Baby Store

What is it?
The Baby Store is full of new and very gently used baby items like cribs, car seats, clothes, diapers and much more! The Baby Store is open to clients enrolled in our Smart Choices mentoring program for new moms and dads. Participants in Smart Choices earn points for things they do to improve their lives and the lives of their children, such as completing lessons, setting goals, finishing school. These points can then be spent in the Baby Store to provide for the needs of their children.

For example...
Let's say a client named Brandy shows up on time for her appointment with her mentor, Laura, and together they complete and lesson on nutrition during pregnancy. Brandy also turns in a homework assignment from the previous week’s lesson on breastfeeding, and they discuss Brandy's progress toward her goal of quitting smoking. All this would result in Laura giving Brandy a paycheck for around 150 points. In the Baby Store, 150 points would buy three new outfits, or a new high chair, or 75 diapers, or two cans of formula and a package of baby wipes. Or, Brandy may choose to keep those 150 points to put toward a new 1,000-point crib she's saving up for.

Questions about the Baby Store? Call or text Emily at 607.205.8506 or email her at programs@lifechoicescenter.org

Baby Store wish list
*We accept used items only if they are in excellent condition and meet current safety standards.*

Top three needs this month:
1. Diapers (size 5)
2. Boys 18-24 month clothing
3. Warm Winter Gloves/Mittens

Ongoing needs:
•Diapers
•Pull-ups
•Formula
•New bottles and nipples
•Pack ’n Play sets
•High chairs
•Clothing size NB-4T (we are only accepting new clothing at this time)
•Stroller/car seat combos
•Safety items
•Onesies
•Hygiene products (baby oil, Desitin, teething gel)
•Early learning toys and books in excellent working condition

Donation guidelines
•Used clothing must be in excellent condition (no stains, tears, worn patches, etc.)
•Used equipment must be in good repair and meet current safety standards.
•Cribs must meet the minimum requirement of 2 3/8 in. of space between bars.
•We do not have the space to store adult furniture, and can only accept it when a specific need has come to our attention.
•Used car seats must meet current safety standards outlined in the checklist below.
•Donations may be dropped off anytime during our office hours. Please do not leave donations outside the door when the office is closed.

Used car seat checklist:
If the answer to any of the following questions is NO, we must assume the seat is not safe and we cannot accept it.
1. Was the seat manufactured within the last six years?
2. Does the seat have a label showing that it meets all federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards?
3. Do you have a copy of the manufacturer's instructions, or can they be obtained from the company’s website?
4. Are all parts present (harness straps, retainer clips, padding shield, tether straps, bolts) or can they be obtained from the manufacturer?
5. Does the buckle mechanism latch remain latched?

If the answer to any of the following questions is YES, we must assume the seat is not safe and we cannot accept it.
6. Has the seat been recalled for safety defects? (to find out, call 800.424.9393; you’ll need the model number and manufacture date)
7. Has the seat been involved in a vehicle crash? (if unknown, we cannot accept it)
8. Are there any cracks, bends or breaks in the plastic shell or metal frame? Or are the harness straps worn or frayed?
9. Does the buckle area show signs of rust?
10. Does the buckle mechanism latch unlatch smoothly?

Questions about the Baby Store? Call or text Emily at 607.205.8506 or email her at programs@lifechoicescenter.org