Kangaroo Kids

Love this store! I’m expecting my first and have recently discovered the wonderful world of resale in the form of shops, forums, etc. I heard great things about KK from multiple friends so I was excited to go. I went last week for the first time and was immediately greeted by two friendly employees who were very helpful my whole shopping session (which was quite awhile). I perused the maternity section and baby gear areas of the store. There’s quite a bit of clothes for kids as well, but I didn’t look there yet ;-) The store carries a mix of brand new and used items (though mostly used). I was very impressed that they had lots of great name brands like Boon, Aden + Anais, UPPAbaby, etc. Also, the quality of the used items was mostly very good and the prices of items were very reasonable (roughly about 50% off retail price I found).
I’ve visited a few other resale kids shops in the area since and found KK blew them out of the water in terms of selection, price, and quality. I already can’t wait to go back! Must stop shop for parents in the STL area!

All employees at Kangaroo Kids have helped tremendously in our parenthood journey. Especially at the beginning of our breastfeeding relationship. Kangaroo Kids was the first place I went on my own with my newborn & the place I reached out to when I felt alone. Kangaroo Kids does amazing things for families everyday & we are so thankful for their services… From breastfeeding support groups, lactation services, pump/​scale rentals, pump accessories to nursing clothing/​supplements, resale clothing & baby gear… We used it all, our one stop shop for help with kindness.

I sent this review to Sierra (the owner) today:
Thank you for responding quickly. I appreciate that. It is not in my nature to make a fuss in the midst of a retail environment. It causes an uncomfortable atmosphere for other patrons and makes me and the other party involved look bad. I have been a very loyal and good customer to KK over the past 5 years. I’ve bought and sold hundreds of dollars worth of products. I had one very positive experience with a IBCLC that’s no longer there named Audra. She was the bees knees and originally what brought me in. Beyond that the ONLY thing that kept me coming back was your selection of plus-​size nursing wear and breastfeeding supplies. I am also in business for myself and have over a decade in retail. It is a tough career choice that requires consistency to pay off. Here are some things that I have experienced at KK over the years:
1) Never being greeted upon arrival
2) I called back one day within seconds of missing your call, said my name was Sarah K and I just missed you to be greeted with, «Well we have a lot of Sarah’s. I don’t know you.»
3) After selling some items today and collecting my store credit the redheaded woman that fit me invited me to shop around. I said I wanted to go to the back wall and look for a blanket. She then puts her hand on the counter in front of me and says, «you know you haven’t paid for this?» What?!
4) I bring in my boys sometimes (although I try not to, because they can be a handful even for me) and I’ve had them scolded by employees right in front of me.
5) I was literally asked once, «So are you gonna buy it or what?»
6) I’ve had employees snatch the terminal out of my hands as I was signing.
The list goes on. My suggestions are:
1) Smile like you’re being watched. Because you are.
2) Answer the phone as if it could be the President. Lord knows you wouldn’t speak ignorantly to him or her.
3) Speak to the mother first. Then her children.
4) If you disapprove of something another person chooses to do (like getting a pump fixed even if they aren’t nursing right then) keep it to yourself. Take their money and do your job.
I’ve heard it said in my retail life that 80% of customers are lost if they aren’t greeted within 60 seconds upon entering a store.
I really do appreciate you taking the time and making the effort to reach out to me. You have unfortunately lost a good customer.
Peace.
Sarah
Here’s what I received back.
Wow sounds like we just can’t get anything right. Thank you for you feed back. I wish you well!
Seriously. That’s hardly an apology or admission of wrongdoing. That’s bitter and sarcastic and confirms that I made the right decision.

For a new mom, kangaroo kids has it all! Literally! I have been to this store at least a dozen times in my child’s two months of existence. Here are some reasons why: maternity clothes, nursing clothes and bras, breast pump parts (including personal shield fitting), stopping to nurse my child during a day of errands, the opportunity for reassurance about my supply by doing a weigh-​feed-​weigh (yes, they have a public baby scale), MotherLove nursing supplement, satisfying my need to buy things for my new baby (clothes, books, toys, headband, leggings, hats, baby gear, etc.) at extremely affordable prices, the list goes on! HOWEVER, my number one absolute favorite reason for going to KK is their weekly breastfeeding support group with Lactation Consultant and Owner, Sierra. Most weeks there are 15+ moms at group! It is such an amazing, supportive environment and a great opportunity to get out of the house and socialize with other moms. If you are considering trying these groups, I seriously urge you to pay KK a visit, you won’t be disappointed!

I cannot say enough wonderful things about Kangaroo Kids, but I will try! Let’s start with the resale store portion of the review. I love shopping here! They have great, gently used and new clothing and baby equipment at great prices! Just yesterday I got an adorable BRAND NEW outfit from Nordstorms (tag still on!) for $ 6! I bet it sells at Nordstorms for $ 20 – 30! Steal!
What I love most about Kangaroo Kids is the invaluable support they provide to our community of breastfeeding mamas. They host a FREE twice weekly breastfeeding support group open to anyone. I have been attending at least once a week since my baby was just a few weeks old. I honestly do not think I would still be breastfeeding if it wasn’t for the support I found in this group. I tear up when I think of all the women that are still breast-​feeding because of this group. Sierra, the owner and leader of the group is an amazing, supportive, open person. She welcomes anyone into her store and treats us like guests in her home.
Like I said, I cannot say enough wonderful things about Kangaroo Kids. It so much more than a resale shop. It is a vital part of our community and I urge everyone to go out and support this wonderful, family owned business.

Not a fan. Couldn’t find anything worth buying and the toys were all dinged up. Ive had better luck at Once Upon A Child. Two stars because the lady working was very nice.

Very nice people. Pretty decent selection of clothes.

GREAT RESOURCE! I dont know what we’d have done if we hadn’t started coming here. Found out so many things about our baby that we wouldn’t have known otherwise if he hadn’t come here. The other day I got a bouncy seat for twenty dollars that is good as new. Some (or a lot) of their views maybe what your pediatrician may consider «unusual», and disagree with. But, we did so much better getting advice from them than from our 60 year old male pediatrician who didnt know the first thing about breastfeeding. Also they helped us find a doctor/​lactation consultant that better fits our needs, were grateful for that. They have a rack in the back of the store that people donate and is really cheap, make sure you check that out. We also enjoy the breastfeeding support group. Its great to talk with other parents who are going thru the same thing you are if, or should I say WHEN you have problems. The negative reviews of this place I can understand. Not everyone will agree with the advice they have and they have lots of it. We happened to agree with a great deal of it. Our baby did have a tongue tie issue. We would’ve been stuck supplementing formula bottles if we hadn’t found this place. All the time we hesitated getting surgery to correct it was time wasted in our goal of exclusively breastfeeding our baby.

My wife recently went in to the breast feeding support group. She wanted to try to get some advice and have our daughter weighed prior feeding and post feeding to see exactly how much breast milk she is giving our baby. After my wife went into detail as to what we were doing based on the advice of our Pediatrician and a couple previous visits to another lactation consultant… amount we are feeding /​number of times etc. she was called out in front of the rest of the group saying that everything we are doing is wrong and embarrassed my wife. We definitely did not disagree with some of the points that were told but the manner that it was presented was definitely very inappropriate… after my wife arrived home and took a little time to settle down and blow some steam off we called back which ended with us hanging up the phone after she made another snarky remark. Needless to say we will never be visiting this place ever again and would advise any of our friends and family members to do the same.
Dan

We love Kangaroo Kids! My son and I come here almost every Thursday for their (free!) breastfeeding group. We first visited when he was around 3 months old and I only wish we had gone sooner. Note to expecting moms, come before you have the baby! Many pregnant moms come to the group not only to ask questions, but to make connections with other moms that will become invaluable once your baby gets here.
It is a great, welcoming, supportive atmosphere. Sierra, the owner, is a certified lactation consultant and leads the meetings. We learn something new each week and always enjoy the company of other moms and babies.
As far as the store part goes, they have a nice selection of gently used clothes and baby gear as well as new accessories, maternity clothes and toys. I bought a very comfortable nursing bra here and hope to get my little one some of their adorable baby legs for Christmas:)
Ps. If you are interested in baby wearing but having trouble getting started, Sierra is the queen of slings and wraps!

I first walked into Kangaroo Kids when my baby was 4 days old. I was able to get a nursing bra fitting and awesome breastfeeding support.
The customer service here is above and beyond. Even when I moved out of state, I was able to get help and guidance over the phone. I would recommend Kangaroo Kids to any St. Louis mom looking for good consignment deals or nursing help.

I have seen some of the negative reviews on Kangaroo Kids and wanted to provide a positive experience to counter balance some of the negative statements
My first experience with KK was as part of my childbirth classes which were held in their space. The staff was very friendly and, yes occasionally very busy, always open to providing help when the could.
After my son arrived my wife was extremely concerned over his very shallow latch. She tried to work through the problem herself but remained at her wits end regarding what to do to make sure our little guy was getting the nutrition he needed. I suggested maybe one of the lactation consultants at KK could help. Another reviewer commented KK «always» suggests a tounge tie, I find that hard to believe, but. we also had the same recommendation. That being said they said they recommended an excellent physician to examine our son and she felt that he did not have a severe tounge tie and could be helped to latch with minor assistance.
Liam has since latched very well, with the help of KK’s LCs and continues to grow like a weed.
One of my favorite aspects of KK is their resale areas for baby «stuff». At retail these items are much higher priced and are barely used at KK so perfect for a family just starting out!

I was very impressed with the individualized service and had no idea they had a lactation consultant on staff! She was very knowledgable and professional. I felt very supported. Plus, they have good quality gently used products and are affordable!

I visited Kangaroo Kids for the first time looking for a stroller frame and to have some assistance with a sling. The employee (or owner, I’m not sure) greeted me and told me she would be with me in a minute. She asked me to look around while she helped another customer. 50 minutes later…5−0…I put my potential purchases down and walked out of the store. I was there with my 1 month old, and I just couldn’t wait any longer. And to make it worse I never received an apology. Instead she said, «Come back another time, Sweetie.» That will not be happening.

While I was pregnant I was told about Kangaroo Kids in case I had any issues with breastfeeding. I ended up taking my breastfeeding class there and found it to be informative.
When my daughter was about 3 wks I was having some latching issues and came into KK for one of their weekly breastfeeding groups. The LC consultant was able to provide some tips on getting a better latch but suggested I schedule an appt with one of the other LC to get a more in depth look at the issue.
Here is where I have an issue. I scheduled the appointment with the LC. The first issue I had was she said she would email me with a confirmation as well as what I should bring. The morning of I did not get an email so I called and she had forgot so she let me know over the phone. Once I came in she did an evaluation looking in my daughters mouth and watching my feed her. She thought that my daughter had an anterior tongue tie and that was the issue. She recommended me to a specialist in O’Fallon, MO that would clip my daughters tongue. She was also suppose to follow up with me in a week after recommending some tips to get a better latch and send me my paperwork to submit to my insurance. She did neither of these things which makes me wonder how much she really cared.
2 days after this appt I went to see my pediatrician and told him the story. I didn’t even finish my story before he said, «let me guess, an anterior tongue tie». Apparently he said that everyone who goes to KK gets the same diagnosis. He checked my daughter and did not see any sort of tongue tie. He said sometimes they just have a shallow latch.
Basically I was very disappointed with my experience. 1) I never received the follow up or information that I was promised, there goes $ 100 down the drain. 2) I think they are very loose in recommending a fairly serious procedure. They say it is minor, but I know I wouldn’t want to have my tongue cut if it didn’t need to be.
I would recommend them for general information, but go to your hospital LC or at least always get a second opinion.

The following update is my response to the owner’s comment on my previous review. My review does deserve some tweaking based on her feedback.
In my review, I referenced a lactation consultant and used inappropriate language to describe her. That language has no place on sites like Unilocal,no matter how funny I think it might be at the time. My reviews, in general, are truthful representations of my experiences of businesses in the St. Louis area (as evidenced by my wide range of ratings and array of types of businesses I have reviewed). Sometimes I employ foul language and descriptors to make my reviews more memorable to a reader. However, I realize that, in this case, my use of foul language came from a place of anger and not from a place of wanting to review this business. For that, I am truthfully sorry and have amended my previous review to reflect these changes. I have also taken out any part where I encouraged the reader to not use the services provided at this business because this was MY experience, but everyone is entitled to their own.
However, I stand by my one-​star rating because I received one-​star service on the day I visited Kangaroo Kids. I entered his place of business seeking out an expert in a time where I was worried about my child, and I was met with eye rolling and general rudeness. In addition, I wanted her expert advice and yet the advice she gave me was nothing more than breast feeding tips I could have gotten from any Google search. While
is a popular source, I don’t think you can fully trust any information you find on the internet. This review included. I also felt I received absolutely no breast feeding encouragement from the lactation consultant I spoke with and encouragement is what any mother (breast feeding or not) needs above all else. If I would have received an answer I didn’t want to hear, but it was framed in a supportive and encouraging way, I probably could have given this a five-​star review. Even if I didn’t «like» the advice or «hear what I wanted to hear.»
And though I do feel that the response to my review came from a place of trying to protect her business, I do not appreciate the insinuation that I exaggerated this interaction. Like I said in the review, I had a friend with me at the time and she also thought the lactation consultant’s approach was rude. Additionally, I was NEVER asked the age of my child (not one time, not several times, ZERO times). I know this to be true because the response indicated I was asking a question about my daughter — but I don’t have a daughter, I have a son.
As always, when you are reading any reviews (or responses to the reviews, for that matter) remember that they are always based on one person’s experience usually based on one visit. Feel free to use the reviews to guide you in your choices, but also feel free to completely ignore them and do what is best for you.

