When Is the Best Time to Buy Baby Stuff?

Nothing beats the moment you realize a tiny human is about to turn your whole world upside down — the soft cries, the sleepy little burps, and the way life at home starts to feel brand new. Then a nagging thought pops up: When to start buying baby stuff. Jump in too early, and you might end up with a pile of things you don’t really need. Wait too long, and you could find yourself scrambling without the essentials. The good news? Getting ready for your baby doesn’t have to feel like one of those last-minute holiday shopping frenzies. In this guide, let’s walk through how to pace your baby stuff shopping through the pregnancy.

Key Things to Consider Before You Start Shopping

Before we get right into it, it’s important to first go through a few key things you should think about before planning when to start buying baby stuff.

Budget Wisely

Babies bring joy — and bills. According to Statistics Canada, the cost of raising a child from birth to age 17 is about $293,000 That’s roughly $17,000 yearly. And a big chunk of that comes upfront during the newborn stage. Spreading purchases over the trimesters (as we’ll do in a moment) can cushion your wallet against costs that start snowballing before you can blink. And speaking of cushioning your wallet, here’s a tip: You can score essential baby items by joining the Canadian Parent rewards program.

Available Space at Home

Before you think about grabbing every adorable gadget in sight, take a pause. Do you have space for a swing and a bassinet and a changing table? Because if you don’t, you might find yourself cramming baby gear into every available corner, with half of it gathering dust before you even get a chance to use it. Take a tape measure and map out where big items like the crib, dresser, and changing table would go. Even a quick mental sketch can already help you see how realistic your plans are for the space that you have, and avoid the headache that unnecessary returns bring. Or, if you’d rather get a variety of free baby stuff all in one place, make sure to sign up for our Canadian Parent Rewards program!

Baby Shower and Gift Registries

If you’re having a baby shower, know that family and friends will want to spoil your little one. Setting up a registry early (around 20 weeks) gives them a clear idea of what you actually need, which will save you from ending up with three bottle sterilizers, two diaper pails, and zero cribs. It doesn’t have to be fancy. Even a simple checklist with the basics — like newborn clothes, a car seat, and a crib — works just fine, as long as it’s easy for family and friends to access. And while you’re at it, remember to take a second and picture where each item would actually go in your home, so your space stays cozy.

Baby’s Gender (If You Want to Know)

If you’re planning to find out your baby’s sex, it makes more sense to wait on buying gender-specific outfits or choosing a nursery theme until after the big ultrasound (usually around 18-22 weeks). Sometimes the early guesses can be wrong, and you don’t want to stock up on frilly dresses only to find out you’re having a boy. Even more, making big purchases too early could mean ending up with a lot of stuff you don’t really need. If you’re choosing to wait for a surprise, sticking to cozy, gender-neutral colours like grey, mint, or cream will make things a lot simpler. And bonus, these pieces can easily be reused if you plan to have more kids down the road.

Seasonal Considerations

Imagine pulling out all the adorable newborn clothes you’ve bought, only to realize they’re way too warm for the season your baby is arriving in. Those thick fleece onesies aren’t much help for a summer baby who needs light, breathable outfits. Especially since Canada’s seasons are anything but forgiving, it’s worth taking a moment to match your shopping list to your baby’s due date. If you’re expecting in the warmer months, think soft cotton or bamboo fabrics that keep your little one cool. If it’s a winter arrival, focus on cozy layers and snug accessories.

Focus on the Essentials First

There’s a fine line between baby essentials and nice-to-haves, and as parents, it’s not always easy to spot. Especially when you’re preparing for your baby’s arrival, it’s key to focus on what you actually need on day one. Essentials are about safety, feeding, sleeping, and basic comfort — things like diapers, onesies, a safe crib, and a properly fitted car seat. Everything else, even if it looks handy or cute, is a bonus you can add later once you settle into your routine. A good way to stay on track is to simply ask yourself: “Will my baby actually need this in the first few weeks?” If it’s not a sure yes, it can probably wait.

Allergies or Sensitivities

Some babies react to specific detergents, lotions, or even certain formulas, and the tricky part is that you often won’t know until after your baby arrives. This makes it risky to stock up on large quantities of one brand too early. With that said, it’s wiser to buy small trial-sized amounts first. And once you see how your baby’s skin or digestion reacts, you can safely stock up on what works best.

Delivery Time for Online Orders

As with anything you order online, baby gear can take weeks to arrive at your door, and even longer if you live in a rural area or smaller town. Make sure to account for this delay, or else, you might find yourself cutting it uncomfortably close to your due date. Order bigger items like cribs, strollers, and car seats at least 1 to 2 months before you need them. That way, you have a comfortable buffer for deliveries (and returns if needed) and you can set everything up without the last-minute panic.

Hand-Me-Downs

Reusing items like swings, bassinets, and baby clothes passed down from family and friends can save you a lot of money and add a sentimental touch to your baby’s early days. But it’s crucial to be selective, especially for items tied directly to your baby’s health and safety. Car seats in Canada, for example, have strict expiration dates, and beyond being illegal, using an expired seat could seriously put your baby at risk. For everything else, if an item is still in good condition, it’s one less thing to worry about on your baby checklist.

Trimester-by-Trimester Baby Shopping Timeline

It’s not unusual for many parents-to-be to wonder when to start buying baby stuff during pregnancy. But the truth is, it’s less about finding the “perfect” time and more about knowing what to buy during each major trimester. Here’s a breakdown to help you plan your baby shopping in a smarter and more stress-free way.

