Recycle and save money on gear for Baby
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It seems that money is tight everywhere; the price of gas, groceries and so much more has sky-rocketed recently. It makes sense, then, to look for gently used items for babies and kids. Anyone who’s ever had a baby knows that she/he outgrows clothing and even toys in the blink of an eye.
This past weekend I hit the jackpot! There was a neighborhood/multi-family yard sale in our neighborhood and after my older boys’ soccer games, I managed to find the few families who decided to keep their stuff out for sale well into the afternoon.
The fact that the oldest homes in our neighborhood are only about eight years old, means that the majority of families who live here are younger ones with young children. I found a few families whose kids had outgrown their baby gear and walked away with some amazing finds.
Although we already paid full price on a brand new baby swing, I could not resist the like-new portable baby swing by Fisher Price. It is easily moved from room to room, plays soothing music, and has flashing colorful lights. I got it for an entire five bucks!
It’s nice to have one swing in the family room and the other in the kitchen or wherever I happen to be.
Another purchase was a backseat toy panel for rear-facing babies. I had just been telling my husband that our poor little baby has to stare at the back of the seat for his entire first year. I kept meaning to get him some kind of backseat toy to make car rides a bit more interesting, but never got around to it. I ended up finding a cloth panel with a mirror and colorful pictures of cars on it. I have yet to put batteries in it but can’t wait to see what music/sounds it plays. The cost for this toy: $3.00!
I also found, believe it or not, a matching porta-crib and high chair by The First Years. It was in decent shape and the woman was selling both for $10 total. I took her number, thinking that my mom might be interested in these, as she now has seven grandchildren, three of who are aged 1 or under.
Sure enough, my mom was interested.
Check the classified section of your local paper for garage sales, flea markets, and “articles for sale”. Keep in mind that newer neighborhoods often tend to be home to younger families and can be the best places to find gear for babies and little kids.
Dawn says...
I agree! We’ve found sooo much at garage sales this year, including, yes, a great GRACO swing and a Fisher Price baby bouncer thing. Both pretty much in like-new condition for $5 each.
The baby also has her choice of playmats now, as I picked one up at various garage sales and have received a few as gifts, too. (Everything seems to “convert” to a play mat! LOL)
We also found a like-new Ikea changing table in light oak through Freecycle. Honestly, between baby showers from our super-generous friends and family, garage sales and Freecycle, I don’t think we’ve personally spent more than $1000 total on baby stuff…and most of the things we bought were outfits she doesn’t need but were just too cute to pass up! Besides, part of the fun of being a mother to be is buying cute stuff for your soon-to-be little girl, right?
We just bought one of those car mirrors, too… We went for the one without the toys, though… We figure she has enough toys that play music, etc. and we can always play the radio. Car rides may be the only time we’re not hearing electronically-generated lullabies. LOL
Dawn
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Lissa says...
For things where being new isn’t a priority craigslist is my go-to place. I’ve found great deals in it. Consignment places are another great place to find bargains.