DIRECTORY : Where to Shop Without Breaking the Budget

Baby Exchange

Where: 11608 W. Pico Blvd., West Los Angeles

Telephone: (310) 842-8344

Hours: Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday, noon-5 p.m.

Baby, toddler and kids’ (up to Size 14) used clothes. Also sells books, toys and equipment. Best find: brand-new shoes by such makers as Cole Haan selling for 50% off marked retail price. No consignments.

Back on the Rack

Where: 21506 Sherman Way, Canoga Park

Telephone: (818) 704-8303

Hours: Monday-Saturday, 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Sunday, noon-4 p.m.

Huge inventory of gently used and brand-new clothes for the whole family. Great selection of new baby clothes--perfect for shower gifts. Also, maternity wear. No consignment.

Children’s Exchange

Where: 12113 Santa Monica Blvd., Suite 200, West Los Angeles

Telephone: (310) 826-6967

Hours: Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

Infant through Size 14 children’s clothes and maternity wear. Prices range from 25 cents to $45. Lots of stock. Exchange program offered in lieu of consignment.

Flap Jacks

Where: 2462 Overland Ave., West Los Angeles

Telephone: (310) 204-1896

Hours: Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sunday, noon-5 p.m.

Handpicked stock spotlights recycled kidswear including Oshkosh, Guess, Dior and Gap Kids. A neat, clean and fun place with whimsical hand-painted walls. No consignment.

Glad Rags

Where: 13757 Ventura Blvd., Sherman Oaks

Telephone: (818) 789-3403

Hours: Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sunday, noon-5 p.m.

In the process of phasing out kids’ sizes larger than 6. Incredible prices on remaining big sizes. Unusual accessories and furniture. Consignment is an option.

Kids Cottage

Where: 3415 W. Magnolia Blvd., Burbank

Telephone: (818) 562-1331

Hours: Tuesday-Friday, 10 a.m.-7 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Pre-owned infant, child and preteen sizes plus some new stock, such as a girls jungle-print jumpsuit for $19. Almost-new maternity and accessories. Consignment and layaway are options. Also, a “wish list” service--tell them what you need and they’ll call if/when they find it.

Make Room for Baby

Where: 12324 Venice Blvd., Mar Vista

Telephone: (310) 398-7177

Hours: Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Children’s sizes up to 14 in a well-organized setting with a 99-cent table. Also, a play area to occupy the kids while you shop. Accepts consignment.

Something for Baby (For Kids Too)

Where: 1359 N. Hill Ave., Pasadena

Telephone: (818) 791-3314

Hours: Tuesday-Saturday, 11:30 a.m.-6 p.m.

Two rooms--one with sizes infant to 2, the other with sizes 3 to 14. Incredible selection of toys. Items range in price from $2 to $15. Accepts consignment.

Twerp’s

Where: 5060 Eagle Rock Blvd., Los Angeles

Telephone: (213) 256-7608

Hours: Monday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-6 p.m.

Hip merchandise for infant to teen sizes. Always a 10%-off sale in progress. Consignment available.