Yard Saling for a Nursery

[snarlingcoyote]

Thank you all! Lots of things I never even thought of. I feel slightly better about going saling this Friday and Saturday. Next week, I will likely be up at about 2:30AM to make it to my old neighborhood, which is known for being a suburban mecca of yard sales - on my way to visit family.

Who knows, I could very well wind up with 80% of my list completed in that one trip.

(And, hey, maybe I'll hit it lucky and get some fat squares for my mom or a good slipcover for my couch!)

 

[smiles&grins]

Do you have a store called Once upon a child? They buy and sell baby stuff. They could go and look there for anything you aren't able to find at a yard sale. Do you guys freecycle? It is a website set up to trade/give Away stuff for free. I belive it's freecycle.org and then pick the area you're in. If she is in public housing she should be able to get more assistance too.

 

[Buckeye Princess]

A tip on wipes. I make my own. My DD is 4 months and she has yet to have a diaper rash! I use gauze wipes or sturdy paper towels and just use water. No chemicals to irritate her skin.

Another very handy and cheap tool is an exercise ball. Much cheaper than a rocking chair but works wonders, if not better, to rock or gently bounce on while holding baby when he/she is fussy. You can move it from room to room or travel with it too.

 

[CyndiLooWho]

Another good tip is to find out if any of the churches in your area sponsor semi-annual baby/kids sales. They are a great way for people like me (done with kids) to sell items in SUPER shape for a little more than garage sale prices and people like you to find said SUPER items for less than the price at consignment sales.

You will pay more for these items than you would at a garage sale, but you get the best used stuff around.

Usually, if you sign up to work a 3 hr shift, they let you come in and shop before the sale opens to the general public or even sellers who don't want to work a shift.

It's definitely a thought for some of the pricier items.

I would buy a car seat there (have sold them there) b/c they usually vet the seats for any that have been recalled and the seller has to provide a statement that the seat has never been in even a fender bender.

 

[mrsklamc]

This is hi jacking a little bit but OP seems interested in any info so...

I'm starting to look at baby stuff and am confused about the price range of pack n plays. What is the difference between one like this and the ones that are over $100?

http://www.albeebaby.com/grpanplpl94i1.html

and is this a 'need'? Or should we just stick with bottles, diapers, and a crib and see what happens? (and a car seat)

 

[RobinFabulous]

Not for me!

A Dear Relation who has made some rather unwise life choices recently is pregnant. 7 months along now, and I JUST found out she hasn't done one single solitary thing to get ready for the baby. Nothing.

Her mother, who, at this point, is preparing to be the one to raise the baby in another 5 or less months when DR figures out how much work babies are, came to me (I'm a veteran Yard Saler) to ask if I'd pick up as much as I could. She wants me to get TWO of everything. (One for her house, one for DR's house or, if things get as bad as DR's mom fears, for the godmother - who, I am guessing, may well be ME !)

I'm happy to do this, got no problem. DR's mom said she has plenty of clothes - onesies and such, so that's a big check. But there's absolutely NOTHING else.

So what do I need?

Seriously, I'm working off lists from Babies-r-Us here. I don't have any kids - that's why I'm named guardian in everyone's will and am a godmother so many times over!

I've asked my friends, but many of them don't have kids either. One that did was dirt poor when she had her child told me "A crib and diapers. Lots and lots of diapers." Another waited until her late 30's and had this list that was 12 miles long! Then there was the next friend who went off on this tangent about how she bought all free trade. (Uhm. Isn't that baby the one who grew into a teenager who currently spends her entire clothing allowance at Aeropostale and Hollister? But I digress.)

Soooo. . .Cribs, diapers, strollers, storage, car seats, diaper genies (I bought one once for a baby shower!). . .

And please, no answers that involve which type of mobiles are best for baby's intellectual development. (She's normally a good friend. Really.)

Ya'll are, generally, the most intelligent lot when it comes to family-stuff.

You'll give me good, straight, budget-minded answers, right?

