I want to start keeping an eye out early for good deals on items on consignment/yard sale/craig's list that seem reasonable to buy used, but I'm wondering what is worth buying new (due to wear and tear, germs, or otherwise) and what's reasonable to expect folks may give at a shower. I've noticed people are very generous in their responses here, so perhaps providing the below a list, and asking a response of "new", "used", or "gift" wouldn't be too much to ask of you and would be a great help to me! Thank you!!
- car seat
- stroller
- baby carrier
- bouncer
- swing
- infant tub
- crib
- changing table/chest of drawers
- play mat
- toys
- crib mobile
- exersaucer
- diaper bag
Anything I left off you'd recommend for used? I left off crib mattress & crib sheets because those I know I'll want new, and I know clothes are popular gifts. Thank you!!
Re: When it's worth buying new vs. used vs. likely gifts
I would buy the car seat and crib new. Used car seats are a big no no. Unless you are getting from a trusted friend, there is no way of knowing if it has been in an accident, the straps have been washed, etc.
The rest of the items on your list are fair game for used. A lot of that stuff can be washed and sterilized.
- car seat (NEW)
- stroller (used but a good one)
- baby carrier (used)
- bouncer (used)
- swing (used)
- infant tub (used)
- crib (new or good used one)
- changing table/chest of drawers (used)
- play mat (used)
- toys (used or gift)
- crib mobile (used or gift)
- exersaucer (used)
- diaper bag (used)
The above is more or less what we have done. We have saved a ton of money and we really didn't have a low budget to work with I just hate spending money when not needed!
All our clothes are used (bought huge lots online, got 200 items for $75). Clothes are cute but they get pooped, peed and barfed on and fit for a few weeks.
I believe a new car seat is a must and sometimes a crib...we ended up with a used crib because it was a trustworthy family and a really really high quality crib (I had no interest in spending $800 for the new one when I could get it for $150.
I bought zero toys as we will receive those as gifts. No shower before baby but rather after (tends to be our family way of doing them) and since we have to fly back home for the shower we will be limited to clothes and toys as gifts to get them back home.
In my opinion the rest is all better used, the swing nad bouncy chair and all that really don't get used for long and there is no need to buy new unless you really want a specific model to match something...even then you will find it online if you check often.
We bought our stroller new as I found it on clearance (rare) and I was very very set on having a BOB stroller which rarely come up used and when they do they still cost more used than the clearance price we found!
I really spent time everyday checking online for used stuff and bought item bby item over the course of 4 months slowly building the nursery. We saved thousands and got all great quality items in great condition.
Again, I am biased about spending money when not needed and had great pleasure in saving so much. We can put that money to much better use in baby's RESP or house project we felt would benefit baby and us (duct cleaning, new windows etc).
New: car seat
I will probably end up buying the stroller new, because I haven't found quite what I want yet.
Used: everything else
I have bought maybe 5 onesies over the course of a year; the rest of our clothes for DS were gifts either at the shower or throughout the year from people who like to give babies things. Likewise, I haven't bought very many toys (other than for Christmas) for DS and yet, somehow, our house has been overtaken by toys gifted.
The changing table we bought used (in its old life, it was a desk) and we were given the gently used swing, bouncer, and exersaucer from neighbors whose children had out grown them.
I made the mobile, artwork, and rug for DS's room.
- car seat: New, sometimes a gift usually from someone lose like baby's grandparents, close aunt, or a large group (co-workers)
- stroller: Gift, similar to the car seat
- baby carrier: Used, I don't usually see these gifted.
- bouncer: Gift
- swing: Gift, similar to the stroller and car seat
- infant tub: Gift, usually filled with other bath supplies
- crib: New
- changing table/chest of drawers: Used, or find something new that can Gowers with the child.
- play mat: Gift
- toys: Gift
- crib mobile: Gift
- exersaucer: Gift (very popular at all the showers I've attended)
- diaper bag: Gift especially filled with essentials
FWIW, the only things I have purchased before my showers are the rock and play (super clearance deal), stroller (even better clearance deal), car seat (BRU trade in event, kept the receipt in case it gets gifted), and all nursery furniture (only needed a crib, had the rest from another bedroom suite). If you are watching Craigslist or something similar and see an unbelievable deal, go for it. Otherwise, wait till your shower. You will still find a good deal. Good luck!
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I just said how I personally got all the items you listed.
- car seat (New)
- stroller (Used)
- baby carrier (New)
- bouncer (New)
- swing (Borrowed)
- infant tub (New)
- crib (New)
- changing table/chest of drawers (Used)
- play mat (Borrowed)
- toys (New/Used/Gift)
- crib mobile (Gift)
- exersaucer (New)
- diaper bag (Gift)
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- stroller - You can do used but we opted for new. Can be a gift.
- baby carrier - Up to you. Often a gift.
- bouncer - Used or borrowed. Often a gift.
- swing - Used or borrowed. Often a gift.
- infant tub - Used from someone you know (I'd just borrow this from a friend since you only need it until baby can sit well in the main bathtub). I wouldn't buy used from a stranger. Often a gift.
- crib - NEW or purchased within the last couple of years since older models often have features/materials that have since been recalled or deemed less desirable.
- changing table/chest of drawers - Used, totally
- play mat - New or used from a friend. Would not buy used from a stranger. Often a gift.
- toys - Used if plastic and easily cleaned. New if plush. Often a gift.
- crib mobile - Used or borrowed. Often a gift.
- exersaucer - Used or borrowed.
- diaper bag - Up to you. Often a gift.
The only thing I would buy new is the car seat. I bought a ton of stuff used, including: swing, bouncer, jumperoo, bumbo seat, diaper bag, and rocker/recliner for nursery.
One thing I'd suggest getting is a rock 'n play. I got mine as a baby shower gift. Otherwise, I'd probably buy that one new. It was (and still is) very helpful for us - definitely one of our most used baby items!
- car seat new
- stroller used if in good condition
- baby carrier used
- bouncer used
- swing used
- infant tub used
- crib new
- changing table/chest of drawers
- play mat used
- toys new if fabric; used if plastic
- crib mobile used
- exersaucer
- diaper bag
I bought most of our gear off craigslist. All of them were washable - I washed w/bleach and put it out in the sun to further sanitize.
If you need a RnP or PnP, def buy them used. Other items I got used were:
nursing cover, my brest friend nursing pillow, high chair, changing pad.
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FWIW I'd register somewhere like Walmart if I were you for the items new you'd like. They are priced a little lower than the baby stores and you might be pleasantly surprised what friends, family, and even coworkers will get you. I used to manage a restaurant and people would often pitch in for a travel system as a big group gift for someone.
Whatever you don't get you can always fill in with used items.
Car seat - New
Crib (with combination changing table) and mattress - Gift, purchased by my MIL
Stroller - New
Swing - New
Bouncer seat - gift
Baby Carrier - borrowed
Infant tub - gift
Play mat - gift
Toys - gift
Mobile - N/A
Exersaucer - new
Diaper bag - gift
Play 'n' pack - gift
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