Released on: 28 April 2011

Becoming a parent is exciting, but it can be an expensive time too. NCT’s Nearly New Sales give new and expectant mums and dads a financial lifeline by offering an alternative to forking out for brand new baby products – and the opportunity to be a greener parent.

NCT Nearly New Sales autumn season launches this month across the UK. The Sales allow families to sell off their unwanted baby goods. Meanwhile, local parents can kit out their kids for less than high street prices or save a fortune on preparing for the arrival of their new baby.

Last year, more than 200,000 parents attended an NCT Nearly New Sale, raising more than £1 million for the charity. More than 600 Sales were held across the UK, with 50,000 parents selling over 1 million items. Even better, every item bought from an NCT Nearly New Sale is an item which isn’t going to landfill.

The One Show’s Lucy Siegle, who reports and speaks on environmental issues,  endorses the Sales as a green option for parents. She says: “NCT’s Nearly New Sales are a win-win situation for parents. They can make a bit of money by selling items they no longer need and pick up a bargain, all while preserving the environment for future generations by recycling and reducing the amount of unused equipment going into landfill.”

After attending her first Sale, Bree Back from Colchester said: “I started chatting to another mum in the queue who gave me some good tips about how to survive the mad rush. She recommended being focused on getting a few key items, such as a moses basket, baby bath etc.

“The best thing I found was a vibrating bouncy chair – it’s a godsend. Without that, I don’t think I would be able to have a shower in the morning. It’s the only thing that keeps my little bub quiet and entertained long enough!”

Every year the Sales prevent over 300 tonnes of baby clothes and equipment ending up as landfill so parents can save cash, and the environment, at the same time!

The Sales are not exclusively for NCT members, they are open to everyone whether buying, selling or both! On average, parents spend £25 at a Sale, which could buy a range of items such as bedding, a changing station, a moses basket, travel cot or high chair.

Clothes and equipment must be in excellent condition and sellers keep up to 70% of the proceeds. The rest is returned to fund NCT’s vital services and support for parents.

Timothy Todhunter, Branch Fundraising Manager says: “More babies are born in September than in any other month, so now is a great time to be a seller or a buyer at an NCT Nearly New Sale.”

For details of your nearest NCT Nearly New Sale, sponsored by Comfort Pure and Persil Non-Bio, visit www.nct.org.uk/nearlynewsales or call NCT Enquiries on 0300 330 0770.

Funds raised for NCT from Nearly New Sales go to supporting parents through: providing evidence-based information; national helplines; local services such as breastfeeding and coffee mornings; subsidised or free antenatal and postnatal classes for vulnerable people; training antenatal and postnatal teachers and campaigns to improve maternity services and support for parents in the workplace.

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