First trimester (weeks 1–12)
Buy very little — focus on research and your own health.
What to buy
- Folic acid and vitamin D supplements — the NHS recommends folic acid (400mcg daily) until week 12, and vitamin D throughout pregnancy and breastfeeding.
- Comfortable maternity clothing — especially if your bump arrives early. Maternity leggings and bras are the first things most mums buy.
- Pregnancy pillow — helpful from around week 8–10 onwards for side sleeping. The Dreamgenii and Leachco Snoogle are popular UK options.
What to research (not buy yet)
- → Pushchairs and travel systems — the biggest decision, deserves early research
- → Car seat safety standards (i-Size vs older ECE R44)
- → Private vs NHS antenatal classes in your area
Second trimester (weeks 13–27)
The sweet spot for big-ticket purchases — you've had your 20-week scan, risk of miscarriage is much lower, and you have time before the nesting panic sets in.
What to buy
- Pushchair or travel system — after your 20-week scan you'll know the sex (if finding out) and feel more confident buying. Sales often fall in January, March, and September. See our top pushchair picks.
- Infant car seat — buy and install before your due date; test the fit in your car. See our top car seat picks.
- Cot or bedside crib — set up early so you can air out the mattress. See our top cot picks.
- Changing bag — a good changing bag is used immediately. See our top changing bag picks.
What to research
- → Baby monitors — video vs audio, Wi-Fi vs DECT
- → Nursing bras and feeding equipment (if planning to breastfeed)
- → Nappy types — reusable vs disposable
Third trimester (weeks 28–40)
Complete the essentials and resist the urge to over-buy — you won't know what you actually need until baby arrives.
What to buy
- Baby monitor — set up and test before birth. See our top baby monitor picks.
- Swaddles and sleeping bags — stock up on 2–3 TOG 2.5 sleeping bags and a few muslin swaddles. See our top swaddle picks.
- Nappies, wipes, and changing mat — buy 1–2 packs of newborn nappies (not too many; baby may skip newborn size).
- Hospital bag items — baby's going-home outfit, newborn nappies, bodysuits, hat, and the car seat installed in the car.
- Feeding essentials — if bottle-feeding: bottles, steriliser, bottle brush. If breastfeeding: nursing bras, breast pads, nipple cream. See our feeding picks.
- Baby carrier — useful from day one. See our top carrier picks.
- Play mat — for tummy time from birth. See our top play mat picks.
What to wait and buy after birth (if needed)
- → Bouncer or rocker — useful but not essential before birth
- → Baby bath support — hospitals provide baths; buy when home
- → Baby gym — great from 6–8 weeks onwards
- → Nappy bin — helpful but not urgent
Pre-birth shopping guide
Browse all our curated pre-birth picks — pushchairs, car seats, cots, monitors, and more.
Explore pre-birth products →