Consignment can save you money — but don’t buy these items used
Graco Convertible Crib
By Aimee Heckel
Buying used clothing for your kiddos is a great way to save money. It’s environmentally friendly, too. But there are some things you should not buy used.
Here are three things you don’t want to buy used, and how to score good deals on them new:
Cribs and car seats
Not knowing the history of these items could be a safety issue. Cribs and car seats are constantly being improved to meet new standards, too, so even if it feels special to put your baby in the same crib you slept in as a baby, it’s really not a safe idea.
Instead, pick up a crib with a high safety rating at Toys “R” Us, such as the Graco Lauren Signature Convertible Crib, on sale for $159.99, with free shipping to your home or a store. A convertible crib is a smart way to save money because it turns into a toddler bed in a few years. Since you can’t resell old cribs, you want to get the best bang for your buck with the one you buy. And this crib, normally about $200, is a really good deal, comparatively — and for a brand with a good reputation.
Just like a convertible crib will save you money by only requiring one purchase, a convertible car seat is also a great way to save money. The Evenflo Tribute DLX Convertible Car Seat is only about $55 at Toys ‘R’ Us.
Money-saving tip: If you are really strapped for cash, register for these two items only on your baby registry, and ask your guests to all go in on buying them. You can always get cheap baby clothes (and free, if you’re a member of a mom’s group), but these two higher-ticket items are must-have-news.
Save more money by using the Toys ‘R’ Us coupons, such as 15 percent off your entire regularly priced purchase, plus 1 percent Cash Back from ShopAtHome.com.
Helmets
Same as car seats: Helmets are designed for just one blow and then they’re not considered safe anymore. You never know the history of a used helmet, so pick up one that is new; otherwise, you may as well not be wearing one at all.
With new helmets at Toys ‘R’ Us starting under $10, there’s no need to try to cut costs on such an important safety produce.
Read more articles about Toys ‘R’ Us here.
Other articles you might also like:
