Parents Save Big At Weekend Tot Swap

FREDERICK, Md. (WUSA) --- Rachel McVearry, an expectant mother with two toddler sons, finds a $5.00 Storm Trooper Halloween costume at Frederick, Md.'s Tot Swap, on W. Patrick St.

A Tot Swap works like a liquidation sale in the local community. Consignors sell their children's used goods at deep discounted prices. For example, a boutique infant outfit sells for $7.00 when it is usually $50 at the retail store. New items are also sold by area vendors. Toys, books, diapers are all on display.  

Tot Swap events occur in Howard, Gaithersburg, Baltimore and Frederick, Md, says Robyn Rutland, the Tot Swap Organizer.

And it's the word-of-mouth marketing that helps to make Tot Swaps popular.

"We have local Frederick families telling their Frederick friends. And then the word spreads," she says.

The Frederick Tot Swap will end Monday, Oct. 26, 2009, when all left over items will be $1. After this Tot Swap closes, the remainder of the items will be donated to local charities, according to Rutland.

McVearry says she hopes to be a consignor next year.

"I have a four year old, and a two year old, and one on the way. We're always looking at baby stuff and next year, we'll have lots to trade in," says McVearry.