Baby stuff - new vs. used

[Sam_2.0]

I got some used bottles, but we used the Playtex drop-ins, so it was just the sleeve, cap & ring (which were all sterilized). We got new nipples and of course bags (just used the milk storage bags).

I grew up borderline poor. My family got almost everything used (except underwear). The only new toys we ever got were for b-days or Christmas (and even then some of them were used). So it does not bother me at all to wash and reuse things. DH's family was pretty rich. So he think's used things are icky because he grew up with all new things. I've learned to just not tell him when I get used things for DD, or I tell him they were hand-me-downs from someone we know.

[kgb18]

LOL on not telling your husband, sam. I didn't grow up in a family with a lot of money either. We had a lot of things bought at yard sales and hand-me-downs. I think that made me less okay with used stuff. As I got older it bothered me more.

[midjd]

I grew up borderline poor. My family got almost everything used (except underwear). The only new toys we ever got were for b-days or Christmas (and even then some of them were used). So it does not bother me at all to wash and reuse things. DH's family was pretty rich. So he think's used things are icky because he grew up with all new things.

Are you me?

[Sam_2.0]

Maybe, mid...

kgb - I think I am too corrupted by YM. DH and I have the money to buy new things for DD and we do sometimes. But in the back of my head I keep hearing a voice that tells me I should have just waited another couple of weeks to go to the consignment sale and save $5. I love TJ Maxx/Marshalls though for letting me buy new things at the price of used.

I can't get myself to use paper towels though. I use washcloths or dish towels 99% of the time. Paper towels were a luxury we rarely had around the house (mom had maybe 1-2 rolls a year). DH's family goes to Costco and buys a jumbo pack every month it seems like - they use them for EVERYTHING. To dry their hands in the bathroom, to wipe the counters/kiddos after meals, etc.

[kgb18]

I do use a lot of paper towels. That's mostly because I'm a germaphobe. I can't stand wiping down the counters with a sponge or towel unless it's going directly to the wash.

[Tiny]

I don't have kids... but, jeez, my siblings used the crib from like 2000 years ago (it was my oldest brother's - he's 62). I remember the first grandkid who got the crib - there was alot of measuring and checking and cleaning that happened. It had all the 'safe' recommendations (and measurements). Grandma used the 2000 year old Baby Cage (aka a wooden Playpen) occasionally - I was alittle paranoid about the Baby Cage - so I did check to make sure it met the then current safe measurements... it did. Never did leave a little one alone in the Baby Cage though. Always had a line of sight to the thing. I think I must have some bad subliminal memories of the Baby Cage... I really disliked the thing and wouldn't put the kids in it (to keep them contained for a little bit) when I was watching them...

I think between 7 grandkids I dont' think any of them had brand new brand durable stuff... there was alot of passing around of cribs, furniture, some toys, and some clothes. And believe me my neices and nephews had more 'baby stuff' than you can imagine!

[savecents]

Anything that is fabric and I can't wash it for some reason -- isn't removable or some such -- I want new, unless I personally know the previous owner. Had a problem with bedbugs once so I really want to be able to wash things I get from second hand stores.


Car seat, crib, and breast pumps also musts.

But as long as I can wash and sterilize it I'll take it!

[thyme4change]

I do use a lot of paper towels. That's mostly because I'm a germaphobe. I can't stand wiping down the counters with a sponge or towel unless it's going directly to the wash.

I used to use more paper towels, but I stopped when I got my big washer. I realized the environmental and economical impact of me doing a full load of towels/dishclothes every week (vs. a half load) was likely less than purchasing lots of paper towels. I use a fresh dishcloth and dishtowel for each meal, plus I change the towel that is next to the kitchen sink every day. If I'm making a big meal, I can go through 2 or 3 of each - just for that meal. And I change the handtowels in the kids bathroom two or three times per week. I have pure white everything - so I bleach in hot water. I still have paper towels - but only use them occassionaly.

[Deleted]

New Infant Car Seat. I have bought older child booster seats used - their only purpose is to raise the kid up so seat belt does not strangle them, so I felt ok getting 2nd hand.

Clothing - Mostly used. Such deals out there, particularly yard sales. Consignment is higher, but also sweet deals! I usually buy jeans/pants new (thank you Costco for carrying Levis) & underwear new, but everything else I look for used first.

High Chairs I also buy new because the condition of used ones can be scary :-)

[yogiii]

I think everything I have is new. I'm a minimalist though, so I can honestly say we do use everything we've bought for DS. You can get really cheap clothes at Walmart or Old Navy and even other places if you happen to hit a sale. I don't shop often and I've had a pretty easy time finding good prices. Newborn and toddler shirts for only $4 each, a lot of times pants for $5. DS is 2.5 and if we have another boy this spring I'll be able to reuse all of his clothes, they've held up well. For furniture we bought a crib that converts into a full size bed. The "changing table" is actually just a regular dresser with a changing pad on top. So the furniture can grow with DS.

[telephus44]

I think a mattress and car seat would be the only things I'd be a stickler on. For this baby (he's almost 6 months) we did purchase a lot of stuff new, but that was mostly because I wasn't in a good position for hand me downs and there was a lot of stress while I was pregnant that made shopping yard sales and consignment stores pretty low on my list of things I cared about. So we did buy a new crib, new bouncer, new breast pump. I did manage to score a high chair and pack and play off of some co-workers, and I got one of those playmate/baby gym things for $2 at a yard sale after the baby was born.

The biggest suggestion I have to save money - I know that's not the original topic, but I'm assuming you are looking at used to save money - is buy stuff that grows with the kid. We purchased a dresser instead of a changing table and just put a pad on it. When he's out of diapers he can still use the dresser. We bought a chair for his room that isn't a rocker/glider, but it's something he can use when he's older. The crib converts to a day bed.