How to Buy Used Baby Gear

For every couple wanting to buy baby gear for the new addition, there's at least one set of parents of school-aged kids looking to empty their garage of strollers, swings and other paraphernalia they haven't used in years. Take advantage of this situation and save hundreds of dollars on baby products.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. Research which items are OK to buy used. Certain things like crib mattresses and carseats should be brand new for safety reasons. Ask your pediatrician for advice. Also check the U.S. Consumer Protection Safety Commission to find out what products have been recalled so you'll know not to purchase them.
2. Shop at kids' resale shops like Once Upon A Child. These stores screen baby gear before reselling it to make sure it's in decent, working condition. They also clean products so you won't have to worry about scrubbing five year's worth of someone else's dust off a high chair when you're nine months pregnant. You're sure to score great bargains.
3. Hunt for treasures at yard sales. If the family holding the yard sale has preschool-aged kids or older, you're sure to find all of the bouncy seats, jogging strollers, swings and playmats that your little one's heart desires. This is probably the best opportunity for a bargain.
4. Check out Craigslist.com to see what used baby gear is for sale in your area. Sellers might be more likely to ask for a higher price than at a yard sale, but you also can sort through dozens of strollers to find exactly the one you want.
5. Shop on Ebay.com. Here you'll be able to choose from an enormous selection of used baby gear. It might not be such a bargain to buy heavy items on Ebay because of the shipping charges, so opt for local pick up only unless you're buying bottles, clothing or other lightweight items.
6. Ask your local babystore if they are selling floor models. This is a good option if you want to save money on a crib or carseat but don't want items used.