Gear and Travel

Buying baby stuff, whether big or small, it all adds up! To get more bang for your buck, there are some things that you can buy used for baby. Buying use is cost effective, but is also great for the environment. There is nothing wrong with purchasing used baby items as long as they are in safe working order.

Strollers
You can score a high end stroller for significantly cheaper than buying new. First, check the recall list to ensure that the stroller is not recalled. Make sure you check the brakes and harnesses are in working order. Also, practice folding the stroller and test it out. The used stroller is not a bargain if everything isn’t in working order.

Cloth Diapers
Using cloth diapers is a money saver, but buying used cloth diapers can save you even more money. A $20 diaper can go for $5. Buying used is especially helpful if you want to try several brands and styles without paying full price. Be sure to check the diapers for where and tear. Is the elastic is strong? Do the enclosures work well?

Books and DVDs
This is a no brainer. Books and DVDs go for less than half of the original price. Books may get warn out, but if a child is involved it will get that way sooner than later even if you buy it new.

Toys
One baby’s junk is another baby’s treasure. You can find barely used toys and save big. Parents are eager to sell toys that their little one won’t play with or have outgrown. Make sure the toys doesn’t have loose parts, is age appropriate and not recalled.

Changing Table or Use a Dresser
You will only need a changing table for a few years so why not get a used one. You can also get a dresser and turn it into a changing table. In either case, check and tighten up any screws, check recall lists, and perform a lead paint test if painted. If you use a dresser, purchase a changing pad tray to turn it into a changing table.

Clothes - Baby and Maternity

Babies change and grow into a the next size about every 3 months. You can find dressy clothes that were worn once to everyday clothes. Not only can you save a bundle buying used clothes, if they are made of non-organic cotton, the chemicals have probably been washed out already. As for maternity clothes, most expecting moms get use out of maternity clothes for about 6 months. The expense can add up quickly. $100 Noppies can go for half price or less! Don't be afraid to mix in the used with the new!

Buying necessities and gear for babies and toddlers can be overwhelming and expensive. It’s no surprise that parents want to cut corners and purchase some items second-hand. There are some products that you never want to buy used. Safety is the priority. Here are some essentials and “bargains” that you should skip at that garage sale or online auction site!

Crib
Avoid buying a used crib. You don’t know if the crib was put together properly originally which could affect its wear and tear. Is there a loose screw somewhere? You may never know until it falls apart. Furthermore, you would want to ensure that the crib has not been recalled.

Breast Pump
A non-hospital grade breast pump with the exception of the EnJoye Professional-Grade Breast Pump by Hygeia, should only be used by one person. Bodily fluids may transfer into the pump. There is no way to clean and disinfect standard breast pumps. Infectious diseases may be transferred. Also, the manufacturers warranty is usually violated. If you have issues with the pump, you will not get any assistance from the manufacturer.

Mattress
Can you say bed bugs? Dust mites and germs can easily harbor inside a mattress. Was it cared for properly? Stored in a moldy place? You will never know so just buy a new one. The mattress could also be contaminated with chemicals which would increase baby’s risk for SIDS.

Car Seat
A car seat should not be used again if it has been in an accident. A crash can cause visible or non-visible structural damage. A new car seat has its advantages. You know the expiration date, have a warranty, and you know it hasn’t been in a car accident. Unless you absolutely know the history of a car seat, buy a new one.

Helmet
Helmets, like car seats, shouldn’t be used after a car crash. A helmet may have non-visible damage preventing it from providing necessary protection. Helmets contain EPS foam inside. EPS is only meant to protect one crash only. Sometimes, the damage can be hidden. Also, some manufacturers recommend to replace a helmet every 2 years due to natural breakdown of components, whether it has been in a crash or not.

Shoes
Yes, kids grow out of shoes at the blink of an eye. Despite this, buying second-hand shoes is not a good option. Shoes that have been worn have already been shaped and molded. Buy new. Otherwise you are forcing your toddler to mold into the shape of someone else’s foot.

By: Sheneq Aranda

Traveling with a baby takes serious thought and planning. You have to be well-organized and create a strategic plan for what feels like what you would develop for a Fortune 500 company! I’ve been traveling with my son since he was 2 weeks of age and have learned countless tips, tricks, and methods to the madness.

My new favorite thing is traveling umbrella style. With an umbrella stroller that is! Dealing with security, suitcases, gate checking and everything else that goes along with travel is hectic on its own. I’ll take anything that makes life a little easier. However, you don’t want just any old $20 umbrella stroller that will fall apart if the wind blows it over. Go for something solid instead.

The Cybex Onyx is a 17 pound lightweight umbrella stroller that takes you from newborn to the toddler phase. That’s right, NEWBORN to toddler! A car seat adaptor is available turning it into a travel system.

You might think 17 lbs is a bit heavy for an umbrella stroller, but it adds to the sturdiness needed to carry a newborn and makes the ride a little more smooth for a toddler. I’ve traveled with the Cybex Onyx including a 2 week trip to London strolling down cobblestone and brick roads. British Airways even folded it and put it in the closet on the flight. There was no need to even gate check it!

By the way, I will NEVER travel to a big walking city with a bulky stroller again. If you will be using public transportation, you will thank your lucky stars that you brought something light and folds up like an umbrella! Trust me. Been there. Done that. Getting off of the subway in NYC only to find a flight of stairs waiting for you will make you get back on the train and hope the next stop has a working elevator! The Onyx also holds up to 55 lbs. Perfect for traveling!

Some of my favorite features are:

One Hand Recline - Baby falls asleep and the one hand recline makes it super easy to adjust the position without disturbing baby.

Easily Adjusts - The harness is super easy to adjust. Simply push a button and pull to tighten and release.

Built-in Strap - The carry strap is built-in. Just fold, pick-up and carry.

Adjustable Footrest - Love how the legs can hang down like in a standard stroller or I can easily lift and lock the footrest so my son can sit with criss cross.

Automatic Lock - My favorite feature! The Onyx automatically locks when you fold it so you aren’t bending down or struggling to lock your stroller in line at the crowded airport. This is a feature that could save you from a runaway toddler! There is no latch to connect. It’s simple. Gate check your stroller without a hassle! It’s super easy to unlock and you can do it without looking.

The Cybex Onyx is also an option for your everyday stroller. If you don’t need a big bulky stroller with the shock absorbency of an SUV or are budget conscious, but want solid quality, the Onyx is your best bet.