Yard Saling for a Nursery

[snarlingcoyote]

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?

 

[jennifer293]

the biggest thing will be a good stock of diapers, wipes, washes, lotions, diaper cream etc. Truly..babies do not NEED a crib at first..a playpen with a bassinet top is good for sleeping, playing and changing baby's diaper. If she is not going to breastfeed she will need a good stock of bottles. Maybe a few blankets, socks to keep those little toesies warm and to put on hands so baby does not scratch his/her face!!! Babies really require a lot less than you would think...all that other stuff is just pretty!!! Oh and a GOOD carseat!!!

 

[minnie1928]

I'd steer clear of car seats at yard sales, you'll never know if they were in an accident. From yard sale type stuff, I'd look for storage containers to keep baby paraphernalia, clothing, maybe toys, diaper bags, etc.

As far as diapers go, have her open an account at www.upromise.com. Once that's done, they have "e-coupons" for diapers. It's really cool...you select the coupon and you have the remainder of the month to buy the diapers at one of the participating stores (most grocery stores, CVS, etc.). You can use regular coupons during the purchase, but once Upromise has record that you've made the purchase then they will contribute the amount of the ecoupon to her account. They have much more than just diapers available, and it will cost nothing for her to start earning some money for the baby's college fund.

 

[kymmyk13]

I am a very practically person, mother of DD18 and DD4, so I will give my two cents. it is amazing how little you can get buy with which is what we had to do with older DD. Also dont forget to check thrift stores. I wish you lived close to me, we are having a yard sale this weekend and selling lots of baby items

crib x 2 or 1 crib and a travel playpack or 2 playpacks

fitted sheets for mattress and bumper pad for crib

several light weight blankets and a couple of thicker ones

car seat- I am always afraid to buy these from yard sales- check with local DHR they may give them away to needy moms

bouncy seat

stroller

bottles, just get new nipples for them

Diaper and wipes

pacies

toys

and I am sure there are more things but just cant think right now

the following are things that you can do without but would be easier with:
bathtub
highchairs for later
mobile for crib


you mentioned a diaper genie in this situation totally not necesary

 

[zumbergc]

car seats . They have the year they were made on the bottom of them. They expire after 5 years... so if yard saling... make a mental note of that, just learned that in baby safety class.

 

[snarlingcoyote]

Okay, I got up to load the laundry, came back and ya'll are already coming through for me!



I never even thought about things like crib sheets!

Playpacks are those collapsible crib/playpen things that everyone carries around in the trunks of their cars, right?

Okay. Word Doc now open. Am making my list and will check it twice. (I am fairly good at keeping track of these kinds of things. DH likes to ask how I can remember umpteen sizes for Dear Relations clothing or what I paid for Burberry trench I found at my fave St. Vincent de Paul, but not what I did with my keys or what I did with my jacket. . .what can I say? I have my priorities. Growing DRs and stories about thrift store finds are priorities!)

Can you still buy baby stuff at thrift stores? There was this big thing a few months ago about thrift shops not selling kid items other than clothes and books due to lead testing? Has that changed?

 

[singnring]

My DD, who is in the process of divorce, has a 9 month old who had outgrown his infant carseat.

She is currently unemployed (like half of the country!) and qualified for assistance at the recent baby fair @ the health department.

She got a carseat for a $20 donation. Brand new and really nice!

If mother-to-be qualifies financially, perhaps she could get a carseat in her area as well.

Worth a call to the health dept to ask.

I will ditto other posters comments. Do not buy a carseat @ a garage sale.

You might get a deal, but if the seat is expired or compromised from an undisclosed accident, the price could be the baby's life.

 

[tinker&belle]

car seats . They have the year they were made on the bottom of them. They expire after 5 years... so if yard saling... make a mental note of that, just learned that in baby safety class.

I thought it was 6 years, not to be picky, but that was what I read on a car seat forum.

 

[singnring]

Just read the post about bumper pads.

DD's baby was 2 months preemie. As a result, we had to take classes for his special care when he went home.

The nurses said there should be nothing in the crib but baby.

No comforter, no pillow (i thought this was a no-brainer, but obviously not!), no toys, no bumper pads, nothing.

She said all of these extras are dangers for babies, preemie or not.

FYI

 

[snarlingcoyote]

car seats . They have the year they were made on the bottom of them. They expire after 5 years... so if yard saling... make a mental note of that, just learned that in baby safety class.

I'd steer clear of car seats at yard sales, you'll never know if they were in an accident.

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. . .

Huh. Worst comes to it, I can buy a car seat or two at Wal-mart or Big Lots or somewhere.

 

[GraysMom]

Like PPs have mentioned, steer clear of used car seats. They expire after 5 years anyway and there is no way to know if they have been in a crash (even at low speeds it still needs to be replaced after a crash). Most hospitals won't let you leave w/the baby until they see the carseat. Many hospitals also have programs to give the new mom a carseat upon discharge if she can't afford one-have her check into this.

