What things do you absolutely want new?

[Anonymous]

I borrowed so much of the stuff I will be needing for my baby, but there are a few things that I feel like won't be clean enough for me if I borrow them. A high chair immediately comes to mind. As do the baby swings, jumpers and walkers. I get sort of grossed out at the thought that someone else's baby food would be encrusted in these items. I also am not ok with borrowing or buying a used carseat because I heard it's not safe - people aren't honest about accidents and the same food problem exists. Just wondered what others think - including if you think I am being neurotic and getting ready to overspend unnecessarily.

[Anonymous]

For my first baby - I wanted everything new - I just wanted nice, fresh, new things for my baby. I think there are enough things out there in all price ranges - you should stick with the basics and not over-buy - or buy things as you think you need them.

[Anonymous]

With my first I wanted all new, but in hindsight it was a waste. I've learned my lesson and now buy consignment.

Now for new only I would say carseat, no clothes with stains, and stroller.

Anything else I would buy used or borrow.

[Anonymous]

Same here: new everything for our first but after the 2nd baby we brought a lot of used stuff too.

New musts: crib sheets, changing table sheets, oneseis (sp)...b/c they are like underwear to me and new borns leaks a lot of you know what so I would not and they are cheap (target). New bibs, towels, face cloths, blankets, and lovey.

I loved used outfits from friends or neigborhood yard sales. Big toys like slide, toy house and anything that is washable like swing covers etc...
New car seats always recommendated...we have 5 total (2 for me 1 for DH and 2 for nanny), it's crazy and expensive!

[Anonymous]

A carseat and a mattress are the only items that must be new for safety reasons.

Anything else is just because you want it - a highchair can be wiped down with lysol wipes and the cover in the washing machine, etc.

After a few days with your baby - everything will be such a mess you'll wish you'd saved your money!

[Anonymous]

OP here. Thanks for the reality check. Lysol wipes are far cheaper than a high chair. I'm now officially on the look out to borrow or buy one used.

[Anonymous]

Definitely a mattress and a car seat. I also wanted a new stroller and jogger-those items I didn't want used. When it comes to clothes, I sometimes go to a child's consignment store around the corner-she only takes clothes without stains and in good shape. I bought my son an LL Bean winter coat and the overalls-for next winter, I found something similar at the consignment store for $15. They grow so fast!

[Anonymous]

Absolutely new: crib, mattress, car seat, breast pump.

[Anonymous]

I agree that carseats, onsies, and crib mattress should all be bought brand new. I would also recommend buying brand new footed sleepers - babies tend to live in those things (and have all sorts of leaky accidents in them). I think used ones tend to look dingy from loads and loads of cleaning. I would also get new baby bottles, breast pumps, and pacifiers (basically anything that is really personal).

I think you can buy a lot of the baby "gear" used. Many people buy this stuff and only use it for a couple of months before they get rid of it. I bought an almost new but used highchair, jumper, bouncy chair, exersaucer, and bumbo seat. I cleaned them thoroughly and they are perfect. I also find that nicer/going out baby clothes can be found in good condition at consignment sales since babies tend to wear those outfits only a couple of times before outgrowing them.

I bought a new stroller but I think you can even get good those used at a good deal on craigslist or ebay.

[Anonymous]

Swings, bouncy seats and even play gyms are also great to buy used. You never know what brand/type your kid will like, so buying new could be a total waste. And the covers and fabric parts are all machine washable -- we took everything apart and washed things so they were good as new when Baby arrived.

[Anonymous]

I bought everything new and also realize what a waste it was. I have been able to get some amazing bargains on used items, especially big toys and clothes.

The only things I would buy new would be a car seat (same fear about accidents) and crib (want to make sure it has ALL parts for safety).

[Anonymous]

I had no qualms about using a second hand car seat and mattress. They both came from close friends so we knew the source and trusted that the car seat had never been in an accident. Regarding mattresses, I don't understand the rationale for making sure it's new. An older mattresses will have far fewer chemicals (unless you plan to buy organic which is VERY expensive from what I've seen). It's had a chance to air out and off gas all that chemical stuff. Any and all used items from trusted sources and which are not too old I wouldn't hesitate. Just my .02.

[Anonymous]

Agree with the pp. I wouldn't buy a used carseat, but what incentive does someone have to lie about a seat they're giving away? Ditto breast pumps. And as long as the mattress cover isn't torn, what does it matter if another baby slept on it? Our mattress, at least, was covered in vinyl. Waiter, another round of Lysol wipes!

I took a lot of used stuff for my first, and my only regret is that I didn't take more. Buying new is fun, but having a bigger 529 plan is much more comforting in the long run.

[Anonymous]

The stroller - you want it to work really well and be in good condition if you plan to be out with it often.

[Anonymous]

My baby is due in early sept. Our goal is to buy absolutely as little new as possible. my sister has a car seat that i know hasn't been in an accident. otherwise, i might go for that new. but for the rest of it, as far as i am concerned this stuff is expensive and will all be used within about three seconds of baby using it anyway and there's nothing a little lysol can't take care of.