GTKY: What have you bought?

jennifer0428

I keep hearing it's "bad luck" to buy baby stuff while you're TTC. Some people even say not to buy anything until your 3rd tri, but it's so hard!! Is anyone buying baby things yet? Or is it too "cart before the horse"?

goldie987

I got a sewing machine and have been making baby stuff (quilts with matching tote bags, bibs, etc). I figure if all goes well it can be used in the near future, if not I can donate it or give it to a friend. I won't go out and buy anything for a baby until a good anatomy scan at 20w but that's more to get things in the right color than anything else.

charmedlifex3

DH bought a toy box at a yard sale, because it looked just like his from when he was a kid. We're using it to store blankets in the mean time. 

We've bought some baby books too, especially since this will be our first - 9 months just doesn't seem like enough time to learn everything we'll need to know AND get everything ready. 

FloridaStanley

I didn't buy anything while TTC DS, but the day I found out I had to do something so I bought some gender-neutral onesies. After I had an ultrasound at 8 weeks for dating, I started slowly buying clothes and diapers and such. When DS was born premature I stopped buying things until I knew he was doing well enough that he would come home soon. So like 4 days before his discharge I spent an afternoon buying and getting ready a car seat, swing, pack n play, clothes, etc.

Jewish tradition/superstition is to not purchase anything until birth- I'm not Jewish but a close friend is, she says her mom even made her dad run out for a car seat when she was born because they didn't have it already. She is pregnant and has some things but not much, just what she'll need to get by for a little while.
Traditionally Jews are superstitious like this about weddings too- they don't do bridal showers or rehearsals.
(Of course this is not to say all Jewish people are like this, this is just what I've learned from interacting with people online. I like learning about these things)

This time I haven't bought anything but I have picked some stuff out and started a list, knowing what I liked and didn't like and what I'll need.

FloridaStanley

allisun29 said:

9 months just doesn't seem like enough time to learn everything we'll need to know AND get everything ready. 

It is. You'll grow and learn with baby when you have him, so as long as you can hold him and change a diaper when you first have him you'll figure everything out together.

Mr0616

I have some baby clothes that I just had to buy. They either screamed this is something our child would wear or too darn cute. Maybe 6 things? Over 6+ years?

PeggyOlsonFTW

****trigger warning*****

I bought a few things after my 2nd BFP and since my loss I can't stand to look at them. Some things are packed away and some are getting returned. In the future I won't be buying anything until second tri.

jvrchef

I have a backpack that I plan to use as a diaper bag because I had a gift card to Vera Bradley that was about to expire and I didn't really need anything else.  I also have the onesie that I'm going to use to tell DH that I'm pregnant.  Other than that I don't plan on buying anything until at least the second trimester.  

Linsbins

I coupon baby wipes, but I use them often for my kindergarten class so it can't hurt.

Lulucooks

No, and I've given away everything from when DD was a baby a long time ago. But considering it's been 16 months ttc, I will probably not buy anything in case it just doesn't happen.

dewdropdana

I haven't gotten anything, but DH bought a little tykes Jeep at a garage sale. We gave it to our nephew in the meantime. He loves it and it doesn't make us feel like we are preparing for anything too early.

sorarose

We have all the major stuff from DS. If we were to have another boy, we wouldn't buy too many new clothes and just break out the hand-me-downs. 

LadyMillil

I bought a Stars Wars onesie when we were at Disney to give to DH when I get a BFP. I'm struggling now so I'm not going to buy anything else until I know I have a healthy pregnancy.

EasterEggs

I have bought two things, a knitted hat that looks like a cupcake and a pair of knitted booties made from that silky, fuzzy kind of yarn. They were both so cute that I had to have them! I've also got a few hand-me-downs from my parents lined up; a crib, some blankets and clothing.

I still feel the urge to buy the cute things I see, but now that we're actually TTC I realize how draining it can be to cycle through hope and disappointment (and I've only been doing it for two cycles! ugh). I'm restraining myself from buying anything else until I am officially pregnant.  

PrimRoseMama

jennifer0428 said:

I keep hearing it's "bad luck" to buy baby stuff while you're TTC. Some people even say not to buy anything until your 3rd tri, but it's so hard!! Is anyone buying baby things yet? Or is it too "cart before the horse"?

I don't buy anything before 24 weeks gestation. It has nothing to do with Luck or Jinxing anything. It has to do with the fact that you are never safe until baby is in your arms. I know at least 3 people with third tri losses and I'm unfortunately a member of the second trimester loss group. Its not wise, IMHO, to have a bunch of baby stuff sitting around to torment yourself.

My BFF miscarried at 9 weeks. She started buying things the minute the stick dried and has since had many bouts of very real depression because she can't stand to have it, but its heartbreaking to sell it or give it away. She sent me some of the blankets/burp cloths with the best wishes for when we officially TTC in January. I could tell it broke her heart to put them in the mail.

