I'm due January 9th and made my 1st purchase yesturday. I bought a crib, today I will get the mattress if I'm not too tired after work. I still plan on getting a dresser and glider. But yes, I believe you should start getting the main things. I feel way better getting started. Lol My baby shower is October 19th. I will get what I need after that. Well the rest of the stuff.
Go ahead, I did :) I'm 32 weeks and I am more than happy I did everything early. Crib, changing table, swing and this week we finished the travel system.
I got nursery furniture first, then a car seat stroller combo after. Its really up to you how you do it. I felt like once we got the furniture it kick started things and we felt more motivated to buy clothes, diapers, carsest, bath stuff, and everything else.