When Is a Good Time to Start Buying Baby Stuff?

Car Seat

• While images of adorable candy-colored onesies and tiny footed sleepers may come to mind when you think of "baby stuff," keep in mind that safety items such as car seats are some of the most essential products that you will need to buy. If your baby is traveling home from the hospital via car, you will need a car seat installed before the big day. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, on their Healthy Children website, all infants must ride in a rear-facing seat. You can choose a rear-facing-only infant carrier-type model or a convertible seat that is turned around after your child reaches your state's age and size requirements for facing forward. Since you will need a car seat prior to leaving the hospital, it's best to buy one before your due date. Leave enough time to figure out how to work the seat and install it into your car before you actually need it. Avoid buying this baby item at the last minute or waiting until it's time to take your baby home for the first time.

Layette

• Although you are sure to get some baby clothes from friends and family during your shower, buying a layette -- or mini collection of essential clothing and wearable bedding items -- is a must before birth. A layette consists of onesies, sleepers, bibs, snug-fitting hats and swaddling blankets. You may want to choose a unifying theme or color scheme for your layette, such as Winnie the Pooh or a soft custard yellow hue. To avoid irritating your newborn's skin, you will want to wash her layette items prior to her wearing them. This means that you should start buying the layette at least a few weeks prior to your due date, so that you can wash and dry all her clothes. If you are going for a gender-themed color or design -- such as pink for a girl -- you can start buying your layette as soon as you find out your baby's sex.

Nursery Items

• Well in advance of your due date you will need to start purchasing the big-ticket items that will decorate your baby's nursery. These typically include a crib, changing table, dresser and possibly a glider or rocking chair. Additionally, you will need a crib mattress, bedding and possibly a bassinet. When making your sleeping choice, "Consumer Reports" recommends that you choose a crib that is certified as safe from the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association. While some parents get a hand-me-down crib from friends or family members prior to the baby's birth, "Consumer Reports" warns against doing so to ensure that you have the newest and safest place for your little one to sleep. Many cribs and other baby furniture require assembly. Buying these items at least one month prior to your due date ensures enough time to set up the nursery and add your last decorating details.

Care Items

• When the baby arrives you will need an array of items to care for him. He will need diapers, wipes, body wash, baby lotion, diaper cream and possibly bottles and formula. Unless you plan on stocking up with the hospital's stash -- which isn't typically allowable -- or running out the second baby comes home, you will need to get these items at least a month in advance of your due date. On average, infants go through up to 12 diapers each day. Plan ahead and buy enough diapers to cover the first week. While you might instinctively go for the "newborn" diaper size in preparation for your newborn, larger babies may start at a size 1 or quickly move up. Buy at least one pack of size 1's before your baby gets here, just in case. Additionally, although you may plan on breastfeeding, buy a few bottles with newborn-sized nipples and a can of formula in case you end up having a medical reason for not nursing, or your baby is finding it to be a challenge.