Am i allowed to ask for baby stuff people may be getting rid of? Clothes etc..

[here we are]

[Admin note: Edited by moderator] I am wishing i had some older friends.or family to ask and hopefully in time i will find some. And honestly, this is embarassing. Its still early for me, but i feel a great urge to collect resources. I see people getting rid of older stuff all the time, either because they are the wrong gender kind of clothes , or they outgrew them. I just figured it might not be a bad idea to ask . I am also sure there are many others who would be interested in the same, so it may be hard to find. I am also really picky, so that doesnt help. I only want natural breathable materials, cotton, hemp, wool, linen. I hope i can find a clothes buddy , someone to pass down things at a inexpensive price, every year, coats, shoes, everything. I am starting to wonder how i will survive all of this. For now, i tell myself, i can always just get a handful of outfits and wash every other day or so..i am just feeling insecure. Dont want to repeat the cycle of poverty and i am feeling responsible to do something about it. Just not sure what . I am so happy to pregnant, i just never thought it would happen after trying for so many years. I am just going on faith for now.

[pokeyAC]

here we are -- Congratulations on your pregnancy!  A lot of people start collecting things early and getting hand me downs.  However, you are not allowed to ask people to send you things in discussion threads.  Please check out The Trading Post forum.  There is a section where people are offering items free for shipping.  You can also purchase items from other members in the trading post.  I would also recommend looking for local parenting resources like parents networks and clothing exchanges.  Maybe there is a local holistic moms group.  I have seen maternity clothing exchanges too.  Good luck!

[oliversmommy329]

Congrats on the baby! I have picked up almost all my son's clothes from garage sales. I look on Craigslist in the garage sale section for the sales that have baby clothes and other items and only buy when they are selling items for 25-75 cents apiece (for clothes). We have purchased hundreds of items and only spent around $100 and have enough clothes to last us through 24 months if we include the clothes we received at my shower. I only buy things that are good quality--no reason to spend money on clothes that are stained or really ugly. No one could ever tell that his clothes were purchased at a garage sale. Kids wear clothes for such a short amount of time so you can usually find some very good quality items. You can sometimes find people giving clothes away on Craigslist or selling them for a good price but I find the best deals are at garage sales. Good luck finding what you're looking for! Take care.
 

[dayiscoming2006]

Yep. Back when I lived where we had a decent priced Goodwill(the one here is outrageous) I bought most of my kids clothes second hand. Garage sales are also a great idea. Craigslist has lots of great deals. I got a bassinet for $5 off craigslist. It was in good condition and kind of fancy. I resold it later for $40 on craigslist. There's no reason you have to spend a ton of money. 

Second hand is the way to go. :) And if you notice people getting rid of stuff you could find useful, you can politely ask for it. The worst that could happen is they say no. 

Watch for clearanced items too. And onsies are super cheap. Make a list of what you need and watch for the items. 

[phathui5]

Check and see if you have a pregnancy care center in your area. The one in our town gives clothing to families who need it.

[here we are]

Pokeyac, sorry about that. I am still confused b/c I see people offering stuff to each other once in a while. So offers can be made , just not asked for, right? I know it can be a confusing line to draw sometimes, it seems like its all a matter of good luck.

[pokeyAC]

No worries, here we are.  I think you summed it up pretty well.  There are lots of generous people on here who are willing to give things away, but we just can't ask outright.  That's probably why the trading post was set up.  Babies go through clothes and other things so quickly, and it seems like if you know where to look you can find lots of great items that can be used again.  I think everyone gave great ideas above also.

[baileyandmikey]

I suggest calling churches in your area, and letting them know you are in need, they may give u things for free.