New vs Used? STM's advice wanted!

jhjocelyn · July 2013

I've been pondering this question for a while now, and figure this is the place to ask. I'm a ftm with absolutely nothing for baby items and a very loving and excited family. Our child will be the first great-grandchild on his side, and I'm the first girl to be expecting on my side (for some reason it's different and wayyy more exciting to people...). I'm planning on registering after the A/S scan just so we're prepared when we start getting questions, but it's also yard sale season here.. So I could score good deals if I knew what was not worth waiting for brand-new. All that to ask:<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" />

What's worth it to get brand new? And what's worth getting second-hand?

sugarland726 · July 2013

Off the top of my head, carseats and cribs are best new (recalls and/or accidents). Anything that can be sterilized or washed can really be purchased used. Especially clothes. This is a very incomplete list, but it's a start.

moosebaby2011 · July 2013

Ditto about the car seats and cribs. They should never be purchased used, particularly the car seats. Also bottles and pacifiers should be new, IMHO. Other than that, if it can be washed and you find something you like that is in good used condition, go for it.

brideandbreve · July 2013

I agree with PPs. Always get your car seat, crib and crib mattress, bottles, and such new.

I'd go used on the jumperoos, Bumbo seats, exersaucers, swings, and so forth.

In our experience, we didn't use them enough to justify spending full price, and I regret not picking them up second-hand.

jhjocelyn · July 2013

Thanks Ladies! I think I've been leery of some things, like swings/rnp/bouncers/etc. because I really wasn't sure about sterilizing them. I know our area has had some bedbug outbreaks. I wasn't sure if there were other things I needed to think about, or things that may wear out if I'm planning on them for multiple children (someday) and would be best purchased new in order to last.

ach298 · July 2013

New: Carseats, cribs, breastpumps (unless it is hospital grade), pacifiers
Used: Strollers, clothes, toys, bouncers, monitors, anything that can be washed, sanitized or cleaned. Used bottles don't really bother me. I plan to use the same Tommee Tippee bottles for this one that I used with DS if BFing doesn't work out again. Assuming the bottle nipples are in good condition (no tears, chew marks or other signs of wear) and can be boiled, I don't really see an issue.

July1215 · July 2013

I agree with PP's concerning carseat and cribs, due to recalls and car accidents you wouldn't want to buy used. I bought newborn and 0-3 months clothes at consignment shops. Babies grow out of them so quickly they hardly look used. As they get bigger, children wear out there clothes more. I also bought plastic toys used (they can be sterilized). Most swings and bouncy seats come apart, so you can wash those and I was given a used boppy and was able to successfully wash it. If you see a great deal and it looks like it is in great condition, go for it. I just tried to remember as a FTM that I would get quite a bit as gifts and waited for most things until after my shower.

brideandbreve · July 2013

ach298 said:

New: Carseats, cribs, breastpumps (unless it is hospital grade), pacifiers
Used: Strollers, clothes, toys, bouncers, monitors, anything that can be washed, sanitized or cleaned. Used bottles don't really bother me. I plan to use the same Tommee Tippee bottles for this one that I used with DS if BFing doesn't work out again. Assuming the bottle nipples are in good condition (no tears, chew marks or other signs of wear) and can be boiled, I don't really see an issue.

For using the same bottles/nipples with your second baby, I think that's totally fine. Bottles and nipples can be sterilized, and we're doing that with ours.

I wouldn't buy used bottles/nipples from someone else, though, so I should have clarified that!

Oh, and good point on the breast pump. I didn't even think of that.

moosebaby2011 · July 2013

OP - I know with our swing/bouncer (it's a Graco Duo combo) all the fabric parts come off and are machine washable, and the rest is plastic (or painted metal) that can be wiped down to clean. I don't know if this is true with all brands, though, so I'd check that out before buying something like that used.

sugarland726 · July 2013

I would take used bottles from others and sterilize them. No matter what though, I'd get new nipples.

bensmommy518 · July 2013

My opinion is to get as much used as you can. The only things really important to be new are the crib, car seat and breast pump as PP mentioned. All of DS clothing is from consignment or good will stores. All of his toys are from yard sales, hand me downs from friends, or what I call our Tuesday Night Goodies (around here people put their trash out on Tuesday nights for Wednesday pickup and people throw out all kinds of stuff! We have picked up a swimming pool, slide, kiddie table and chairs, kiddie sized rocking chair, two ride on toys, two cozy coupes, a pull wagon, a kids sized bike and any number of hard plastic toys right off the curb). In my mind, if you can wash it or sterilize it, don't pay more than you have to for it.

moosebaby2011 · July 2013

MarBee1214 said:

brideandbreve said:

ach298 said:

New: Carseats, cribs, breastpumps (unless it is hospital grade), pacifiers
Used: Strollers, clothes, toys, bouncers, monitors, anything that can be washed, sanitized or cleaned. Used bottles don't really bother me. I plan to use the same Tommee Tippee bottles for this one that I used with DS if BFing doesn't work out again. Assuming the bottle nipples are in good condition (no tears, chew marks or other signs of wear) and can be boiled, I don't really see an issue.
For using the same bottles/nipples with your second baby, I think that's totally fine. Bottles and nipples can be sterilized, and we're doing that with ours.

I wouldn't buy used bottles/nipples from someone else, though, so I should have clarified that!

Oh, and good point on the breast pump. I didn't even think of that.
I have no problem buying a used breast pump as long as you get new parts. The pump itself doesnt circulate breast milk so you only need to replace parts that touch breast milk and boob.

That's what I've read too. As long as you can replace the tubing, etc, a used pump should be fine.

sugarland726 · July 2013

MarBee1214 said:

brideandbreve said:

ach298 said:

New: Carseats, cribs, breastpumps (unless it is hospital grade), pacifiers
Used: Strollers, clothes, toys, bouncers, monitors, anything that can be washed, sanitized or cleaned. Used bottles don't really bother me. I plan to use the same Tommee Tippee bottles for this one that I used with DS if BFing doesn't work out again. Assuming the bottle nipples are in good condition (no tears, chew marks or other signs of wear) and can be boiled, I don't really see an issue.
For using the same bottles/nipples with your second baby, I think that's totally fine. Bottles and nipples can be sterilized, and we're doing that with ours.

I wouldn't buy used bottles/nipples from someone else, though, so I should have clarified that!

Oh, and good point on the breast pump. I didn't even think of that.
I have no problem buying a used breast pump as long as you get new parts. The pump itself doesnt circulate breast milk so you only need to replace parts that touch breast milk and boob.

Some pumps do send the milk through the tubing which is a major bitch to clean. However if you get new tubing, then it's ok.

miam4 · July 2013

I would say to get new: car seat, crib and crib mattress and bottles. Some things passing between your owns kids is fine, but getting from anybody else is a big no for me.

My SIL is lending me a lot of things... She had purchased bassinet on Craigslist and washed it in the past and later after she was done, she sold it.
She wants to lend me the infant car seat and if no one purchases the new one I put on my list I will get hers, because I know where it is coming from and I do know that has not being in any accidents. My nephew still using it and it is new.

I am kind of "germaphobic"... I need to be able to wash things and I need to know that I am getting from someone I know.

LexGator · July 2013

Avoid any safety-related items or gear used.

Good things for yard sales: books (you can never have too many), toys, especially non-cloth ones that you can easily sanitize, outdoor toys/gear. Personally, I wouldn't get a ton of clothes because you'll probably get a lot as gifts and you can always get good prices on baby clothes if you shop sales.

