Stocking up on the cheap in NYC -- is it possible?

[molly sandley]

hi all --
so we're expecting our first in feb, and are starting to begin to think about maybe considering looking into buying some baby gear. we lucked out and found a great modern changing table at housing works this week, which got me thinking -- anyone have any tips on where to find good quality, interesting used stuff? any ideas on how to stock a tiny nyc apartment on no money welcomed! molly

[Jes]

I try to keep an eye on Cragislist, there's always tons of listings for baby stuff there, some good... some not so.

Or see if you can find a mommy group in your neighborhood. With space being the commodity it is in this city, most moms are eager to pass on things when their little ones have outgrown them.

There are a few things I don't think I'd buy used; there've been alot of crib recalls this past year (or so it seems), so I don't think I'd chance that one. I'd also make sure any carseat was made within the past few years, they're always updating safety regulations for those.

[Jes]

Also, Ikea has a lot of generic baby stuff for cheap that you wouldn't think of being there. Bibs, towels, bedding, that sort of stuff. Obviously the selection is limited since they have 1-2 styles of each, but most stuff is simple enough that you could decorate it yourself & have truly unique baby things. (A friend of ours brought the 5/$4 bibs from Ikea & a bunch of fabric markers to our shower, best shower activity ever!)

For baby/child/maternity clothes there's Jane's Exchange on 3rd between Ave A & B. They're a consignment shop, I haven't been there myself, but I hear good things.

[molly sandley]

Oh, that's perfect -- thank you. If i'm growing out of MY clothing this quickly and the little squirt hasn't even been born yet, i can't imagine what it's going to be like once he arrives.

[Kittson O'Neill]

Look on Freecycle as well.

Having raised my son in a glorified studio for the first 18 months of his life, I would advise you to buy less and borrow more. For example, an exer-saucer is great, but you don't need it until your baby is 6 or 7 months and they will abandon it 6 months later when they start walking. Find a friend who is between babies and borrow it! We did this with loads of stuff, slings, strollers, toys. It can make a big difference!

Good luck!

[Eric Messisnger]

There's a good group on meetup.com called NYC Frugal Fun for Families that would probably be a good bunch of people to put this question to. also, on the charity front, baby buggy, and room to grow, might be really helpful. you can google them both.

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