Craigslist Finds & Hand-Me-Downs

Baby's can be very expensive... if you let them. I'm personally not going to let my greedy infant nickel & dime me for the first few years of his life. The jig is up, kid.

Don't let Babies 'R Us and their lively, purple circulars lure you in. 15% off of $179 is not a good deal for a baby swing. It's practically criminal. Your baby is going to use that swing for what, 6 months? Sometimes baby's don't even like certain swings, and by the time you realize that, it's too late to return it.

Yes, you'll have a baby shower, but in my experience, most guests spend around $50-$75 (unless it's grandma, then the sky is the limit!). So while your friends & family step up to shower you and baby with love, they're probably on a budget just like you.

If you've never experienced the thrill of scoring deals in consignment shops and on Craigslist, you're missing out, friend. From the time I announced I was pregnant, my Mom and I have been tirelessly scouring the internet and local high-end baby consignment shops... and we made out like bandits.

I didn't keep track of all the clothing we got because frankly, there was just too much of it. However, it seemed like every day my Mom would text me a picture of some brand new set of onesies or an adorable sleep sack that she found for $3. We also ended up with a huge moving box packed with newborn, 0-3 and 3-6 month baby boy clothes fo' free, thanks to a generous family at my parents church who recently had twins. Then, there were a few things I found on Craigslist, like a fuzzy brown Columbia jacket for $1, pants that were 3 for $1 and a few more sleep sacks for $1 each. Everything was used for maybe 3 months (tops) and in fantastic condition. Considering these things *new* would have been $10-$20 each, we were pretty pumped, and often said aloud, "Why don't more people do this?"

What We Got & What We Paid

(Everything listed below was either new or gently used.

Nothing smelled weird, had stains on it, and everything was in working condition.)

• First Years bottle warmer ($5, Craigslist)
• Crib mattress cover ($5, Craigslist, never opened)
• Changing pad ($1, Craigslist)
• JJ Cole Bundle Me ($10, Craigslist)
• Kolcraft Crib Mattress ($20, Craigslist, used 2 times at Grandma's house)
• Fisher Price Bouncy Seat ($15, Craigslist)
• Graco Swingomatic, 6 speeds, plays classical music ($5!! Yes, FIVE BUCKS, Craigslist)





• Graco Pack n' Play w/ bassinet, changing table, mobile, vibrates, plays nature sounds & classical music ($51, Butterflies & Blossoms Consignment Shop)





• Giant Box of Baby Clothes (FREE; also included receiving blankets, prenatal workout DVD's, hats, socks, shoes, an infant head/body support, picture frame & changing table organizer)

Then, because I'm lucky enough to have two awesome sisters-in-law who are done having kids and like savings things, we received/will receive the following items:

• Childproofing accessories & baby gates
• Baby Bjorn carrier
• Car mirror
• Changing pad
• Swaddling blankets
• Crib sheet
• Hooded towels
• High chair
• Boppy
• Dishwasher basket
• Baby spoons
• Exersaucer
• 2 different play mats
• Bouncy seat
• Clothes
• Toys/Stuffed Animals/Teething Rings
• Books

We even ended up with doubles of a few items (like changing pads, bouncy seats & play mats). They are going to my Mom's house for when she babysits.

Additionally, my sister-in-law (who conveniently lives 10 minutes away) literally has a small toy store in her basement and gave us the okay to "shop" there anytime.

Sweet deals, right? I still can't get over the five dollar swing. I love sharing the joys of thrifting and hope it catches on!