25 Weeks In: Baby items I’ve Picked Up

It wasn’t until I reached around 18 weeks that I started purchasing items for our little one’s arrival. I wanted to wait until I knew the baby was healthy and, of course, to find out the gender so I could begin choosing things with a clearer vision. Like many new moms, I was excited to start preparing right away, but I quickly realized that buying things without a plan wasn’t going to help my budget or my stress levels.

Now, at 25 weeks, I’ve started gathering the essentials and thought it would be fun to share what I’ve picked up so far—without going too overboard! From tiny clothes to practical gear, here’s a peek into my baby buys.

Clothing & Accessories

Since my baby is due in January, I’ve focused on picking up 0-3 month clothing that’s warm and cozy. So far, I’ve gathered a mix of long-sleeved and long-legged onesies that are perfect for the colder months, along with a few sleeveless and legless onesies for layering or indoor wear. One of my favorite features on some of the onesies is the fold-over mitts to keep her from scratching herself—such a simple but handy detail!

Most of the items I’ve bought are from Carter’s, which I picked up during their Labor Day sale (seriously, the prices were great!). I did splurge a little on some irresistibly cute socks and printed onesies that were just too adorable to pass up. I mean, how could I not? Those tiny outfits are already filling up her drawers, and I can’t wait to see her in them.

Sleeping Essentials

Since I’m having my baby abroad, finding the right sleep essentials has been a bit more challenging. Unlike in America, where you can order everything online, the postal system here isn’t as sophisticated, and not all items are easily accessible. It’s taken a lot of hunting—going from baby store to baby store, seeing what’s available locally, and checking brands I’ve never heard of before. But despite the limitations, I was able to score something I’m really excited about.

After some searching and messaging on Instagram, I was able to order the Stokke bassinet in a beautiful wood color. I love that it grows with your baby, so it feels like a versatile, long-term investment. Plus, it fits the neutral aesthetic I’m going for. I wouldn’t call myself a “beige mom” just yet, but I do want the larger items to be practical and neutral enough to work for future babies—just in case!

Baby Gear

I spent a lot of time researching and choosing the right baby gear because I wanted to make sure I invested in items that would last. After weighing my options, I ended up going with the Nuna car seat and the Cybex Gazelle stroller. The Gazelle comes with adapters that allow the car seat to fit seamlessly onto the stroller, which makes things so much easier when I’m on the go.

One of the main reasons I went with the Gazelle stroller was the extra space it offers for shopping—something I know will come in handy. Plus, it’s designed as a dual stroller, so if we decide to grow our family, I won’t need to buy another one. Since I don’t plan on purchasing additional strollers or other large-ticket items, I felt comfortable splurging a bit on something that I know will last.

Feeding

So far, I haven’t picked up too much in the feeding department, but I did invest in a few Philips Avent glass bottles. I like that they’re designed to be anti-colic, which is a big plus. After doing some research, they seemed like the go-to brand, and I’m hoping they’ll work well for my little one once she’s here. It’s still early in this area, but I’ll likely add more as I get closer to my due date.

Diapering

For diapering, I’ve decided to go with cloth diapering. Since I work remotely, it seems like a great way to save money in the long run by reusing the diapers. After looking into the various options, I ended up going with the brand Grovia. I did buy a few all-in-one diapers, but my main focus will be on their hybrid system. This system includes replaceable and washable liners and a reusable diaper shell, making it more flexible for on-the-go changes.

The beauty of the hybrid system is that you can simply toss the soiled liner into a wet bag, replace it with a fresh cotton liner, and reuse the shell. It’s efficient and a bit less bulky for travel—perfect for a busy new mom!

Toys & Miscellaneous

In addition to the bigger items, I’ve picked up a few smaller things here and there. For example, I found a couple of books on the alphabet in my husband’s language, which I’m excited to start reading to our little one. I’ve also grabbed some Ninni and Co pacifiers. These are supposed to help with baby latching, which is a feature I hope will make things easier when the time comes.

Another item I snagged during the Labor Day sale is the black mesh diaper bag from Dagne Dover. I love that it’s stylish yet functional—definitely a piece that I feel good about carrying around while also having all the baby essentials in one place.

What’s Still On My List

While I’ve made a lot of progress, there are still a few things on my list that I need to pick up. Since space is a bit limited, I plan on using the top of my dresser as a makeshift changing area, which means I’ll need to get a changing mat to place there. I’m also planning to stock up on hygiene essentials like ointments, lotions, wipes, and baby soap.

Additionally, I still need to get a baby tub and some sensory toys that will help with her early development. All of these will help me feel more prepared as the due date inches closer.

Now that I’m 25 weeks along, I feel like I’ve got a good handle on the larger purchases. Knowing that these are out of the way makes me feel more prepared for the journey ahead, even though there are still a few smaller items to grab. My goal is to have everything I need by around 34 weeks so I can focus on relaxing and preparing mentally.

For me, starting with the bigger purchases first was the way to go because it helped spread out the expenses. Now, I can focus on getting those final little touches without the stress of a major shopping spree. Once baby arrives, I know I’ll have to learn her personal preferences, but for now, I feel as prepared as I can be!

For the experienced moms or soon-to-be moms out there, is there anything you recommend grabbing before baby comes? What items have been must-haves for you? I’d love to hear your thoughts, so please drop a comment below! If you have any questions about the items I’ve picked up so far, feel free to ask!