Being Pregnant
Thrifting: Baby Items to Save and Splurge On
This weekend, I hit up a large consignment sale hosted by the Charlotte Moms of Multiples group and scored some amazing deals on baby items. The event featured products from hundreds of sellers, and by the time I arrived, they were offering 1/2 off most of the items at the swap.
(If you’re looking for a similar event in your area, check out Just Between Friends or do some Googling.)
My husband and I walked away from the consignment sale with the following amazing deals…
A pack and play for $32, a baby gym for $7.50, and a bouncer chair for $10.00. Considering that these items usually retail for $150, $50, and $50, respectively, we saved nearly $200! Getting a good deal is the best feeling in the world – plus, thrifting is environmentally-friendly. Win, win.
There are some items, of course, that new parents shouldn’t buy used (well, some of these points are up for debate, as you can read in this Babble post).
- Car Seats: Car seats should be purchased new. Older seats may have been recalled, involved in an accident (and therefore not work as well in the future), or have missing parts.
- Crib Mattresses: Used mattresses are not ideal for several reasons. One, mattresses soften over time, and a firm mattress helps reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. Additionally, feces, vomit, and urine can penetrate mattresses (even if they have a cover) and generate mold or bacteria deep in the mattress that cannot be wiped away.
- Cribs: Generally speaking, it’s best to buy a new crib, as you’ll be assured it’s up-to-date with safety standards. If you do use a used crib, make sure the vertical bars or slates are no further apart than 2 3/8″ and that the mattress fits snugly along the edges.
- Breast Pumps: Okay – I’ll admit that I wasn’t as grossed out by the idea of a used breast pump as I should’ve been. After all, you can buy replacement tubes. But some experts don’t recommend doing this, as the pumps can harbor mold and bacteria.
- Soft Baby Carriers: Again, don’t buy used soft baby carriers because the carriers can be recalled and latches can wear out.
Source: LilSugar.com
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3 Comments
Rachael commented on Feb 15 12 at 5:17 pmWe have a “Just Between Friends” sale coming up in our area this weekend. So excited!
Jeanni commented on Feb 18 12 at 7:56 pmAs an RN and a Lactation Consultant, never buy a used breast pump. People think that if they get new tubing and accessories that it will be fine but that is not necessary true. Even though you might know the person you are purchasing from you really don’t know their medical history. Also the private personal pumps do not have the filters on them like rental pumps.
The other thing you should never purchase second hand is a carseat. you don’t know their history either. They could of been recalled or involved in a wreck. Even though it might of been a minor wreck, the carseat should be replaced.
Remember to always put the safety of your child first.
Donna commented on Feb 25 12 at 9:22 pmJBF is great! I scored an exersaucer, the Fisher Price puppy and tons of clothes last year for my son. I ALWAYS check out thrift stores and consignment shops before buying new or even FreeCycle. But I do agree there are somethings that should just never be bought used.
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