By Amber Katz, Contributor
Though my baby recently hit the seven-month milestone, I know toddlerhood and the preschool years are not that far off and I am prepping accordingly. Those few years encompass magical moments when your child’s world expands at what feels like breakneck speed, and every day brings a little something new. If you're a new parent, this period can be a whirlwind of emotions, from the thrill of their first steps to the pride of their first words.
But it can also be overwhelming, particularly when it comes to outfitting your child with affordable toddler essentials and everything they need for preschool — while keeping your budget intact. The good news? The art of parenting doesn't have to be a pricey venture. OfferUp is here to help you find affordable secondhand children’s clothing and essential gear as you navigate parenthood.
Even though my son isn’t a toddler yet, I’ve been lucky enough to stock up on affordable toddler essentials thanks to OfferUp. I found a woman in the next town over who was moving and selling a ton of items her three- and seven-year-old boys no longer needed. I grabbed some amazing things for my son that he'll need in the next year or two — all at bargain prices! What’s even better is that I didn’t even know about half of this stuff. As a working mom, I’m lucky if I’m looking two months ahead, let alone six! Erin, who became a new friend through this process, was like the baby item equivalent of the ghost of Christmas Future—in a good way! I picked up so many toys, books, baby-proofing items (like gates!), feeding essentials like portable high chairs, and even a potty chair for that not-so-distant future. It saved her from having to throw out or give away everything during her move and saved me tons of money and time I would have spent researching what I needed down the road.
If you don’t have an Erin in your life, it’s easy to get overwhelmed with endless product recommendations. Let's simplify things. This guide will break down essential products for your toddler and preschooler while highlighting how secondhand options can save you money and the planet. With that, let’s get to our secondhand parenting tips on what you’ll need for your toddler, and later, your preschooler.
Toddlerhood: Building Blocks of Growth
Toddlers are bundles of energy, curiosity, and rapid development. Here are some essentials to support their growth.
Stimulate your child's mind with age-appropriate toys and books. Look for options that encourage sensory exploration, problem-solving, and language development. OfferUp is a treasure trove for gently loved books and toys, and they’re often at a fraction of the retail price.
Potty training is a milestone, but it can be messy! Stock up on potty chairs, training pants, and rewards. Like I did, many parents find great deals on gently used potty chairs on OfferUp. Just give it a good cleaning in your tub, maybe swipe a Clorox wipe on it for good measure, and it’s good to go.
As your child grows, you’ll say goodbye to the crib and a toddler bed becomes essential. Some cribs transition to a toddler bed, but many don’t. You’ll want to consider safety features like low height and sturdy construction. Used children’s furniture is where OfferUp shines. The app offers a variety of toddler beds in excellent condition. Since I know this is coming soon, I’ve been on the lookout for a toddler bed to keep in our garage until the time comes.
As of a couple of weeks ago, I have a crawler! This used gem from Erin is going to be ideal for me in a house with two sets of stairs that I want to keep baby-free. It’s important to keep my curious explorer safe with sturdy safety gates. OfferUp often has gently used gates that can be securely installed in your home quickly and easily. Putting ours in is next weekend’s project.
Mealtime is a fun time and a social experience! A high chair ensures your child can join your family at the table. I recommend looking for easy-to-clean options, for at home and for travel. You can find high chairs in great condition on OfferUp.
Preschool Years: Fostering Independence and Creativity
Preschoolers are blossoming into little individuals with big personalities. I’m still in the research and get-on-a-waitlist-stat phase, but I’m looking forward to my little guy having the opportunity to socialize with his peers and learn a lot along the way. Here are some essentials to support your little one’s development during this key time.
● Age-appropriate educational games
Encourage learning through play with puzzles, board games, and educational toys. OfferUp is a great place to find gently used games that can provide hours of fun.
If you have outdoor space, that’s ideal for getting your child moving with outdoor play equipment. Look for items like slides, swings, and sandboxes. OfferUp often has gently used options that can save you money and space.
As your child grows up, child-sized furniture becomes essential for their independence. You’ll want to look for sturdy, age-appropriate tables, chairs, and storage solutions. OfferUp is a great resource for finding gently used children's furniture, from play kitchens to cozy couches.
● Gently used children’s clothing
We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again: Kids grow fast! I’ve invested in high-quality clothing and complemented my son’s wardrobe with affordable secondhand finds. In fact, a close friend of my sister-in-law has a son who’s six months older than my son who’s given him so many little outfits, that I refer to him as “the guy behind the guy.” I’ve also supplemented with sleep sacks and other must-haves I’ve found on OfferUp. It offers a vast selection of gently used children's clothing for every season and every style.
The OfferUp Advantage
Choosing secondhand options offers so many benefits. Here are just a few.
● It’s cost-effective.
You’ll save money on essential items while still ensuring quality.
● Sustainable parenting is the way to go.
OfferUp helps reduce your environmental impact by giving used products a second life.
● It offers unique finds.
Discover one-of-a-kind items that add character to your child's space. My tip? If you’re looking for cool limited-edition items/collaborations that are a few years old, you may be able to find them on OfferUp. Before adding parenting writing to the mix, I was a fashion and beauty writer. So when I heard about a collection of Ergobaby carriers created with designer Doen from 2020, I was bummed I missed out — until I found one for sale on OfferUp. My husband is getting over the fact that we had to drive 40 minutes to obtain it — but I maintain that it was worth it. So chic, so comfy. I get compliments on it every time I wear it.
● It’s convenient.
You can buy and sell your gently used kids’ products, pre-owned children’s clothing, and resale children’s toys conveniently through the OfferUp app.
While new products may be tempting (the siren song of Instagram Amazon essentials!), many gently used items offer the same functionality and value. By opting for secondhand options, you not only save money but also contribute to a more sustainable future. OfferUp is your go-to platform for finding high-quality, affordable secondhand products for your child's early years.