When I was expecting my first child, it seemed like there were so many things I needed to prepare for baby (like a swing, bouncy seat, stroller, clothes, etc). We were blessed to receive many items at our baby showers, but of course there were still a few things that we had to purchase.
But, babies (and kids, too) outgrow their clothes and equipment so quickly that it really doesn't make sense to purchase everything new. Used equipment is often almost as good as new, because they are used for such short periods of time. But, how do you find these great used deals?
There are many sources of used baby and kid things:
- Find a friend or family member with older kids who's trying to get rid of their baby equipment
- Shop mom 2 mom sales - I don't know if these sales are just a MI thing, but during the spring and summer there are often multiple mom 2 mom sales going on at various churches and schools. They are like a huge garage sale, but all of the items are children's items sold by other moms. Do a Swagbucks search for mom 2 mom sales in your area to find a listing.
- Shop garage sales - To save time, I usually drive by a garage sale looking for obvious baby equipment or kids toys sitting out before I stop. Garage sales are a GREAT source of kids clothes. Often Craiglist will have garage sale listings...look for ones that mention baby or kids items.
- Look on Craigslist - To find big-ticket items like a stroller, bouncy seat, swing, etc, look on Craigslist in your area.
- Check out Ebay - When I had my second son, I was able to purchase a double stroller on Ebay for local pickup (shipping would have been outrageous). You can find almost anything listed on Ebay.
- Join Freepeats or a Freecycle group in your area - In these groups, items are listed for giveaway...you just need to pick them up.
How do you save money on baby and kids items? For more frugal ideas, visit Frugal Fridays new home at Life As Mom.
gypsygirl
I just read about this site, http://boston.handmedowns.com/. Definitely worth checking out!
blueraindrop
http://www.kidsconsignmentsales.com/ is a good way to find a list of the local mom to mom type sales... then search by name to find their websites
~Sara
Great ideas. I have done most of these. I also sell my kids outgrown clothes on Craigslist. Then I can use that money to search for the next size up!