HOW TO SUSTAINABLY GET RID OF GENTLY USED BABY ITEMS!
by Kennedy Hammond on Jul 11, 2025
Babies grow fast. & with them comes a mountain of outgrown clothes, gear, toys, & nursery items. Instead of sending these items to the landfill, there are many eco-friendly ways to pass them on, extending their life & reducing waste. Whether you’re decluttering, moving (like me currently) or transitioning to the next stage, here’s how you can sustainably say goodbye to baby gear.
Here’s a list of ideas on where you can take your gently used baby goodies. Please keep in mind not to donate something you wouldn’t feel comfortable letting your baby use & ALWAYS double check online to make sure your items aren’t recalled.
1. Donate Locally to Families in Need
Where to Donate:
- Women’s shelters or family crisis centers
- Foster care programs
- Churches, temples, or community centers
- Local mutual aid or mom support groups
- Refugee resettlement organizations
- Birth centers, birthing classrooms, & hospitals
Before donating, check if the organization accepts baby items and which ones they need most (some don’t take cribs or car seats due to safety regulations).
2. List for Free on “Buy Nothing” Groups
The Buy Nothing Project is a hyper-local gift economy movement where neighbors give and receive items for free. It’s perfect for gently used baby gear, especially bulky items like:
• High chairs
• Play gyms
• Bassinets
• Baby clothes by the bag
Find your group on Facebook or download the Buy Nothing app. It’s fast, easy, & keeps stuff circulating in your neighborhood. BUT BEWARE! Facebook does NOT allow the sale of breast pumps as they’re considered “medical devices” so please do not get your account deleted by listing these! (Almost happened to me)
3. Host a Baby Gear Swap OR Yard Sale!
Organize a baby item swap with other parents. Everyone brings what they no longer need & can “shop” from others’ gently used items. Swaps are perfect for:
• Rotating toys to keep toddlers engaged
• Passing on seasonal clothes
• Trading baby carriers or wraps
Make it a potluck for a fun, community-building event.
4. Sell or Consign for Cash or Store Credit
Great platforms to try:
- Facebook Marketplace – perfect for local pickups
- ThredUP – for gently used baby clothes
- Kidizen – stylish baby clothes, shoes, and gear
- Once Upon a Child – in-person consignment with instant payout
-
Mercari or Poshmark – for high-quality or brand-name items
This route is great for items in excellent condition or big-ticket gear like strollers or monitors.
5. Pass Down to Friends or Family
This is the most heartwarming way to extend the life of your baby things. Pack items by size or stage and offer them to a pregnant friend or someone with a younger child. Add a little note or label on how each item was loved—it adds a personal touch.
6. Repurpose or Upcycle
Some items can be creatively reused:
• Old baby washcloths → reusable cleaning rags
• Stained onesies → cut into cloth wipes
• Worn-out crib sheets → lining for pet beds or picnic mats
This reduces textile waste and gives each item a final chapter before composting or recycling.
7. Recycle Responsibly
Some worn or broken items can’t be reused, but don’t toss them just yet:
• Textile recycling bins (at H&M, Zara, or some city programs)
• Terracycle Baby Gear programs (check for collection boxes)
• Car seat trade-ins – Target & Walmart run periodic events where you bring in an old car seat for recycling & get a coupon. This is usually done around earth day!
Always disassemble broken items before putting them out for trash, & try to recycle individual parts (metal, plastic, fabric) where possible.
8. Offer to Daycares, Preschools, or Co-ops
Many daycares and co-ops will gladly take extra:
• Board books
• Wooden toys
• Nap mats
• Dress-up clothes
• Toddler utensils or plates
Just make sure the items are still safe, clean, & age-appropriate.
Comment down below anymore ideas you have!