I’m just gonna put it all out there: Kangaroo Kids saved my nipples.
One would think that nursing a baby is about as natural as you can get. But just because it’s «natural» doesn’t mean it comes naturally to new moms, especially in a culture like ours that recommends breastfeeding but prefers it to be done in private… Like that helps anyone figure out what the hell they’re doing once their baby is born.
So. Here’s what happened. I was committed to breastfeeding my baby before he was born. I tried to utilize the lactation consultant in the hospital the day he was born, just to make sure I was doing everything correctly and that he had a good latch. But sometimes, after making ones way into the world, a baby is tired from all that work and is too sleepy to eat. So, the lactation consultant at the hospital couldn’t give me any real hands-​on help because my little guy was snoozing away. I figured it wouldn’t be a big deal – I’d read a bunch of books and felt armed with good information… but after three days of painful round-​the-​clock nursing and some incredible soreness, I realized I seriously needed help.
Enter one of THE most important, fabulous, FREE community resources around: Kangaroo Kids. The store itself is great with their resale maternity, baby and children’s clothes, but the really super-​duper wonderful thing about the place is that all of their employees are lactation consultants. That means you can walk in with your 4-​day-​old (like I did) and say, «Please, please help me» — and they will. FOR FREE. Someone will kindly sit you down in a rocker or on a couch, offer you a Boppy pillow and ask you to throw your modesty to the wind and show them how you’ve been nursing your baby (but really, you just gave birth, so you’re pretty used to being exposed by now. Modesty. Who needs it?). Then this lovely consultant (I worked with Betsy, bless her) will help you figure out how to nurse your baby properly. If you’re okay with letting them get hands-​on to really show you what to do, I recommend it. It is absolutely worth it.
After being torn up by my son and suffering from bouts of exhausted crying come those 3am painful feedings, I would have paid any amount for someone to help me figure out what the eff I was doing wrong and how to fix my technique. The wonderful people at Kangaroo Kids helped get my son and me on the right nursing track for FREE. I LOVE them, because now nursing is a downright breeze and my almost-​4-​month-​old is a freakin’ tank.
The store also offers free nursing mom groups (one in the afternoon and one in the evening, every Thursday) and toddler play groups on Tuesdays, and they have a play area for the kiddos and coffee for the grown-​ups. Then there’s the merchandise – a great variety of infant, baby and toddler clothes and shoes in very good condition (some with tags still attached) for very little dough; used maternity clothes; nursing bras galore and all sorts of Medela brand items and accessories. Pretty much all of my kiddo’s clothes are from Kangaroo Kids because it’s nuts to spend full price on something he’ll grow out of in two weeks. And even though nursing bras are expensive, I’m happy to give my money to a local store that provides such an amazing service to the community.
Bravo, Kangaroo Kids. My nipples thank you.

Super Cute shop, super goofy parking and not so much fun getting out to make a left onto Manchester…
This is a mom & pop shop and everything is so cute, they have really good ideas too for those of us that make kids clothes.

I’m expecting in January, so when a neighbor told me that she found things at a local store called Kangaroo Kids, I decided to check it out. They buy and sell gently used baby items and clothing, as well as maternity clothing. They also do breast pump rentals and sales, and sell bras, nursing apparel & accessories. The salespeople here are super-​friendly! Being pregnant can be overwhelming at times, and it was nice to walk into a store where moms were working (even their kids might be playing behind the counter). They helped me get sized for nursing bras (no appointment necessary) and provided me with info about their weekly nursing moms groups as well as other local groups that meet. They are definitely a great resource for new moms and moms-​to-​be. Glad to have found this place!