https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Sun, 05 Apr 2026 02:26:58 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/used-baby-gear#post-380509 Mon, 05 Nov 2012 22:38:44 +0000 shopaholic 380509@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Coco Bee: Yeah and clothes I honestly think doesn't matter as much taking them used as I can do whatever with them. The gear is just a lot bigger and more important I think. I think I will keep everything she gives me for awhile and then let her know when I'm going to donate it if she doesn't mind. She's done having kids. </p> <p>@Bao: Good points on the food (eww) on the high chair and the swing. I've taken both cushion/cover things off and they're getting a high heat wash right now as I type! </p> <p>@AprilK: :D Love that mentality!</p> <p>@mrs. wagon: Wow! That is a LOT of stuff you got! I don't even know where we would begin storing it all! </p> <p>@Pink Champagne: That's true. I gave everything a piping hot wash today and even managed to get a couple of stains out! Luckily we do have a place for most of it to be stored or used at a 2nd location. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/used-baby-gear#post-380468 Mon, 05 Nov 2012 22:09:23 +0000 Pink Champagne 380468@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I don't know. A lot of that stuff that your SIL gave you, I think you can find a use for- for example, if you spend a lot of time at your in laws or your parents house, then maybe that's a good place for the swing (if you don't have room- if it's just that "it's old" but it still works then I would just keep it- you might find that your crying infant loves it.. They usually don't care if something is brand new or not).<br /> In the meantime, I would just take the hand me downs and use what you can, but if your heart is set on a piece of baby gear, get it. I have a TON of crazy hand me downs from my SIL, and some of it is great, and some of it is gross, but I'm grateful to have her be so generous. I use what I can, and the rest is saved for donation or brought to grandmas house. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/used-baby-gear#post-380434 Mon, 05 Nov 2012 21:54:43 +0000 mrs. wagon 380434@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Totally just skimmed thru the comments to let you know that you shouldn't feel guilty at all!! It's your first baby and you should buy the things you want if you are in a place to be able to do so. Even though we got two kids worth of hand-me-down gear (WS's cousin ordered us to rent a truck and come over, which we did, and we filled the truck!!), we still went thru everything and donated THREE carfuls of gear, toys, and clothes to Goodwill. Literally we filled our CR-V from floor to ceiling three times. Almost everything we kept was for backup. For instance, we bought our own bouncy seat and we have two backups. When WJ was in a bouncy seat all the time, we had one in the kitchen, one in the living room, and one in our bedroom. (Luckily our place is pretty spacious.)</p> <p>It did become very useful for our second child. We didn't have to buy a second crib (or rush the crib to bed transition with our first), a second glider, a second dresser/changing table combo... etc. </p> <p>BUT we did buy our UBV. WE LOVE IT. I got the rumble seat and piggyback board off craigslist and we got a friends and family discount for the actual stroller. </p> <p>There were a few pieces that we LOVED that we kept and used as our primary things-- like our high chair, it's wooden and so beautiful and was in pristine condition-- and we also got all kinds of backup things like high chair seats that attach to chairs, which we use when friends come over with their babies. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/used-baby-gear#post-380421 Mon, 05 Nov 2012 21:46:23 +0000 AprilK 380421@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I totally get what you are saying about researching the stuff so much and wanting to get the stuff you thought about - I was the queen of "this isn't really my taste..." when my son came along. Had to have that Bugaboo. And you know what, I still love that darn thing, two years later! I figure you can only buy baby stuff for yourself in a very small window so why not!? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/used-baby-gear#post-380301 Mon, 05 Nov 2012 20:48:48 +0000 Bao 380301@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We got a lot of used things for LO but other things were hand me downs or things from our local baby/childrens consignment shop.<br /> Things I absolutely had to have new:<br /> Car seat<br /> Stroller<br /> Crib<br /> Things we got from my siblings(obviously a trusted source):<br /> Pack N Play<br /> Crib mattress<br /> Some clothes</p> <p>We also are getting LO a new high chair for Christmas from my parents, I didn't want one with a bunch of caked on food already. We did buy most of her clothes at the shop tough only because they have all name brands, Carter's my favorite especially, for affordable. Her swing is also used, but I washed the pad. Her bouncy seat was new though. I guess there's just certain things that are ok used and others not so much. If things are outdated then I wouldn't want to use them either, it's not being snobby! It's all in what you are comfortable with. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/used-baby-gear#post-380216 Mon, 05 Nov 2012 20:15:37 +0000 Mrs. Pen 380216@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@MungBean: omg JEALOUS!!! hahaha!!</p> <p>@PrincessBaby: I love your post. I totally lol'ed.</p> <p>If it were my sister or SIL I am close enough to tell them that I already have some things and don't need more. Like my nephew is just a little older than my son, so we get some of his clothes. But I bought so many clothes for DS anyway that I just told my sister I only a few items so she lets me go through them and pick out the ones I actually want. What I don't want she gives to her neighbor for her son. She's not offended I'm not taking the clothes :) But I can understand some people being offended.