Probably the two life events with the most superstitions surrounding them are weddings and childbirth. Honestly, it’s a toss up which has the most. And I guess it makes sense. After all, they can both be a pretty big deal! So, if you’re here you’re probably wondering is it bad luck to buy baby stuff early?
First things first, it’s important to understand a lot of superstitions vary according to culture. In some traditions, it’s very common not to purchase anything for a baby until right before it’s born. In others, it might seem even offensive to wait that long. So, which is right?
Trust me, I certainly understand the anxiety since I’ve had a child of my own. You always want to do everything right in a pregnancy and take no risks. I was also told the superstition and waited until the second trimester before purchasing anything. So, I get it – I’ve been there. But, is there any truth behind this superstition?
Well, first we’ll talk about the possible logical explanations behind this superstition. Then we’ll talk about contradictory evidence and buying gender specific baby stuff early. Make sure to check out that section – I have a pretty interesting personal story to tell about that one!
Finally, we’ll decide once and for all if it’s bad luck to buy baby stuff early. So, get comfortable and let’s get started!
Possible Explanations Why It’s Bad To Buy Baby Stuff Early
So, when we’re looking to understand superstitions and the validity of them, we have to look at the possible logical explanations behind them. With this particular superstition, it’s fairly easy to see where it might have come from – there may have been pregnancy complications. And, it was all because of all that baby stuff that was bought too early! (Who defines too early? We’ll get more into that later.)
Realistically, over history, pregnancy and childbirth was a pretty dangerous thing. Before the advances of modern medicine, you would have wanted to do anything you possibly could to keep luck on your side. And, that’s why these superstitions popped up in many different cultures across the world. That’s certainly easy to understand.
However, from a purely spiritual perspective, it might actually be bad luck not to purchase baby items. After all, the hesitancy to purchase items might reflect your apprehension and anxiety of a successful pregnancy. Wouldn’t it be more symbolic to purchase clothing for a baby because you expect them to be there happy, healthy, and super cute?
Either way, nowadays, we understand genetic disorders, reproductive health, nutritional requirements, and much, much more about the process of pregnancy. We can discover sometimes why things go wrong, and in every case – it’s not because a single baby rattle was purchased too early.
Mountains Of Evidence To The Contrary
Another thing to pay attention to when it comes to superstitions is the overwhelming evidence to the contrary. In the overwhelming majority of pregnancies that went smoothly, baby items were purchased at some point. Test this theory out for yourself.
Try to ask your own parents, siblings, friends, and so on when they started purchasing things for their baby. Most of them will tell you something was purchased at some point that another person might think is too early. And, what’s too early is entirely subjective.
It wouldn’t be fair to talk about this concept of “early” without addressing the elephant in the room – miscarriages do happen somewhat commonly in early stages of pregnancy. But, in the majority of cases it’s before most women even know they are pregnant – here’s a link with some statistics here.
While statistics can be scary especially when you’re anxious, it’s important to remember in the majority of cases most pregnancies happen without any complication. Otherwise there wouldn’t be 7.7 billion people on earth.
And, even if something does go wrong – it has nothing to do with the entirely subjective timing of purchasing of items.
So, make up your own mind when it comes to deciding when you’re comfortable purchasing baby items. If you’re purchasing for someone else, ask them when they’re comfortable. It varies in every case.
And, know it’s not bad luck to purchase baby stuff when you want. In fact, it’s certainly more bad luck to show up to a baby shower empty handed.
Is It Bad Luck To Buy Gender Specific Baby Stuff Early?
Okay, so personal story time! Right before I gave birth to my daughter, I had a cousin who was having a baby as well. And, the ultrasound showed they were having a beautiful baby girl. Aw, time to buy everything pink! Right?! Wrong.
Turns out the ultrasound was actually wrong and the bouncing baby girl ended up being a bouncing baby boy! Which in turn, I was gifted many items for my daughter – lucky us! But, not so lucky for them because they had to redo all of their decor and purchase clothing last minute.
So, is it bad luck to buy gender specific baby stuff early? Possibly.
It’s safer to keep things gender neutral, especially in the early stages of pregnancy. Realistically, scans can be wrong although rarely later in pregnancy. But, from a superstition standpoint, it might be something to consider.
Ultimately, all things happen for a reason though. It might be time to challenge those gender roles. After all, pink was considered a color for boys not that long ago. Or, it’s possible a family member or the next child could put all that gender specific baby stuff to use.
Conclusion – Is It Bad Luck To Buy Baby Stuff Early?
When it comes to truly understanding whether a superstition is valid or not it helps to pay attention to small details. For instance, in this case it’s bad luck to buy baby stuff “early” which is kind of vague.
For instance, what’s your definition of early – 5 weeks in a pregnancy – might be entirely different from someone else’s – 38 weeks in a pregnancy.
Buying things for a pregnancy is a part of the natural birthing process called nesting. This is different and unique for every person the same as every pregnancy is different and unique. When you do it is entirely up to you.
Your pregnancy outcome will not be swayed depending on what time you bought things for the baby in what may or may not be early. Plenty, if not the overwhelming majority, of successful pregnancies purchased items for the baby. In fact, some might believe it’s bad luck NOT to buy baby stuff early.
In some parts of the world you can’t even leave the hospital without clothing or a carseat for your baby. From a practical standpoint, it’s difficult to do that after the baby is born. And, nobody wants to assemble a crib immediately after giving birth!
Ultimately, listen to your own intuition and enjoy your own pregnancy as you see fit. Don’t allow other superstitions – or even this website – to sway your decision if it’s what you feel is right.
Final verdict: is it bad luck to buy baby stuff early? No.