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Topics: Gear & Accessories |
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| Tips for Buying & Swapping Used Baby Gear |
Submitted by:
Tip Hero 06/03/2009 1:49 PM
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It is amazing just how much gear is involved in raising today's kids and this takes a toll on the wallet as well as the environment. In response to this, there are all sorts of sites on the web where you can trade the gear that has outrun its usefulness in exchange for gear that you need.
These sites offer a great way to save money and to give gently used toys, furniture and gear a second life. In addition, you can also find many local 'mommy' groups that host swapping events and post swap boards like the Brooklyn Baby Clothing Swap who frequently hosts swap events.
For online baby/kid swapping sites, here are some sites to consider:
Swapbabygoods.com: You can narrow by location or search nationally. Lots of clothing available but also plenty of gear ranging from high chairs to strollers to books and toys, they even have coupons. You can swap or buy items on the site and listing your items to swap is free, you just need to register.
Swapmamas.com: Well organized site that has an incredible selection of baby clothes. This is definitely a community driven site that encourages members to join groups and contribute to discussions in order to make trades. You must join individual groups if you want to trade with them. Basically, the Facebook of swapsites, where you have to belong to a profile to be able to swap, the idea being if you know who you are swapping with you'll feel better about the swap. The site keeps track of your "Swap Karma" tracking your "gives" and "gets" so your generosity is noted. The giver pays for postage. Regional and national groups.
Zwaggle.com: a national network for swapping kids gear. You earn "Zoints" when you give an item away which you can then use to make 'purchases.' You also get bonus zoints points for signing up friends and family.
Handmedowns.com: Search by region or shop nationally. You can buy, sell or give away on this site - a classifieds section for kids stuff. In addition to posting classifieds from their own community the site also rounds up deals from around the web and incorporates them into their listing. So, actually a majority of their listings are for items selling on ebay. (You can also enter to win an Alphabet 4-Piece Crib Bedding set from Migi).
Mykidscloset.com: this site works a lot like ebay and mainly sells clothes. You can post your items for free or pay a little extra to make them stand out.
Or these toys-only swap sites:
Toyswap.com and ToysToTrade.com
Before you buy used baby gear, consult Susan Jackson's Safety Checklist for Used Baby Stuff to help make sure that cribs, high chairs, car seats, strollers, toy boxes, toys and even clothing you are buying is safe for you kids.
Disclaimer: We have not tested all of these sites, but felt they were all worth mentioning based on favorable reviews from various news outlets, blog sites and 'mommy' communities.
We would love to hear about your experiences with these swap sites. Was it positive or negative? Have you tried other sites that are not listed? Please share your experiences with your fellow Tip Heroes by posting a comment below.
Click to Compare Prices: cribs, high chairs, changing tables, rocking chairs, toddler beds, bunk beds, book shelves, toy chests, toys, wooden toys, tricycles, games, infant clothing, toddler clothing
Click to Search for Coupons: Toys r Us, KB Toys, Overstock, Target, Walmart, giggle, Baby Universe, Kids Furniture Mart |
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