Top Five Things in Every House with a Baby or Toddler

I've babysat well over 10 years, and even though I'm in my mid-twenties and have a good job, it's still one of my favorite things to do. Why? Kids are full of surprises, people want someone responsible to watch their children, it's easy money, and parents can have a night out.

That being said, here are five things you will find in EVERY house with a baby (aside from a crib and changing table...those are a given):


1. A baby swing: They had these when I was a baby, duh, but they've made drastic improvements.
   Some even have soothing vibrations on the bottom to help ease a fussy baby. Typically the Graco  
   brand, everyone has a baby swing that plays the same rounds of classical music (or some baby
   song) that you'll eventually have memorized in which order it belongs.

2. A lovey: When I was a baby, they just had stuffed animals and blankets . Now the geniuses at the
   baby toy companies created a stuffed animal with an attached blanket that makes babies look like
   cuddling cutie pies. Soft to the touch, any sleepy baby you see these days is holding one of these
   things close to the face.

3. High chairs: This is a duh, but here me out. Back when I first babysat, and even when I was a kid,
    high chairs were plastic or wood. That's it. No cushions. Now? Let's keep baby comfortable while
    eating. While the tops are easily wipeable, let's be real: food will get squished on the fabric, and
    what was once a pink, vibrant high chair is now full of smashed sweet potatoes and spit up. So \
    even though the it looks all cute now, just remember: it's not for long.

4. Bumbos: I thought this was some kind of torture device the first time I saw this while babysitting
   (roughly three years ago). However, it's an absolute life saver when you want to plop down the
   baby to rescue her three-year-old sister who got her head stuck in a helmet. In a bumbo, babies can
   sit up without having the wiggles. AKA, this is a wonderful, overpriced piece of plastic.

5. Pack'n Play: The biggest lifesaver for little crawlers. I noticed this as a growing trend roughly five
   years ago. They are wonderful. Plop baby in when you have to run to the loo and have your only
   worry be a cry for loneliness. The one linked even has a top part that's really awesome for living
   rooms and has a changing table included. Don't want to endure a stinky diaper smell trailing  
   through your house? No problem. Need to turn down the roast on the stove and grab a glass of
   water? Set the kid in.

Why I Seldom Secondhand

Sell your clothes, make some dough.  Save even more money by buying gently used clothing.  Imagine how full your bank account will be! Sounds simple, right?  While I am all about selling some of my old threads to make some green, buying used clothes isn’t my thing.  The purpose of this blog entry is to explain it.

Disclaimer: I have friends who shop at Goodwill and secondhand stores, and if that’s their thing, hey – whatever makes you happy. These are just my thoughts on it. I’m also not trying to come off as a snob – people have given me their old clothes, and I am eternally grateful for their throw-outs becoming my treasure.

Alas, here are my reasons:

1    1. They cost the same as regular stores.  You read that right.  You’re probably thinking, “But I can get a shirt from a secondhand store that’s only $20, and Banana Republic makes it!”  Want to know a secret?  When stores such as Banana Republic, J. Crew, and Gap have extra 40% or more of clearance items, I’ve walked out of there spending $20 for two items.   

       Here’s a little story: on my birthday in 2013, I went to Banana Republic, and they had extra 50% off sale items.  I bought a pair of white-linen trousers and a blue blouse for $25. Yes. Two items for $25. The pants were 50% off $27, and the top was 50% off $11.  These were career-type pieces, but they were crammed in the sale section with other forgotten items.   

      Another story: This week, I snagged some steals from J. Crew when I managed to buy two button-downs for $13-17/each, a wool sweater for $20 (you read that right), and a dressy blouse for $22.  Sure, I had to pay the $5 flat-rate shipping, but hey - that's an extra $1.25 on each piece? 

      Final brag: Ann Taylor had extra 50% off clearance items.  For $22, I landed a black, silk shell with lace on it and a maroon peplum blouse.  

      On secondhand sites, used clothes from higher-end stores cost more.  Think about it.

      2. You know where they’ve been.  I like knowing that the only places my clothes have journeyed are from the factory/distribution center to the store.  When I look at used items, I wonder what stories the fabric could tell (and if I really want to know what it’s been through). 

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      3.  They aren’t “broken in.”  I like breaking in clothes myself.  I don’t like the thought of someone else wearing a pair of jeans to where they awkwardly fit me now.  My jeans have adjusted to my body over time – others don’t.  And I don’t know the last time those clothes at Goodwill were washed (or who has tried them on).  I know there isn’t the same assurance at the mall, but I like to think that way (and if the fabric allows, I always wash before I wear).

          

           4. The pants fit odd and haven’t drawn up. Don’t like your jeans to go in the dryer? The previous owner probably placed them in it. 

4   5. Bargain stores, such as Marshall’s and TJ Maxx have better deals.  It’s true.  Ever go at the end of the season?   I once snagged a $200 BCBG dress for $20.  Another time, I found a silk BCBG blouse for $7.  Imagine the possibilities.  It’s like secondhand minus someone else previously wearing the clothes and the fear of hidden stains. If there's a UAL in your area, go there.  You can find designer apparel (even Miu Miu shoes) at killer prices.

Again, these are my personal takes on secondhand shopping.  If you’re a fan, go for it.  If you’re like me, there’s something about finding a steal, cutting the tags, and making that outfit mine.  Once I’m done wearing it, I’ll happily sell my gently-used clothing to a secondhand shopper.  Perhaps you’re one of the lucky ones who’s scored one of my former gems and have made it your own.  As for me, I’ll stick with new clothing.