how can I gracefully turn down a hand-me-down?

So I got a bunch of great stuff at my shower, but noone got me my travel system. My MIL calls me today and says she has one that she bought at a garage sale a while back. I don't mean to sound ungreatful, but I don't want it. I want the one I registered for. How do I tell her that I don't want the stroller without seeming like a brat.

Re: how can I gracefully turn down a hand-me-down?

Maybe tell her that you prefer new because it's hard to keep track of safety recalls.

Re: how can I gracefully turn down a hand-me-down?

if you really dont want it i would say that they should keep it there for them to use and just tell her that there is a specific one that you really want.

hopefully she understands - good luck!!!

Re: how can I gracefully turn down a hand-me-down?

Honestly, I would probably make a joke of it by saying, "I know I'm a spoiled brat, but I have my heart set on..."

Re: how can I gracefully turn down a hand-me-down?

Re: how can I gracefully turn down a hand-me-down?

Tell her your family has a superstition about using a used stroller for a new baby ( my mom feels this way she feels every baby should get a new stroller... meaning not even use the same stroller for baby #1 and baby #2) and even though its not the total truth that you got many gift cards that you can use to purchase the stroller.

Re: how can I gracefully turn down a hand-me-down?

also I would never accept a used car seat. If it has been in a car during an accident even a slight one then the car seat is no longer safe for the baby - you don't know if the accident affected the seat in anyway.

Re: how can I gracefully turn down a hand-me-down?

I agree with making it a safety issue. You can even say you read a recent article about strollers and there are new safety standards, etc. and you want to purchase something new that is in compliance with that.

Re: how can I gracefully turn down a hand-me-down?

Re: how can I gracefully turn down a hand-me-down?

could you tell a little white lie and say that So and so is buying it for you.

Re: how can I gracefully turn down a hand-me-down?

You might end up needing it for the babysitter's house or another family members.

Re: how can I gracefully turn down a hand-me-down?

They really do say that you shouldn't use a used car seat... the stroller, ok, but not the car seat because you have no idea exactly how old it is, whether it was recalled, and if it was already in an accident, which may make it inoperable. And, if the car seat is part of a travel system, well, then the used stroller makes no sense by itself either... I'd definitely use that...

My mother was convinced that I would use my old crib from when I was a baby. The *only* way I could convince her that I needed a new crib was the safety argument... and even then she was resistant

Re: how can I gracefully turn down a hand-me-down?

I would tell her to keep it at her house - when the baby is over or if she babysits - she can use it.

My mom has a stroller - its always good to have a spare one.

Re: how can I gracefully turn down a hand-me-down?

Re: how can I gracefully turn down a hand-me-down?

I agree with those that say tell her to keep it at her house. My MIL has a double stroller that looks like it has been through the war and wanted me to have it. I politely told her I was getting a different kind, but it would probably be a good idea to keep it at her house for visits.

Get used to saying no to things you don't want or agree with regarding your baby...this is only the beginning!

Re: how can I gracefully turn down a hand-me-down?

ok so I know this is dishonest but
Tell her your mom/dad/other relative called and told you they bought you the travel system since they saw you didnt get it at your shower but she can keep the garage sale one at her house for when you visit with the baby

Its just an idea

Re: how can I gracefully turn down a hand-me-down?

Re: how can I gracefully turn down a hand-me-down?

Maybe tell them you got a GC to BRU or BBB- and you are planning to use it towards your travel system....

But suggest her keeping the stroller- in case she wants to take the baby for a walk or something...

Re: how can I gracefully turn down a hand-me-down?

I would explain that you cannot use a hand me down car seat from a garage sale..it goes against safety standards. Then go out and by your own stuff. Tell her that DH surprised you with it

Re: how can I gracefully turn down a hand-me-down?

Do you work? Can you tell her you had a work shower and everyone chipped in and bought you the travel system you wanted.