What items do you recommend buying used for baby?

Karli - posted on 04/24/2011

Hello, I buy and sell a lot of our baby stuff on the website called "kijiji" I'm not sure if that is just Canadian or if you have that in the U.S. I think you have craigslist that sounds pretty similar. I agree with anything material that can't be thrown in the washing machine not to be second hand, concerns would be fleas, lice, bedbugs..etc as well as car seats but the big ticket stuff and clothes are just fine second hand, they grow out of these things so fast that wear and tear are simply not an issue. Big splurges would be baby's room decor, get good quality stuff and do it exactly the way you want it to be. When you get baby home and in their cribs you will be very you splurged on it.

Rachael - posted on 04/23/2011

This is just my personal opinion of things that I would or would not buy used!!

USED: Stroller, bouncy, crib (as long as it has been checked and deemed in GREAT condition and safe), Mattress ONLY if it is plastic... DO NOT reuse regular mattresses you never know what is inside! Used clothes are great! They are inexpensive and you can usually find some really cute ones!, shoes, hi chair, bath tub, pack N play swings. Toys are expensive for babies and kids are expensive!! You can usually find some good deals!!

NOT USED: Do not get a used car seat!!! I know Car seats are rather expensive and you may be able to find what looks like a nice one for cheap, but you never really know the condition of the car seat! It may have already been in an accident, and this means it is less safe!! Mattresses (unless plastic), Bottles, nipples, bottle brushes, cloth diapers, bedding, stuffed animals or really many material things because you never know where it has been and what is inside!!

Splurge: Bedding, blankets, stuffed animals, stroller if you want a jogging stroller or a special kind.

Liz - posted on 04/22/2011

I would buy everything second hand except for these items:

Going home outfit

Carseat

Bottles/BreastPump and related accessories

Crib mattress & Crib - you never know what's been recalled.

Christine - posted on 04/21/2011

I have read the majority of the comments below and they are all great ways to save money i will tell you one thing to NOT buy used is a car seat. you never know if it was in an accident how old it is, all car seats have a date, on the bottom, that they are no longer good till normally 5 years. Your best bet will be be to by a convertable car seat that LO can use from birth to 65 lbs depending on maker. You will spend alittle more money up front but it will be worth only having to by 1 carseat and then a boster for $20 or so when they are over the weight limit. Look on Craigs List and Garage sales for great deals on clothes, swings, bouncers, cribs etc.

√v^√v^√♥ - posted on 04/21/2011

I bought a playpen/crib for 70 (on sale, new) that has a baby changer and sleeper attachment. It also came with a snap on diaper holder on the side (some other ones have shelves below?) and ours has a top layer for when they are young. It worked as his crib and play area for 6 months, until he outweighed it. Also, the swing he outweighs too now. I got it brand new for 50 through walmart. I don't have any regrets over these purchases, except my son is just HUGE and is the size of a 1 year old at 5 months so we're going through things left and right. I now just go to Ross or Marshalls, get 1 pack of 5 onsies for the next size up which is about 10$ and can last him until he grows out of it. He didn't fit into 0-3 month clothes at all, so I caution stacking up on many clothes right away until after you figure out how much they are going to grow- they can sprout fast. He skipped that pile, and almost the next. He lived in 6'-9 for 2 months, and now he's 18-24 months out of no where. It's insane. So... I haven't had many problems otherwise. Bought a jumperoo (luv u zoo brand) and its been a life saver. He enjoys jumping so much, i would recommend these jumpers over just a plain exersaucer as it gives them toys AND the bouncing and spinning ability. Its awesome. He spends an hour in there. Also, I bought a playmat for 30$ online, had it shipped to our house. This also has made him happy for like hours! The kitty on it was his favorite first toy. Good luck

Erin - posted on 04/20/2011

I got everything second hand, including the carseats and crib. I know it sounds bad, but especially being a single mother and I had no income at the time, I had to make due. But if you have some money, those are really the only two items I would buy new. Everything else, get used. Thrift stores and garage sales are amazing! They outgrow everything so quickly anyway. Walmart has super good prices. Costco has been a lifesaver for me. I have saved hundreds on diapers and wipes. I even bought formula there for a while. They have enfamil. But, just save money where you're able to. There's lots of ways to reduce the costs of having a baby.

Crystal - posted on 04/20/2011

I think you can buy anything used for a baby as long as it is in good shape of course. I would not however bottles, matress (crib ok, just replace matress). If you did a car seat make sure it is inspected of course. Honestly I think if it looks good as new but is used and cheaper cost go for the secondhand.

