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Becoming a mom for the first time is such a special journey – one filled with excitement, love, and, let’s be honest, a little bit of overwhelm. Between endless baby registry checklists, advice from every direction, and the sheer joy of imagining life with your little one, it’s easy to feel like you need all the things before baby arrives.
Looking back, there are a few things I wish I had known when I was preparing for my little one’s arrival – things that would have saved me time, money, and a bit of stress. If you’re expecting, I hope these reflections help you feel more confident and at ease as you get ready to welcome your baby.
You Don’t Need As Much as You Think – But It’s Okay to Enjoy Shopping for Baby
One of the biggest surprises for me was realizing how little a newborn actually needs in the beginning. I remember being so excited to pick out the perfect crib, baby clothes, and all the little accessories, but once my baby arrived, I found myself reaching for the same few essentials over and over again.
For me, the most useful items were:
- A safe sleep space (crib, bassinet, or co-sleeper)
- A few comfy onesies and sleepers
- Diapers, wipes, and burp cloths (so many burp cloths!)
- A way to feed my baby (bottles, formula, or breastfeeding support)
- A car seat (a must-have for bringing baby home)
Everything else? I figured out as I went. And that’s okay! If picking out adorable baby outfits and nursery décor brings you joy, go for it. But if you’re feeling overwhelmed by the pressure to have everything before baby arrives, know that you can start with the basics and add things as you need them.
Secondhand Baby Gear Is a Game-Changer
One thing I really wish I had known earlier is how amazing secondhand baby items can be. Babies grow so fast, and many newborn essentials are only used for a few months (or even weeks!). I’ve since learned that buying pre-loved isn’t just great for the planet – it’s also a huge money-saver.
Some of my best secondhand finds?
- Baby clothes – My little one outgrew outfits so quickly, and I found that secondhand clothes were often in great condition.
- Baby gear – Items like bassinets, swings, and bouncers are used for such a short time that they’re easy to find in excellent condition.
- Toys & books – Instead of buying brand-new, I started looking for pre-loved board books and wooden toys, which my baby loved just the same.
I wish I had known earlier how easy it is to shop secondhand from other parents in my community. That’s one of the reasons I created Babymint – to give parents a trusted space to find high-quality, gently-used baby items while also making it easy to pass along things they no longer need.
Some Things Are Better Bought Later
When I was pregnant, I wanted to be completely prepared before my baby arrived. But the truth is, some things are better to buy once you know what works for your baby.
For example, I stocked up on:
- Bottles & pacifiers – Only to realize my baby had strong preferences and didn’t like the first few kinds I bought.
- Swaddles & sleep sacks – Some babies love them, some don’t. Mine was a little escape artist!
- Toys & play gear – Newborns don’t need much entertainment. In those first few weeks, my baby was happiest just snuggling with me.
If I could go back, I’d tell myself: You don’t have to have it all figured out ahead of time. You’ll learn what your baby loves as you go.
Borrowing & Swapping with Other Parents Is a Lifesaver
One of the most beautiful things about parenting is the sense of community. I quickly learned that parents love to share – whether it’s advice, support, or even baby gear!
Some of my favorite hand-me-downs came from friends and family, and I later paid it forward by passing things along to other moms. If you have the chance to borrow or swap items (especially big-ticket things like bassinets or baby carriers), take it! That’s another reason I love what we’re building with Babymint – it makes it so easy for parents to find and share great baby items.
The Most Important Essentials Aren’t “Things”
At the end of the day, the most valuable things my baby needed weren’t fancy gadgets or the trendiest gear. What mattered most was love, warmth, and simply being there.
Looking back, I wish I had stressed less about having the “perfect” setup and trusted that my baby and I would figure it out together. If you’re preparing for your little one, my biggest piece of advice is this: trust yourself. You already have everything your baby needs most – you. 💛
Are you preparing for your little one’s arrival? Check out Babymint to find amazing secondhand baby essentials from other parents in your community!
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