I would look for bouncy seats at the yard sales. They're great to put the baby in while you cook/eat/clean/shower/etc. We never used DS's changing table (an attachment for the top of his dresser). I always just changed him on the floor so I didn't have to worry about him rolling off.

Battery operated swings are great and often found at yard sales because they take up so much room to store. Make sure it works before you buy it (I usually carry batteries w/me-they typically take 4 D batteries-to try them out).

A Baby Bjorn or some other front carrier w/head support is very useful for grocery shopping, etc.

A high chair that has a strap for the lap and a connecting strap that goes between the legs (so the baby doesn't slip out). Ours also had shoulder straps to use before DS was able to sit up really well.

A stroller is fairly necessary if your DR plans to go anywhere w/the baby (mall, library, walks, etc). Make sure it lays back so the baby can sleep if needed (most do, but sometimes that mechanism breaks, so just check it). Very important-ask how to fold and unfold the stroller!

I would pick up bigger sized clothing for the next season or two after the baby's born. Baby's tend to grow FAST. DS had such a big head at birth he had to wear 0-3 month sized clothing or it wouldn't fit over his head . DS is actually pretty skinny, but he needed bigger sizes for the length (and his head still!). I would guess the baby would be about 3 mo ahead in sizes (if the baby will be 3 months at the start of winter, I'd buy 6-9 mo+ sized spring clothing). Certain brands run small and some people dry the heck out of their clothes, causing them to shrink. If it's a little big they can still wear it, but if it's too small, there's not much you can do.

Maybe a little pop up toy mat (something like this http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3537193 ). Babies don't like to lay on their backs and stare at a boring ceiling, and it helps with eye-hand, eye-foot coordination as they get bigger.

Diapers, wipes, diapers, wipes....but I'd buy the bigger sizes of diapers as well, not too many newborns since they quickly grow out of them.

If she/you call/email the formula companies, they frequently send out formula checks to save money on their formula (this is for all new mothers, no income info required).

If you ask on the Freebie Thread, usually someone can post a list of baby freebies to call for.

Upromise is great and a totally hassle free way to save money. Sign up everyone who knows the baby (you invite them via email once you register). My parents and in-laws earn money for DS w/o ever missing it.

 

[dyna]

Bumper pad for crib you can do without babies have gotten in trouble gettin trapped under them an it wasn't pretty.

At 1st you don't actually have to have a crib or anything a drawer lined with a soft blanket works even a cardboard box will work in a pinch. That will work as long as a bassinet would anyway which is about 2 months.

NO one else has mentioned it but with a carseat the INFANT to 20lbs is best to start with an handy to carry baby in as well the birth to 40 lbs stays in car an not as handy.

I'm not much on buying used car seats either unless I know the person an know they are honest OR if I am going to use this carseat as a 2nd one in a spare car that is not going to be used often DD has used car seats in her hubbys car he has yet to transport the babies by himself in his car they are 2 an 4 but he does get left with the babies while DD goes to school an some day he might have to take them out. In that case used car seats should be OK as long as they not out of date an are clean an complete etc.

The umberella strollers don't work well for a newborn that can't sit up an hold up head yet. The carseat/stroller combos are wonderful inventions but a person does not have to have one. A stroller that makes a bed works too just lay baby in that an strap them in.

Crib sheets 4 should do it never know but what baby won't get sick an puke in middle of night that gives ya 3 changes before morning an having to do laundry. I tried to have 2 nice pretty themed ones that matched blankets etc but my other 2 was just plain sheets that I could throw on bed in a pinch.

Newborns don't even need toys not until they are 2 or 3 months old do they need toys bottles yes an I'd buy used an then buy new nipples. I always hated those bottles with the disposable bags too others love them but I never did.

 

[snarlingcoyote]

My DD, who is in the process of divorce, has a 9 month old who had outgrown his infant carseat.

She is currently unemployed (like half of the country!) and qualified for assistance at the recent baby fair @ the health department.

She got a carseat for a $20 donation. Brand new and really nice!

If mother-to-be qualifies financially, perhaps she could get a carseat in her area as well.

Worth a call to the health dept to ask.

I will ditto other posters comments. Do not buy a carseat @ a garage sale.

You might get a deal, but if the seat is expired or compromised from an undisclosed accident, the price could be the baby's life.

Hello! Will call on health department for this one!

Yes, Dear Relation qualifies for just about all of it. She is disabled and gets Social Security. Her husband does some work, but only if he gets paid cash money, and only when he "feels" like it.

I do love her, but sometimes I just want a magic potion to pour into her ear so that she'll have a little common sense!

 

[GraysMom]

About the cribs, the rule of thumb is to make sure that a soda can cannot fit in between the slats. It the space between the slats allows a soda can through, then there is a threat that a baby's head could also get caught.

 

[singnring]

Hello! Will call on health department for this one!

Yes, Dear Relation qualifies for just about all of it. She is disabled and gets Social Security. Her husband does some work, but only if he gets paid cash money, and only when he "feels" like it.

I do love her, but sometimes I just want a magic potion to pour into her ear so that she'll have a little common sense!

I feel your pain!

DD I mentioned is the same way. Bad choices and mistakes have devastated her life as well as ours.

She seems to have finally gotten a bit of a clue and is hopefully on the right track now.

Anyway, back to your situation, lots of assistance is available to mom if she qualifies as you say. WIC gets her formula, and if necessary, baby could qualify for medicaid.

On the lighter side, don't forget LOTS of burp cloths!! She'll need plenty of those!!

 

[snarlingcoyote]

Also, I'm now forwarned! No bumper pads! (Hey, what do I know? I thought they were cute.) Now I don't feel guilty about buying them to cut up into cushions for my pet beds!

I wasn't going to buy bottles -all the types confused me - but I will pick up a supply of different kinds, bottles should be cheap, so she can decide what she likes. . .

 

[snarlingcoyote]

I feel your pain!

DD I mentioned is the same way. Bad choices and mistakes have devastated her life as well as ours.

She seems to have finally gotten a bit of a clue and is hopefully on the right track now.

Anyway, back to your situation, lots of assistance is available to mom if she qualifies as you say. WIC gets her formula, and if necessary, baby could qualify for medicaid.

On the lighter side, don't forget LOTS of burp cloths!! She'll need plenty of those!!

DR's mom qualified for WIC with her youngest two - the Nurse Practitioner just handed her this paperwork and said "here. Sign. You get free formula." They were both below the 90% percentile for weight as babies - although perfectly healthy - AND, I think, one was allergic to some formulas. (DR's mom tried HARD to nurse, but it just didn't happen for her youngest two.) So I think she's already gotten her onto that.

Our family has several family friends who are Social Workers too, so DR's mom is likely in touch with them, planning what she can. (DR only moved back into the state in the past 3 weeks!) You have to understand, DR is. . .sigh.

Difficult.

She sometimes does things that are contrary to her own best interest. So I'm sure DR's mom has gotten in touch with every social agency who might, concievably, assist. I know it's likely that family friends may have helped, get her into the public housing she's now in - it's in a small town with a great school - and out of the trailer she was living in.

Sigh.

Anyway, I'm just the designated buyer at this point.

 

[kymmyk13]

Just read the post about bumper pads.

DD's baby was 2 months preemie. As a result, we had to take classes for his special care when he went home.

The nurses said there should be nothing in the crib but baby.

No comforter, no pillow (i thought this was a no-brainer, but obviously not!), no toys, no bumper pads, nothing.

She said all of these extras are dangers for babies, preemie or not.

FYI

Wow, well I guess us country folks are just dumb but I am glad we are not rude. Do you feel better now that you have insulted me. This forum should be friendly not rude. Sorry to get off track. I will keep my two cents to myself from now on. If you need anything this woman is the expert.

 

[dansamy]

OMG! Skip the burp cloths! They are a big ole waste of money. 1 dozen cloth diapers. That's all you need for burp cloths and emergency diapers all in one. Later, they are great of general purpose rags. Get the "good" ones. Not the ones with the "absorbent sponge" in the middle. Those are worthless. A dishtowel soaks up more than they do. ( http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2459691&CAWELAID=107505677 will work in a pinch, but they are not nearly as good as "chinese" prefolds.) If you live in an area where "attachment parenting" or "earth momma" is "in", you can pick up great diaper service type diapers at yard sales.

Skip the battery-operated swing. We're talking about broke people here. Broke people cannot afford to feed the battery hungry monster in the living room. Get one with a hand crank. They swing for about 15 minutes on one full winding.

My list of absolute must-haves:

Bottles and nipples for formula-feeding
Lansinoh nipple cream for breast-feeding
Diapers
Wipes
Baby wash
Diaper rash cream
2-3 nightgowns/sleepers
6 onesies
2pk infant socks (skip "mittens", socks can do double duty)
place for baby to sleep (pack-n-play, crib, bassinet, moses basket, cradle, whatever)
3 receiving blankets
1 fleece blanket
1 pk good cloth prefolds (emergency diapers AND burp cloths)
1 pk diaper pins
car seat

Yes, it's a VERY minimal list. I am all about double duty items too. Why buy twice the stuff? These are the things I don't think I could live without. I could even live without disposable wipes as long as I had washcloths. We had 3 babies in 30 months and we breastfed and cloth-diapered. You can do babies really cheaply if you don't have a lot of money and you get frugal. It just takes more time and is less convenient.

 

[StephMK]

You've gotten some great suggestions & should be able to get some good deals at sales. When you buy the crib or pack & play, check for recalls. I know we used to have a pack & play & it was recalled because the side could unlock & collapse. There was a part they sent to correct it but just something to be aware of when shopping.

A non-essential would be a swing - you don't use them long & some babies hate them but if you get a kid that loves it, it can be a life saver those first early months. A good stroller that reclines & has a sun shade is important & can be used a long time.

Happy shopping! Maybe the baby will be the kick she needs to start pulling herself together. DC has 2 now & seems to be getting more stable (knock on wood!) and a pretty good mom. Good luck to all of you!