How can an eager family member with zero money contribute?

skyview222 · January 2014

I found out today that my fiance's sister has been going to gently used and free baby shows to look for stuff for us. She has no spare money and lives several states away. The effort is very much appreciated and touching, but fiance and I both feel we have real parameters about what we want to accept for both safety and our personal preferences/style.

For example, she was excited about a free crib which we turned down. A second find was a stroller, but we are willing to pay for a travel system of our choosing.

We are not made of money, so there are certainly some things we would gladly take if gently used. She is several states away, so things needed for a newborn would be shipped and things needed later could be driven down when family comes to visit. What things should I suggest she look for? Has anyone been to one of these free baby events? I am not familiar with them and what can be found there.

Here is what I thought of so far:
Hangers
Cloth diapers (unlikely for free, but would be nice)
Baby clothes (I am picky, but open-minded and can always donate the ones that I don't want)
Baby shoes (I don't plan to buy any, but don't mind a freebie.)
Blankets (I am not planning on getting a bedding set, just a few simple blankets)
a Bumbo seat
tummy time blankets, toys, rattles

LegalLadyBug · January 2014

skyview222 said:
I found out today that my fiance's sister has been going to gently used and free baby shows to look for stuff for us. She has no spare money and lives several states away. The effort is very much appreciated and touching, but fiance and I both feel we have real parameters about what we want to accept for both safety and our personal preferences/style.

For example, she was excited about a free crib which we turned down. A second find was a stroller, but we are willing to pay for a travel system of our choosing.

We are not made of money, so there are certainly some things we would gladly take if gently used. She is several states away, so things needed for a newborn would be shipped and things needed later could be driven down when family comes to visit. What things should I suggest she look for? Has anyone been to one of these free baby events? I am not familiar with them and what can be found there.

Here is what I thought of so far:
Hangers
Cloth diapers (unlikely for free, but would be nice)
Baby clothes (I am picky, but open-minded and can always donate the ones that I don't want)
Baby shoes (I don't plan to buy any, but don't mind a freebie.)
Blankets (I am not planning on getting a bedding set, just a few simple blankets)
a Bumbo seat
tummy time blankets, toys, rattles

Have you given her the list of things you will accept as used? That will put her in the right direction.

ETA: I have never heard of an event that gives away baby stuff, maybe it's only in major cities. Around here the only way I know of to get free baby stuff is through shelters etc.

LadyMacaron · January 2014

Lightly used bouncer or swing? Maybe a pack n play that can be washed? A baby tub?

That's all I can think of.

MNOpea · January 2014

I've also never heard of these types of events but things I would suggest are: clothes, cleanable toys, maybe a monitor if you are not hoping for a video monitor, books

Eta: I meant to say I've never heard of these events so don't know what they offer

wimb01 · January 2014

BOOKS!

curlylocks3 · January 2014

Books, bouncer, swing or rock n play, clothes, toys.

MississippiCatfish · January 2014

I would be more inclined to give a list of things I wouldn't take used: "for safety reasons, we definitely want a new crib, car seat, etc." otherwise, what's the harm? She's going out of her way to do something kind for you in the only way she can, it sounds like. If it was my family member, those are the only instructions I would give. JMO.

CoUnTryBB1 · January 2014

I agree with giving her a list that way she has an idea. Also, let her know what you already have and/or know people will by buying for you. An extra high chair, car seat, pack and play, and baby gates are all great. We had a used swing, bouncer, pack and play and lots of clothes. I love the books suggestion. Also you could ask her to write the baby a letter for her baby book. That would be something very personall and free. If you plan to make your own baby food, you could ask her for extra baby food jars as well as those are the best for storage when traveling IMO.

Mztwilson · January 2014

Burp cloths towels baby bath and toys that can be sanitized.

rmjones15 · January 2014

Books? She could probably find those for super cheap and you can never have too many (except we do have too many…but we are 4 years into it

)

skyview222 · January 2014

LegalLadyBug said:

I found out today that my fiance's sister has been going to gently used and free baby shows to look for stuff for us. She has no spare money and lives several states away. The effort is very much appreciated and touching, but fiance and I both feel we have real parameters about what we want to accept for both safety and our personal preferences/style.

For example, she was excited about a free crib which we turned down. A second find was a stroller, but we are willing to pay for a travel system of our choosing.

We are not made of money, so there are certainly some things we would gladly take if gently used. She is several states away, so things needed for a newborn would be shipped and things needed later could be driven down when family comes to visit. What things should I suggest she look for? Has anyone been to one of these free baby events? I am not familiar with them and what can be found there.

Here is what I thought of so far:
Hangers
Cloth diapers (unlikely for free, but would be nice)
Baby clothes (I am picky, but open-minded and can always donate the ones that I don't want)
Baby shoes (I don't plan to buy any, but don't mind a freebie.)
Blankets (I am not planning on getting a bedding set, just a few simple blankets)
a Bumbo seat
tummy time blankets, toys, rattles

Have you given her the list of things you will accept as used? That will put her in the right direction. ETA: I have never heard of an event that gives away baby stuff, maybe it's only in major cities. Around here the only way I know of to get free baby stuff is through shelters etc.

The list is in process...looking for input on what would generally be just as good used.
She lives in a tiny town. I really don't know much about the free baby gear events. I am not familiar with them either.

skyview222 · January 2014

LadyMacaron said:

Lightly used bouncer or swing? Maybe a pack n play that can be washed? A baby tub?

That's all I can think of.

Definitely a bath tub! thanks. I thought about the pack n play, but it would need to be shipped because it will be baby's only bed the first couple months until after we move.

skyview222 · January 2014

Thank you for all the suggestions. My list is now very long. Thank you!

I also plan to ask her to write up a few of her memories she has with my fiance as children. I think that would be neat for baby to have later on.

All being said, our baby is certainly surrounded by a loving extended family, so we are very thankful.

bebemac · January 2014

@skyview222 I love the childhood memory idea!

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