Where To Donate Strollers | New Homes for the Pre-Loved

A good stroller is essential, yet it can be expensive for many families. So, you can always donate your stroller once your baby grows up. And if you don’t know where to donate strollers, don’t worry, I’ve got you! 

Baby gear like strollers are popular and in demand too. Local and national charities and even your local community centers are continually looking for more. Moreover, they don’t have an expiration date, so, more organizations accept them.

To make it even easier for new parents, I’ve detailed the dos and don’ts of stroller donations, what to do with the old ones, and my top 5 picks for donations.

What To Do With Old Strollers: Donations and More

Nothing occupies more space at home like baby stuff!

So, the one rule of thumb I like to follow is to donate, sell, or dispose of anything that can’t be reused in the next three years.

• Strollers are one of the most common baby gear to be reused, since they don’t have an expiration date like car seats. You can even check if any of your friends or family are looking for one.

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• There are also junk removal services like LoadUp or 1-800-Got-Junk which will donate or recycle your strollers and car seats sustainably.
• Alternatively, you can take it to a consignment center near your place to find a new home for the stroller.
• Depending on the state of your stroller, you can also sell it for a good price. Give it a thorough cleaning and list it up on social media marketplaces or Craigslist.

Note:

• While strollers are easier to donate, not all charities accept well-used strollers. If it’s not in good condition, it can put a child in severe danger, and many charities do not take that risk. 
• For instance, Goodwill does not accept used strollers. However, charities like the Salvation Army and Share Our Spare do accept them. 

Therefore, please research before you show up with the gear packed in your car. Go through the charity’s website and find out if they accept strollers, and study their rules about wear and tear.

Where to Donate Strollers: My Top 5 Choices

1. Salvation Army

• Salvation Army is one of the biggest names in the pre-loved essentials market. You probably know a few stores and donation centers in your locality. 
• They accept almost everything from essential baby gear like infant carriers and strollers, to household items too.

2. Local Charities

• There are many local charities that have a list of items they need and accept on their website. Do your research, call them in advance to confirm, and drop off your strollers.
• You can also keep an eye out for a donation or a collection drive where you can donate your stroller.

3. Harvest Home

• From maternity essentials to baby items, Harvest Home accepts it all. They have a wide list of things they take, alongside an Amazon wish list.
• They usually have a designated donation schedule, during which their staff can help you if you have any questions.
• Contact them in advance to clear your doubts, set an appointment, and donate your stroller.

4. Helping Mamas

• Helping Mamas is a charity that helps mothers in need! What could be better than that? They, too, have an Amazon registry and a detailed list of items they accept.
• You can donate your gently used stroller during their designated donation hours, throughout the week. 

5. Share Our Spare

• Share Our Spare is a Chicago-based charity on a mission to keep every child in Chicago healthy, happy, and safe.
• You can find a detailed donation drop-off schedule and location on their website with the items they accept (don’t worry, they accept strollers!).

5 Things To Do Before You Donate Your Stroller

Most local charities and organizations usually keep a thorough checklist before they give away the stroller or travel system you donated. But, before that, let’s get our stroller prepped and ready for donations.

1. Check For Recalls

• Sometimes, the CPSC recalls certain products that no longer abide by today’s safety guidelines and regulations. And your stroller can be on that list too!
• So, before you donate your stroller, check if it’s still safe to use or has been recalled.

2. Check Its Condition

• Imagine if you were the one buying second-hand. I’m sure you’d want a stroller that’s in safe condition, with only minimal wear or tear. 
• So, let’s provide for others what we expect and only donate gently used strollers. For the more well-used strollers, please recycle or dispose of them instead.

3. Check For Damage

• Wear and tear is one thing, but obvious damage is quite another. These types of damages can impact the stroller’s function and are quite dangerous. 
• So, if you notice any damage, don’t donate! Challenges with the brakes, the locking system, fraying harnesses, sharp edges, etc. are a few common damages you can look out for.

4. Thorough Cleaning

• The car seats and strollers witness plenty of bathroom accidents and other tragedies. A thorough cleaning isn’t just polite, but also sanitary.
• Use mild soap and water to clean the fabric and the basket. You can also put the covers through a gentle wash cycle if they are removable and machine-washable.

5. Donate The Accessories Too

• If the stroller meets all the expectations above, wrap it up (preferably in the original box) properly. 
• Include infant inserts, cupholders, etc. that came with it. Don’t forget to add the manufacturer’s guide and user manual to make it easier for the new owners.

Final Words: Donating Your Baby’s Stroller

No matter how essential, a good stroller can burn a hole in anyone’s pocket. 

So, if you have a gently used stroller you don’t need anymore, consider donating it. It’ll help clear the clutter and make another family happy!

If you’re wondering about where to donate strollers, consider local charities, churches, and community centers! They always need such baby essentials. Simply check the stroller’s condition and give it a good clean before donating.