</p> <p>Honestly I would never take anything more than 5 years old either and that is totally stretching it. The items I did buy used, it didn't matter that they were used (a play gym that didn't look used, a bumbo, borrowed swing, etc). </p> <p>I get it :) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/used-baby-gear#post-380199 Mon, 05 Nov 2012 20:06:57 +0000 birdofafeather 380199@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>i don't have a problem with used stuff, but we researched the crap out of items and we live in a small space, so we wanted the best items for our money, so i totally understand where you're coming from.</p> <p> if it's something that you don't want/can't use/whatever, i would just keep it for a bit to make sure you can't use it and then find another home for it, maybe with someone else in need. because honestly, it's better off going to a shelter when moms in need could and would use it, then sitting in your house picking up dust. i don't think that makes you a bad person at all and i think if you let your SIL (or whoever) know that you found something else that suited your needs and made sure her stuff went to a good home, then it's not awkward and she's not looking out for the items. (i think you said she wasn't thinking she was getting anything back, right?) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/used-baby-gear#post-380054 Mon, 05 Nov 2012 19:12:36 +0000 shopaholic 380054@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@MungBean: Awww! That is SOOO sweet! I can't imagine my mom being horrified, but she did spend close to $200 shopping with me on our first baby clothes shopping spree (mostly at BabyGap) - first grandchild for grandma has GOT to be spoiled! :D </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/used-baby-gear#post-380049 Mon, 05 Nov 2012 19:10:20 +0000 pinkcupcake 380049@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@PrincessBaby: hahaha my mom is the exact opposite - she was absolutely horrified when L was wearing a hand me down from a friend. It was pretty much good as new, but she said she really wanted her first grandchild to only use new stuff...and took L on a shopping spree to baby gap where she bought $400 worth of clothes for her. My mom is craaazy! Hahaha. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/used-baby-gear#post-380048 Mon, 05 Nov 2012 19:10:10 +0000 shopaholic 380048@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@chopsuey119: Thanks! Yeah, I figure the playmat is smaller and good enough to keep if I could wash it. It's going in the laundry now! :) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/used-baby-gear#post-380030 Mon, 05 Nov 2012 19:02:35 +0000 chopsuey 380030@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@shopaholic: I was putting LO down when I read your thread. HA. I have a peg perego infant car seat so I thought your SIL had given you a car seat not a stroller. Regardless, get the one you love!</p> <p>And playmats can be washed. We got a hand me down play gym (I already had a brand new baby einstein), so I washed the mat and used it for tummy time. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/used-baby-gear#post-380013 Mon, 05 Nov 2012 18:48:57 +0000 shopaholic 380013@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@PrincessBaby: I know what you mean. There were a couple of pieces my sister even told me, "you can just donate them again if you don't like it, they were so cheap" and I figured, hey, they can be worn at home for whatevers at least once or twice before I send them off again. :/</p> <p>@chopsuey119: Thanks! Yeah, I think how old some of the stuff are turns me off, and I know how grubby the boys could get. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/used-baby-gear#post-380007 Mon, 05 Nov 2012 18:45:59 +0000 shopaholic 380007@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@PrincessBaby: Aww! I knew you would totally "get me" on this one! I too have spent countless hours researching and narrowing down specifically what I want (incl. the stinkin' NoseFrieda! lol!) And I know SIL is not the same way about researching things the way I am. And LOL on the UBV! Right?!? I nearly wanted to burn a hole thru DH's forehead with my glare!<br /> I think it's nice that you'll let your mom choose something from one of Harper's beautifully selected outfits for going home! Thankfully all the 2nd hand clothes so far are from my sister or when we went to look for stuff together. MY family knows me enough (snobbish-ness or just down-right pickiness) than to get me just any old thing. hahaha </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/used-baby-gear#post-380005 Mon, 05 Nov 2012 18:43:59 +0000 chopsuey 380005@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I would get a new car seat, get the stroller you want and I would just get a booster seat high chair! They're small, easy to clean, portable and cheap!</p> <p>I have a fisher price booster that I've been using for over a year now. It's in perfect shape still! </p> <p>Also, you're not being snobby.. She raised boys and the gear is old! