community

all boards


birth clubs



my blog

Sort:
01-09-2013 at 9:42 PM
Barbara83
Not Ranked
Joined on 07-02-2009
8,622 Points
Barbara83 is not online. Last active: 05-20-2013, 10:59 AMNewbie

How to ask for or get hand-me-down baby items?

I don't really have any close friends or family members that have babies however I'd like to try to get hand-me-down items, particularly gently used furniture or clothing, from people. What's the best way to do this? Is it tacky to post on facebook asking if anyone has items I could take off their hands? I was thinking of placing an ad of freecycle or just looking on Craigslist but it seems like kind of a hassle and I rather get things from people I know and trust. Money is tight so I could use all the help I can get. This is my first child so I have absolutely nothing at this point. Any advice is greatly appreciated. Thanks! 

 BabyFruit Ticker VOTE on my Name List 
01-09-2013 at 9:53 PM
SuperCuteB...
Not Ranked
Joined on 08-23-2007
Omaha, NE
8,036 Points
SuperCuteBenz is not online. Last active: 05-17-2013, 3:23 PMGold

In my experience only people that you are close to seem to pass things on, because otherwise they could sell it and recoup some of the money.

I would look on craigslist and shop local baby consignment shops for items. Things that I would buy new are a crib, crib mattress, breast pump (if you are pumping) and a car seat.


AlternaTickers - Cool, free Web tickers AlternaTickers - Cool, free Web tickers 
01-09-2013 at 10:12 PM
DreadLoc
Not Ranked
Joined on 08-01-2010
Dirty South
2,872 Points
DreadLoc is not online. Last active: 05-20-2013, 11:39 AMGold

Is there a Once Upon A Child store within reasonable driving distance?  I freaking love that store for clothes and baby gear, it's definitely worth a trip IMO.  There may be other baby consignment stores in your area that you can probably google.

I agree with SCB about the her list of items that need to be bought new.  Luckily, stores like Ikea has quality cheap baby furniture. All carseats pass the same safety tests so there are inexpensive options, you can also check with your local health department to see if they have a carseat program for low income families.   If you need a breastpump it may be covered under your insurance now or your WIC office may provide you with a free/discounted one.




{ | }
{ For Adam | For Adria } 
01-09-2013 at 10:37 PM
taraleanne
Not Ranked
Joined on 06-05-2008
2,816 Points
taraleanne is not online. Last active: 05-07-2013, 9:02 PMNewbie
Not sure where you live but most major cities would have a city specific buy-sell-website that you can check for ads to buy used clothing and gear. In my city we have something called Kijiji (each Canadian city has one) as well as a Facebook group and there are baby flea markets. Why don't you try to google this "<insert your city name here> buy and sell baby" or various versions like that to see if you can find out where/what there is whether it be online or in person. Or ask some mom's you know where they might recommend. Surely there has to be something! Good Luck!!

 BabyFruit Ticker 
01-10-2013 at 2:25 AM
bethCT
Not Ranked
Joined on 07-28-2004
Connecticut
9,948 Points
bethCT is not online. Last active: 05-17-2013, 10:11 AMSilver
I am not sure why craigs list woukd be a hassel, we got tons of baby stuff off there!  I just want to remind you to be very careful with used cribs and car seats.  If you can swing it, try to buy those new.

Picture3-3.jpg

Our Twin Baby + a Big Girl Blog

And with the delivery trifecra of one twin vaginal, one c-section with general anesthesia for twin B, Spencer and Sidney joined us at 35 weeks exactly on June 18. 

01-10-2013 at 3:00 AM
Kimbus22
Not Ranked
Joined on 01-07-2012
128,003 Points
Kimbus22 is online. Last active: 05-20-2013, 11:53 AMGold

Yes, it's pretty tacky to post on Facebook asking for free things.  And it's tacky to ask for hand me downs from people also.  Most people get them because they're offered to them, not because they asked for them.

