Is Second-Hand Really Safe? A Guide to What to Buy New or Used for Your Baby

Becoming a parent can be overwhelming, especially when it comes to buying baby products. It can be so difficult to tell what is safe to buy second hand and what items need to be bought new. It is also a large factor to consider when it comes to saving money.

When buying baby items we want to always be mindful of factors including safety, durability, and practicality. With a wide array of baby products on the market, knowing what to purchase can help keep your baby safe while also being budget-conscious

Second-Hand Items

Buying used items can help to save significant funds. On average, families spend anywhere from $12,000 to $15,000 on baby-related expenses in the first year. Purchasing used items can help to make a noticeable difference in your budget.

Shopping second-hand also supports sustainability. This helps to reduce overall waste in the landfills while allowing you to save some money.

Despite these benefits, potential safety issues with second-hand items require careful consideration.

Safety Concerns with Second Hand Items

1. Infant Car Seats: Car seat safety regulations change every few years. It is important to remember that car seats do expire. They also must be disposed of properly if they have been involved in any previous accidents. When buying second-hand, there is a risk of unknown crash history and the car seat could be missing critical components.

   
   

2. Cribs and Sleep Furniture: Safety standards for cribs are changing and have undergone substantial updates within recent years. Cribs manufactured prior to 2011 may lack important safety features including solid construction and regulations against drop-side mechanisms.

   
   

Items That Are Best Purchased New

Some baby items are better to buy new for guaranteed reliability and safety. This includes items such as:

Strollers

While it’s possible to find strollers second-hand, new strollers have added benefits of safety features, warranty, and overall quality

Baby Monitors

Baby monitors are often best if bought new. This is due to evolving and improving security features, enhanced video quality, and wider connectivity range.

Bedding and Mattresses

Purchasing new bedding and mattresses is crucial for hygiene. Buying these items second hand may post a risk for allergens. It is also important to ensure your crib mattress meets the current safety standards.

Items You Can Buy Used

Clothes

Baby clothing is often worn only a few times before they grow out of them. Thrift stores, hand-me-downs, and buying second hand via selling pages can help to save a lot of money. Many brand-name clothing items can retail for $30 or more while second-hand options can be found at a fraction of the price.

Books

Children’s books can be pricey when bought new. Books will also need to be changed as your child grows and learns. Buying books second-hand can help your budget while still allowing them to have a variety of learning materials.

Baby Carriers

Many baby carriers, such as wraps or slings, can also be found used. Baby carriers are often pricey when bought new. Ensure that if you opt for a second-hand baby carrier that you inspect it for signs of wear and be sure to check that all components, such as straps and buckles, function properly.

Mechanical Swings

Mechanical swings, such as the Mamaroo, can be quite costly to buy brand new. These are great to purchase second hand, especially since there is no guarantee that your baby will actually enjoy them.

Baby Gear to Approach with Caution

Safety Gates

It is important to be mindful that used safety/baby gates might not meet current safety standards. Ensure that the item that you are looking to purchase has not been recalled in the past.

Breast Pumps

Purchasing a used breast pump may seem cost-effective as they can retail for over $300 new. However, this can pose serious hygiene and health concerns. Many manufacturers often recommend buying new

Tips for Safe Second-Hand Shopping

To make the best choices while shopping for second-hand items, make sure to:

1. Do Your Research

   
   

2. Inspect Items Carefully

   
   

3. Clean Thoroughly

   
   

4. Trust Your Instincts: