https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Mon, 02 Nov 2026 18:58:19 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/timeline-for-preparation-during-pregnancy#post-2032557 Tue, 20 Jan 2015 14:14:58 +0000 Circusbee 2032557@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I started out completely over-planning. I bought a little $1 planner and wrote down what I wanted to get done each week that was baby-related. I don't regret that because it was fun in the beginning to do that, but I honestly didn't follow through very well. In the beginning I mostly stocked up on cloth diapers (spreading out the investment and snagging good deals!) and researched baby gear a lot. I think we ordered the crib around 20 or 22 weeks, and it came a week later, so it's been up for awhile. Other than that we really just bought stuff when it was on sale. My parents wanted to buy the travel system, so I kept an eye on the price for them and let them know when they could get it at a good price. We ended up having the car seat at probably 26ish weeks, and the stroller at 30 weeks (snagged it during a black friday sale!).</p> <p>Hmm what else? Started interviewing doulas around 26 weeks, but didn't secure one until 34. Really dragged my feet on finding a pediatrician, and just ended up nailing that down last week (that decision is due today at my appt!). Registered for our classes around 26 weeks, and attended them from 30-36 weeks.</p> <p>We had 1 shower around 27 weeks, which I thought was really good timing, and another at 33 1/2 weeks, which I thought was a little late, just because we had SO MUCH we still needed off the registry, but I knew I couldn't really get much of it until after the shower anyway. We turned out not getting much off the registry anyway, so we had to prioritize and got a lot of the remainder last weekend at 34 1/2 weeks. </p> <p>I'm 36 weeks now, and have narrowed everything else down to 2 more items, the pack n play and activity mat/gym that I still want to get before baby's here. We're dragging our feet because they are pretty expensive, and neither is on sale at the moment. We plan to have the baby sleep in the PNP in our room when we first bring him home so it's a little stressful to me that we still don't have it... but the money!</p> <p>Just started doing freezer meals last weekend, so we only have 1 in there now, but I'm hoping to do a few more this weekend!</p> <p>Wow that was long... hope it helps! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/timeline-for-preparation-during-pregnancy#post-2032443 Tue, 20 Jan 2015 12:56:43 +0000 looch 2032443@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>First thing I did was order maternity clothes, at 7 weeks.</p> <p>Then, I started researching and bookmarking things, we didn't buy anything until 24 weeks. We were done with all of our shopping and had the nursery set up by 36 weeks, which was a personal goal of mine in case I went into labor early.</p> <p>As for a class, I only had one option during my pregnancy, so I registered and they would have made room in case the class was full. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/timeline-for-preparation-during-pregnancy#post-2032428 Tue, 20 Jan 2015 12:43:47 +0000 youboots 2032428@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Right after the ultrasound we got the crib.<br /> I started a private Amazon registry so I could add items as I researched them. I started a Target registry and made the Amazon one public when the shower invites went out.<br /> We are doing part time daycare, I started working on that at 20 weeks.<br /> We started on the room at about 25 weeks- it is basically done now at 33.5.<br /> I registered for classes as soon as they were available, about 20 weeks. Birthing, breastfeeding and infant care. We started last week.<br /> My shower was at 32 weeks, I just used my Amazon completion yesterday.<br /> We are team green and have only been gifted a few clothing items. I have been buying basics slowly on clearance at Baby Gap.<br /> Lately I have been buying a few smaller packs of disposables. We plan to CD most of the time, but want to know what brand we like to have on hand.<br /> I started making freezer meals earlier in the month.<br /> I feel like we are in a good place overall. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/timeline-for-preparation-during-pregnancy#post-2032389 Tue, 20 Jan 2015 12:17:36 +0000 LovelyPlum 2032389@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We did everything pretty late, but that's also because we unexpectedly moved when I was 32ish weeks. Right after we moved, we started doing a whole lot. I had already decided what I wanted to get (did that pretty early), and as soon as we moved, we quickly bought the rest of the stuff that we didn't have.</p> <p>My shower was at 34 weeks, but since it was small, it was more for celebrating than for getting gifts that helped us to prepare. Also, we didn't special order anything (crib, glider, etc), so they didn't take any time to come in. Just a thought.</p> <p>I say, do what makes you feel comfortable! I was freaking out at the end because I didn't feel like we had a space to bring the baby home to, but once we had her space set up in our room, I relaxed a little bit :) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/timeline-for-preparation-during-pregnancy#post-2032388 Tue, 20 Jan 2015 12:14:52 +0000 Mama Bird 2032388@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>What preparation? We ordered a crib and a box of diapers when I was like 30-something weeks, and got a car seat around the same time. The crib went up when I was 38 weeks. </p> <p>We planned to get clothes when DS was home, but ended up not needing any because people kept giving him clothes as presents. Even to this day, we've only bought him a couple pairs of shoes and a couple of coats... everything else is a gift :happy: </p> <p>We got the stroller when he was a couple of weeks old, before that, we just carried him.</p> <p>We weren't planning to deal with day care until DS was close to one, so that was not urgent. In hindsight, I should have been more clear with DH that if he expects me to work from home and watch the baby, there better be someone else helping me part time. Not insisting on this really blew up in my face later. </p> <p>Everything else worked out fine despite not getting everything lined up in advance. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/timeline-for-preparation-during-pregnancy#post-2032199 Tue, 20 Jan 2015 10:45:06 +0000 mrsrain 2032199@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I found out I was pregnant in September. The first thing I did was buy a pregnancy planner! It gave me a great sense of what needed to be done, and when. There were things I had never even considered! </p> <p>We started our registry right away. As I did research on various items I would add them to our (Amazon) registry. Then later I made a Target registry and moved some things over from Amazon to give people shopping options. </p> <p>In November we purchased our stroller. It was VERY discounted for black Friday. That was one of the first things we bought for ourselves.</p> <p>Because we had moved across country a few months before, our baby shower was in December when we were back visiting for the holidays.</p> <p>Starting in January we began buying up things that we needed. We could do this (and take our time, to spread out the cost) since our shower was over.</p> <p>My goal was to have everything done by 35 weeks, just in case she came early for any reason. We moved in March to a new place, so we didn't get the nursery finished until around 30 weeks.</p> <p>We were almost induced at 37 weeks due to suspected pre-e, and went into labor naturally at 37+7 (she was born at exactly 38 weeks). The last couple of months I was exhausted, so I would definitely recommend getting everything done before that hits! Then if you have any energy left at the end you can use it for preparing meals or something. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/timeline-for-preparation-during-pregnancy#post-2032104 Tue, 20 Jan 2015 09:35:21 +0000 artsyfartsy 2032104@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Started my registry at about 12 weeks. Ordered crib and furniture at 18ish weeks. Had my baby shower at 34 weeks. Finished all baby shopping at 35 weeks. Had nursery complete and hospital bags packed by 36 weeks. </p> <p>I ended up in the hospital with contractions that medicine wouldn't stop at 35 weeks (same day I finished my baby shopping. Haha) so I hurried and finished everything in case I went into labor early. I didn't. Haha. Oh well. I was prepared! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/timeline-for-preparation-during-pregnancy#post-2032101 Tue, 20 Jan 2015 09:32:27 +0000 Eko 2032101@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>So far I have been mimicking what @Cole said regarding working backwards. I started researching non-gender specific items early and then started creating a registry once I knew the gender. I am working backwards though from when our baby shower will be, which I will be between 30-35w (end April to May). I started registering though so that way it is done before invites get sent out. I have been getting things too when they are crazy cheap deals. Although, one difference for me is that busy season at work is during the end of February into March and I know that no baby stuff will get done for at least during that period. I don't want to leave a bunch of stuff until the end. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/timeline-for-preparation-during-pregnancy#post-2032079 Tue, 20 Jan 2015 09:11:47 +0000 dc yoga bee 2032079@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Bought my crib at 8 weeks because it was on clearance at pottery barn. Stroller around the same time since it was being discontinued. Registry around 12 weeks, solid at 18 weeks once we found out the sex. Shower is in April, and I'll be 33-34 weeks I think. I want the nursery finished by April in case I go back on bedrest. This is my second time I've been on medical telework/bedrest, and I'm only 20 weeks. So, we will order glider in February. We need a second car, which we planned on shopping for in April. Now, we may need to bring that up. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/timeline-for-preparation-during-pregnancy#post-2032020 Tue, 20 Jan 2015 08:27:13 +0000 ineebee 2032020@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Started/finished my registry at 28w, having my shower at 34w. I did basically NOTHING until 26w. =\ </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/timeline-for-preparation-during-pregnancy#post-2031474 Mon, 19 Jan 2015 17:56:19 +0000 MrsBrewer 2031474@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Following!! great thread! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/timeline-for-preparation-during-pregnancy#post-2031460 Mon, 19 Jan 2015 17:47:09 +0000 FliegepilzHut 2031460@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'm so glad this thread exists! :grin: I'm (tentatively) trying to imagine all of the things I need to accomplish over the next 29-ish weeks and it blows. my. mind! :shocked: </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/timeline-for-preparation-during-pregnancy#post-2019373 Sun, 11 Jan 2015 17:04:18 +0000 turquoisemama 2019373@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I waited until we knew the sex to get my registry solid. I was 20 weeks when we got serious about it. But I did start researching a little earlier, maybe around 17 or 18 weeks. I had to wait until after my shower to finish shopping and I was already 36 weeks at the shower. It worked out though, I think I had plenty of time. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/timeline-for-preparation-during-pregnancy#post-2019369 Sun, 11 Jan 2015 17:01:55 +0000 Mrs. Coral 2019369@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>8 Weeks: We picked a daycare (crazy-but necessary around here! I also started researching the stroller and car seat we wanted. Then I started watching for deals. I watched <a href="http://www.camelcamelcamel.com" rel="nofollow">http://www.camelcamelcamel.com</a> to track Amazon prices and then snagged our City Mini at an all time low price. Same with our Britax Bsafe but I do wish I had waited on this one since it goes on sale multiple times of year and it has an expiration.</p> <p>I also started our registries pretty early and kept them.private until just before the shower invites were sent out. It was a great way to keep track of things! </p> <p>After the gender scan at 20 weeks I started stocking up on clothes mostly 3-6 months and bigger--and only if they were a great deal.</p> <p>My showers were around 22-24 weeks. </p> <p>I'm 36 weeks now...nursery decorations are purchased but not up...I haven't made the crib skirt...I don't have sheets for the bassinet--and nesting hasn't kicked in yet!!! :bummed: </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/timeline-for-preparation-during-pregnancy#post-2019307 Sun, 11 Jan 2015 14:55:10 +0000 mrscobee 2019307@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@miramira: I like the way you think! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/timeline-for-preparation-during-pregnancy#post-2019289 Sun, 11 Jan 2015 14:33:35 +0000 snickers 2019289@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I love being organized so I did everything early.</p> <p>I didn't buy anything until we had reached the 12 week mark and had shared our news with everyone. Then I wrote a list on paper of everything I wanted/needed (right down to, 2x winter crib sheet sets, 2x summer etc) along with a budget and an estimate of what I wanted to spend on each item and worked off that list crossing items off as I got them and writing down what I paid. </p> <p>I had everything done by about 27 weeks, I hadn't had my baby shower yet but I knew what people were going to get, or else I just asked for clothes as everyone knew we were having a boy, and we got some lovely surprise gifts from generous people.</p> <p>We had just painted the nursery before I found out I was pregnant, and getting items early was great as we took advantages of all the sales throughout the year, especially for the big items.</p> <p>We also got a pack of diapers every week in the shop from about 18 weeks, then we only needed to buy top up's if we needed more in a particular size once he got here, it worked out really well and I think we went a good 4/5 months without having to buy any. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/timeline-for-preparation-during-pregnancy#post-2019283 Sun, 11 Jan 2015 14:22:10 +0000 miramira 2019283@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We didn't buy anything until quite late in the 3rd trimester because I felt like I'd jinx things if I did it earlier... we didn't have a registry (they're not common here in the UK) and we didn't create a nursery. Keep in mind that baby only really needs you, milk, somewhere safe to sleep and clothing to keep him warm in the beginning. It's so easy to get bogged down in the world of Baby Crap We Probably Don't Need. We've found it easier to get a lot of stuff as needs arose e.g. swaddle blanket, pacifiers, breast pump (didn't think I'd bneed this but bleeding nipples told me otherwise...) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/timeline-for-preparation-during-pregnancy#post-2019279 Sun, 11 Jan 2015 14:10:46 +0000 JoyfulKiwi 2019279@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>It was a while ago for me, so I can't remember exact weeks, but I started seriously doing baby related planning/shopping at 20 weeks. Before then it was light research, etc. </p> <p>I made my registry at 5 months, had my shower around 6 months (and another work one at 8.5 months), and cleaned out/painted the nursery at 7 months. I was still decorating it up until 9 months, right before I delivered. We were bad examples and didn't look at childcare until 8-9 months (I was going to take 3 months leave, so I figured 4-5 months in advance was enough. Now I feel like we were lucky!)</p> <p>ETA: we did just the hospital birthing class at 36 weeks I believe. I did prenatal yoga from 15 weeks on, which was one of the highlights of my pregnancy! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/timeline-for-preparation-during-pregnancy#post-2019245 Sun, 11 Jan 2015 13:20:11 +0000 78h2o 2019245@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>My shower was really late because that was the only date that would allow my mom and sister to attend. I think I was 37 or 38 weeks? I bought most of the absolute essentials before my shower and friends bought nonessentials, like baby toys, clothes, more bottles, A&amp;A blankets, cloth diapers (I planned to use disposable when baby was a newborn and had those already), bibs, etc. It worked out fine! I jumped online the night after my shower and used registry completion discounts to order the final things I needed from Amazon and BRU. Everything showed up within a couple days. </p> <p>We did not get the nursery ready until about 34 weeks because we moved when I was 8 months pregnant. Again, it worked out fine. My Dad came to visit for a whole month before baby was born and he installed a chair rail, painted the nursery, painted the dresser, and put the crib together. It was really nice having his help! </p> <p>What I wish I had done a little bit more of, was read about infant sleep. I did watch the "Happiest Baby on The Block" video which was a lifesaver. I never had time to read anything when baby was little (or for that matter, ever since!). </p> <p>I attended a breastfeeding class that was super helpful and a childbirth class that was somewhat helpful. I think my husband might have benefited from a newborn class and/or a safety class. </p> <p>I also wish I had looked into childcare options earlier. This time around, I asked about a spot at my daughter's daycare when I was 8 weeks pregnant and I ended up taking their only infant opening for the next year! I am so glad I asked when I did! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/timeline-for-preparation-during-pregnancy#post-2019224 Sun, 11 Jan 2015 12:54:56 +0000 Honeygold89 2019224@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We started buying big items like the crib and gliders around 20 weeks when we found out what we were having and then the little items as we went. I had my baby shower 36 weeks. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/timeline-for-preparation-during-pregnancy#post-2019169 Sun, 11 Jan 2015 12:09:33 +0000 renee 2019169@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'm completely unprepared lol…<br /> I have a lot of clothes from my sister (her son just turned 1 so I'm getting lots of hand-me-downs). I'm having two showers (one near my family, one near where I live), and they will be when I am 33 weeks, and one when I'm 37 weeks (eeeeek so late but it was the only weekend that would work!!). Whatever essentials I don't have by then I'm going to go out and buy, probably the day after my second baby shower. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/timeline-for-preparation-during-pregnancy#post-2019167 Sun, 11 Jan 2015 12:08:29 +0000 mrsjyw 2019167@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Didn'tbuy anything until our gender scan at 19 weeks. We started cleaning out the spare room at 22 weeks. Finished nursery at 28 weeks. </p> <p>First shower I was 29 weeks, then 33 for my second. </p> <p>Spent the last seven nesting, washing, sorting, etc. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/timeline-for-preparation-during-pregnancy#post-2019166 Sun, 11 Jan 2015 11:59:04 +0000 Bluemasonjar 2019166@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'll be 13 weeks tomorrow and after our u/s on Wednesday I think I might start my registry. I've been doing research and I want to get it all down in one place. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/timeline-for-preparation-during-pregnancy#post-2019161 Sun, 11 Jan 2015 11:52:51 +0000 MrsBucky 2019161@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I am definitely not a great example, since I feel like I have been behind this entire pregnancy on everything, but this is how it worked out for me:</p> <p>I basically did the bare minimum until 20 weeks (work was.... challenging before then) meaning I found a doctor, took care of doctor's appointments and physical care of myself and baby and that was basically it. I guess I also contacted a provider about birth classes around 12 weeks because I had heard Bradley classes filled up quickly, but I didn't register for them until much later. (We just started the 8 week course last week!)</p> <p>I registered for baby classes (infant care, CPR, breastfeeding, required hospital classes) probably around 26 weeks along, and they will happen between 32-36 weeks.</p> <p>I started pulling together my registries around 22 weeks, based heavily on the suggestions of my BFF, who has two little ones. </p> <p>My showers will be at 30 weeks and 32 weeks (this coming Saturday and the 31st). I will put off buying anything to fill out gaps until the second shower is over. The only thing I ordered was a rocker/recliner, since I suspected it would take several months to come in- I ordered it when I was around 25 weeks, and sure enough it isn't scheduled to arrive till the end of January or February (32-36 weeks). This was a gift from my mom though. </p> <p>I am not going nuts with a nursery, so I mostly just want to make sure we have the basics covered, I'm not decorating anything super cute (I love cute nurseries, but we have no idea how long we'll be here, so I don't want to invest a ton in a super cute nursery we may leave in a few months). </p> <p>My mom is planning to fly up and help me out with finishing anything up that isn't done when I am 36 weeks, so hopefully baby doesn't arrive early. But you know what? if baby makes an early appearance, I still think it will be ok. </p> <p>Anyway, I have no idea if that's helpful, but that's the slacker approach to preparation! (This is a very seriously loved and desired baby, although after writing out this novel I worry it doesn't sound that way!) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/timeline-for-preparation-during-pregnancy#post-2019149 Sun, 11 Jan 2015 11:38:31 +0000 sorrycharlie 2019149@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>My shower was at 31 weeks I think. After my shower I filled in what I needed with gift cards. However I started buying things as early as 14 weeks or so (guesstimate) if I saw a good deal - for instance, a Bumbo for $5 on the mom swap fb page. Then I just didn't put it on the registry. </p> <p>My ILs bought the crib early (9 weeks!) because of a sale and I couldn't really argue because they were paying for it. I forget how long it took to come in, but I want to say we had it put together before 20 weeks because I wanted to see it :)</p> <p>We ordered our glider at Buy Buy Baby (our big splurge) and it came in juuuust in time..haha. I forget when we ordered but it took a few months. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/timeline-for-preparation-during-pregnancy#post-2019088 Sun, 11 Jan 2015 10:38:43 +0000 MrsKMM 2019088@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@yellowbird: Good idea to see what else you still need after the shower.</p> <p>@Cole: I like to plan ahead, so I like the idea of choosing a time that I would like everything to be done by. I also work with families of preemies, so I think that's making me feel like I should have things done early, just in case (even though I'm not high risk). When do people usually have showers? Before 32 weeks? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/timeline-for-preparation-during-pregnancy#post-2019084 Sun, 11 Jan 2015 10:34:33 +0000 MrsKMM 2019084@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Anya: I'm only 16.5w, and my friend is just about 12. She's already ordered a crib, which is backordered. I hadn't even thought about that! Oops! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/timeline-for-preparation-during-pregnancy#post-2019080 Sun, 11 Jan 2015 10:26:24 +0000 Cole 2019080@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I found it helpful to work backwards- I wanted to be pretty much ready by 36 weeks, my shower was at 32 (maybe a bit late), we had furniture in the room by 30 and painted around 27. I think I registered around 20 weeks. I know at some point I was worried about leaving things "too late" but it was really just fine. I puttered around the nursery for those last few weeks but we had all the basics covered so we were in good shape- and she was late anyway. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/timeline-for-preparation-during-pregnancy#post-2019075 Sun, 11 Jan 2015 10:14:06 +0000 yellowbird 2019075@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Started a registry when I reached my second trimester. Bought the majority of items after my first shower when I could tell what we still needed. Parents bought the big stuff for is like crib, glider, stroller, etc. We just had small things to get like diapers, extra clothes that were necessary, swaddles, lotions and creams we wanted and nursery decor. I started collecting nursery decor early but didn't set anything up until we had a crib and furniture. We did the majority pretty late like 30+weeks </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/timeline-for-preparation-during-pregnancy#post-2019070 Sun, 11 Jan 2015 10:11:41 +0000 Anya 2019070@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>No particular timeline for the larger items like the glider or stroller, just bought those when there was an opportunity like a good sale or promotion. Registry you can make whenever you like, some like amazon you can make private until you are ready to share. If you want particular furniture I would just pay attention to how long it takes to ship, I know sometimes people are waiting 6-8 weeks so you don't want to wait too long to order if that's the case. </p>