How to ask for or get hand-me-down baby items?

Barbara83

I don't really have any close friends or family members that have babies however I'd like to try to get hand-me-down items, particularly gently used furniture or clothing, from people. What's the best way to do this? Is it tacky to post on facebook asking if anyone has items I could take off their hands? I was thinking of placing an ad of freecycle or just looking on Craigslist but it seems like kind of a hassle and I rather get things from people I know and trust. Money is tight so I could use all the help I can get. This is my first child so I have absolutely nothing at this point. Any advice is greatly appreciated. Thanks! 

SuperCuteBenz

In my experience only people that you are close to seem to pass things on, because otherwise they could sell it and recoup some of the money.

I would look on craigslist and shop local baby consignment shops for items. Things that I would buy new are a crib, crib mattress, breast pump (if you are pumping) and a car seat.

DreadLoc

Is there a Once Upon A Child store within reasonable driving distance?  I freaking love that store for clothes and baby gear, it's definitely worth a trip IMO.  There may be other baby consignment stores in your area that you can probably google.

I agree with SCB about the her list of items that need to be bought new.  Luckily, stores like Ikea has quality cheap baby furniture. All carseats pass the same safety tests so there are inexpensive options, you can also check with your local health department to see if they have a carseat program for low income families.   If you need a breastpump it may be covered under your insurance now or your WIC office may provide you with a free/discounted one.

taraleanne

Not sure where you live but most major cities would have a city specific buy-sell-website that you can check for ads to buy used clothing and gear. In my city we have something called Kijiji (each Canadian city has one) as well as a Facebook group and there are baby flea markets. Why don't you try to google this "<insert your city name here> buy and sell baby" or various versions like that to see if you can find out where/what there is whether it be online or in person. Or ask some mom's you know where they might recommend. Surely there has to be something! Good Luck!!

bethCT

I am not sure why craigs list woukd be a hassel, we got tons of baby stuff off there!  I just want to remind you to be very careful with used cribs and car seats.  If you can swing it, try to buy those new.

laurenann82

I'm gonna disagree with PPs and say that it wouldn't be that bad to make a post asking if anyone has any old baby stuff you can take off their hands. For some people it might be easier for you to just come and take the stuff from them instead of them having to try and sell it or bag it all up and bring it to the thrift store. I mean it might be a little tacky but so is like 99.9% of the other things people post on Facebook! I was actually thinking about messaging some of MH's acquaintance's wives to ask if they have anything they are looking to get rid of, but I'll probably offer to pay a little something for their things. 

penguingrrl

This is one of those things that you can't request, you need to wait for someone to offer. If you don't have friends/family with young kids you definitely should check craiglist for used, you can pay quite a bit less than buying new.

I would be comfortable with a used crib if money is tight, but not a carseat. If you can't afford a carseat talk to your hospital and they may be able to connect you with a charity that will provide a new one free or with minimal cost. But unless you know the history of a seat (whether it's ever been in an accident, whether the owner went against manufacturer's instructions and cleaned the harness with bleach, whether it's expired) because you got it from someone so close to you that you trust them with your child's life it's very dangerous to use a used carseat. A carseat can look perfect and still have been in a serious accident, which would compromise its safety in future accidents. 

SunAndRain

The thing about asking...  Someone asked if they could have my baby clothes but the thing is that some of the hand me downs I received, I was specifically requested that I passed them on to a mutual friend.  The other items I'm not ready to give up yet.  So it sort of mamde it awkward for me that she reached out to me specifically.

I think if you post of FB, you'll get mixed reactions.  And it may not go well.

I would make sure everyone knows that youj are expecting.   Just mention in causal conversation.  I had a few friends eagerly dump stuff on me (including 3 strollers!).  Now my situation was different because we had DD a bit later in life so many of our friend have children.

In your situation I would definitely consider the free items-wanted section of craigslist.  Just write a heartfelt post so people connect with your situation and want to help.  If you sound desparate or lazy they won't want to help you, make sense? 

But your comment that it is too much hassel...how badly do you want these things?  If it IS too much of a hassle to scrounge around then you'll be fine with fewer items.  Most of the stuff are nice to have fluff anyway.

hvtang

I would definitely try Freecycle as well - I've used it for giving and receiving with great luck.  In my area it seems like people are posting baby items fairly regularly. 

I don't think it would be worst thing to post on FB either.  Good luck!

MrsR0208

I would have no problem with a facebook mention. Especially worded like the previous poster said. Plenty of people have stuff cluttering up their garage or house and will jump at the chance to pass it on to someone who can use it. Heck, I discovered on FB yesterday that my cousin wants a Bowflex, and we have one taking up a TON of garage space that she's about to take off our hands. If not for a FB mention, we'd have never known!

danuli8

I just let people know I was expecting, and several people jumped at the chance to pass on some baby stuff. I got wonderful crib sheets and comforters from a lady on the next street over, and my neighbor up the street has four boys, the youngest of whom is just over a year, so she has already said that every time she boxes up some baby stuff that is ready to go, I get first dibs on whatever I want from it. I am also having a boy so it is just perfect. Also, a lady at a La Leche League meeting is giving me a free Arm's Reach co-sleeper. I just have to promise to pass it on to someone else worthy when I am done with it.

Renee1105

Making a post on Facebook is incredibly tacky, it's like advertising you can't take care of your kid.

You say Craigslist is a hassle, if someone is willing to give you stuff for free, deal with the hassle. 

tammymommy

I think it depends on how you put it out there. Asking for stuff for free may be tacky, but if you post something about wanting tips on where to find gently used baby gear supplies locally, you won't really be asking people, but if they have stuff they want to sell or give away, you've let them know you're interested!

Btw, I've gotten great desls on CL even made some new friends from doing business that way!

as a newbie here, do you get some kind of notification when people reply to your posts, or do you just have to go back find them? Thanks!

NJshore40

Most of You are overreacting.  Posting on facebook is fine. I did this when i was looking for an elliptical and got one for free, my sister posted for me to see if anyone had a video monitor and we got one ofthe new summerinfant ones.  I just usually get the person a Dunkin or starbucks giftcard to thank them if its a larger item.  Most people LOVE to pass along baby otems once they are done.  Local moms groups might be good too.  Personally, we get most from people at our church. 

You  

Also, let your hisband/siblings/close friends know to never refuse an offer of something for the baby or to keep you in mind if they hear anything.  We did this and got free crib(no recalls), clothes, swing, stroller  bc people knew where I stood.  

ariel06

Check out if any moms groups (especially Moms of multiples), preschools/elementary schools, or churches have sales in your area.  I was able to buy much of my baby gear inexpensively between large sales and garage sales.  

moonfaerie

I agree you won't really get offers if you don't have close friends or family with stuff to get rid of, but i don't think a general Facebook post is horrible. I wouldn't put anyone on the spot, but a general post wouldn't offend me.