Lexi - posted on 04/20/2011

We got most everything used for our son and plan on doing the same with our second baby (due Oct.) The only things I bought new were the tubing and bottles etc... for the breast pump and the car seat. I wanted a brand new mattress for the crib, but we just didn't have the money. The second hand crib we got came with a mattress that was in relatively good shape so I just got a new water proof cover for it instead for $10. My husband was laid off the year we had our son (we did not plan it that way, trust me! lol) so the less money we had to spend, the better. Clothes especially do not get used enough to buy at retail cost. Our town has a ton of baby resales all summer and fall, as well as lots of thrift stores. My son has very few things that were bought new but you wouldn't know it. He is a pretty well dressed kid! hehe There are a few other smaller things I'm not comfortable with getting second hand, stuffed animals, (I just don't feel like they get clean enough) binkies and bottle nipples since they get worn out and are not safe, that sort of thing. With the bigger used items I always check for recalls so I know that everything is safe.

Mandy - posted on 04/20/2011

CLOTHES!! kids outgrow ridiculously fast. Find a good/local consignment shop and check it often. I've found brand new stuff with the tags still on! Get Swings, Bouncy seats, play mats used, they only use them for a few months. High chairs and exersaucers could go either way, you will use the high chair a lot so look for one that will fit in your kitchen (some can be quite large). Splurge on car seats, never buy use since you don't know if they were in accidents. If you can afford Britax, I recommend them, they are the highest safety rated and super easy to install with latch. Also when you get your infant seat, look for one that goes up to 30 lb so you won't need a rear-facing convertible car seat.

Carly - posted on 04/20/2011

i bought all the important stuff new, i had a lot of clothes given to me from cousins which saved huge, but the big things i got second hand was a walker for $10, wooden timber cot $50, i have also used a number of second hand prams or stollers, and bedroom funiture and toys are great second hand... i used to get tonka trucks worth $50 for a few dollars, theres a few ideas, but things like jolly jumpers and walkers and thinds that will only be used for a few months and you would save a lot of money waste if it was second hand and there is some great places to look these days, gumtree and ebay, the paper, garage sales op shops,,,,,,, good luck!!!!

Barb - posted on 04/20/2011

I think consignment stores are awesome places for kids stuff because it has to be in good condition to be accepted.
Stock up on clothes and toys and blankets...annnnnnything that can get washed.
Avoid shoes once your baby is more 'toddler' and walking. Other kids shoes that have been broken in aren't all that great for your kids developing feet. ALSO avoid car seats because you can't be guaranteed that is hasn't been in an accident. Other than that.. HIT EM UP! I do!!! :)

Amanda - posted on 04/20/2011

I get my daughter used clothing ( we know someone who gives us a bunch of her daughters clothing because she is a year older than my daughter) but i also use second hand shops because clothing from actual stores are so exspensive and with how fast my daughter is growing it seems like a wast of money if I can get it used and cheap and it is in really good condition then why not?

Tyrae - posted on 04/20/2011

one or two cute outfits are always nice to buy new. I would get the rest of the clothes used though if possible just because the baby will grow out of them so quickly. A great place to get used sleepers and clothes are at stores like salvation army, and value village where you can get sleepers for like $1.99 or less. I went on kijiji and got so much clothing for free that people just didn't want anymore. I only paid a total of $25 on clothes and my daughter won't need new stuff until she's about 2 years old. Bottle can also be bought used, just make sure you sanitize them with a good soak in boiling water (after its been taken off of the stove in a pot). Any toys or carseats or strollers are good used also.

Really the only thing you NEED to buy new is diapers (unless you are using cloth in which case you can buy used cloth diapers), wipes, formula (if you aren't bf) and any type of soaps or lotions you are going to be using.

Good luck and congratulations on your baby!

ASHLEY - posted on 04/20/2011

Buy crib, mattress, and carseat new. They need to be new because of safety reasons. There have been new standards put on cribs in the last year so its best to buy a new one that meets those standards. I recommend a convertable crib that later becomes a toddler bed. Drop-sides have recently been banned due to the number of deaths also no cribs more than 10 yrs old can have hardware issues and may not meet current standards. Car seats expire and need to be replaced after even minor accidents. Unless its from a friend and u are positive no accidents and hasnt expired I would buy new. Breastpumps can be new or used they say not to get a used one but if its from a family member or friend use your own discression.
Clothes, swing, bassinet, playpen, changing table etc (almost anything else) you can get used. This is best for things used only during 1st year if you plan on using an item for additional kids it may be best to get a newer one in order to make sure it lasts but isnt neccessary.

