Things To Buy Before Finding Out The Gender

Once we found out we were expecting and after the initial shock and excitement wore off just a tiny bit (it's still there!), I just wanted to run out to all the cute baby stores and start buying anything and everything baby related. I mean, you go your whole life walking by those aisles seeing all those to die for adorable outfits, or buying for your friends babies, but now is your time and you must scoop them all up! Right?

Well, for the most part and for me, wrong. You can't buy all those cute baby clothes you see because you haven't found out the gender yet (this wait is torture, I tell you!) and for the most part, gender neutral baby clothes are harder to find and typically have animals all over them. Don't get me wrong, there's nothing wrong with animals and I love them just as much as the next gal, but I just knew that our money would be better spent by just waiting until we found out so that I could buy some things I knew I loved.

That doesn't mean you can't buy anything else to get a head start, though! I turned to a couple of my girlfriends here (hi Genna and Rach!) who have recently had babies who helped me come up with a great list of things you can buy, for both baby and yourself, before finding out the gender!

If you're one of those that wants to buy things slowly over the course of the 9 months, these are the things you want to stock up on and hey, you may just feel a little ahead of the game by doing so (any little bit helps, right?)

1// Any sentimental gift you've had your eye on, or a cute stuffed animal (like this JellyCat Bunny) for the nursery.

2// Bump Nest Pillow-if sleep is important to you, just go ahead and buy this pregnancy pillow right when you found out you're pregnant and thank me later (full review coming soon!)

3// Diapers-you will be gifted some from family members so don't go too crazy, but stocking up (I've been buying size 1's) isn't a bad idea. I will just pick some up when I see some on sale and am already at the store.*Tip that came from my girlfriend that I thought was great advice: don't open the boxes until you actually go to use them because stores will let you exchange them.

4// Gerber Cloth Diapers-I heard these are the best to use for burp cloths.

5// Hats and Mittens Set-if your little babe will be born in the winter, these are a must and come in white/gray gender neutral options.

6// Board books-to display in the nursery. I have found some great book sets on Rue La La, and for a great price. Not to mention, they have other adorable baby things. I'm hooked on this site already.

7// Books for you-I read Belly Laughs in a couple hours (very easy read and she's hilarious) and am currently reading The Happiest Baby On The Block.

8// Baby wipes-You will need a lot of these suckers when baby is born, so it can't hurt to start the buying now and store them in the nursery.

Any other items you momma's out there would recommend?

If you're really on your game, you could even get the major furniture (crib, dresser, glider) for the nursery since a lot of it is gender neutral these days.

Speaking of the gender, our appointment to find out is OFFICIALLY set...JULY 16TH literally can't come soon enough!!