Buy Used.

I know some people are "above" buying used items, particularly for their baby. I can't begin to tell you how many people look disgusted when I say I plan on buying most of my baby items used! 

It's hard not to get all caught up in all of the adorable baby items available. I am trying to resist temptation. I realize I will get a lot of gifts, and anything that I need to buy myself I will try to buy used when possible. Babies grow so fast that I don't see the sense in paying $20 for pants at Baby Gap that they will wear only for a few months. Things that I need to buy new (such as a car seat), I will try to buy from a local supplier rather than supporting Babies "R" Us. 

The Benefits

• Save money! In most cases, buying used is far less expensive than buying the item brand new.
• Buying used means fewer items end up discarded in our landfills.
• No raw materials have to be used to make that item new.

Consumers Reports advises you don't buy a play yard, car seat, crib, breast pump, or soft infant carrier used. You can view more information here: http://news.consumerreports.org/baby/2008/04/used-baby-produ.html

I love a good deal, so this won't be the first blog post about items I have found at amazing prices. I plan on recording all of my purchases in a spreadsheet so I can track all baby expenses. I love doing up budgets and expenses as much as I love a bargain. 

I recently got a demonstration of baby strollers at Tummies to Tots (http://tummiestotots.ca/), which is a great store in London that carries new and gently used baby items. I was really impressed with the Valco Baby Single Tri Mode Ex stroller, which sells for $499.99. 

I found this exact stroller gently used on Kijiji. It also came with a Cup Holder (sells new for $25.00) and a UV Insect Mesh (sells new for $40.00). I would have paid $564.99 + tax if I had bought these items brand new, and I paid $265 buying used.