Raising a child is expensive work. And it’s becoming even more costly. LendingTree did a study in 2023 and found that the average cost of raising a kid in the U.S. is $21,681 per annum. 

Take into consideration that doesn’t include the cost of college. Because when your child reaches college age, that amount shoots up to an astronomical $237,482.

Household expenses are choking regular working-class folk. Inflation and the general cost of living are putting pressure on households across the U.S. 

Welcoming a new life into the world should be a time of unbridled joy and unconditional love. Instead, it’s caused many couples anxiety and to reevaluate their financial situation. 

Fortunately, there are ways to save money on baby basics such as preloved baby clothing. If you’re open to the idea of gently-used items, we’ll share some smart ways to shop for them.

#1. Safety First

Buying second-hand baby clothing and other items can save you tons of money. The extra savings can pay for diapers and other necessities. 

However, Made For Mums warns against purchasing items that have drawstrings around the neck area. Also, check for loose buttons that can be a choking hazard. 

Certain products shouldn’t be bought the second time around, no matter how tempting the price. 

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, second-hand car seats are a big no-no. The organization says they could be missing parts and compromising your baby’s safety.

Crib mattresses must always be bought brand new. It’s not a guarantee that a preloved mattress hasn’t been pooped or peed on. What To Expect says mattresses also become less firm over time. New parents should purchase a new firm mattress to help prevent SIDS.

#2. Choosing a Store

There are hundreds of stores out there. Your best bet is to choose one based on their online reviews or by recommendation. 

Portland, Oregon, is a mecca for thrift stores. The city has made shopping for vintage goods more accessible. And, according to SustainablyChic, clothes are cheaper in this state because there’s no sales tax. Shopping at a children’s store in Portland, Oregon, could be so much easier on your pocket.

Another option is a reseller. Many of these companies advertise online and offer free shipping to anywhere in the U.S. 

Because they are an integral part of the local community that shows them the biggest support, a lot of their preloved items are in good condition. If you’re in luck, you could even score some quality and trendy items.

The best part of a reseller is that you can swap your gently used kids’ clothes and shoes for cash when they outgrow them, advises Beanstalk.

#3. Preloved Books and Toys

As your baby gets older, they’ll need more than your pots and pans to keep them entertained. Mind you, most toddlers prefer the contents of the kitchen cupboard to expensive toys.

You can buy just about any gently-used items online, from toys to books. The children’s-consignment whisperer, Helen Levi knows her way around a second-hand bargain. She says there are tons of booksellers online that sell books for as little as $4 with free shipping.

If you’re determined to get your hands on a book that’s in excellent knick, she suggests searching for books marked “excellent” or “like new.”

Preloved toys, however, do come with some safety issues, says pediatrician Dr Elizabeth Farnsworth. 

Stay away from cheap, plastic second-hand toys that are faded and cracked. If they can’t be washed, don’t even consider buying them. Other toys that present choking hazards are small wooden items with splinters. 

She warns parents not to buy toys with button batteries. If swallowed, they can burn the esophagus in less than two hours and result in fatality.

#4. Always Wash Preloved Baby Clothes

Just as you would wash store-bought items, so too should you wash all second-hand baby clothes.

Cleanipedia advises using kind-to-skin laundry products. They will remove any irritants that could affect your baby’s delicate skin. Always check the label for care instructions and wash with a non-bio detergent that is hypoallergenic.

Choosing to take the gently-used route is not only easy on your pocket. It’s a sustainable option and best for the environment. 

A lot of the time, thrift stores and resellers are managed by nonprofits or organizations that support a worthy cause. Your contribution could mean more to them than you’ll know.

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