There’s a big difference between walking through the baby aisle or visiting a baby gear store when you’re pregnant and when you’re not. When you’re not expecting, you may be strolling past shelves of adorable pint-size things, think "How cute!" and then get on with your day. When you are pregnant, that little jaunt — which is more like a sojourn — takes on a whole new meaning. And like many experiences associated with being or becoming a parent, you'll be hit with a whole array of emotions in the process.

Here are thoughts moms-to-be may have when shopping for baby gear. Who knew all that cuteness could wield so much power?

1. Awwww!

About 99 percent of the baby stuff you see will make you think (or even say aloud), "Awww! So adorable!" Because we all know that anything miniature and/or designed for a teeny-tiny person is ridiculously cute. Mini socks, mini diapers, mini onesies that look like they would barely fit a doll. It's all so precious!

2. What on earth is this for?

If it’s your first pregnancy, there’s about a 100 percent chance that something — anything! — will leave you confused as all get out in the baby aisle. And if you’re in a baby store? Lord, give you strength. Parts of it (make that most of it) will seem like The Da Vinci Code incarnate. Does anyone look at a breast pump before they have kids and think, “Psh, that looks like a piece of cake”? Um, no.

3. I need this. I need all of this.

When you’re expecting a baby and are drunk on hormones, there’s a fairly good chance you’ll think you need (fill in baby product name here). And not just that one. All the others, too. Heck, how about two of each?

4. Actually, forget that: I'm going to be one of those minimalist parents.

On the other hand, either during that same trip or a different one, all of that gear may make your childless self cringe. You may vow that you’re not going to become one of those mass-consumption parents who has two or three of everything. Your baby will have one pack of cloth diapers and a wooden toy and that's it. You may even feel a little virtuous.

5. So overwhelmed. Think it's okay if I lie down on this big girl bed? 

Registering and figuring out what you need for baby can be a seriously daunting task when it’s your first child — one that makes you dizzy during the day and keeps you up at night. Walking down a baby aisle or through a baby store, what with all those confusing diaper contraptions, multi-part bottles and pumps, and 15-step-assembly cribs, will bring those anxieties to the forefront. If only non-pregnant people knew what such a sweet-looking set of stuff is really capable of!

6. I’m going to be this kind of mom.

If there's anything during your pregnancy that helps you determine what kind of mother you’re going to be (or would like to be), it’s a trip to the baby store. Looking around at all the products, gear and to-die-for baby clothes, you’ll quickly decide that you’re not going to be a “pacifier mom" but you will be a "room-sharing parent" (with that super cute bassinet!). Maybe you figure your baby will always be outfitted in gender-neutral clothes and wrapped in ethereal-looking blankets. Of course, once your little one arrives, you'll be challenged on everything you thought you knew. But hey! Consider this one of your first lessons in parenting.

7. Eek, so excited! I can’t wait until my baby is here!

Thinking about having a baby is one thing, but actually being able to hold and touch little blankets and tiny socks is quite another. Being in the baby aisle can bring so many of your thoughts about becoming a parent to life, in a good way, and make everything seem all the more real. No doubt, your love for your little one will be amplified once you’re standing next to a set of miniscule bibs and booties — and, really, there’s nothing better than being on the brink of something so exciting and life-changing. All that from those magical little shopping trips and corners of the store.