Buying new vs. used

laney99

What will you consider buying 2nd hand, or gently used?

 DH + I wandered into the baby section this afternoon at Target - was pleasantly surprised at all they sold, and the brand names. We have a long way to go yet, but we had no reference point for prices, etc.

What items might be OK to buy 2nd hand to save some dough?

 

 

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the only things i will NOT buy 2nd hand are:

• car seats
• mattresses
• cribs (unless i know the person selling and how old it is)
• onsies (b/c they get gross)
• shoes once DC is walking - b/c they need a good fit for walking... but early on with crib shoes- who cares- they never get dirty, etc.
• bottles/sippie cups
• potty seats, etc.

other than that- most things can be purchased 2nd hand without problems- just know your stuff- what it's worth- what is current/safe, etc. 

we have gotten some amazing deals off of craigslist for strollers, bassinets, swings, etc- you name it- all stuff barely used - and for a fraction of the new price.

i buy all of DS's clothing- almost exclusivly from children's consignment shops - only occasionally do i buy him new clothes- it's a total waste of money, and at consignment i can get higher end brands for practically nothing- not to mention- it's much more "green".

With all used baby gear- make sure to register it and check to see for recalls.  Even if it's recalled- sometimes they just need to send you a part to repair- and sometimes you can return for full price - so it's safe to buy used and then check at home about recalls. 

While it's nice to have new items for baby- you'll quickly learn it gets crazy b/c they use things for such a short time.  We got mostly new gear for DS - and then used gear to keep at my mom's and sister's houses when they babysat. 

ChristineNYC

Agreed about registering even used stuff.

We've been really lucky with double strollers off of craigslist, and am on the hunt for a bassinet, and possibly a new swing.   I have to drag mine down and see, if when I blow the dust off, it still *works*. 

We had gotten an exersaucer at a garage sale when DD#1 was teeny.   Took it home, hosed it down, and for 15 bucks, it was worth the extra work.    I'm a fan of reusing.   Baby stuff can be INSANELY expensive.   I've gotten tons of clothes for DD on ebay... people sell things in lots, and for as long as kids are in one size??   Stuff is generally in great condition.

Christine

funchicken

If you have friends with kids, I'd recommend borrowing stuff to save money, too.  We borrowed a swing, exersaucer, activity table, FP Laugh & Learn house, and an infant seat from some good friends whose baby is a year older than ours.  We get tons of hand-me-down clothes, too.

Congrats and happy shopping!