Anyone else funny about accepting used items?

Crazygal7987 · October 2011

My Dad is doing a side job for a woman and he is giving her a great deal (that's my Daddy!) and in return she offered to give him some baby stuff for me. Obviously, I would love to take it, but I have NO idea who this woman is, or how well she has taken care of her stuff. Not to mention, I have no idea how old the stuff is, or what condition it is in. She is giving it to us with no strings, so if I don't want it, I can just donate it, or throw it away, and I am not wealthy by any means, so every little bit helps. I have some major OCD and I am just nervous to put my baby in something that is dirty or outdated, and I hate to accept something she could give to someone else. Should I just take the stuff and donate it if I won't use it?

mrsmacdouble · October 2011

(Clearly) I am a huge fan of used baby items - most things have literally been used a handful of times. My basic rule is that if I can thoroughly clean it, I'll keep it. If I'm not satisfied with the cleanliness of the items, it goes out the door!

Most people really do take pretty good care of their baby items, though, in preparation for either another baby, or knowing that they don't want to keep alllll that stuff in their house forever, since babies outgrow toys, clothes, etc. so quickly!

GotMilk9 · October 2011

I think mrsmacdouble said it pretty good: If you're not satisfied with the cleanliness of the item after you've given it a good scrub/cleaning, then just throw it away or donate it. Some second-hand stuff cant be in great condition! (I got my bugaboo chameleon stroller with a bunch of accessories for $175 and it was in fabulous shape. The lady had washed everything and i still washed it all and it looks great)

cathom7 · October 2011

Some used stuff is brand new!!! ESPECIALLY baby stuff. With DS, our baby swing was swung in TWO TIMES bc he HATED IT. 200 swing. Twice. And he screamed the whole time. Also, you will find baby clothes with tags still on. And some that still look brand new. At least go thru it. You CAN wash it, ya know. And when I feel creeped out(if our dogs were on it), I wash it Three times. Once with prewash that incl baking soda and vinegar. A second time with baking soda (and vinegar, if esp creeped out), and then a 3rd time with just detergent and softener. Vinegar is an antibacterial and will kill anything INCL bad smells! Baking soda and vinegar are both brighteners and baking soda is a softener. If, after those things, you still can't imagine putting your child in it(and I DID get a bunch of things like that from someone), I give it to Goodwill. With "big stuff," I bought only things where the covers come off. Again. Look on the Clorox site. They have disinfecting strengths that will kill anything. Also, baking soda is a great scrub. At least TRY. All it takes is a little elbow grease. Meanwhile, it could have tags off, but only been worn once. You never know.

kjs2012 · October 2011

Similar situation....I've been told NEVER turn down free baby stuff so I'll accept it but might pass it off quickly. So I will see what DH's family member is bringing on her next visit but I too am skeptical.

She is bringing a crib, changing table, bassinet and some handmade bedding from an estate sale. Apparently its from someone who passed away and collected dolls and all the baby stuff was used for her dolls. It totally creeps me out and I hope its safe and donate-able. Its our first baby and I had hoped to pick out the stuff at least. I wish I did not know the back story to these items!!!!! I'm superstitious enough as it is. DH thinks I'm crazy but I'm pretty sure after checking it out I'm not keeping much of it. Luckily my family may have a few things we can borrow so I'm willing to take hand me downs that are safe. I'll definitely google the feebies though.

cathom7 · October 2011

now the doll thing???? CREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEPY!!! That stuff would be in the garage and GONE. That gave me the willies.

lbsunde · October 2011

mrsmacdouble:
(Clearly) I am a huge fan of used baby items - most things have literally been used a handful of times. My basic rule is that if I can thoroughly clean it, I'll keep it. If I'm not satisfied with the cleanliness of the items, it goes out the door!

Most people really do take pretty good care of their baby items, though, in preparation for either another baby, or knowing that they don't want to keep alllll that stuff in their house forever, since babies outgrow toys, clothes, etc. so quickly!

I'm sure that MOST people do, but that made me laugh because my SIL has given me a HUGE box of clothes and toys. I only looked through it a bit, but they didn't take care of all their stuff and I will be getting rid of that stuff. I was apalled that she gave me toys that didn't even work. While I am grateful that she gave it to me, I don't appreciate her just giving me her "junk".

mrsmacdouble · October 2011

lbsunde:
mrsmacdouble:
(Clearly) I am a huge fan of used baby items - most things have literally been used a handful of times. My basic rule is that if I can thoroughly clean it, I'll keep it. If I'm not satisfied with the cleanliness of the items, it goes out the door!

Most people really do take pretty good care of their baby items, though, in preparation for either another baby, or knowing that they don't want to keep alllll that stuff in their house forever, since babies outgrow toys, clothes, etc. so quickly!
I'm sure that MOST people do, but that made me laugh because my SIL has given me a HUGE box of clothes and toys. I only looked through it a bit, but they didn't take care of all their stuff and I will be getting rid of that stuff. I was apalled that she gave me toys that didn't even work. While I am grateful that she gave it to me, I don't appreciate her just giving me her "junk".

I feel like family is infamous for passing along junk, moreso than people that offer it to you like, a friend-of-a-friend situation. Your friend's friend is going to be embarrassed by passing along junky toys or stained clothes, but your family member is like, "ha HA, got rid of that box!"

harmonicbabe26 · October 2011

I would love to get freebies... If something is made out of fabric just throw it in the washer. Plastic etc can we scrubbed, small things ran through a dishwasher. And whatever you don't want, donate or put aside if you need to return later...

ryry1977 · October 2011

I love garage sales and consignment stores! Most of my DS clothes (and mine) are from these places. DD will be wearing used clothese as well. I do buy them some new items but not too much. Childrens clothes don't get worn a ton (especially the little babies stuff), so they are great!

lbsunde · October 2011

mrsmacdouble:
lbsunde:
mrsmacdouble:
(Clearly) I am a huge fan of used baby items - most things have literally been used a handful of times. My basic rule is that if I can thoroughly clean it, I'll keep it. If I'm not satisfied with the cleanliness of the items, it goes out the door!

Most people really do take pretty good care of their baby items, though, in preparation for either another baby, or knowing that they don't want to keep alllll that stuff in their house forever, since babies outgrow toys, clothes, etc. so quickly!
I'm sure that MOST people do, but that made me laugh because my SIL has given me a HUGE box of clothes and toys. I only looked through it a bit, but they didn't take care of all their stuff and I will be getting rid of that stuff. I was apalled that she gave me toys that didn't even work. While I am grateful that she gave it to me, I don't appreciate her just giving me her "junk".
I feel like family is infamous for passing along junk, moreso than people that offer it to you like, a friend-of-a-friend situation. Your friend's friend is going to be embarrassed by passing along junky toys or stained clothes, but your family member is like, "ha HA, got rid of that box!"

Ha Ha! I think that is EXACTLY what my SIL was doing.

Sweetest116 · October 2011

I don't accept used items unless the person giving it to me is family. The only person I'm getting used items (bouncer, bassinet) from is my cousin who had a boy a year ago. Otherwise it's all new!

Even not pregnant I don't do used items.

Lena122 · October 2011

As long as its not a car seat or crib I don't see an issue with accepting used items. I think you may as well accept them and then donate them of you don't like them!

Daisy07gray · October 2011

Nope, I agree with a lot of these ladies, bring on the used stuff!! But, I would wash things from a consignment store/ some lady I didn't know a couple of times, assuming it looked to be in good condition versus one good washing if it came from a cousin or my sister.

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Anyone else funny about accepting used items?

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