Used Baby Gear Advice

JennM205 · March 2013

Ever since we made our big announcement, friends and family seem to have tons of hand-me-downs and sources for used baby gear, which is awesome. I am all for saving as long as items are clean and in good condition.

That being said, is there anything that you're NOT supposed to acquire used? I've heard that used carseats are a no-no (unless from a trusted source) because of the possibility that it may have been in a previous accident. Is there anything else that isn't safe/wise to get used?

Similarly, are there any items that you would recommend 'splurging' on simply for convenience's sake, even if a used (but not 100% ideal) option is available? In other words, which items (if any) do you think are most worth it to purchase new over saving the cash?

angie244 · March 2013

I'd be weary of any baby bathtubs that have a built in spongy section..used for keeping slippery baby in place..i thought we would be able to use ours for this baby too and just looked at it this weekend and realized mold had grown in sponge even though we washed and dried it before we put it away. Basically anything that can't be sanitized bc even if your friends are neat freaks..as I am..yuck can grow on things that are put aside or in places where baby spit/sweat/pee/poop can collect and not be seen right away. For example we tossed what was a perfectly good little vibrating seat bc the fabric could not be removed and we had a blowout issue and could not clean under the fabric. If someone gives you something you don't want..this used to happen to me people can be very insistant..you can always leave it at a charity and tell that person the baby blew an awful load of whatever on it if they ask to see baby using it..like the ancient deathtrap of a bouncy seat that someone insisted on giving me.

GYMCHICK17 · March 2013

Cars seats as you stated and mattresses are the big no no's. I think everything else just use your best judgment.

tittytwistertortoises · March 2013

I loved gently used baby gear and clothes! I found a local consignment event that happens four times a year and recently became a consigner for the gifts I didn't like or DS. I tend to get toys and clothes at these events. My cousins all have boys and have passed down stuff too. As far as clothes, I take everything and weed through what I like and then put the other stuff in a bag to consign later. They are done with kiddos and they don't care what I do with it.
As far as passed down gear: you aren't supposed to reuse car seats or cribs. As of July 2012? cribs with a drop side were banned due to many injuries. I've heard a no no to used electric breast pumps but I would just replace bottles, covers, and tubes and it would be better than buying your own. I get grossed out at used bottles and diaper pails but I guess they would be fine. Everything else I think is good. Anything you get to put the baby in high chair, bouncer, etc just check online to see if it has been recalled. I say the more the merrier.

magdalina.h · March 2013

I wouldn't want a crib unless it's a newer one.

zoieglow · March 2013

Car seats, cribs, anything that can't be washed or sanitized, breast pumps and shoes.

1026pumpkin · March 2013

Car seats (unless they haven't passed expiration and from someone you're certain wasn't in an accident), breast pumps, and items that you can't wash or sterilize.

For gear items- cribs, bouncer seats, strollers, etc., you can check the recall website (can't remember off the top of my head) to make sure it isn't a model that's been recalled.

I can't think of anything worth splurging on new if the hand-me-down is in good condition. If it's been pretty used and you don't think it will last through your kid(s), then maybe upgrade to a new one.

Also, keep the sketchy items for the BRU trade-in events. The next one should be August/September, and you can trade in junky or expired old gear for a coupon for 25% off most new gear.

kat81again2 · March 2013

There are some things (that I can't think of now) that might get so much wear&tear&poop on them and that don't cost that much to begin with it would just make sense to get a new version rather than try to rehabilitate a used one.

I would say one of the best things to get used is an exersaucer. Those things are really costly new, but used they are super cheap. Also I like the used one I got because the ones they make today almost exclusively have toys requiring batteries, but some of the models from just a few years prior had more of the toys that just rattle or squish on their own and don't need batteries. Don't buy any toy that needs 12 batteries.

Definitely don't get a used carseat. We got one from my sister and it's fine, but the other thing about carseats is that they expire after a few years so if this is your first child and you're hoping for more later, might as well just get a new one. We just bought a new one anyway because hers will be expiring soon.

I can't really think of anything else that should be bought new. I'd accept most used stuff.

Shanmarie1083 · March 2013

Things that I personally wouldn't buy used:

Car seats

Crib/Crib Mattress/Mattress Pad

Breast Pump

Soft toys

Any type of swing/bouncer that didn't have a removable and washable cover

mill1020 · March 2013

I think the most critical one that comes to mind is a breast pump (assuming you are planning to breastfeed and want the flexibility of pumping).

RunningGal900 · March 2013

I wouldn't take an old crib, but if it comes from a trusted source and wasn't a drop-down, I'd take a used crib. Just make sure all the screws go in nice and tight and use your best judgement.

Generally, I wouldn't take a used breast pump, but there are some that have closed systems where the milk never passes through anything but the tubes and flanges that you could use with new parts. I know my Ameda is like that. The motor is totally separate from the tubes, so there is no way that milk gets in there. They made a big deal about it when I bought it.

I probably wouldn't use used bottles. Or old plates, cups and spoons that I wasn't sure were BPA-free.

I'd take anything that has a washable cover and even soft toys can be washed. I have a used PNP (from my cousin, I wouldn't buy one) and it's fine. I just really cleaned it and aired it out before DS.

I wouldn't bother with a car seat, even from a trusted source, because they have expiration dates and you will likely need a new one anyway.

sltitzer · March 2013

My husband actually had surprisingly strong feelings about this--I'm all for saving money and getting hand-me-downs/used baby stuff. The things we will be buying new are: crib/mattress, car seat, stroller, and anything else that gets a lot of ick and can't be easily cleaned/sanitized. We're all for hand me down clothes, hard toys, bottles, etc.

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