Commentators are pinning low fertility rates on everything from feminism to smartphones. But they miss one glaring factor: capitalism, an economic system predicated on individual autonomy and naked self-interest whose incentives run counter to child-rearing.
There’s a TON of second hand baby stuff. Most of it in great shape because the kid grows out of it long before it wears out. Consumable stuff is mostly at the super market, or occasionally big box stores.
What’s missing is community support most of the time. You don’t have a lot of friends with kids, or don’t hang out with the ones that do.
You want a fun experience? Try shopping for your newborn without using Amazon. It’s nearly impossible.
There’s a TON of second hand baby stuff. Most of it in great shape because the kid grows out of it long before it wears out. Consumable stuff is mostly at the super market, or occasionally big box stores.
What’s missing is community support most of the time. You don’t have a lot of friends with kids, or don’t hang out with the ones that do.
Most of the secondhand stuff is out of date and no longer considered safe. Baby safety code changes constantly.