Brittany - posted on 04/20/2011

I bought a used changing table, I was given a lot of used baby clothes, toys, a swing, a basinet, an infant chair. I also got a used crib. It's actually a really nice one saying that it's about 10 years old now. I checked it out before I bought it. It will only be used for this one child though... it's just getting too old now. If you plan on having more children and have to room to store a crib I would suggest getting a newer used or a new crib.

I wouldn't get a carseat or any safety devices used. Same with breast pumps.

I got most of my daughter's things on sale. The rocking chair in her room was a floor model and we got it for 70% off.

Jessica - posted on 04/20/2011

I agree with what has been posted...clothes are fine second hand, bouncers, swings, strollers, are also great! Your carseat should always be brand new, and so should your crib. I bought a crib used, and trust me, it wasn't worth it...my son almost got hurt.

Sarah - posted on 04/20/2011

hello, new things should be matresses for cribs and cots, new carseat new pram matress if it is a pramette style pram.



for my first child i went all out new everything, it all had to be but for my seond it is certainly not easy and talking to other mums they found the same result if something is in good condition and clean why not use it again or buy it? materesses are a definate brand new job along with bottles dummies and steriser but babies are just sick alot sometimes and when they have illnesses too, i don't seethe point in splashing out making sure every out fit is a designer one i had bought the cot as i had got rid of my old one to a freind only 5 months before i found out i was pregnant with my second.



i think a few outfits for best such as days out and visiting people are about what people should be looking out at doing unless obviously they have the money too, but there is nothing wrong with second hand close if you get some desent batches of them from family/friends or friends of friends etc. monitors are ok if you know for sure that they work fully no point in having a monitor if it doesnt work or is faulty.



Sarah @

http://Cheekychumsonline.co.uk

premature baby clothes superstore

Mariah - posted on 04/20/2011

forgot to say that if you get things like a carseat that you should always check the date because i think its like 10years that theyre good and after that its against the law to use them....

Mariah - posted on 04/20/2011

i say that things like bottles and sippy cups should not be purchased second hand purely for sanitary reasons...and the babies first outfit etc...things that are going to be a memory other wise you can get anything used! :) at stuff ect., goodwill, once upon a child, or craigslist...

Catherine - posted on 04/20/2011

car seat, matress for crib or cot and bottles if you're using them, everything else i got second hand. i am now on my 4th baby and the pram i did but new for my first with a car seat but it has done all 4 of my children and three of my friends!

Hayley - posted on 04/20/2011

I buy most things second hand except for the car seat and mattresses

Amanda - posted on 04/19/2011

I would always buy a new carseat, for saftey reasons. You can go used on a cot but i would invest in a brand new matress for it. most of the other stuff you will either be given or you can pick up second hand.

Katie - posted on 04/19/2011

About 75% of Lukes stuff is hand me downs. His carset and Crib are new, I was also given a new swing and stroller. All of his clothes are hand me downs from friends and consignment shop buys... Except for Christmas and Birthday gifts, I buy his toys at goodwill or Once Opon a child! I got a 5 in 1 infant to toddler light show and art easle for 5 dollars at a consignment shop! People give away so many nice things when they no longer need them, why not save money from them! The other big savings I found was once Luke wasn't able to nurse any longer (My milk wasn't fatty or nutrious enough and he was losing weight) We were using Babies R Us brand formula instead of Similac. We saved about 75 dollars a month doing this! Good Luck!!

Kristen - posted on 04/19/2011

check out just between friends website they do huge sales in certain areas.

Allie - posted on 04/19/2011

I bought the crib (and mattress)... I got the carseat/stroller at a babyshower (I decided not to go used on carseats and crib only because of the constant use and the risk of recalls). I got the changing table from a consignment sale. The glider a friend of mine picked up on a curb and used it with her three then my husband cleaned it and added a fresh coat of paint. I typically buy all his clothes used (he grows out of them so fast I hate to pay full price!) Toys and books are hand-me-downs (most anyway). My jogging stroller was a consignment sale. I have heard of people even getting reusable diapers (covers) used, but I didn't go that path.



At my parents house though, they had a crib that was given to them in excellent condition by a neighbor. A highchair (we still use). A pack-and-play. Toys. Books. Movies. Gosh... most are hand-me-downs or consignment sale bought.



Good luck and CONGRATULATIONS!

