Is It Bad Luck to Set Up the Crib and Nursery Before the Baby Is Born?

You will hear all manner of misconceptions and myths about pregnancy and how you should not do certain things before your baby arrives.

Some cultures, for example, believe that buying things for a baby before even getting pregnant is a bit of dreadful bad luck.

So, Is It Bad Luck To Set Up The Crib And Nursery Before The Baby Is Born?

No, not at all! There is no reliable proof that buying stuff and preparing for the baby early will bring bad luck your way. It’s actually a good idea to prepare early and avoid making rash decisions later.

Any time is the right time, although not for everything as we’ll discuss later. Whether you plan to set up the crib in the first trimester or third trimester, it all boils down to being a responsible parent who doesn’t want to be caught unprepared.

Three Things To Take Into Consideration Before Your Baby Is Born

1. Financial-wise, The Earlier You Set Up Things the Better

Think about it – you will find it easier to put your mind together and shop for the essentials, including the crib and stuff, before the baby arrives.

Baby nurseries can be complex at times, and the earlier you set one up the better.

You may also want to get a baby nurse – she can help create a bedtime routine, set up a nursery, help with everything to do with feeding, and ensure the mom is nourished and comfortable in the first days she’s home from a maternity ward.

Also, a baby nurse will be integral in showing the mother how to handle common post-partum issues like gas, colic, and excessive crying, all of which can be considerable stressors for first-time parents.

You better make your decisions early when things are still cheap to buy and when you still have a clear mind to avoid impulsive buying and overspending.

In the case of a baby nursery, for example, and if you would like to hire a baby nurse, you have no choice but to hire her and set up the nursery before the baby arrives.

2. Buying Baby Clothes in the First Trimester? Really?

Of course, you are going to feel a bit uneasy buying things for your baby in the first trimester.

That’s the time you aren’t very sure about certain things like – Lord forbid – whether you could experience a miscarriage. ‘

Still, there’s no timeline for purchasing things and setting up the right environment for the anticipated baby.

It is perfectly OK to begin your shopping right from the minute you confirm you’re pregnant at the start of the first trimester.

It is easier to beat the anxiety and nervous tendencies than you think – just immerse yourself in the desire to be a great parent and start the preparations as early as possible.

Another piece of advice I’d give regarding first-trimester shopping and preparation is that you should start with general items such as baby travel systems, car seats, and baby wraps, or ring sling as you wait because you aren’t sure of the gender of your baby at this point.

Buying these items early gives you enough time to test them, make changes, and even return or exchange them if they are faulty.

If you’re wondering, is 16 weeks still too early to purchase and/or set up a crib and similar stuff?

Chances are you are running late. Even for the first-time would-be parent, the second trimester of pregnancy should be the easiest of the three to manage.

However, all mothers aren’t the same – some mothers are more prone to develop complications and may be compelled to rest for the rest of the pregnancy.

In such a case, you can’t predict how the pregnancy will go.

While you could get a bit jittery in such a situation, you should still create a shopping list of the things you think the baby will need and go ahead to buy them if you have cash.

3. Don’t Buy and Set Up EVERYTHING.

While it’s a great idea to have most things figured out early, it isn’t always good to purchase all kinds of items and make every other preparation before your baby arrives.

It is better to purchase some items like toys, most baby clothes, and pediatrician insurance after the baby is born.

Parents sometimes buy heaps of baby clothes before the baby is born, only to learn later that their baby does not fit in them.

Loose-fitting clothes are harmless to adults but certainly not for babies.

A sleeping baby in loose clothes can easily suffocate if they roll in your absence.

SIDS – sudden infant death syndromes are a common killer of babies below 1 year and can be easily prevented, among other things, avoiding loose clothing, especially baby sleepwear.

Tight outfits aren’t good either – tight baby pajamas can interfere with proper blood circulation.

Related: Should You Shut Your Baby’s Bedroom Door At Night? 

Seven Must Have Baby Items That Should Be Purchased In Advance

Therefore, the best strategy is to limit purchasing clothes in advance. Instead, go for the basic items such as onesies or few casual clothes that can be worn in multiple seasons.

The crib happens to be among the things you should early. Here is the complete list:

1. Some clothes

Your newborn baby won’t stay naked the entire time.

They will need a few well-fitting clothes – probably a whole lot more clothes than you think — as they will be going through the collection faster.

Spit up and vomits? Change of clothes.

Piss, diaper blowout, or poo? Another change.

For that reason, aim for

  • about 5 cute one-piece bodysuits
  • 5 sleep sacks or sleepers
  • three pairs of colorful socks
  • a few baby hats
  • outerwear for the cold season
  • etc.


2. Car seat

Did you know most hospitals won’t permit a mother to bring her newborn baby home from the hospital without a baby car seat?

Car seats receive the same emphasis as seat belts.

So invest in one before the delivery day.

And if you experience trouble installing one, just stop at your local police station or firehouse, and they will help be glad to help.


3. Food

If you are planning on baby formula feeding, ensure that you set up a reliable supply chain in advance. You can buy plenty of it a few days before delivery.

If you live close to a store that sells the best quality of this stuff, you’re lucky, although anything can be purchased online nowadays.


4. Blankets

Remember to stock up on several inexpensive staples.

Babies love to relax or sleep swaddled in a fluffy and comfortable blanket — but I don’t think you don’t need specialized swaddling blankets.

Pretty any cozy baby blanket, or any of those receiving blankets, would be fit for the job.

Related: Do You Need Blackout Curtains for The Nursery?


5. Baby carrier or stroller

Both of these are necessary if you are thinking of outings immediately after the baby arrives.


6. Bassinet or crib

Your newborn baby will demand a comfortable place to relax and sleep — whether it is a crib, co-sleeper, bassinet, or swing.

Choose a product that meets safety regulations.


Related: Should You Place The Crib Above A Heating Vent?

7. Diapers

Whether you opt for disposables or cloth, diapers will be part of your daily routine immediately the baby arrives.


Conclusion

Dismiss those common myths such as “is it bad to buy presents for the baby early” and focus on being the best parent to the child.

If you are healthy enough, moneyed, and have pregnancy plans, or your partner is pregnant (or yourself), you can push on and buy all manner of stuff you want for the coming baby.

Some items like baby carriers, baby swing, baby carrier shirts, infant car seats, and strollers are necessary by default, whether you are anticipating a girl or boy.

Some of these products come in unisex designs, meaning they are easier to shop for and won’t make you nervous.