Garage Sales for Moms

Garage sales, Craig's list, and consignment shops are the way to go!  This weekend I really racked up.  I found a Baby Bjorn for only $20.  This is one of those baby carriers that moms and dads wear in front of them to carry their infant and they cost $100+ new.  I also found one of those learning tables that light up and talk to your baby in English and Spanish, numbers, ABC's, reading and music.  They are $50 new, and I bought it for $10 at a garage sale.  I spent only $22 at one house in Hoover on Saturday morning and took home a bag full of clothing for Ethan... socks, onsies, cute outfits, baby swimming shorts, a cover for the changing table, burping cloths, a very soft, baby blue, blanket, new with the tags, an adorable shower curtain for his bathroom with monkeys, bottle rack for drying baby bottles, etc.  This was the house where I found the learning table.  I was so excited to come home and go through everything. 
Twice a year there is a huge consignment sale called Kids Market and Mom.  It is located on Lakeshore Parkway off hwy 65 in Birmingham, AL, and they have everything!  I found a Noah's Ark picture frame with individual slots to put pictures of Ethan, 1 month- his 1st Birthday so we can see how much he grows each month.  It was only $6, was in the box, never used, and I imagine it costs more than $20 new.  I found a pair of Tickle Me Elmo soft hand gloves that vibrate and laugh and talk to you and a CD to go with it for only $7.  I found one of those infant pianos for $8, some really good baby books and two rain jackets.  They really do have everything, even nursing bras, breast pumps, maternity clothes, pack n' plays, bassinets, etc.
http://www.kidsmarketandmom.com/kmm_contrib_reg.asp
Saturday I also went to Me and Mom Consignments in Alabaster.  I bought two Veggie Tales DVDs, baby socks, and a few outfits.  They have Baby Einstein DVDs for $8 a DVD.  She gets new things in all the time, and the store is packed.  You can sell your items to her when you no longer need them.
http://www.merchantcircle.com/business/Me.And.Mom.Consignments.205-664-8111
It really doesn't make sense to buy a ton of new things for babies.  They grow out of everything so quickly, clothes and toys.  Mothers, even if you are able to buy all new stuff for your little ones, please don't.  Do your family a favor and buy from consignment stores and garage sales.  It is not gross, and everything looks and works like new.  The extra money can go towards a trip to Disney World, Summer beach vacations, savings for college education, or a fund for your child's 20's when they scared to death because life is harder than what was predicted.  Your wallet and your husband will thank you.  Always check to be sure car seats, cribs, etc. are up to current safety codes and regulations.