Mommasay0 · July 2013

Never buy a used car seat, crib, and I'd say pack n play as well. It is really hard to clean the mattresses. You can buy high chair, stroller, activity mat, walker etc used. If you can pull the seat out and toss it in the washer. I would wash everything in hot water and I usually wash my second hand stuff twice at least.

sparrowmomma24 · July 2013

This was a great topic! My mom and I have been garage sale shopping lately and I was hoping to find a crib. I hadn't decided on new or used yet, but thought if I could find a nice used one, that would work. I'm so glad I got this advice though! Back in my mom's day, cribs were cribs. They didn't really have the recall issues we have now. But I will start looking for brand new cribs and carseats! Great advice mommas!

MrsGraham06 · July 2013

Never buy a used pump, hospital grade or not. Diaper bags are best new, Target and Walmart (and other places) have some really cute, inexpensive ones.

Anything else, I'd say look at the other posts.

gingerbabe · July 2013

Have you heard of baby bargains? You may enjoy that. It helped me learn what to buy new and what I didn't need at all. They come out with an updated one every year I think. It's very helpful for FTMs especially. I agree with PPs! Don't cheap out on a carseat. It could potentially save your baby's life! Only get it used if you are close to the person selling it and trust them (family member or close friend).

ach298 · July 2013

MrsGraham06 said:

Never buy a used pump, hospital grade or not. Diaper bags are best new, Target and Walmart (and other places) have some really cute, inexpensive ones.

Anything else, I'd say look at the other posts.

Why do you say that?
A hospital grade pump has a closed system so it should be perfectly safe to buy used and use with your own, i.e. new tubing and accessories.

VeryHungryCaterpillar · July 2013

We bought a used BOB stroller for like half the price as new. Its a few years old, but broken in so nicely that DS just sank right in at 3 months old. We are planning on getting a used dualie for this time around.

moosebaby2011 · July 2013

gingerbabe said:

Have you heard of baby bargains? You may enjoy that. It helped me learn what to buy new and what I didn't need at all. They come out with an updated one every year I think. It's very helpful for FTMs especially.

I found Baby Bargains to be very helpful as well. It's sort of the Consumer Reports of baby stuff. I would advise you to get the actual paper copy versus the e-book, though. I have it on my Nook and it's really hard to find what you want using the search function.

yogi1012 · July 2013

The only thing that I will say about this is that a girlfriend of mine got a lot of things used from her sister-in-law that had two kids. She is now on her second and many items have stopped working due to time and wear, and now she doesn't want to go out and buy a new swing (they still had to), her highchair shows the wear of 3rd kids and she wants to go get a new one, and now she wishes she had gotten new with her first. Just food for thought.
I personally think wait and see what you get at your shower and if you don't get things like the highchair that you don't use right away, shop around for used since you don't have to have it for day 1.

aessary03 · July 2013

The things I wouldn't consider buying used are carseats, crib mattresses, and crib bedding. The car seat because you don't know for sure it's never been in an accident. The crib mattress and crib bedding because I'm paranoid about bed bugs and other creepy crawlies (which seems to be an issue in this area).

chelle_chelle5487@hotmail.com · July 2013

I agree with all the other Posters. One thing that another poster brought up is to consider if you are having more kids. We got all of our major things (swing, bouncer, crib, jumper, etc.) new for a couple of different reasons. One, new mom and didn't think about used and two, we could afford it. I will admit we got a lot of it from family at our shower which helped out tremendously! Looking back, I'm glad we did. Now that we are expecting #2, I know everything is in good shape and ready for this new baby (besides the little bit of cleaning due to being stored). All that being said, I would just consider what you are getting used and the condition it is in. Also, don't stress about things that you don't need till further down the road like a high chair or bumbo. You will have plenty of time to get those types of things.

