AS a fellow parent, it is just easier to get everything new and from the shops. But unless you are on a pretty good wicket, we are all economising, especially young parents on a budget. 

So how do modern, quality conscious, safety first parents balance their needs and their pockets? Enter Facebook Marketplace.

Interested in a Mountain Buggy Urban Jungle pram? Brand new, it can be $799. On Facebook Marketplace, you can pick one up for $200 in excellent condition. 

How about a Boori Classic Cot for $719? Would you like a preloved one for $150? 

What about a basic Oricom Video (Baby) Monitor SC720 for $229? Would you like $120 for one that is still in good working order? 

Pretty much anything you want can be bought preloved on Facebook Marketplace. And most savvy parents know that once you have used them, you can also sell them on Facebook Marketplace and still get some money back. 

Best of all, there are no fees or charges. And you can always have a peep into the seller’s profile on Facebook to see, maybe, what kind of parents they might be. 

• Chiang Liam, CEO Childcare Alliance of NSW.