I ditto PPs suggestions.  There are a few things like a crib and a carseat that you need to buy new.  They don't have to be expensive.  For other things, craigslist or consignment sales are great.  Yes it's a hassle, but so is a baby :)


Lilypie Second Birthday tickers 
01-10-2013 at 7:13 AM
laurenann8...
Not Ranked
Joined on 11-07-2010
14,749 Points
laurenann82 is online. Last active: 05-20-2013, 11:58 AMBronze
I'm gonna disagree with PPs and say that it wouldn't be that bad to make a post asking if anyone has any old baby stuff you can take off their hands. For some people it might be easier for you to just come and take the stuff from them instead of them having to try and sell it or bag it all up and bring it to the thrift store. I mean it might be a little tacky but so is like 99.9% of the other things people post on Facebook! I was actually thinking about messaging some of MH's acquaintance's wives to ask if they have anything they are looking to get rid of, but I'll probably offer to pay a little something for their things. 
01-10-2013 at 7:17 AM
penguingrr...
Top 150 Contributor
Joined on 11-19-2006
In NYC for now, but always a Jersey girl at heart!
37,715 Points
penguingrrl is not online. Last active: 05-20-2013, 10:51 AMPlatinum

This is one of those things that you can't request, you need to wait for someone to offer. If you don't have friends/family with young kids you definitely should check craiglist for used, you can pay quite a bit less than buying new.

I would be comfortable with a used crib if money is tight, but not a carseat. If you can't afford a carseat talk to your hospital and they may be able to connect you with a charity that will provide a new one free or with minimal cost. But unless you know the history of a seat (whether it's ever been in an accident, whether the owner went against manufacturer's instructions and cleaned the harness with bleach, whether it's expired) because you got it from someone so close to you that you trust them with your child's life it's very dangerous to use a used carseat. A carseat can look perfect and still have been in a serious accident, which would compromise its safety in future accidents. 


 Baby Birthday Ticker Ticker Baby Birthday Ticker Ticker Baby Birthday Ticker Ticker 
01-10-2013 at 9:06 AM
SunAndRain
Not Ranked
Joined on 03-01-2010
Ireland
9,806 Points
SunAndRain is not online. Last active: 05-17-2013, 10:56 PMSilver

The thing about asking...  Someone asked if they could have my baby clothes but the thing is that some of the hand me downs I received, I was specifically requested that I passed them on to a mutual friend.  The other items I'm not ready to give up yet.  So it sort of mamde it awkward for me that she reached out to me specifically.

I think if you post of FB, you'll get mixed reactions.  And it may not go well.

I would make sure everyone knows that youj are expecting. :)  Just mention in causal conversation.  I had a few friends eagerly dump stuff on me (including 3 strollers!).  Now my situation was different because we had DD a bit later in life so many of our friend have children.

In your situation I would definitely consider the free items-wanted section of craigslist.  Just write a heartfelt post so people connect with your situation and want to help.  If you sound desparate or lazy they won't want to help you, make sense? 

But your comment that it is too much hassel...how badly do you want these things?  If it IS too much of a hassle to scrounge around then you'll be fine with fewer items.  Most of the stuff are nice to have fluff anyway.

 
01-10-2013 at 10:52 AM
tricia560
Not Ranked
Joined on 05-09-2012
14,396 Points
tricia560 is not online. Last active: 05-20-2013, 10:30 AMBronze

I don't think you can really ask except for people who are very close to you, but you can let it be known that you're scoping craigslist for deals on baby gear-it may spark offers.

Also, you say that no one close has babies, but that doesn't mean they don't have stuff to pass on.  My boss gifted me the wool coat she wore with her kids (20 years ago, and it's still in great shape!), and my cousin is sending me 1-2 year old clothing that she saved from her kindergarten age son.

When are you due?  Some things you may be able to pick up in the summer at garage sales and Mom-2-Mom sales if you don't need them earlier.


