 5 with pros/cons and prices.

How do I avoid overspending?

Use weekly budgets, track returns, and start with essentials. Upgrade only if a task is daily pain.