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/used-baby-gear#post-380000 Mon, 05 Nov 2012 18:41:47 +0000 PrincessBaby 380000@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I think it makes me feel ashamed? As I was going through this box of clothes my mom sent, I just felt ashamed that I didn't really want H to wear any of it? It made me feel very guilty.... </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/used-baby-gear#post-379997 Mon, 05 Nov 2012 18:36:15 +0000 PrincessBaby 379997@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I feel the same way....It's not only that I want "NEW" stuff, it's really more that I have a very specific idea in mind for all of DD's things, and not just "any old thing" will do. I have researched everything, and I want a certain stroller, a certain baby gym, etc. I feel guilty bc I have seen some stuff second hand (and in VERY good condition) at consignment shops, but if it's not exactly what I had in mind, I can't shake it. That's either me wanting everything to be perfect for my first LO, or being a control freak - I don't know, but I also feel sort of snobby. I went to a really nice baby consignment shop and they had a similar baby gym to the one I want - but it didn't have the arch thingy for LO to lay on her back and look up at the dangly toys. It was $10. The one I want is $50. $40 difference could not break what I have my heart and brain set on for her!</p> <p>And OMG to EVER have threatened my UBV dreams with an old bulky stroller - woah. That would have been way too tough for me! </p> <p>My mom was so excited about sending me this box of clothes for Harper and it came today, and it's pretty much all garage sale clothes - which is FINE - but none of it is anything I would have bought...It all looks so worn:( And she wants H to wear one of the outfits home from the hospital even though I think it looks a little ratty, and H has a whole closet of ridiculous fancy stuff that I worked really hard on putting together for her:) But to please my mom and to NOT feel like a snob, I just told my mom that when she gets here, she can go through everything H has and pick out her going-home outfit. It's only a 10 minute car ride, so if she wants her to wear something I don't love, I'll survive. But like you, I feel guilty about it. Like I feel like I'll seem like I think that my baby is "too good" or "above" those things...And it's not that at all - it's honestly just that I'm so excited and I have visions of everything for her, and feel good about all of my selections - right down to her Nosefrida Snot Snucker. </p> <p>I feel you, sister:) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/used-baby-gear#post-379940 Mon, 05 Nov 2012 17:56:46 +0000 shopaholic 379940@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@artbee: LOL! I bet that might work! haha! I did figure out I might just take the old stroller for our trip to Europe &amp; cruise next year. That way I don't care if it gets all beat-up in travel! AND I'll make him haul and unfold it! hehehe</p> <p>@kakimochi: Glad to have an experienced empathizer! :) I did tell him in the car later that I was getting my "fancy" stroller no matter what. And he could cool it about talking about all the "expensive" things I wanted with his family. And ditto to the nursery! I nipped that one in the bud EARLY on and thankfully he had to tell her that we already bought a crib! whew! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/used-baby-gear#post-379912 Mon, 05 Nov 2012 17:36:28 +0000 kakimochi 379912@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>i struggled with this too. we were getting all these hands me downs from SIL, or my in-laws were going ahead and buying things from parent sales or garage sales without really asking if we needed it or wanted it. it's hard, you don't want to come off as ungrateful, but there are definitely things that you wanted to have a decision in or had a vision of an item to use for your LO. </p> <p>so we got a used bulky high chair, an electric swing, a graco snap and go car seat, blankets, clothes, potty chairs (yes multiple), clothing, wash cloths, a bob stroller and numerous other small things. i have to say, we kept the majority of things, except the graco car seat since it was over 5 years old and was missing the balancing meter. there was a point where i was telling my husband to tell his family to cool it with the buying and to come to us FIRST before they buy, because I couldn't take it anymore, and he agreed too but probably because he couldn't take me complaining anymore LOL. :P and i absolutely put my foot down on the nursery decor, because i did have a specific vision for what I wanted.</p> <p>hopefully you can convince your husband about better strollers that are available now, and the convenience of having one fold up and open easily, and fold the way it should. keep on talking to him too though, and perhaps before the next round of things come, let him know that you'd like him to be on the same page with you before accepting everything. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/used-baby-gear#post-379832 Mon, 05 Nov 2012 16:41:58 +0000 heffalump 379832@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@shopaholic: you have to do what you are comfortable with, and don't let them make you feel bad about it! If your dh wants to use the old school stroller, let him. Once he sees how much easier life is with a newer stroller, you can do the "I told you so's". </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/used-baby-gear#post-379798 Mon, 05 Nov 2012 16:24:33 +0000 shopaholic 379798@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrsbells: I wish I had the opportunity to decline it gracefully! But DH sold me out by saying he definitely wanted that and that I wanted "some $1K stroller!" and she knows we didn't get one yet. Thankfully, she couldn't get it to open right and I said we didn't have room for it this time. I figure if it would be useful at the grandparents' houses, maybe I would leave it there? But honestly, I don't think they want a huge stroller parked permanently in their garage either. </p> <p>@artbee: Exactly! But DH and my in-laws would have me think otherwise. :(</p> <p>@MungBean: Yeah, I don't mind things like used clothes if they are in good condition (and those things are easier to hide if you don't end up wanting to use them anyways.) Like @Mrsbells: said, I just don't know if SIL would be expecting me to use the stuff when she comes over. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/used-baby-gear#post-379780 Mon, 05 Nov 2012 16:17:46 +0000 pinkcupcake 379780@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I agree with @artbee: ... I'm fine with some things that are gently used (like toys or clothes if I know the person who is giving them to me...I'm generally not a fan of buying used stuff from strangers although I have done it a couple times) but there are other things that I would prefer new, like strollers or car seats or anything with a fabric that can't be washed. I'm a total neat freak and it weirds me out not knowing what happened on something. I don't even put L in a high chair at a restaurant unless I have a cover. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/used-baby-gear#post-379733 Mon, 05 Nov 2012 15:54:55 +0000 Mrsbells 379733@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@shopaholic: If there was a polite to say no thanks I might do that. I might say someone already bought me one. Because since its your SIL, she may expect to see you using it if she comes over, so she wil realize you got rid of it </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/used-baby-gear#post-379730 Mon, 05 Nov 2012 15:52:42 +0000 shopaholic 379730@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrsbells: Thanks! So would you even take the stroller and high chair and then get rid of it? Or just say "no thank you"? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/used-baby-gear#post-379729 Mon, 05 Nov 2012 15:52:12 +0000 heffalump 379729@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I think some things are fine used, and others I prefer new. I think its fine to want newer models in things like strollers. You have to lug those around and put them in and out of the car pretty often so you don't want them to be bulky. For me its worth it to spend some money on it, or at least spend money on a used version of what I want. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/used-baby-gear#post-379705 Mon, 05 Nov 2012 15:45:26 +0000 Mrsbells 379705@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I dont think you are a snob. I like new things for my baby too, Having said that there are certain things that are just as good if they are use such as a bumbo, especially if they are well cared for. We have a used bumbo, excersaucer and rock and play. they were all easy to clean in the washer or with a spray cleaner. I wouldnt want an 8 year old stroller or a really old high chair though </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/used-baby-gear#post-379696 Mon, 05 Nov 2012 15:40:22 +0000 shopaholic 379696@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>So yesterday we picked up a TON of used baby gear from my SIL. She's been wanting to unload her stuff on us for years, as soon as we got married. Though I am not opposed to used stuff and gratefully accept hand-me-downs, I really feel kind of snobby and don't want to use most of the stuff for our LO. :(<br /> She has 2 boys, 7 1/2 y/o and 4 1/2 y/o. They are pretty rough and tumble normal boys, where as DH and I are expecting our first (a spoiled little princess-to-be). I just mainly wanted the pack &amp; play to leave at our vacation home. </p> <p>Inventory:<br /> 1) A Peg Perego Stroller that's like 8 years old. The thing is huge and she couldn't even get it to unfold right. Said she would find the manual for me and give it to me next time. This is the actual stroller DH bought for her first son and he was like "Yes! We definitely want that!" as she was telling us how it was "The BEST stroller ever!" Ugh. Snob here. I still want my UBV. I don't know where &amp; when I can use the "extra stroller". Maybe leave it at my parents or in-laws house for them to use if they're babysitting? What do you think? P.S. Can you wash stroller seats?</p> <p>2) An old Graco high chair. She said "It's AWESOME because it reclines!" It's quite huge and after DH took it out of the car last night it unfolded by itself and neither one of us could fold it back up. Not sure how important I will think a high chair will be in the future and whether I'll really insist on something new and slimmer designed? ugh. practicality vs. aesthetics... </p> <p>3) A tummy time playmat. Can you throw these things in the wash? I guess an extra one never hurts. Will probably go to vacation home or grandparents house.</p> <p>4) Pivot &amp; Play Swing - Another hideous piece that takes up a lot of space. Definitely one of the pieces from nephew #1 and old. I wasn't going to take it, but she told us to leave it at the vacation home.<br /> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Fisher-Price-Aquarium-Take-Along-Swing/dp/B0002ZOI92/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top" rel="nofollow">http://www.amazon.com/Fisher-Price-Aquarium-Take-Along-Swing/dp/B0002ZOI92/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top</a></p> <p>5) Sit &amp; Stroll Carseat on wheels thing. This is the one I'm most thankful and happy we got. It's still in the original box and she said they only used it a couple of times. Not sure how much we'd use it, but glad we got it and in good condition. Also, another huge piece and I just hope DH can manage to wrangle it into our small attic. </p> <p>Sorry for the novella. Am I being a total snob for wanting mostly new things for my first baby? Would you want to use all this used gear for your first baby in your own home? I feel like they are just old, dirty, and not my style. But I know baby gear is expensive so I should be &amp; I am super grateful. Alas, I didn't get an umbrella stroller, which is what I was hoping for. And there was no more room left in the car for the pack &amp; play (which we'll pick up next time). </p> <p>Tell me Bee Moms! What would you do? </p>