People have been so generous and I have had almost everything given to me apart from a cot. But I feel so guilty, im not skint but all this stuff is like new. What would you do?
2006-10-06 04:29:22 · 65 answers · asked by Lisa 3 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Newborn & Baby
The perfect start so far. Take your cash and start saving it for your babies secondary education. Continue this consistently for the rest of the kids life. Sacrifice extra toys, clothes, etc. etc. save the money time and time again instead of spending it on shiny new things. Eventually that kid is going to know you are saving for him or her and when you say I started before you were born they will know you meant business and it is that important and you care. Others will say we should have done that. You will feel so special and smart. Eventually when your child is older they will have hope to realize their dreams and will be more willing to dream and to try hard in school if they know they can go to a place of secondary education. Go to a thrift store and look at the load of junk. That is where everything you spend precious cas on will end up.
2006-10-06 04:37:37 · answer #1 · answered by abu 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'd use anything second hand, so long as you clean it well first. The only thing you need to be careful of... the cribs of the past had slats that were too far apart. Children could get their heads stuck between the slats. Make sure the crib is less than 5 years old and that the rails are no more than 18" apart for safety.
By the way, the lady above who says she turned down designer clothes and only uses new things IS a snob. AND stupid. She wastes money she could save for her kids' college or vacations. Some people have to have new as a status symbol. She is teaching her children bad values and to be selfish (they only deserve new and the best). Wonder how they'll manage when they grow up if they cannot afford what Mommy could and Mommy isn't around anymore?
2006-10-06 05:23:14 · answer #2 · answered by Wiser1 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Don't feel guilty at all. Just think of it as recycling !
I'm a couple of weeks away from having my first child and the quipment I have is a mixture of brand new and second hand. People get so excited when they hear that you're pregnant that they want to help as much as possible.
You should also bear in mind that the people who are giving you these goods are trying to free up some space in their own homes, so maybe you're doind them as much of a favour by taking it !
Good luck and remember that when they're born babies can only focus on things about 25cm away, so it'll never know whether its pram/cot/mobile are new or now !
2006-10-06 09:08:32 · answer #3 · answered by Gail H 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I know what you mean. You think a new baby should have brand new stuff. If someone give me all the stuff i would'nt feel guilty at all. To buy all new baby stuff would cost a bomb. The only thing i would have new is the mattress in either your cot or moses basket whichever you have and maybe a car seat.
If you know the people you have got the stuff off then i would,nt worry as long as it,s all clean and safe. Good Luck with your new baby.
2006-10-06 04:46:30 · answer #4 · answered by leese 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I felt compelled to accept a gift of used designer baby clothes from one of my husbands relatives (who I despise) and I took them... because I didn't want to seem like a snob. (Those were the days when I still somewhat gave a sh*it what other people thought.)
I never used them... I happen to think it is both discusting and improper to put old things on a new life. It says something to me that Im sure MOST people do not agree with. I think that a new little one deserves all the new things they can. It falls in the same catagory (to me) as a used wedding dress or a used engagement ring. It's just not right.
Some people actually shop in thrift stores though so... I am too much of a germaphobe and I would have to bleach everything ugly to even be able to put it on my child!
My kids only and always have the best. and no... we couldn't afford it at that time either... but we found a way.
2006-10-06 04:41:29 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Second hand is great, especially clothes. They're already pre-shrunk and fit better, especially on a newborn! Plus they're free-that's for me! Why would you feel guilty?
If it's because you feel weird accepting the generosity, look at it this way-sometimes it's hard to part with baby clothes 'cause every mom has so many favorite little outfits, onsies, even socks. It's much easier when you know the person their going to, like they'll take care of the precious memories we attach to things. It sounds silly, but what mom doesn't have at least a few of her most favorite baby clothes stashed away somewhere? C'mon, be honest...
Congratulations & best to you and baby!
2006-10-06 04:44:23 · answer #6 · answered by Chocoholic 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'd buy second hand. Babies only wear things for a few months, so there is little point buying new clothes, and charity shops are bursting with them. Thank people and use the stuff. When I buy baby gifts, I give stuff for the 6-12 month stage, because people always get loads of little baby things, which they quickly grow out of. Don't feel guilty.
2006-10-06 04:31:46 · answer #7 · answered by big_fat_goth 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Most things you use for a baby you'll only use for a little while, any it'll stay in good shape. As long as it's in good condition I'm all for second hand. You can get the PegPergo travel system for half the price, and it looks like it hasn't ever been used. It really depends on what you're looking to get, and what the condition of it is. I wouldn't feel bad though, most people have no use for the stuff (at least for now) and don't want to trash it. You're making them feel better because they didn't throw it away, so it's like they're still getting their moneys worth.
2006-10-06 04:33:55 · answer #8 · answered by Melissa, That's me! 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Well, they are obviously giving it to you for a reason. Maybe they don't need it anymore, or they just think that you can make use of it, instead of them having to store it. I know, I was given a lot of stuff when I had my first baby, and I felt the same way. They wouldn't give it to you to make you feel guilty, so I say, just say Thank You and be happy about it. Baby clothes are pretty expensive and they outgrow them so fast, so it's nice to not have to buy everything brand new. :)
2006-10-06 04:34:01 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
It's no problem to use mostly second hand, but be careful to check out car seats.
It is preferable to use new mattresses in cots or Moses baskets. The debate is still raging about old mattresses causing a release of toxic gases due to funghi interacting with the fire retardant components of the foam and PVC mattresses - but better safe than sorry. Buy new bedding, preferably discard it after your baby is done with it.
2006-10-06 05:05:39 · answer #10 · answered by RM 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