A baby needs something to eat, something to wear, and somewhere to sleep. That's it. I never used a diaper genie, that's not a necessity. Diapers, wipes, clothing, blankets, socks. A carseat if she has a car, but a lot of states have a carseat program to give you one in the hospital if you don't have one (check into that) Also sometimes the fire stations will have carseats, our hospital gave one if you took the carseat safety class.
Bottles, be careful buying used. Normally the dollar stores, family dollar, etc will have them new. But new nipples at least, steralize them if you buy them used. The drop in kind (with the liner) don't matter as much because the formula never touches the inside. Be careful when buying a used crib, do the soda can check (if a soda can fits through the slats, then a baby's head can get caught)

Honestly I'd buy a cradle or basinet, those would sleep a baby for a few months until she loses interest.

 

[dyna]

About the used car seats the little infant seats used are great as a seat for around the house just to sit baby in at home saving the nicer car seat for going out. But make it clear the old used one just for at home or don't even risk it if the mom (care giver) not going to pay attention to your warning.

Face it as cute as babies are they are nasty they poop an puke regularly an can make quite a mess for as little as they are. The used car seat also great when ya 1st start using solid foods too.

Yes I agree a dozen cloth diapers...I still have a few from more than 30 yrs ago when my oldest was babies that are just now getting beyond being fit for rags BTW I perfer the flat no prefolded diapers easier to make the size needed for baby an make much much better rags than any of the prefolded diapers.

With a stack of a dozen or so old baby wash cloths wipes are not needed except for traveling. I would try to keep the ones I cleaned babys butt with seperate from the bathing baby wash cloths tho.

 

[CyndiLooWho]

Also, check with anyone you know who has older babies. They will likely have loads of clothes and small baby needs that they'd love to get rid of. Newborn, 3 mo and 6 mo stuff especially, most people get more than they need and then have a hard time unloading it b/c everyone gets so much of that for their showers.

A lot of people hang onto their baby stuff, thinking "maybe I'll have another" and then don't, and don't want to go to the hassle of a yard sale. Asking around might net you some great things for little or no cost, just to get it out of the house.

Instead of a full sized (more expensive) high chair, get one that buckles onto a chair. These are portable and work just fine for most babies once they are sitting up well. Until then, IF you start solids before 6 mos (I didn't), they can sit in the bouncy seat.

Note on bouncy seats and swings - my oldest hated his swing and loved his bouncy seat. The younger one didn't like the bouncy seat at all, but would spend all day in his swing. I would still buy a bouncy seat, but don't buy a swing until you have a chance to see if the new baby likes it. And be prepared to ditch the bouncy seat (or not use the vibrate function) once baby is a little bit older.

 

[lindsmom]

What is the difference between one like this and the ones that are over $100?

http://www.albeebaby.com/grpanplpl94i1.html

and is this a 'need'? Or should we just stick with bottles, diapers, and a crib and see what happens? (and a car seat)

Wow - that's a great deal and I would say grab it. When baby is newborn it serves as a bassinet (don't have to lean WAAAAYY down to pick up baby which is the last thing you want to be doing right after giving birth), then can serve as a crib later on. You've also got the changing pad area. Great price.


To OP: you may also want to look into freecycle, if you have a freecycle group in your area. In my group, there are ALWAYS tons of baby things available for free - port - a -cribs, high chairs, changing tables, etc. While some of them might not be necessities, if they're for free... Also helps save money for a good new car seat.

BJ's or Toys - r - us has best prices on diapers in my area.

WIC should also provide food for the mom while she's still pregnant.

I would recommend just a few more sleeping suits / pajamas than a PP mentioned, as well as maybe 2 more pair of socks. She did say that was bare minimum, but keep in mind that mom (or you!) will be doing laundry at least daily with the bare minimum - spit up and all. I would say at least 6 pajamas or sleep suits and one more blanket - one middle of the night barf fest will incapacitate you.

You could also see if your disposal area (dump, transfer station) has a "swap shop" where people drop off stuff to pick them up free. Baby clothes and blankets are often dropped off, and just make sure to wash them really well in hot water.

ETA: Also check local craigslist for clothes, toys, etc. People often get rid of large lots of stuff for cheap prices.

 

[Mic]

I have infants in my daycare, and the things I use the most the first 6 monyths are:
*Diapers---can't have enough. Purchase size 1 and 2, as the baby will probably require a size 2 by the time they are 3 months old.

*cloth diapers---about 6 or 7--I use them for EVERYTHING(burp cloths, etc.)

