Garage Saling

dealtaylor97

With the weather being warm garage saling is one of my favorite things to do especially because I'm pretty tight on money. My question is what is your opinion on buying used baby items from garage sales? I personally feel clothes can be safely reused, but what about big items like carseats, cribs, jumpers, or play sets? Is it really safe for the LO? Tell me what you think, I'm torn between going out and buying something brand new for the high retail price and buying something for a much lower price, used.

Thanks

ashS10309

BayleighPaws:

Personally I would not buy a used car-seat from a garage sale.   I wouldn't buy anything used that could have safety issues (crib, car-seat, etc).   That is just me.   If I were going to purchase things used, I would only be comfortable doing so from someone that I know.   Realistically, it would probably be fine to buy things from a garage sale, but at the same time I'd like to know how it was used (and there is also no way to say that person didn't buy it already used, etc). 

I'd buy clothes for sure from a garage sale.... most things would be an "as I see it" basis.... if I see something that is larger that looks like it's in great condition (ie; I've been keeping my eye out for a Bumbo)- I'd snap it up right away- provided it could be properly cleaned/disinfected.

This. I have also been on the lookout for a Bumbo! I am on a list at a local resale shop also so we will see if I can hunt one down!

abbyful

Car seats I would not buy used. You don't know their history.

Cribs, be careful, as the safety standards have changed recently.

Bottles I would only get if they were glass. And new nipples. (I know you didn't ask about bottles, but it popped into my mind.) 

Jumpers, exersaucers, pack n plays, rock n plays, baby wraps/carriers (Moby, Ergo, etc.), most co-sleepers, Bumbo, swing, bouncer, clothes, toys, all of those are fine to get used. 

als33

never, ever buy a used car seat.  mainly bc you never know if it was in a car accident or defective.  second, the plastic on them expires after 6 years so if they have no paperwork with it you will never know how old it is.

other than that i don't see a problem with buying anything else used.  i personally wouldn't buy a crib, but i've bought tons of bibs, clothes, burp clothes, and a bouncy seat.  i'm picky about the condition though.  i don't see why things can't be used more than once after a washing!  i plan on going out to two neighborhood garage sales tomorrow, and i'm way too excited, ha!

babypaloozyvan

ashS10309:

BayleighPaws:

Personally I would not buy a used car-seat from a garage sale.   I wouldn't buy anything used that could have safety issues (crib, car-seat, etc).   That is just me.   If I were going to purchase things used, I would only be comfortable doing so from someone that I know.   Realistically, it would probably be fine to buy things from a garage sale, but at the same time I'd like to know how it was used (and there is also no way to say that person didn't buy it already used, etc). 

I'd buy clothes for sure from a garage sale.... most things would be an "as I see it" basis.... if I see something that is larger that looks like it's in great condition (ie; I've been keeping my eye out for a Bumbo)- I'd snap it up right away- provided it could be properly cleaned/disinfected.

This. I have also been on the lookout for a Bumbo! I am on a list at a local resale shop also so we will see if I can hunt one down!

Agreed on the car seat.  I bought mine used as part of the Quinny travel system - bassinet, stroller (with jogging insert) and infant car seat with two bases, BUT I bought it from one of my best friends who just got it a year and a half ago.  The car seat was in perfect condition (it goes to 22 lbs - her son is HUGE and hit that about 6 months in), the car seat has never been in an accident and has no recalls.  With that said, this is the ONLY reason I got this from her.  As for the bumbo...I would suggest chatting to friends who have children.  I have a friend who's son is 2 1/2 now and she doesn't use her bumbo or boppy any more (but keeping it for future babies if she has more), so she is letting me borrow them for this LO.  I just got a new slipcover for the boppy.  Just a tip...