OT - Is This tacky?

[Hunni Bee]

Several people I went to high school with have had baby girls in the past year.

I planned to do a lot more thrift store and yard sale shopping this spring but it just didn't happen.

Now I find myself where I swore I wouldn't be...at crunch time with nothing ready. All I have for my baby is a car seat and a few items of clothing. I was diagnosed with placenta Previa on top of everything else last week, and I'm getting to the end of my proverbial rope. I can barely stand by 3 pm anymore...

Anyway, I was thinking of posting a FB status saying if anyone had any items for a baby girl they want to go to good use, I'd be grateful to take them...but it sounds a little beggy to me.

There's not going to be a shower so I'm not depending on that...

Would you do it?

[earlystart]

I would totally do it, but maybe word it so that you're offering to buy second hand items not just looking for freebies. I'm sure many people would just say you can have it for free. Just mention you were expecting to be able to get around more than you're able to with the complications but now you can't make it to all the yard sales and thrift shops you had planned on. I think friends will understand and some would be willing to help out, I know I did when all my friends started having babies at the same time as me.

[Starburst]

I don't find anything wrong with that. Heck, an old friend of mine got a bunch of boy clothes from a lady she used to nanny (years before she even had her baby); her baby was a girl but some stuff was gender neutral. That's the cool thing about having a girl, some boys clothes work for girls too!

At my local $1 store they have a bunch of BPA free bottles/binkies/teething rings, tear-free shampoos, burp cloths, blankets, clothing hangers, gentle music CDs, socks, onsies (pink, white, and blue), and swim suits for baby girls- try checking $1/$0.99 stores. Also look on craigslist because sometimes people give things away for free or sell them for really cheap. I got a really nice and sturdy wooden antique changing table for $15 (and saw someone else was selling a gently used PNP for $25). Also see if you have any ma and pa general type stores, sometimes they have interesting things for babies/children.

[Sugar Magnolia]

Not tacky! I'd totally do that! I also had placenta previa, you need to be very careful! Please take it light!
I'd also hit up craigslist, some people practically giving baby items away on there!:hug:
Do you have a freecycle group there?

[SilverSabre25]

Definitely do it! Many people are MORE than glad to off load old baby stuff. You'll probably end up with enough for three babies

[countrymom]

Definitely do it! Many people are MORE than glad to off load old baby stuff. You'll probably end up with enough for three babies

becareful what you wish for ::

[Lefse&Kids]

I agree, post it and don't worry about looking tacky...If they are actually your friends then they will not think its tacky but look at it as an opportunity to help out.

Wish I could help, just had my last baby boy and am looking to load off. :-)

The things I couldn't go without with a newborn are..

..about 10 bottles (make enough to last all day) unless your breastfeeding.

Onsies, they'll be pooping and peeing through them that cute outfits need not apply for a couple months.

A Boppy and a bouncer.

Also Pack n plays work great in place of cribs. After 3 babies, I wish I never wasted money on a crib.

[AfterSchoolMom]

I don't see a problem with it at all. In fact, I responded to a similar post on Facebook from an acquaintance of mine, and ended up giving her ALL of my infant clothes and equipment for free. I was happy to get it out of the house and to know that it would go to good use!

Take care of yourself!

[Hunni Bee]

Thanks ladies!

And Earlystart, I was thinking about doing just that, offering to buy them.


I'm going to purchase the PNP myself because there's a specific one I want. But onesies, sleepers, socks, sheets, etc...used would be lovely. A lady from my old job gave us enough clothes when my nephew was born in November 2009, that we didn't buy anything until the spring.

[SilverSabre25]

i got enough hand me downs for DS that in 2 years I haven't had to buy much, mostly just filling in gaps and for things that wore out (elastic in shorts, etc)

[jenn]

Not tacky at all!

Some of your friends may have things they would love to get rid of, but don't offer due to not wanting to sound tacky themselves. I have a really good friend that was more than willing to give me hand me downs for my daughter, but was sheepish to ask if I wanted them, fearing that I would be offended.

You could just explain that due to being busy and having some unexpected medical issues, you didn't get a chance to pick up everything you need for your new little one. You could ask if anyone has anything they want to get rid of or sell at a reasonable price.

[Hunni Bee]

Not tacky! I'd totally do that! I also had placenta previa, you need to be very careful! Please take it light!
I'd also hit up craigslist, some people practically giving baby items away on there!:hug:
Do you have a freecycle group there?

Really, Sugar?

When they told me I had Previa, I asked very earnestly both sets of my doctors, what did that mean for the rest of my pregnancy. They both just said if I start bleeding go straight to the hospital. They were pretty nonchalant about it.

But I'm still working 10 hour days...I try not to lift stuff but occasionally I have to because I'm one of the first ones there and last to leave. And I still have to do a lot of standing, bending, etc.... I would hate to be putting myself and baby at risk, especially when I asked the doctors

[daycare]

I don't think that it is tacky at all....

I became a mother over night and had NOTHING for my child. (long story)
I was very young, broke and had ZERO family support.

NOt to age myself, but the internet was just starting to exist, so I couldn't just post something or look on Craigs List etc.

I hung fliers around my college, I called friends that I knew might be able to help. I was a little embarrassed to ask, but I was also desperate.

YOu would be surprised at the amount of help I got.

Also, do you belong to a church? They will help you, mine did.

[Starburst]

Also Pack n plays work great in place of cribs. After 3 babies, I wish I never wasted money on a crib.

Bassinets are also cheaper than cribs- they usually cost the same (sometimes a little cheaper) than a PNP but are usually for newborns under 6 months (depending on the type). there are some that are portible or come with a portible feature, rockers, a semi co-sleeper option, and changing tables/diaper storage.

[Kaddidle Care]

Don't be afraid to ask. If you are in need, do let your local Pastor know. They are very good about asking the Congregation for items for folks that prefer to remain anonymous.

Clothes and baby items are abundant at Garage sales. While I wouldn't suggest you head out to them yourself at this stage, ask a friend or relative if they would keep an eye out for you. There are folks (like my husband) that routinely go to garage sales in search of specific items. He skips many garage sales because he can tell just driving by it's all baby stuff.

As far as clothing - people are more than willing to pass along things and are happy to give them new homes. Be careful as you will be swimming in extra clothes for your little one. My neighbor has 7 children and she pretty much only buys shoes for the kids because so many people give her clothes.