Pregnancy is a whirlwind of emotions—excitement, anticipation, and let’s be honest, a bit of anxiety too. One of the most joyful parts of preparing for your little one’s arrival is buying baby clothes. But here’s a question many soon-to-be parents find themselves asking: When is the right time to start shopping for baby clothes?

If you’re anything like how I was during my first pregnancy, you probably find yourself staring at tiny onesies and adorable booties as soon as you see those two pink lines. But hold up you might be wondering if it’s too soon or if you should wait until later. Let’s walk through this together, because trust me, I’ve been there, and I know how overwhelming it can be.

The First Trimester: Is It Too Early?

When you first find out you’re pregnant, everything feels new and exciting. You might be tempted to run out and buy that cute little onesie you saw last week. But many parents-to-be hold off during the first trimester.

Why? Well, the first trimester can be a bit unpredictable. Many people prefer to wait until after the 12-week mark when the risk of complications drops. But that doesn’t mean you can’t look or plan. I remember during my first trimester, I kept a secret Pinterest board filled with baby outfits I loved. It gave me something fun to do without feeling like I was jumping the gun.

What you can do in the first trimester:

• Start researching: You can begin looking into different brands, fabrics, and sizes. There are various brands, materials that you will come across that you will love and some that you will hate.
• Window shop: You can do this either online or in person and you’ll see what is available on the market to get an idea of what you will like. It’s fun, and it’ll give you an idea of what’s out there.
• Create a wishlist: This way, when you’re ready to buy, you’ve already narrowed down your favorites.

The Second Trimester: The Sweet Spot for Shopping

Ah, the second trimester—often called the honeymoon phase of pregnancy. You’re likely feeling better, your bump is starting to show, and the excitement is real. This is when many parents start buying baby clothes, and honestly, it’s a great time to begin.

When I was pregnant with my second child, I felt more confident and started shopping around 16 weeks. I wasn’t worried about jinxing anything, and I was able to enjoy the process without feeling rushed. Plus, by this time, you might know your baby’s gender if you’ve chosen to find out, which can make shopping even more exciting.

Why the second trimester is ideal:

• Energy boost: You’re likely past the nausea and fatigue of the first trimester, making shopping trips more enjoyable.
• Time to plan: You still have plenty of time before the baby arrives, so there’s no pressure to buy everything at once.
• Seasonal sales: Depending on the time of year, you might catch some great deals!

The Third Trimester: Last-Minute Shopping or Final Touches

By the third trimester, your belly is growing, and so is the reality that your baby is almost here. Some parents wait until this stage to start shopping, especially if they’ve had baby showers or are waiting on hand-me-downs from friends or family.

I had a friend who waited until she was about 32 weeks pregnant before buying anything. She was superstitious and felt better waiting until the last minute. And you know what? That’s totally okay too! Everyone’s comfort level is different.

What to consider in the third trimester:

• Focus on essentials: You might not need a ton of newborn clothes since babies grow fast. Stick to basics like onesies, sleepers, and socks.
• Plan for different sizes: Don’t go overboard with newborn sizes. Get some 0-3 month clothes too.
• Think about the season: Consider what the weather will be like when your baby is born. A winter baby will need different clothes than a summer baby.

How Much Should You Buy?

It’s easy to get carried away with adorable outfits, but trust me, babies grow fast. I learned the hard way with my first—I bought way too many newborn clothes, and my daughter outgrew them in a matter of weeks.

Here’s a simple guide to get you started:

Remember, you’ll likely receive clothes as gifts too, so leave room for surprises!

Trust Your Gut and Enjoy the Process

At the end of the day, there’s no perfect time to start buying baby clothes. Some parents start as soon as they find out they’re pregnant, while others wait until the baby’s almost here. Use your instincts and follow your gut. It’s a process and can be fun a lot of times.

Pregnancy is a journey, and shopping for your baby should be part of the fun. Whether you’re carefully planning every outfit or grabbing things on impulse because they’re just too cute to resist, trust your instincts. Your little bundle of joy will help you evolve in so many ways when you finally meet and it will be absolutely amazing.

So, when you see that perfect little onesie? Go ahead and buy it! This is your journey, and every tiny sock and soft blanket is part of the adventure.