How to Buy Everything You Need for Baby on Craigslist

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Baby #3 has been described as our Bargain Baby. With the first I bought everything brand new and by the time I was done with the baby items (after two children) everything still looked brand new and was handed off (often free) in great condition. If you think about how long a baby goes through each milestone, the time isn’t long. Then during that milestone (say the first 3 months), how often is that particular toy/outfit used. It isn’t often! This means, other people like me, have baby items that are like new and need to be removed from their home.

When you think of the word Craigslist, you probably get a little nervous. I have bought baby stuff over the years on Craigslist and I thought it would be a good topic to cover. Buying baby items off Craigslist doesn’t need to be scary as long as you go through the steps wisely and safely.

Search in Your City

The first step to buying everything you need for baby on Craigslist is to search for your city. You can simply type in “Your City Craigslist” right into Google. Your city will pop up. If you don’t have a city on Craigslist, then the closest city near you will pop up. If you are in a big metro area like me (Washington DC) you can ask to narrow down your search by zipcode, this helped me with not having to travel far when looking for baby items. I found one item as close as a few blocks away by using my zip code.

Search for the Baby Item You Want

The cool thing about Craigslist is that so many people are selling their unneeded baby items. There will hardly be a day when you’re looking for something on Craigslist and aren’t able to find it. There is a search bar on CL and you can simply search for what you need. Some baby items I focused on were a stroller, infant tub, bouncer, and baby monitor. Two items I wanted to be brand new were the swing (so the motor would be fresh) and baby bedding – you never know!

Search in Baby/Kids Section

One thing you should note when looking for baby items on CL is to search in the baby kids section. The baby+kid section is found right under “for sale.” Once you click on baby+kid, you’ll see all of the amazing items that are BABY! This is really where you’ll want to use the search function. I also love the way CL has set this up, so it’s super easy to view the items you want.

Only Look at Posts with Pictures

If I’m going to be honest, I only look at baby items that have pictures. You’re sort of wasting your own time if you don’t do the ones with pictures only. Pictures really help you to get a feel for the item and to see if it’s in good shape. You can tell a lot from a picture, so make sure you study is close. Look for stains, rips, tears, and anything else that may look off to it. Before you even meet the person to buy, you can always ask for more pictures of the item. I assume a CL item that has stock photos is in bad condition.

The Price is Right

Most people are buying from CL because they want a good deal. I never buy anything unless it’s going to be a good deal. What’s the point? You can save a TON of money by buying on CL. Some people just don’t want to deal with selling and this is the easiest for them. Remember that you can always negotiate the price too! You have so much power when it comes to buying items second hand. Most people just want it out of their house, so you might as well challenge it. It also is okay to ask for a bargain. I try to take off 10% and ask if they will sell the item for that new price. Often times they accept.

I comparison shopped at baby consignment shops and the price was more. There were two reasons I assumed this was the case. First the consignment shop takes a cut and second the consignment shop won’t barter. Most people do not want to got through the hassle and inconvenience of going through these types of baby stores.

Don’t forget about Facebook Garage Sale Groups

One of my favorite places to supplement finding baby stuff is Facebook Garage Sale Groups. I like to try and find the big stuff on CL, but then I keep an eye out for small stuff on Facebook. You can get items like diapers, wipes, and baby odds and ends for so cheap. Buying baby stuff in the store is kind of pointless, when you can such a better deal by buying on CL or Facebook.

Be Safe

I advise meeting at a public location with a spouse or friend. In my case, I meet people in the early evening when my husband is home from work. He goes with me and we meet someone away from my home. Craigslist can have spam so if it doesn’t feel right, don’t buy it. Go with your instinct. If selling, ask for cash. If buying, ask if they want cash or if a check is acceptable. I do not do money orders – this often is spam. Have a cell phone with you when making your exchange.

What tips would you offer someone buying baby items on Craigslist?

Are you a new mom? Don’t forget our Newborn Baby Hacks – Pin to Pinterest.

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