First Trimester (Weeks 1–12)

In the first trimester, there’s no rush to dive into full baby shopping yet, especially since your baby’s gender and growth milestones aren’t confirmed until later. Instead, you can focus on these simple things:

• Maternity essentials, such as belly bands, maternity bras, and comfy leggings
• Prenatal vitamins
• Pregnancy journal or planner to keep track of milestones and doctor appointments

On top of that, you can also start lining things up ahead of time by:

• Researching baby brands and products, so you know which ones fit your needs and budget when it’s time to shop
• Listing and separating must-haves and nice-to-haves baby items to help make shopping later feel more focused and less rushed
• Setting a rough budget for big-ticket baby gear like cribs, car seats, and strollers

For new parents, it may seem like you’re not doing enough at this point, but those who’ve been through it will agree: The first trimester is really about adjusting and focusing on your own comfort first. You’re navigating new symptoms, processing big emotions, and slowly wrapping your head around the fact that a baby is on the way. It’s a lot to manage, and that’s exactly why most parents choose to hold off on big purchases during this time.

Second Trimester (Weeks 13–27)

In this phase, your energy levels are likely better. The bump isn’t too unwieldy, and most anatomy scans are done, so you know more about your baby’s health and development. This “golden window” is the perfect time to get to the bottom of some important purchases like:

• Big furniture, such as a crib, mattress, dresser, and changing table
• Major baby gear, like a stroller and infant car seat (mandatory for hospital discharge)
• Baby monitor
• First round of baby clothes (0-3 months)
• Other baby essentials like onesies, sleepers, and swaddles

While you’re at it, you can also get a head start on a few more things:

• Set up your baby registry to share with family and friends or to help you stay organized
• Prepare and organize your baby’s nursery, decluttering the space if needed
• Take advantage of Canada-specific holiday sales, like Good Friday sales, Canada Day sales, and seasonal clearance events

Third Trimester (Weeks 28–40)

By now, most baby essentials are already sorted out. This stage is about checking off the final pieces that get you ready for your hospital stay and welcoming your baby home, so you can get rid of any stressful, last-minute errands. That’s to say, use this time to focus on practical preparations, such as the following:

• Pack your hospital bag with necessities: Your insurance information, ID, health cards, and a copy of your birth plan.
• Prepare your personal items for the hospital: Extra maternity outfits, nursing bras, cozy socks, and a soft robe to keep you comfortable during your stay.
• Set up your home: Install your infant car seat properly and pre-wash your baby’s first set of clothes, blankets, and swaddles, especially if they are hand-me-downs.
• Finalize your feeding setup: Have bottles, a breast pump, formula (if needed), and a healthcare kit ready (thermometer, nail clippers, nasal aspirator).

After the Birth

Once you meet your little one, you’ll quickly realize that some things are better bought after birth. They might be bigger or smaller than expected, or have different needs than anticipated. And as a result, some of the things you thought you’d need before birth end up in the closet, untouched. Here are just a few of those items you might find yourself getting after your baby arrives:

• Extra clothes in the correct size, depending on whether your baby is smaller or larger than expected
• Feeding items based on your baby’s feeding needs (such as more bottles, nursing gear, or formula if needed)
• Play mats and larger toys for when your baby starts hitting early milestones
• A bigger stash of diapering supplies once you know which brand and size work best for your baby

FAQs

Can I buy baby stuff before 12 weeks?

Yes, you can buy baby stuff before 12 weeks, but many parents wait until after the first trimester milestone for emotional and practical reasons. Smaller items like maternity wear and prenatal vitamins are perfectly fine to get early.

What is the first baby item I should buy?

The first baby item you should buy is a good maternity pillow or a pregnancy tracker, both of which are must-haves for your comfort and planning. For the baby, a car seat is often one of the first essentials as it’s often required for hospital discharge.

How can I get free stuff for my baby?

You can get free stuff for your baby easily by signing up on the Canadian Parent website. Along with our rewards program, we also offer helpful parenting resources, like where to find free baby samples, baby coupons, and more.

When should I start my baby registry?

You should start your baby registry at around 20 weeks, like most parents do, so it’s ready in time for baby showers or early gifts.

What baby items can wait until after birth?

Baby items that can wait until after birth or even later are things like high chairs, large toys, baby shoes, or breast pumps (especially if breastfeeding doesn’t go as planned).

What are the most important things to buy before the baby arrives?

The most important things to buy before your baby arrives include a car seat, a safe sleeping space (crib or bassinet), onesies, baby blankets, diapers and wipes, and basic feeding supplies (bottles, formula or breastfeeding gear).

When do baby stores in Canada have the best sales?

Baby stores in Canada usually have the best sales during major sale days like Boxing Week (December 26+), Black Friday, Amazon Prime Day, and seasonal clearances in January and July.

Can I return baby items if I change my mind?

Yes, you can return baby items if you change your mind, as most Canadian retailers offer 30-90 day return windows. But always check the return policies carefully, especially since opened items like breast pumps and other hygiene products are often non-returnable.

Bonus Tips for Canadian Parents

We’ve been talking about baby essentials a lot so far, but what exactly are these essentials, you wonder? We actually have a dedicated guide — the Newborn Baby Essentials Checklist — to walk you through everything you’ll need. If you’re also looking to score free baby stuff, you can head directly to popular baby store websites like:

• Babies “R” Us Canada: Offers baby registries with perks like welcome kits (free samples, coupons, discounts, etc.)
• Well.ca: Features regular promotions and bundle deals on baby essentials like diapers, formula, and gear.
• Amazon Baby Registry Canada: Offers a free welcome box with baby items, plus access to completion discounts and group gifting options.

Or, if you’d rather get a variety of free baby stuff all in one place, make sure to sign up for our Canadian Parent Rewards program!