Published: August 27, 2009
Check your attics and your garages. Parents trying to save money on big-ticket baby items can take part in their own Cash for Clunkers program.
Toys R Us kicks off its Great Trade-In event Friday. All Toys R Us and Babies R Us stores will accept used cribs, car seats, bassinets, strollers, travel systems, play yards and high chairs in exchange for a 20 percent savings on the purchase of any new item from 16 manufacturers of these products.
You do not need a receipt for the used item and it did not have to come from a Toys R Us store.
Safety experts say the recession is forcing more people to buy used items, many of which could be damaged, recalled, or not up to code with newer safety standards.
"In today's economy, we are all looking for ways to stretch our dollars, but in doing so, children's safety should not be compromised," Jerry Storch, chairman and CEO of Toys R Us Inc., said in statement posted on the company's Web site.
There's no limit on the number of items you can trade in. "However, they may only use one savings coupon per each new item purchased," said Jennifer Albano, manager of corporate communications. Day cares and other organizations who want to exchange used items in bulk should contact a store in advance to make sure there's enough new merchandise to meet their needs.
The 20 percent off discount applies to these manufacturers: Baby Cache, Babi Italia, Baby Trend, Bertini, Britax, Chicco, Contours by Kolcraft, Cosco, Delta, Eddie Bauer, Evenflo, Graco, Jeep, Nature's Purest by Summer Infant, Safety 1st and Sorelle.
The trade-in offer lasts until Sept. 20.