*bottles---the ones I see the most of are the Playtex VentAire and the Avent brand, but honestly, any brand is fine. Just purchase good nipples, and again, not just the newborn size. You'll need a more sturdy nipple within a few months as the baby's suction gets stronger.

*A crib, pack-n-play, playpen, etc. Some folks have said it is not necessary, and I would have agreed if it were your own child, but this child will likely be napping/sleeping in different houses, so it is necessary. My relatives and I have a hard time getting my nephew's 5-month-old son to sleep because he sleeps with his parents. He is used to sleeping between two warm bodies, and I am just too busy to continue lying down with him. I am trying to get him used to napping in a pack-n-play because we all have one of those. He will be rolling over very soon, and I just don't like him on my bed...just something to think about.

*The single most important item is a good car seat. Any relative that will be transporting the baby on a semi-regular basis should go ahead and invest in one. Go to your local highway patrol barracks or heath department to learn how to install and use it properly. I am amazed at parents who dress their kids in Gap clothes, but purchase a used, possibly outdated car seat!

Things like mobiles, toys, walkers, bouncy seats, etc. are nice, but not necessary. A high chair will eventually be needed(by about 6 months), but those can be purchased used or borrowed from a friend. Human interaction is more important the first 6 months than blocks of every color. Let people know you are looking for free or inexpensive items...you'll be surprised what people have in their closets/garages/attics. Good luck!

 

[DisneyDazed]

I admit I didnt get to read every single thread so if this is a repost please forgive. My computer is almost out of battery so I wanted to make it quick. You may also want to check out your craigslist. I know I sold my $800 designer crib for 100 and its just a few years old. UGH talk about a waste. Many people are selling their high quality items on craigslist. Just watch for safety of course.
Plus CVS if you have one near you sign up for the card and you can often get baby wash diapers etc close to free with their rewards.
Sounds like you know what you are doing and are well on your way.

 

[labdogs42]

I'd go with one decent pack and play that can go with baby where he/she goes. No need for a fancy crib at all.

I'd also look for a booster type seat instead of a full-fledged high chair. They seem to last longer.
like this: http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2508005

or this:
http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3312379

I hated my high chair. It took up so much room. I wish I had gotten one of these instead!

Since no one has mentioned this, the future mama knows breastfeeding is free, right? WAY easier and cheaper than formula, IMO. Of course, WIC seems to make it easier for moms to formula feed, but I'm not going to get into that discussion now! If she is nursing, she will get more $$ for foodstamps, I believe.

ETA, you can probably find a decent baby monitor cheap at a yard sale. They are nice to have.

 

[Eeyore's Wife]

The porta cribs that have a bassinet option and changing station serve three to four functions and are easy to take with the baby.

A simple bouncer is inexpensive and useful from birth until at least six months of age.

Breast feeding is the BEST option unless the mother is using drugs. The OP mentioned she has had some trouble with positive life choices, and if drugs and alcohol are part of her troubles, then bottle feeding (and/or allowing someone else to raise the baby) is better.

If the birth mom wants to nurse, WIC can provide her with a very nice breast pump to help her with feeding the baby.

A simple baby sling (I prefer the double ring sling type) is priceless for walking the floor with a fussy baby, shopping in stores before they can sit in the seats, and getting some housework done.

When you are hitting garage sales, ask if they have any small diapers left they outgrew. Most people end up with partial packs as kids change size. Most people will either give them to for free if you buy something else or charge a few pennies per diaper. Every little bit helps.

The huge stroller combo car seats are ALWAYS on sale in our area since most new parents get them and then realize they don't want the huge thing long term. The local car seats offered for low income families is a Graco brand, which makes a car seat system with almost all Graco strollers, so you may want to pick up the car seat through the program to see which type is available in your area before you get the stroller.

If we hadn't had the swing with my son we would have never slept. I suggest picking up one of these, but try to find one of the models that plugs into the wall rather than using batteries. You can spend a small fortune in batteries to keep those things swinging.

Lastly, visit your local pro-life/abortion alternative center. Our local center has maternity clothes to borrow, as well as baby gear to borrow, free of cost. Many items are used for a short period of time and borrowing them is the best financial option.