 Pregnancy Ticker mom_emb02 
01-10-2013 at 11:32 AM
seyah
Not Ranked
Joined on 11-30-2012
5,925 Points
seyah is not online. Last active: 05-19-2013, 12:07 AMNewbie

I think asking on Facebook is fine, because you're not putting any one particular person on the spot.  Just post something like, "We're so excited about the new baby, if you have any baby stuff taking up room in your garage or attic feel free to send it our way as we'd be happy to take It off your hands!"

Also, my work has a For Sale bulletin board where people sell (for cheap) and sometimes give away free all types of stuff.  I've been keeping my eye on it to see if any baby things come up.  You should see if your work has anything similar.

 

 


2011.07.02 Wedding Photos - HiRes  BabyFruit Ticker 
01-10-2013 at 1:15 PM
hvtang
Not Ranked
Joined on 04-11-2012
3,485 Points
hvtang is online. Last active: 05-20-2013, 11:57 AMNewbie

I would definitely try Freecycle as well - I've used it for giving and receiving with great luck.  In my area it seems like people are posting baby items fairly regularly. 

I don't think it would be worst thing to post on FB either.  Good luck!


12 weeks 1 day - FIST PUMP!
 Pregnancy Ticker Image and video hosting by TinyPic
BFP #1 EDD 12.18.12 - Missed M/C at 9w3d D&C 5.22.12 
01-10-2013 at 2:40 PM
MrsR0208
Not Ranked
Joined on 08-29-2012
2,469 Points
MrsR0208 is not online. Last active: 04-03-2013, 2:31 PMNewbie
I would have no problem with a facebook mention. Especially worded like the previous poster said. Plenty of people have stuff cluttering up their garage or house and will jump at the chance to pass it on to someone who can use it. Heck, I discovered on FB yesterday that my cousin wants a Bowflex, and we have one taking up a TON of garage space that she's about to take off our hands. If not for a FB mention, we'd have never known!

 BabyFetus Ticker 
01-10-2013 at 5:09 PM
danuli8
Not Ranked
Joined on 09-01-2012
36,564 Points
danuli8 is not online. Last active: 05-13-2013, 8:00 PMSilver
I just let people know I was expecting, and several people jumped at the chance to pass on some baby stuff. I got wonderful crib sheets and comforters from a lady on the next street over, and my neighbor up the street has four boys, the youngest of whom is just over a year, so she has already said that every time she boxes up some baby stuff that is ready to go, I get first dibs on whatever I want from it. I am also having a boy so it is just perfect. Also, a lady at a La Leche League meeting is giving me a free Arm's Reach co-sleeper. I just have to promise to pass it on to someone else worthy when I am done with it.

Over-40 parents--what we lack in vigor, we make up for with cunning. :-)  Baby Birthday Ticker Ticker 
01-10-2013 at 6:37 PM
Renee1105
Not Ranked
Joined on 12-26-2009
12,361 Points
Renee1105 is online. Last active: 05-20-2013, 11:54 AMBronze

Making a post on Facebook is incredibly tacky, it's like advertising you can't take care of your kid.

You say Craigslist is a hassle, if someone is willing to give you stuff for free, deal with the hassle. 


Image and video hosting by TinyPic Image and video hosting by TinyPic Lilypie First Birthday tickers 
01-10-2013 at 8:41 PM
tammymommy
Not Ranked
Joined on 01-09-2013
246 Points
tammymommy is not online. Last active: 01-10-2013, 9:00 PMNewbie
I think it depends on how you put it out there. Asking for stuff for free may be tacky, but if you post something about wanting tips on where to find gently used baby gear supplies locally, you won't really be asking people, but if they have stuff they want to sell or give away, you've let them know you're interested!

Btw, I've gotten great desls on CL even made some new friends from doing business that way!

as a newbie here, do you get some kind of notification when people reply to your posts, or do you just have to go back find them? Thanks!
 
