Preparing for 1st baby- when to save vs splurge? buy new vs used? May 8, 2015 Subscribe Preparing for our first baby in October and trying to figure out the smartest approach to equipping ourselves with everything we're going to need. So many choices to make! What things should we pay more for because we'd regret pinching pennies, and when is splurging on the pricier stuff a waste? What should we look for new vs used (and not just for safety issues like carseats, but also what's the key "never waste your money on buying X new, you can get it so much cheaper used" stuff)?At Angelcare, experts located throughout Canada, US, UK, Europe and Asia unite around one key passion: helping babies thrive. Since 1997, our internationally award-winning lines of movement monitors, diaper disposal systems, and baby care products have come to lead the market in nearly 60 countries worldwide. United States of America The Donation Value Guide below helps you determine the approximate tax-deductible value of some of the more commonly donated items.
It includes low and high estimates. Please choose a value within this range that reflects your item's relative age and quality. The Salvation Army does not set a valuation on your donation. It's up to you to assign a value to your item. For professional advice, please consult your tax advisor. PLEASE NOTE: This list is not all-inclusive, and not all items are accepted at every location. If you have questions about your donation, your local Salvation Army Family Store will be happy to help you. We always appreciate vehicle donations. And although we often accept car donations, boat donations, or other vehicle donations in any condition (running or not). Due to differing regulations and other considerations, not all types of vehicles are accepted at all locations, so it's best to contact us first. For more detailed information on how to donate your vehicle, give us a call at (1-800-728-7825) or start a vehicle donation. Your vehicle donation will be used to help rehabilitate men and women in our Adult Rehabilitation Centers and will result in a tax deduction in accordance with IRS rules.
Online pickup scheduling for automobiles is also available in some areas of Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Oregon and Washington. Bed (full, queen, king) Dining Room Set (complete) Sleeper Sofa (with mattress)When it is time to pick the perfect baby crib for your bundle of joy, you will find there are hundreds of choices available. However, before you decide on the color or the finish you should think of safety first. There are certain guidelines you will want to follow when choosing a new baby crib. If you choose to buy an antique crib or a crib over five years old, you may need to make adjustments. However, before you make any choices you will want to consider the following guidelines. While baby cribs today are governed by strict codes, a baby crib that was manufactured ten years ago may not be up to today's standards. The biggest issue is the width between the slats of the crib. Older cribs traditionally have wider spaces that a child can reach through or get their arm stuck in.
Make sure the space between the bars of your new baby crib are no larger than 2-and-3/8 inches apart. You also need to measure the distance from the top of your baby's crib mattress to the top of the raised side; this must be at least 26 inches. If the side of the crib drops down you will want a distance of at least 9 inches from the mattress to top of the side. While it may be a pain to measure every crib, it is very important. After all, your baby's crib is the only place you should ever leave him/her alone. Many cribs today can transform into toddler beds and twin beds. While these cribs may cost more than a simple baby crib, they do offer a value that will last for over twenty years. However, when choosing a bed that will last for twenty years, you need to consider the style. After all, some designs are not popular after a few years. Instead you should choose a traditional or classic design that will last throughout the decades and not go out of style. In most cases hardwoods that are stained in traditional colors are your best bet.
You also want to choose real wood in case the finish ever need to be repaired. Only real wood can be sanded and refinished. The new materials such as pressed wood or wood and cardboard combinations cannot be refinished. When you buy a new baby crib you will want to carefully inspect the mattress that comes with it. All babies should sleep on a firm, waterproof mattress. If the mattress sags, is covered with cloth, or has stains you should not use it for your baby. When buying a used crib it is probably best to buy a new mattress from your local department or furniture store. These mattresses cost 40 to 70 dollars in most cases. When buying a baby crib you may also want to purchase a mobile or toys for the side of the crib. Most pediatricians recommend that you use mobiles only when the child is immobile. You also need to make sure the mobile is attached correctly and will not fall into the crib. Most people today simply buy toys that are baby safe and will attach to the side of the crib.
The baby can listen to music as an infant and play with the different features as he or she gets older.“How can one tiny baby possibly need all of this stuff?” It’s a question new parents usually ask themselves as they stock up with countless purchases to accommodate the arrival of their bundle of joy. Baby gear galore is marketed to inexperienced moms- and dads-to-be who simply want what’s best for their newborn — and if told an item is a ‘must-have,’ many add it to the nursery, which may already be overflowing with items that will end up being of little to no use. Let us help take some of the clutter out of baby’s homecoming. Here are 10 things that you DON’T need to buy for your new baby to welcome him into the world. Whether your green diaper changing regimen includes reusable cloth wipes, or moistened biodegradable wipes, a baby wipe warmer needn’t be on your list of purchases. If you’re worried about giving baby a chill, simply warm up the wipe between the palms of your hands before swiping it across his bottom.
You may also opt to wrap baby in a cozy towel during diaper changes to keep him warm overall. Imagine all of the large and clunky plastic diaper pails that will end up in a landfill once baby outgrows the diapering stage. Not to mention all of the plastic trash bag liners that go inside the diaper pail. Since there’s really no way to re-use a diaper pail after its intended purpose, make due without one. Take soiled diapers outside to your trashcan regularly to avoid household odors. If you still deem the stink collector a must-have, thoroughly wash and disinfect it when you’re finished with it, and research donating it to a shelter, daycare or Goodwill. You may also look into foregoing diapers entirely with the Elimination Communication method. You don’t need to buy a separate piece of furniture dubbed a “changing table” to accommodate your baby during diaper changes. It’s easy to convert any dresser into a changing table by placing a changing pad that includes a safety strap on its level surface.
You can also buy changing pads that will turn any nook in your home into an instant changing station. Just remember to never leave baby unattended during a diaper change. Many companies now offer specialized baby laundry detergents, often at a higher price point. Unless your pediatrician recommends otherwise, you can typically use the same eco-friendly, non-toxic, dye- and fragrance-free, hypoallergenic detergent you’ve been using for your entire household to wash baby’s clothing and cloth diapers as well. If you’re planning on co-sleeping with your baby, buy a co-sleeper instead of a crib. Our baby ended up sleeping with us through infancy and then went straight into a ‘big girl’ bed. Her crib simply took up space and went unused. Discuss your sleeping arrangements beforehand, because a crib may not be something you need, even though it tops the list of newborn purchases! The ultimate toy for a newborn? Your face and voice — which serve as the ultimate discovery zone and stimulating entertainment session for a newborn.
Most new parents assume they need to find the latest and greatest educational toys and videos to turn their newborn into a genius, but the best way to engage and bond with your baby is to interact with him in an animated fashion. Read him The New York Times out loud over breakfast, sing to him, and involve him in your day-to-day activities by narrating what you’re doing. Of course, green toys are great for older babies, but during the newborn stage, they come in a distant second to your TLC. Blankets are by far one of the most popular baby gifts, but few are actually safe and appropriate for wrapping up baby. The soft, cushy factor that adults love about baby blankets pose a risk to sleeping babies due to their fluffy texture and their risk of overheating. Instead, opt for thin receiving blankets and swaddling blankets, like the one seen at the top of this post, and layer them over baby’s pajamas or clothing as the base for keeping them toasty. Babies have no real need for shoes until they start to stand, toddle and walk — then you can go crazy buying adorable kicks.