Soon to Be Mommy Looking for Help.

Updated on June 30, 2011
S.F. asks from Dearborn, MI
15 answers

Hi ladies, im currently 8months pregnant and i was wondering where i can go for help with baby items. Im having a hard time and i could really use the help. Thank you

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So What Happened?

I would love to say thank u to a special mommy who reached out and helped me. Thank you sooo much monique its great to know that there are good people still out there. U lifted such a heavy burden off my shoulders. My fiance and i are very greatful. You are truely an angel.

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J.B.

answers from New York on

When I was pregnant I bought like 80% of my newborns needs at yard sales. (Like everything except breast pump, bottles and his crib). Look at craigslist and your local newspaper for yard sale announcements!.

2 moms found this helpful
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K.S.

answers from Bloomington on

Locally I often see people on craigslist advertising their no longer needed baby clothing, swings, strollers etc. Sometimes it's pricey, sometimes they just want it out of the house and hope to get some money back.

Although, not all dealings on craigslist end happily ever after. But in my personal experience, the worst it's been is people not getting back with me about something I'm interested in. But if you're getting a box full of clothes, I would play it safe and look at the clothing first. Make sure it's decent, doesn't have roaches etc.

2 moms found this helpful
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A.H.

answers from Chicago on

You can seriously score tons of gently used, perfectly good items on Craigslist. Also look for any baby/child consignment stores in your area. And post your own ad on Craigslist for your area - that you are looking for baby items and could really use help if someone has things they don't need anymore. Offer that you'll pick them up.

1 mom found this helpful

S.R.

answers from Kansas City on

Everyone has given you really good advice but I just want to point out (like GirlUndone77 said) the the one thing you should never buy used is a car seat.

Having the cutsie hooded baby towels are nice, but there really isn't a need for them. The baby can use your towels and washcloths.

Instead of a stroller buy a baby sling or carrier. Check out diaperswappers.com for a used one.

Maybe you could use cloth diapers to save on money too? Craigslist always has them listed.

1 mom found this helpful

L.S.

answers from San Francisco on

Ask at a local church. Also, Google Pregnancy Resource Center in your area. They often give baby supplies to expectant mothers in need.
God bless!
L.
http://susannasapron.blogspot.com/

1 mom found this helpful
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D.N.

answers from Chicago on

You can try your local health dept. My sil's cousin turned to hers and was referred to a place that gave her used but in great condition clothing and a crib. They also setup her up in a program to receive food for herself and helped her attempt to breastfeed since she wanted to. She was unemployed at the time. Also, check out the free section on Craigslist. There are always people giving away their used baby stuff and a lot prefer to give to someone that really needs it. And others that are selling for very low price. Just make sure you check that anything you get has not been recalled. No point is taking something that could put your baby in danger.

1 mom found this helpful
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S.K.

answers from Chicago on

You could check to see if there is a Freecycle group near you (freecycle.org), on there you can post any free items that you may want/need to get rid of and can also post "wanted" ads for items needed. All transactions through freecycle are, well, free!
You could also check out second hand stores and/or places like Goodwill. There are usually a lot of garage sales in the summer, they are a great way to get lots of baby stuff for very cheap.
This place seems not too far from you and may be able to help, or at least refer you to places that can.
http://lennoncenter.org/
Don't forget to check with your church if you attend one.
I wish you the best.

1 mom found this helpful

L.B.

answers from Biloxi on

Check with your local Red Cross - they often can refer you to other agencies that provide assistance.
St. Vincent De Paul Society - operates through Catholic churches - http://www.svdpusa.org/Contact.aspx
Ask your local health department, your doctor, and hospital - all should be able to offer some referrals and ideas also.

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M.S.

answers from Detroit on

Hello!
I have a beautiful crib and changing table and pack and play that I would love to give you for free if you want it. Here's the catch ... It is a dropside crib that is why I can't donate it anywhere and I didn't want to break up the set by only giving up the changing table. We have never had any problems with it and if you are concerned about the dropside you could always bracket it so that it stays permanently up. If you are interested, direct message me and I can send you a picture of it and all the details. I would love it to go to a good home (the thought of it in the trash breaks my heart!) Cheers and good luck!

C.T.

answers from Santa Fe on

Post on freecycle you are looking for any baby items. We also like craigslist, garage sales, thrift stores, the Salvation Army and we love getting hand me downs from friends. Right around 8 months you feel like you neeeeed so much stuff. Or at least I did - I am sure now it was hormones! You don't need as much as you think. Try freecycle first!

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B.T.

answers from Detroit on

Another way pregnancy center in livonia is an excellent resource. I live in Westland, near you, and would love to donate a pack & play to you. I am also a first time-to-be mommy due in October. PM me if you wanna chat. Do you know whether it's a boy or girl?

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C.B.

answers from Detroit on

Craig's List, garage/yard sales, mommy swaps, rummage sales. Churches will often do the rummage sales and sometimes mommy swaps. There's also Salvation Army and Goodwill. Don't sell them short.. I've gotten some quality stuff through Goodwill.
This all depends on what baby items you're referring to. There will of course be some things you shouldn't get second hand.
Good luck and congratulations!

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J.B.

answers from Denver on

I am guessing you mean you can't afford the baby items??

Try second hand shops- they are pretty cheap.
Also, look at craigslist.com in your area- lots of moms just give stuff
away.
Ask your church (if you go) if they can help you out.
Also- figuring out what you *really* need will help you out a ton!

For my daughters- I went super cheap-
I got a "stages" pack-n-play thing. Good from birth through about 2 years old. No need for a crib.
No changing table either- I have a floor.
I use minimal multitasking supplies- vaseline for irritated skin and dry skin, a single soap product for hair and body, I use curel on my skin- so I use it on my kids too.
No baby tub- they bathed with me.
a single stroller-
one essential- a car seat. NEVER buy them used.
Get a bunch of onsies- they are the best- I never worried about dressing my girls like little dolls- everything I bought was super functional.

anyhow- PM I'd be happy to list out more stuff for you.
babies really don't require a lot past milk and diapers and a wash cloth bath for a while.

Best wishes!

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C.M.

answers from Detroit on

There's a place in Auburn Hills called Crossroads Crisis Pregnancy Center. Google it. They have LOTS of stuff...baby clothes, diapers and I believe it is all free. Breastfeeding your baby will save you tons of money too. I have bought and sold some really good baby clothes at garage sales...as long as you get there first thing when a garage sale opens, you will be amazed at the quality! Good luck to you!

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J.G.

answers from Springfield on

Great suggestions so far. Like GirlUndone77 said, think about what you really NEED. Until your child is 4 or 5 months, there is very little you need.

Carseat
Diapers/Wipes
Onesies
Blankets
A place to sleep

Keep in mind, a place to sleep can be a crib, but it can also be a bassinet, a mattress on the floor, next to you in bed.

I do recommend a bouncy seat and/or a swing as those can both be very calming for baby and very helpful to you if you need to do something and you really need to put baby down in a safe place.

When baby is 5 or 6 months you might want to try to find a highchair (or spacesaver high chair!) and an exersaucer (great way to entertain baby).

Good luck!

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