01-11-2013 at 7:34 AM
RedheadBak...
Not Ranked
Joined on 07-28-2011
35,836 Points
RedheadBaker is online. Last active: 05-20-2013, 12:02 PMSilver

I'm in the "posting on FB is tacky" camp. Look for consignment stores or pop-up sales (like Just Between Friends) near you, and deal with the "hassle" of Craigslist. 

tammymommy:
as a newbie here, do you get some kind of notification when people reply to your posts, or do you just have to go back find them? Thanks!

No, there's no notification of new responses. If you look at the column on the left-hand side of the page, toward the bottom, there's a link called "My Posts." That's the easiest way to check threads you've recently posted in. 

01-11-2013 at 5:54 PM
NJshore40
Not Ranked
Joined on 04-19-2012
4,108 Points
NJshore40 is not online. Last active: 05-20-2013, 5:17 AMNewbie

Most of You are overreacting.  Posting on facebook is fine. I did this when i was looking for an elliptical and got one for free, my sister posted for me to see if anyone had a video monitor and we got one ofthe new summerinfant ones.  I just usually get the person a Dunkin or starbucks giftcard to thank them if its a larger item.  Most people LOVE to pass along baby otems once they are done.  Local moms groups might be good too.  Personally, we get most from people at our church. 

You  

Also, let your hisband/siblings/close friends know to never refuse an offer of something for the baby or to keep you in mind if they hear anything.  We did this and got free crib(no recalls), clothes, swing, stroller  bc people knew where I stood.  


 Baby Birthday Ticker Ticker 
01-12-2013 at 9:20 PM
ariel06
Not Ranked
Joined on 03-26-2007
MN
5,093 Points
ariel06 is not online. Last active: 05-20-2013, 7:42 AMSilver
Check out if any moms groups (especially Moms of multiples), preschools/elementary schools, or churches have sales in your area.  I was able to buy much of my baby gear inexpensively between large sales and garage sales.  

Lilypie Fifth Birthday tickers Lilypie Third Birthday tickers JackandCarter_1_zps6c772661 photo JackandCarter_1_zps6c772661.jpg http://mommyadventures-jen.blogspot.com/ 
01-12-2013 at 10:48 PM
Mrsveinott...
Not Ranked
Joined on 03-15-2012
31,731 Points
Mrsveinotte is not online. Last active: 05-20-2013, 10:42 AMBronze

It may be tacky but I did a FB post two days ago, not asking for free items but asking anyone selling anything on kijiji or crags list to let me know and I would rather buy off someone I knew

With doing that I got a ton of stuff already

and it seems every time Im buying a used item off someone they've given me a pile of stuff for free, just cause they're trying to get rid of it.  Also now I have more future contacts for baby/kid stuff that I might not have had before.



BEEN TTC ON AND OF SINCE SEPT '09 ONE LOSS at 14 WKS IN OCT '10 TEMPING/CHARTING STARTING MARCH '12 EDD June 21 2013 !!!!!!!!! If you want the rainbow, you have to put up with a little rain. Image and video hosting by TinyPic photo IMG_4928_zps87415786.jpg BabyFetus Ticker 
01-13-2013 at 10:32 PM
moonfaerie
Not Ranked
Joined on 11-02-2005
Baltimore, MD
8,515 Points
moonfaerie is online. Last active: 05-20-2013, 12:01 PMSilver

I agree you won't really get offers if you don't have close friends or family with stuff to get rid of, but i don't think a general Facebook post is horrible. I wouldn't put anyone on the spot, but a general post wouldn't offend me.


 Baby Birthday Ticker Ticker  Baby Birthday Ticker Ticker  Baby Birthday Ticker Ticker 
Hot Topics

New dad or dad-to-be? Chat with other dads here!
Visit the Dads & Dads-to-be board

Need baby shower inspiration? Get ideas here!
Visit the Baby Showers board

Chat with other crafty moms here!
Visit the Crafty Moms board

search boards

choose another board