Kristen - posted on 04/19/2011

Good breast pump.
Crib and mattress
wait till after your baby shower than buy
car seat
swing
rocking chair
jumper, i like the stand alone
diapers and cream Bag Balm is awesome it comes in a green tin with a cow on it.
chocolate cause you did a good job
a journal for your thoughts and new knowledge.
bassinets are nice up till 3 months old
a play mat
bottles and the cleaning tool

Amanda - posted on 04/19/2011

I would buy everything reusable used except for a carseat, and a crib. A crib i bought new because buy the time a child out grows it its because they are climbing over the sides, juming, and being rough with it.

Melissa - posted on 04/19/2011

I would deff reccomend getting a carseat, and crib new!

clothes, toys, stroller, bouncer, etc can always be used!

also buy larage amounts of diapers and wipes now so when the baby is here your stocked for awhile,

clothes can b used from yardsales, consignment shops, friends and family etc.

Jackie - posted on 04/19/2011

Blankets, towels, washrags, bibs, clothes, and even the shaft part of the evenflo bottles are great. Bed frames and gently used matresses are great too. Never buy used bottle nipples or pacifiers. Theres no telling how long these items went without being cleaned and how long the bacteria and viruses had to sit on the porous material that these items are made of.
Before the kids walk second hand shoes are fine but you want the kids feet to form to their own natural shape and not somebody elses foot shape.

Elfrieda - posted on 04/19/2011

for wipes, I cut a paper towel roll in half (get the really absorbent kind) and I use a plastic container that had ice cream in it that fits half a paper towel roll perfectly.
My mom went crazy in a fit of first-time grandmotherly joy and made a cute cloth cover to go over it, so it looks pretty, too!
Mix 1 tsp baby lotion and 1 tsp baby shampoo, pour a cup of boiling water on it and mix, then pour the whole thing over the paper towels. Take the cardboard roll out of the middle, and you've got a very nice baby wipe dispenser. (always take from the middle)

Angela - posted on 04/19/2011

i hvae hade so many hand me downs for my kids it has saved me a fourtune. if you know anyone that has a child a yr or so older ask them if they have anything they don't need anymore. especially cothes. the only thing i got new for my 1st child was a car seat, everything else was gfts, hand me downs or 2nd hand from charity shops and e-bay. i did end up buying a new pushchair for my 2nd when she was almost 1yr as the pram was so big and bulky it was beginning to get in the way. things like changing tables and nappy holders, whilst can be useful at times, are not essential and unless someone wants to buy them for you i really wouldn't bother wasting your money. a towel on the bed, chnaging mat on the floor or chnaging on your knee works just as well. congratulations and hope you find this helpful. x

Melly - posted on 04/19/2011

I just use warm water, but this is a good site, recipes for baby wipes, diaper salve, teething gel www.fullcirclebaby.com
Go to the home-made baby care link under information on the bottom left of the screen.

Stifler's - posted on 04/19/2011

I used a bassinet but one I borrowed so I could give it back and didn't have to spend $100 to use it for 3 months.

Becky - posted on 04/18/2011

Ebay & babies markets are fantastic for used or even new items at a much more affordable price.

From Ebay I have bought lots of clothes,

My daughter's antique oak wardrobe for $15,

New condition Phil & Teds pram with toddler seat for $400 (RRP $750) ,

A reversible car seat for $100 (RRP $399),

Inner spring cot mattress for $45 (RRP $150) only used by relatives for 2 weeks.

Some things to buy new are bottles, shoes, sheets, etc.

Buy furniture that is multifunctional to use in the future e.g, a cot that converts to a toddler bed or if you are going to have more children look for a pram that you can add a toddler seat to.

Instead of buying a new nappy changing station we put a change mat on top of a chest of drawers that we already owned - no extra cost & lots more storage.

We never used a bassinet or moses basket - these are an unneccessary cost as a baby can go straight into a cot.

We use cloth nappies, too. I use 'GroVia' & 'Itti Bitti Tutto' nappies (I live in Australia). They are a one-size nappy so can adjust the size from small, med & large to fit from newborn to potty training. I use nappies that have snap-in soaker pads as I don't like putting my hands in a 'pocket' nappy to pull out a dirty soaker pad.

Stifler's - posted on 04/18/2011

Just a washer and some warm water is good.

Ashley - posted on 04/18/2011

Thank you, ladies, so much! I feel so much better about buying secondhand items now. :)

We already invested in some cloth diapers, since I am staying at home. So, I may be back for advice about those in the near future. :)

Do you ladies happen to know of any homemade solution when using cloth wipes instead of disposable?

