Few things make a pregnancy feel more real than holding up a tiny outfit — so it's no wonder “when can I start buying baby clothes?” is one of the first questions on every expectant parent's mind. The honest answer: there's no single right time. But there is a smart way to shop across your pregnancy so you end up with what you need, without waste. Here's a trimester-by-trimester guide.
Is there a “right” time to start?
Not really — it's personal. Some parents buy a first little outfit the week they find out; others prefer to wait until after the 20-week scan, or until the third trimester, for personal or cultural reasons. All of it is completely normal. What does help is shopping in stages rather than all at once, so your choices match the season, your baby's likely size, and what you actually end up needing.
Trimester by trimester
First trimester: savour it, don't stockpile
Early on, it's lovely to buy one special keepsake piece if you're excited — but hold off on bulk buying. You don't yet know your baby's size, the season they'll be born into, or what you'll be gifted. Enjoy the moment; save the big shop for later.
Second trimester: the sweet spot
For many parents, this is when clothes shopping really begins — often after the anatomy scan around 20 weeks. You're feeling well, you may know the sex (if you chose to find out), and there's plenty of time. Start with a small set of essentials in soft, neutral basics rather than a full wardrobe.
Third trimester: finalise and prep
In the final stretch, fill any gaps, choose a going-home outfit, and get everything ready: wash the newest arrivals, sort them by size, and pack your hospital bag. This is also when baby-shower gifts usually arrive, so it's worth doing your own shopping after the shower to avoid doubling up.
What to buy first
When you're ready to start, these essentials cover the early days:
- Short- and long-sleeve bodysuits
- Sleepsuits / footed sleepers
- A swaddle or two, plus a few hats
- Socks or booties and a pair of scratch mittens
- A cardigan or light jacket for layering
A swaddle set is one of the most useful early buys. Our Newborn Swaddle & Hat Set is a gentle, ready-from-day-one essential — soft fabric to wrap your newborn snugly, with a matching hat for those first cozy days.
The #1 mistake: over-buying newborn size
It's the most common slip — stocking up on newborn size before birth. Many babies are only in newborn for a week or two, and some skip it entirely. Buy just a few newborn pieces (more only if your baby is expected to be small) and lean into 0-3 months, which they'll wear far longer. For the full breakdown, see our guides to newborn vs 0-3 months sizing and how many baby clothes you really need.
Soft, roomy sets carry a baby comfortably through those early months. Our Gentle Touch Cotton Set with Hat is exactly the kind of easy, gentle everyday piece worth having ready as your baby grows into it.
A few smart shopping tips
- Shop for the season your baby will be in — a size, not just the birth month. A newborn born in summer will need warmer clothes by the time they're in 6-9 month sizes.
- Choose neutral basics if you're not finding out the sex, or simply to mix and match easily.
- Keep tags on and receipts handy until you know your baby's size.
- Welcome hand-me-downs — babies outgrow clothes long before they wear out.
- Wash everything before the first wear in a gentle, fragrance-free detergent.
- Check sizing by weight, not just age — our baby clothing size chart helps.
Frequently asked questions
When do most people start buying baby clothes? Commonly in the second trimester, often after the 20-week scan — but anytime that feels right to you is fine.
Is it bad luck to buy baby clothes early? Some families prefer to wait for personal or cultural reasons, which is completely valid. There's no right or wrong — do what feels comfortable for you.
How much should I buy before the birth? Just the essentials in a couple of sizes. You'll receive gifts and learn your baby's real size quickly, so it's easy to top up afterward.
The bottom line
Start whenever it feels right — then shop in stages: savour the first trimester, buy your essentials in the second, and finalise and prep in the third. Go easy on newborn size, lean into 0-3 months, choose soft neutral basics, and you'll be beautifully ready to welcome your little one without a wardrobe full of clothes they never wear.