By Amber Katz, Contributor
Congratulations on your pregnancy! While this exciting journey brings joy, it can also bring financial stress. And that’s understandable, as according to American Heritage Credit Union’s report, the average cost of raising a baby is $13,000 the first year of their life — and that doesn’t even include the birthing expenses. Okay?! So let's explore how to manage the costs of baby essentials without breaking the bank.
Babies Come With The Need for a Lot of Gear
Babies are expensive. Like, ridiculously expensive. Budget-friendly baby products is a phrase that can feel like a contradiction in terms. So, becoming a first-time parent can be a difficult transition from a financial perspective, in addition to…pretty much every other perspective. Of course, there’s nothing more worth it.
Gear Is Not Always Budget-Friendly
Have you seen the price of a baby crib? Or the wondrous swaying bassinet with built-in white noise called The Snoo that claims to give parents hours of extra sleep? (I’m sorry to tell you that that was the case for me and my baby when he was a newborn. The Snoo is a dream.) It’s enough to make you want to co-sleep in a cardboard box. And don’t even get me started on the car seat. It’s like buying a small car but with a lot less legroom. And then, there are the clothes. Tiny, adorable little outfits that can seem as if they cost more than your whole wardrobe. In most cases you're lucky if they wear that cute little baby bomber jacket you bought them for $89.99 one time before it's too small. The $3 pack of five onesies gets far more mileage than the expensive outfits. It’s enough to make you want to knit everything yourself, even if you don’t know how to knit.
OfferUp Is Your Secondhand Solution For Baby Clothing And Gear
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the costs of baby gear, OfferUp is here to help. There is a way to outfit your baby with everything he or she needs without taking out a second mortgage on your house. It’s called secondhand baby clothes, items, and furniture. Whether you’re a seasoned parent or just starting out, our app makes it easy to find everything you need without breaking the bank. You can outfit your little one with all the essentials without the hefty price tags. Secondhand items aren’t just budget-friendly, they’re a smart way to save money while giving your baby everything they need to thrive.
Buying Secondhand Is Sustainable
And for that? OfferUp is a godsend for sustainable parenting. It’s like a treasure trove of gently used baby gear, sustainable kids’ fashion, and recycled baby toys. I purchased said Snoo (discussed above) secondhand for about half of the retail price and it was in great condition, plus I got some sheets and swaddles out of the deal. And the best part? You can usually find brand-new items with the tags still on for a fraction of the retail price. I mean, who needs to pay full price for a baby swing, play yard, or bouncy chair when you can find one that’s barely been used for a steal? Plus, it’s far better for the environment. So you’re not only saving money, you’re also saving the planet.
Research Product Safety Standards Before You Buy
Now, I’m not suggesting you buy absolutely everything secondhand. There are certain things that you definitely want to buy new to ensure they meet all the safety standards. But for everything else, secondhand is the way to go, and to do that, it’s all about OfferUp.
That’s something to keep in mind when you’re buying gently-used baby products. It’s important to research valuable accreditations and safety standards for those items. OfferUp also constantly monitors for and removes items that have been recalled or deemed unsafe by federal regulators and manufacturers, so while there are a plethora of quality baby items available on OfferUp, it’s always a good idea to do a little bit of research before you buy.
Make A Purchasing Plan and Budget As Early As You Can
Another tip is to make a purchasing plan leading up to birth, along with a budget. You can do this while setting up your baby registry, and then check in on it as friends and family purchase items. This will help you see what’s left to buy and manage your budget accordingly (hopefully secondhand on OfferUp!) leading up to the birth of your new baby. I like to browse the app every week or so to see if someone locally is already listing items I know I’ll need for my son in the next few months.
It Lets You Be Part Of A Story
There’s something kind of charming about buying secondhand baby supplies. It’s like giving a new life to someone else’s cherished possessions. You’re creating a story for that little onesie, a history for that teddy bear. It feels like contributing to a bigger picture, a community of parents passing on love and care to the next generation.
So there you have it. Don’t stress about outfitting your nursery. With eco-friendly kids’ items and thrifted baby essentials, it’s a far easier and more affordable task. All of this will help you transition to mommy (or daddy) life faster and more painlessly. Take a deep breath, relax, and start browsing OfferUp. You’ll be surprised at what you can find. And remember, your baby won’t care if their clothes are new or secondhand. They’ll just be happy to be loved. And that’s the most important thing.
Now, you’re ready to charge ahead and conquer the world of secondhand baby gear. And if you find any amazing deals on resale children’s toys, affordable toddler essentials, and used children’s furniture, please share them. We’re all in this together. After all, saving money on kids’ stuff takes a village — sometimes literally.