Maelwa · July 2013

Just a heads up - NEVER buy a used pump that isn't hospital-grade or specified as being safe to re-sell by the manufacturer. Micro particles from the breast milk DO get 'sucked into' the inner parts of the machine, and mold etc. will grow. It's disgusting! Google it - many worthy sources reporting it. Also, time and use makes pumps less effective. Be careful!!!
https://www.llli.org/llleaderweb/lv/lvjunjul04p54.html

cyndilouwho77 · July 2013

I will be buying most of my stuff new, I have a really hard time with stuff that others used, chewed on and so on. All my major things will be bought new for cleanliness reasons. I tried out a local resale store recently and was horrified at some of the stuff. It wasn't properly cleaned or stored. With that being said though I wouldn't mind some hand me downs from close friends that I know took good care of their stuff, even though I would totally take it apart and clean every part.

luvdelilah · July 2013

We bought or received as a gift everything new for our first, relying a lot on Baby Bargains for help with good quality and good prices. I also tried to always pick gender neutral items with the idea that we would use everything again. It's a little strange now since I feel like I should be compiling lists of items to get for the new baby but there's nothing we need!

As he's gotten older and we've gotten to know other families in our area, we've gotten several hand me down larger items - tricycle, outdoor chairs, etc. I'd probably by similar things from yard sales as well.

Lucky613 · July 2013

Maelwa said:
Just a heads up - NEVER buy a used pump that isn't hospital-grade or specified as being safe to re-sell by the manufacturer. Micro particles from the breast milk DO get 'sucked into' the inner parts of the machine, and mold etc. will grow. It's disgusting! Google it - many worthy sources reporting it. Also, time and use makes pumps less effective. Be careful!!!
https://www.llli.org/llleaderweb/lv/lvjunjul04p54.html

I just wanted to second this. Especially the used pump being less effective. Unfortunately, even the $300 pumps are generally for "single" use and are not as efficient after using. I would hate to see someone stop BF because the pump wasn't effectively draining. Right now a lot of insurance companies have programs- sometimes you have to work with your LC/Dr to word the prescription, but it's worth a shot! Also, my local Target donates to Goodwill. There was a brand new medela electric (completely sealed) for $80. So it's worth keeping your eyes peeled this early

AprlShwrs18 · July 2013

crib, carseat, bottles, pump (if your getting), crib I would all do new. I'm a fan of anything used that I can throw in a washing machine (Floppy Seat if you want it, clothes, etc.). You can get a ton of really nice baby clothes for not a lot at consignment sales because babies wear them for such a short amount of time.

ac1259 · July 2013

Lucky613 said:

Just a heads up - NEVER buy a used pump that isn't hospital-grade or specified as being safe to re-sell by the manufacturer. Micro particles from the breast milk DO get 'sucked into' the inner parts of the machine, and mold etc. will grow. It's disgusting! Google it - many worthy sources reporting it. Also, time and use makes pumps less effective. Be careful!!! https://www.llli.org/llleaderweb/lv/lvjunjul04p54.html
I just wanted to second this. Especially the used pump being less effective. Unfortunately, even the $300 pumps are generally for "single" use and are not as efficient after using. I would hate to see someone stop BF because the pump wasn't effectively draining. Right now a lot of insurance companies have programs- sometimes you have to work with your LC/Dr to word the prescription, but it's worth a shot! Also, my local Target donates to Goodwill. There was a brand new medela electric (completely sealed) for $80. So it's worth keeping your eyes peeled this early

Agree with all of this! Depends on the system whether its open or closed....The Ameda purely yours is the only store version I'm aware of that all parts can be fully sterilized...its not a good idea to buy a Medela secondhand...just from what I've found!

forevergraceful · July 2013

Don't buy a used crib mattress. I read an article somewhere, which said that there was an increased chance of SIDS with a used mattress. Other than that, I would buy a used carseat or crib.

ksonne · July 2013

Agree with pp. I would never purchase a used crib (because of possible missing pieces) or carseat (the integrity could be compromised if it was in an undisclosed accident). Closed pump systems are ok to buy used, but most are open. The Hygeia and Ameda Purely yours, as well as hospital grade pumps, are closed systems and would be ok to purchase. I would not purchase a used open system from anyone. Clothes and books are the BEST things to buy used. You will likely get smaller sizes as presents, like newborn and 0-3 months. Look for clothing in sized 6+ months and make sure it will be season appropriate. Take a look for used swings, bouncers, play mats, and strollers. And toys. Tons of great deals out there!

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