עברית
Halachot and Customs
Is it permissible to buy baby equipment before birth?
Question
Dear Rabbi,
I wanted to know if it is allowed to buy items for a baby before birth, such as a stroller, crib, and the like? Is this a Halacha or just a superstition of certain communities?
Thank you very much and have a good week.
Answer
Dear,
It is permissible to buy new items for a baby before its birth; however, there are those who are careful to refrain from doing so due to the concern of ayin hara (evil eye) (Rabbi Chaim Kanievsky, as cited in the book She'elat Rav part 2, page 58).
Some have written that the reason for the hesitance appears to be a concern that an unfortunate event, such as a miscarriage, God forbid, might occur. When parents see the items they purchased for the baby that was meant to be born, it will cause them great sorrow (Responsa Aseh Lecha Rav part 6, section 88).
Best regards,
Hillel Meirs