Brittany - posted on 04/18/2011

The only thing I wouldn't buy second hand is a car seat. And as someone already said a wipe warmer is a waste of money. I got two at my baby shower (one travel size for the car) and I never used either. Also never got a diaper genie. If she has a soiled diaper we throw it in a bag before it goes in the garbarge and the smells never get out. You can use bags you get from the grocery store and just reuse those or even get small plastic bags at the dollar store.

I have a shopping problem and buy my daughter a ton of clothes and shoes but NEVER pay full price. Buy them ahead of time in bigger sizes. I hardly ever buy seasonal (shorts, tank tops) items because no matter how cheap it would still be a waste if shes not that size but you can always buy pants, shirts, sneakers.

I suggest you wait until after you have a baby shower and check out prices before you buy anything. The dollars stores have utensils and etc. Also, never assume "oh its only $5 more for this one so I'll just get this one, its not a big deal." Because you will end up spending 50-100 more without realizing it. Used items work just as good as new but always make sure you can toss them in the washer or clean them up with bleach/disinfectant. Be cautious of some consignment shops though,they once tried to sell me something for $18 when it was $20 new at kmart and i got a smaller version for $5.
Buy the minimum possible. What to expect when you're expecting as a good chpater in the book with a check list of what and how many things you should have, start there. Good luck!

Angela - posted on 04/18/2011

The absolute one thing I would never buy used or even take second-hand from someone is a car seat. Other than that, I think anything goes - bouncy seat, swing, exersaucer, etc. Just make sure that they haven't been recalled before you buy them.

And I second what the first poster had said about cloth diapers - we made the switch over right after my second one was born in November. I LOVE them and not having to buy diapers every couple weeks is awesome! I also love the diapers that she posted a link to. I work and our daycare has no problem using the cloth diapers on the little one. It's a couple extra loads of laundry every week, but not a huge deal.

Most of the clothes my girls have are hand-me-downs from my older nieces or bought from a consignment store. Special outfits I always buy brand new and they always get clothing as gifts, but I try to be as cheap as possible with the clothes - they're just going to outgrow it or get it dirty and ruined anyway :)

Rachel - posted on 04/18/2011

i loooove goin to second hand places .... its super cheap and some of it is brand new ..... always go ever since my daughter was born .. an yes she is my first and is always dressed beautifully i say go for it

Melly - posted on 04/18/2011

Looks like your 2nd hand question has been touched on by everyone, and I agree that if you know where the things are coming from there is nothing wrong with getting anything as hand me downs/2nd hand.
As for keeping costs down...
Instead of using baby wipes, I use a face washer (more for allergy reasons though, but saved so much on not having to buy wipes). A 7 pack of face washers cost me $5 (im still using them and my boy is now 14 months old.) My sister in law uses a pack of wipes a week (at over $3 a pack that is over $160 a year). I've never been somewhere where I havent had access to water (you could take a bottle of water with you anyway).
I always kept a bib on bubs, with all the drooling and spit ups he did, it meant i didnt have to change his outfit 10 times a day (so i didnt need to have heaps of clothes).
When bubs grew out of his all-in-ones, I found they still fit his body, they were just too short in the legs, so I would cut the feet off and just put socks on him, then if they got to tight in the crotch, i cut them off and made them in to little jackets. I got months worth of extra wear out of them by doing this.
I only have three sets of bed sheets. One in the wash, one on the bed, and one just incase an accident happend and I hadnt washed a set yet. Same with bath towels, just have the bare minimum.
Some people dont put baby in a bassinet to start with, if you are happy for baby to be in a cot straight away, it saves spending money on something that is only used for a couple of months.
Dont buy a baby bath if you have a sink. I was given a baby bath and i used it once and saw how much of a pain it was. My little one was bathed in the kitchen sink until he no longer fit, then i moved him to the laundry sink which was much bigger. As soon as he was able to sit in the bath by himself and not need me to hold him he was then moved to the big bath.
If you dont need a change table dont get one, I used my bed (found it alot easier than a change table). There is more room for them to move, but once they are old enough to really move around, i just went to the floor (which you have to do once they are moving around on a change table anyway).
If you are going to have a baby shower, dont go buying anything until after you see what things you need to get.

Stifler's - posted on 04/17/2011

I think you can get most things used, I did. I bought a pram and regret it as the one I bought off a friend for 50 bucks is better. Clothes were mainly hand me downs or op shop clothes but some brand new like an outfit you'd want to keep or a few nice things to go out in. I can't actually think of anything worth buying brand new to tell the truth except a car seat.

