I am trying to accumulate any and all baby items for my unwed, pregnant friend. The father is not providing any assistance, and she is struggling. She is having a boy in January. Any idea where I can find items like a car seat, and crib that's safe and inexpensive? Also, I am looking for Daycare(aftercare, fulltime) in my neighborhood. I live in the Little Forest Hills area of Dallas. Zip code 75218.
Hello Moms!! Your response and kindness was and is overwhelming!! Thank you to everyone who gave me great ideas, and to the ladies that donated items for my friend. She is an amazing woman, and has really impressed me with her strength, and determination. I can't say enough how everyone's willingness to help a stranger has taken me out of my somewhat jaded perspective!! Thank you Moms for inspiring me, and helping out my dear friend. You are truly appreciated:) J. B.
I don't know if Dallas does this, but some counties offer free car seats for parents under a certain income level. Maybe through the Dallas County health department?
I have a daughter that is now 16mths old.
I have lots of girl clothes.
I have a pink walker on wheels.
I have a black (Graco, I think) rear facing car seat with a base.
I don't know anyone locally who has kids or need this stuff.
I live in Lavon (75166) but I could either meet you over the weekend in Plano (Collin Creek Mall)or in Rockwall, depending on what's closest.
I would be more than happy to let your friend have these things.
You can send me a personal email if you'd like and we can exchange numbers.
The Prestonwood Pregnancy Center also give a lot of help for preparing and after the child is born including items that she can get dirt cheap.
HI J.,
I have a few things I was getting ready to take to a kids consignment store if she's interested I would be more than willing to sell what they would pay for it. I have a babytrend infant carseat with base and leg cover, it's less than a year old and was only used for 4 months bc my son is big :), I have a bouncy seat with toy bar that's missing one velcro toy, I have a bathtub with infant sling insert, and a very nice wooden craddle, a little larger than a basinet with mattress and some unopened sheets. I also have a few other unopened baby items that never got used. Let me know if your interested.
T.
Hi J.,
I have a crib that I can get. I also live in Little Forest Hills. Send me and e-mail with your contact info. Thanks!
J.
I have a Graco infant carrier w/base. I'm asking $15 for it. Let me know if you are interested.
craigslist.com!! i got EVERYTHING (as far as furniture goes) from craigslist! i only paid $90 for a crib (with mattress) AND changing table (with changing pad) and both are in excellent condition! i also got my stroller off of craigslist...nearly brand new and paid half of what i would have paid at the store. i also got my breast pump (brand new!) from craigslist for about a third of its value. it's a great one-stop shopping place (well, except you have to drive around to pick stuff up...but it's so worth it!) good luck to you and your friend! you should really talk her in to filing for child support--a lot of single moms don't want to deal with the hassle...but it will come back to bite her in the butt later on!
p.s. the hospital should give her a carseat for free...if that's where she plans to have the baby. and WIC gives mothers free breast pumps, as well.
Is your friend having a girl or a boy? I have some girl clothes that I can give to her, and some toys. I work uptown, so maybe we could meet somewhere near by.
When is she due so I know what size she needs (if she's having a girl)?
You can always check Once a Upon a Child and Craigs list. There is also a charity called W.I.C.K and they give formula and some food items for women who qualify. You might want to check that out too.
Try resale shops...
Is she having a baby girl or boy? I have both under the age of 2. I work in Highland Park, right next to Uptown! Let me know!
I know of a Daycare at Peavy Rd just North of Garland Rd. I do not know the cost and you would have to check it out but it is close. I believe several of the churches around have Mothers day out programs but I'm not sure if they are all day, 5 days. I know there are a lot of thrift store in the Casa View Shopping area that may have cribs and or other items. I know you can get clothes at a great price. Garage sales are great places, too. Do you know if it is a Boy or Girl? I could e-mail my neighborhood mom's club and see if anyone has anything to donate or sell at a good price. I live in Lake Park which is behind Petco at Casa Linda so we are very close to you.
Just in case it is needed, you can also call 211. It is kind of like a community help line. They can tell you what charities are in your zip code. You can get information on food pantries, rent assistance, clothing closets, etc.
I have a crib you can have if you would like. It converts to a toddler bed. It has been through 3 kids (a friend gave it to me). We have the instructions for it here somewhere. Someone would just have to come and pick it up.
I also have some receiving blankets and other miscellaneous items that she can have if she wants. Most of my stuff is gender neutral.
Let me know!
M.
Dear J.:
The Children & Family Institute is a loving organization fully equipped to help your friend. They offer free counseling, social workers, prenatal & parenting classes and help finding the needed items - maternity clothing, baby items, food pantry etc.
Their phone number is ###-###-#### - ask for Kim or Rose. They are just about to open a second location near Big Baylor. Best wishes to her!