Bless you for helping get things prepared for this new little human who is about to enter the world under less than ideal circumstances.

-Eeyore's Wife

 

[Bren's Mom]

Ahhhh. Good to know. I will give the hairy eyeball to car seats. Of course, I am reliably informed that Recaro makes a baby seat. . .now if I see one of those in good shape at yard sale. . .I might throw caution to the wind and take a chance on it then get it inspected at one of those events where the State P or whoever will inspect and install car seats. . .

No one can inspect a car seat and confirm whether or not it's been compromised in an accident or from misuse. And if they tell you they can, they're lying.

I am a CPST (car seat tech) and I urge you not to buy or accept for free a car seat of any kind second hand unless:

You know the person you're buying it from
Yhey know the complete history of the seat
You trust that person to tell you that it has not been misused or in an accident
It has the manual and all of the parts and pieces that came with the seat
You check for recalls on the seat as well as checking the expiration date.

I would use second hand seats from my sister, and maybe 2 or 3 other people on this earth but that's about it.

Go to safekids.org and find your closest Safe Kids. Call them and ask about low or no cost seats for those in need. They may be able to supply the mother with one infant seat. A second base can be purchased for grandma's car.

Before baby outgrows the infant seat mom and grandma will want to be watching Kmart, Target, Walmart, etc for sales on a Cosco Scenera. It's a great low cost convertible seat that will allow them to keep baby rear-facing for 2 years or longer, which is recommended by the AAP. Scenera's are normally around $50 but go on sale for $35-39.

 

[Kathy C]

I personally don't think a tub is necessary either. My DIL put one on her baby registry and never used it. It's just as easy to bath a baby in the kitchen sink. Just my opinion of course!!

 

[FarmDisney]

Not a necessity, but I loved my boppy! I nursed all my babies for at least a year, and it was so handy, especially for the early months. I also loved my Maya wrap sling - so easy to take the baby anywhere, and he/she usually fell asleep in it.

Again, not necessities, but if you can pick them up for a bargain - worth it!

 

[snarlingcoyote]

Hola!

Just wanted to let everyone know their posts helped tremendously. I went saling Saturday and bought:

1 Maclaren volo for $15 (I know it won't be useful for a while. But $15? And it was BRAND NEW! And I remembered Maclaren from the posts here trading them. I snagged it.)

1 bouncer bobby thingy for newborn - free

1 portable play pen - $10 (I am currently tracking down a pack n play multi function thing. I WILL find one used!)

Brand new (box n' all) baby carrier/seat/stroller - $50 (I figure if it hasn't been out of the box, it hasn't been in a wreck. . .)

Various toys - app. $10
5 Blankets - $3

1 snugli $3

1 baby sling $2

1 cover for shopping carts $.50

I will go in my own neighborhood this coming weekend and try to pick up more.

But with just this, I and amy dear relations are of the opinion we have breathing room. Baby has some place to sleep, clothes, carrier, etc. Not perfect, but better. Give me another week or three and we'll have it set.

Oh, did find out that Dear Niece's birth aunt or aunt-in-law (not sure which. . .) has promised her baby things and this is why she hasn't gotten anything. Uhm. . .the baby is cooked, so to speak. Apparently it's at 4+ pounds NOW. . .where are these promised baby things? Now's a good time to start worrying about that. . .

Sigh. I do love the child, but sometimes. . .

Anyway, thanks!

 

[McKelly]

Somewhat OT, but are there are enough relatives/friends that live near you to have a baby shower. That might help alleviate some of the cost for you?

 

[debsays]

see if you have a freecycle in your area online. Gosh, we get SO many nice thing from that that's it's unbelievalble.

 

[ccgirl]

I just had my second child 1 1/2 years ago and it amazing how much my thought of what is "needed" has changed since having my first 7 years ago.

I would also go for the pack & play with bassinet on top. My nephew slept in one until he was 1 1/2 (not the top but the bottom). He is 2 1/2 and still naps in one when he is over at my house.

Infant Car seat with the snap on base (not the big travel system).

you can also pick up one of the more inexpensive strollers for when the baby is larger and no longer in the infant car carrier.

Diapers, wipes

Consider a consignment shop as well. I was able to get everything for my baby there (minus the car seat - no interest in a used one).