Kim - posted on 04/17/2011

I would definately recommend buying a new car seat. I would also never buy used shoes because they shape to your feet. You can go used with everything else just be careful to look for broken/missing pieces and for recalls. I also don't buy anything used that isn't bleachable (all plastic) or can be thrown in the wash. So, a crib mattress and some toys etc I would never buy used. If you watch sales you may be able to find brand new things for the same prices as used. Also looking at the end of the season for clothes for the next year has saved me tons of money. I generally buy 2 sizes larger for under 2 and one size for older. Things like pants, tshirts,jammies etc are really good because no matter the season they grow into them they are basic staples.

Elfrieda - posted on 04/17/2011

used: clothes, exersaucer, toys, stroller, high chair, etc I LOVE Once Upon a Child for clothes, toys, books, and bigger stuff.

new: carseat

Maybe used: crib (do research on what the current width between bars should be)

crib mattress - This is a tough one. New mattresses off-gas and I personally think this puts a newborn at risk of SIDS, but it's gross to think of getting one that another child has peed on. If you're going to buy new, buy it while you're just barely pregnant and let it air out for a few months.

Theresa - posted on 04/17/2011

DO NOT buy a car seat second hand unless: 1) It is not more than 6 years old. 2) It's free of any recalls. 3) Has not been involved in a crash. 4) All labels are on the car seat. 5) Instruction manual is present. 6) AND you know the person who owned the seat and the history of the seat.

Also I wouldn't recommend buying a used crib anymore. There have been so many recalls. They are changing the standards on all news cribs and starting Dec of 2012 people will no longer be able to sell used cribs that don't meet the new standards. And cribs built before 2011 will not meet those standards.

Otherwise I can't think of anything else that would be a problem. Craig's List is a great place to get all the used things you need for baby, also second hand children's stores like Once Upon a Child.

Congratulations!

Schyla - posted on 04/17/2011

clothing and everything but the carseat (and if you want to keep costs down buy a convertible car seat one that goes from 5-100lbs and use a baby wrap to carry little one in. Go to the consignment shops for the crib swing and bouncer as those two things are only used for a little while watch yard sells as well for baby clothes and swings and bouncers We bought one new for our third child and he only used it for like 2 months it wasn't worth the extra cost. but if you really want to save money check this out! when baby outgrows the swing it changes to a highchair http://www.amazon.com/Fisher-Price-Swing...

Chloe - posted on 04/17/2011

I reckon a new carseat is recommended. I bought some second hand clothes. Buying bulk nappies and wipes is alot cheaper. I also got a secondhand highchair. I have a small car so I was forced to buy a stroller. It has been fine though I wouldn't go spending anymore than 300$ on a pram. eBay has some great stuff!! Especially clothes. You just have to shop around get the big things out of the way and don't stress the small stuff :-)

Celeste - posted on 04/17/2011

I love Once upon a child. If you have one near you that is where I would go. Buy cloth diapers if you can. It cuts the cost. If not go to sams and get their premium Members Mark diapers. Saves a ton of money. Also, I get my daughter a couple new outfits for every size and the rest are second hand clothes.

Sarah - posted on 04/17/2011

I am a super thrifty mom! I love getting things on bargain, but I want them to look nice, be in good condition and work properly. If your city has a child consignmnent shop, I'd look there at prices to compare against target/walmart whatever. A good consignment shop won't take anything that's not in good condition or anything that has been recalled.

Also, I get all my kids clothes on Ebay in "lots". When they're 3 months old they wear an outfit like twice so who cares if another baby has worn it? (I make some exceptions and plus you get clothes at your shower, so buy larger sized stuff!). Clothes are one of the biggest expenses and really, it's Such a waste!

If you're breastfeeding you can get an electric pump used, but you want to have the attachments all new (essentially you just get a used "motor"). If you can breastfeed, you'll save a Ton of money!!

One thing you want to be absolutely sure of is that nothing you buy secondhand is recalled. That means no drop-side cribs! You can check recalls at http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prere...

Also, there are a lot of items that are frivolous and you don't need, even though people make you feel like you need them. Diaper Genies and wipes warmers are both lame IMO.

Another great way to keep costs down is by using cloth diapers. We use them and they're great! (Especiallly if you're a SAHM- it's a little harder if you're working). May sound crazy, but there are options that are Way better than youre grandma's cloth diapers- i like these-- www.gogreenpocketdiapers.com

Hope that helps!