So, I just don't do it.

hunnybunny17

I'll admit I'm, so far, the BSC one here. It may be cart before the horse but that hasn't stopped me yet. I work retail and every so often have baby things pass by me that are 90% off + discount. So I have a few big ticket items in my attic right now as well as some small things.

ReesaAnne16

Before we started TTC I bought some things I found on sale at thrift stores; cool wooden toys, a beautiful glider ($12!)... I also started reading a lot of parenting blogs and researching cloth diapers. I entered a bunch of giveaways for baby stuff and won a few things over the months, mostly cloth diapers, bottles, pacis, some clothes. Earlier in the summer I refinished a beautiful dresser for the spare bedroom/ future nursery. 

Now that we've been TTC 5 months with no luck, I'm avoiding it all. It's a pain to hide the stuff when guests stay the night, and I just get sad looking at it. I'm not going to get rid of any of it, but I pray we will eventually be able to use it. 

noelietrex

I like to sew, especially toys and plushies so I've made a whale and a Thor so far. Also DH and I started a tradition where each month we're TTC we buy a children's book and write an inscription telling our future LO how we're waiting to meet them, and how they're wanted and loved. It's also something to look forward to if AF shows up, like a little consolation prize to take the edge off.

dabeezkneez

****loss mentioned****
Not gonna lie, I'm bsc too, I have stuff. Lots of friends gave me some stuff they were going to get rid of, but I was pregnant at the time. I lost the pregnancy but it seems stupid to get rid of it since we are ttc again. I'm just hanging onto it till I need it, though I don't have any big ticket items. I will wait till second semester to get anything else.

jojomama25

I haven't bought anything yet. I do look at a ton of stuff online though. I have a couple secret Pinterest boards. I have bought a couple books for myself, and also the gift for DH for when I tell him.

I LOVE to crochet though, and its getting harder not to start projects I like to save them. Especially items I've made in the past as gifts for friends when they were pregnant and thinking "I'm totally making this for myself one day"

chrlyr

I don't think I bought anything until after our anatomy scan with DS. I probably wouldn't get anything until that point this time. If we had another boy, I may just need some clothes here and there depending on the season. If we have a girl, we'll need all the clothes. We have all the gear we need.

All I've purchased in anticipation of a pregnancy are some maternity clothes I got on clearance at Old Navy.

ETA: I clearly wasn't awake when I posted this because we'll need a new furniture set regardless of the sex of the child. DS kind of needs to keep his. 

Kballew10

I have the onesie that I plan on giving to DH to tell him, but other than that, I'm not doing anything until it happens.

Jenners24

I have bought a few books and small toys here and there at yard sales, but my nieces and nephews come over a lot so I justify it that way. I frequent a few websites where you get samples in the mail, and I love to sign up for the baby items. Usually they are small, like one pacifier or one outlet cover. I keep them in a box tucked away in the closest and I don't feel guilty or let down by any of it because they were free.

Once I get a BFP, I don't think I will buy anything major until 20-24 weeks. 

BreeToll

The only thing I've bought is a baby book.  I've had my eye on this particular one - it is from the same company I got my Simplified Dayplanner at.  It has add on packages for infertility and fertility treatments, adoption, fostering, and late term loss (to remember a lost little one).  When it went on sale I couldn't help myself, I got one for my pregnant friend and myself.   

jennifer0428

BreeToll said:

The only thing I've bought is a baby book.  I've had my eye on this particular one - it is from the same company I got my Simplified Dayplanner at.  It has add on packages for infertility and fertility treatments, adoption, fostering, and late term loss (to remember a lost little one).  When it went on sale I couldn't help myself, I got one for my pregnant friend and myself.   

@breetoll What's the name of the company that makes it? I kinda want one! Haha

BreeToll

jennifer0428 said:

The only thing I've bought is a baby book.  I've had my eye on this particular one - it is from the same company I got my Simplified Dayplanner at.  It has add on packages for infertility and fertility treatments, adoption, fostering, and late term loss (to remember a lost little one).  When it went on sale I couldn't help myself, I got one for my pregnant friend and myself.   

@breetoll What's the name of the company that makes it? I kinda want one! Haha

It is by the graphic designer Emily Ley.  Her website is www.emilyley.com and under the tab "Little Ones".  This one felt like a somewhat safe purchase because of the add on options. 

sldp123

The only thing I've bought is a onesie that I had planned to give DH when I told him I was KU. 

jhems776

From being on this board and knowing many people who are TTC 2 years I did not buy anything.  When moving apartments we did move into a 1 bedroom plus den (10x10) just in case.  Right now is is more of a storage room.  We have also put off some purchases too and I did keep some clothes that are way big on me because I think they would make great maternity clothes. 

crdo

I haven't bought a thing. I have a couple of items from DH's nursery that my MIL was so kind to give us when she cleaned out her basement, but they're tucked away safely in a closet. I don't want to buy anything until later in my (hopefully someday) pregnancy.

housewifehobbyist

I haven't bought anything, but I did get a pretty antique hutch that belonged to the mother of my aunt.  She had moved her out of her home and needed to empty the house.  Our bedroom and nursery are on the top floor of our little vintage cape cod and have slanted ceilings and the hutch fits perfectly in the nursery.  The bottom cabinets of the hutch are open all the way across, so I added a tension rod to hang tiny clothes.  If I find baby hangers on sale I plan on getting them as well, but I will hold off on anything else.

mrsschmity

Nothing so far...More like what have my in-laws bought )

My MIL has already purchased a crib and other necessities for the first child of hers to have a baby...pretty sure it will be H and I since his 23 year old brother is still single with no plans to have a child, and his other two siblings are 15 and 13. 

I am also pretty sure that my own mother has started purchasing baby clothes, since every time she passes the infant section at the store she gets all sappy lol

The only thing I may purchase before hand is something to tell H with when I do get a BFP.

irishrose54

I haven't bought anything but I definitely window shop(and online "window" shop sometimes). There are at least four baby shops within walking distance of me and they just put the cutest things EVER in the windows! I could see myself picking up a few small items once I see a BFP just because I know I won't be able to contain my excitement.

chicandbubbly

I have been so tempted, but so far haven't bought anything. I am thinking of ordering a few things soon that I can use to tell DH and our parents, but a part of me wants to wait until I get a BFP!

0SeaMonkey0

I waited. Personally I've known some friends to buy baby stuff in advance because they found a good sale and then when things don't go as planned, having those baby things lying around just turns into a smack in the face. No thanks.

AngelAccaliasMommy

***loss mentioned***

During my first pregnancy we were planning to wait until 30 weeks to go on one big shopping spree. my hubby got excited and bought a blanket and stuffed caterpillar toy around 20 weeks, my best friend bought us some neutral clothes early on, at 27 weeks I received the first gift from our registry, it was a play mat thing, my mother bought some little trinkets and toys and knit a blanket.... but then at 28 weeks we lost our daughter. it was completely unexpected. I am glad we didn't have a nursery full of baby things to come home to. what we did have I clung to desperately. i slept with her toys and blankets for over a year. then I was able to display it in a shadow box or just box up for safe keeping... as time progressed I decided that those things are my daughters and I would never be able to use them with future children. The trinkets and blankets I kept for sentimental reasons but the toys and play mat I would never use. After 4 years I finally decided it just wasn't practical to keep them in storage, still in original boxes and all...so I let go and gave them to a close family member who truly appreciated them....

any future pregnancies we will wait on the big items. I'm sure family will purchase things but most of it will stay boxed up and out of site until at least 35 weeks. we will shop and set everything up at 36 - 38 weeks.... I will enjoy my pregnancy of course and maybe buy an outfit or two but that will be it. My friends have all had their nursery's completely set up and finished by 20 weeks... that would drive me crazy to look at every day.... I always pray that none of them experience a loss and have to come home to a bunch of baby stuff that will never be used. I wouldn't wish that on my worst enemy.

princ230

I have not and won't buy anything till I'm actually pregnant, I'm not going to get my hopes up for no reason

letyourheartbeyourguide

Absolutely nothing. I see TONS of cute baby stuff all the time, but I don't even have an urge to buy any of it.

First of all, I'm totally the superstitious Jew like @FloridaStanley described. It makes me super nervous to even think about having baby stuff in the house. Second, (**tw loss mentioned**) after having had a mc I feel even more superstitious.

I don't know how far I'll take it if/when KU again, but I don't plan to buy anything at all during first tri, probably nothing much and definitely nothing big during second tri. If I end up having a shower, I'd likely do bigger items via amazon wish list or something so I don't actually have them until later. A friend had everything delivered when she had the baby, and a family member set up the nursery while she was in the hospital.

AshleyGemini24

Not buying anything right now. Don't wanna put the cart before the horse. And don't wanna jinx myself. I won't even look at baby things though because the temptation to buy would surely overcome me and I would end up buying aomething. Then I wouldn't be a le to stop.

callen10210

FloridaStanley said:

9 months just doesn't seem like enough time to learn everything we'll need to know AND get everything ready. 

It is. You'll grow and learn with baby when you have him, so as long as you can hold him and change a diaper when you first have him you'll figure everything out together.

So true!!! I was never around babies or even babysat. After having DD we were in the hospital room with her alone and i asked DH if we should call a nurse to help with her 1st diaper change hahaha we didn't we got through it just fine on our own i mean everyone understands the gist of what needs to happen. A couple months later my sister had her little guy and the nurse called me a pro...don't know if i ever wanted to be a pro at cleaning poop but here i am.

steelfan

With my first, we bought a stroller right after I got my BFP, nothing before then.

For this TTC run I haven't purchased anything but I have pinned things on pinterest. I walked through the BRU section of TRU when I took my son to buy a toy with his allowance over the weekend. So much has changed since I had him. 

fitlady21

I haven't bought anything yet.. But I've definitely looked! I'll start buying as soon as I get a BFP.