Buying used baby items

jts2015 · June 2015

id anyone really comfortable buying used baby items like cribs/bouncers/swings? My crib is new but I've been surfing Craigslist for items like the bouncer and swing. I'm buying car seat new bc I'm scared to buy a used one. I'm not sure how old is too old to buy a used item for.

zaclina · June 2015

The only things I've heard concerns about are five year limits on car seats and no to sharing breast pumps due to risk of transmitting diseases. Other than that, don't know why not!

JaqiDec04 · June 2015

zaclina said:
The only things I've heard concerns about are five year limits on car seats and no to sharing breast pumps due to risk of transmitting diseases. Other than that, don't know why not!

Because if the car seat had been in an accident, there may be no visible damage but it can be weakened.

Never buy a used car seat, and I would only accept one second hand from a trusted friend.

OP - DH and I just had this discussion. No pillows, mattresses, stuffed animals or clothes second hand. But he's comfortable with swings, pack n plays, rock n plays, etc.

lanaloulittle · June 2015

I find nothing wrong with clothes second hand- I wash everything in hot water with my soap. Unless if you look at it and it is clearly disgusting, then it should be fine.

Never buy a used carseat from someone you don't know. But buying one from someone you trust (a sibling or friend) that is still in warranty and you know wasn't in an accident should be fine. We might get our infant seat from our best friend who's kid just out grew it.

For anything else, check recalls before you purchase it. That info can all be found online.

jcra7212 · June 2015

We've bought mostly everything second hand. Clothes, swings, diaper bags etc. My MIL bought our crib but I was going to buy a used one. I wouldn't ever buy a crib mattress used or car seat used. My thoughts are she's going to out grow everything so quick there's no reason not to save money.

fletcherj1 · June 2015

I was told to not purchase used cribs, car seats, or play pens because the safety laws change. My first son used my crib but that was 11 years ago so I purchased brand new.

jts2015 · June 2015

I just don't want anything that will fall apart with my kid in it lol. I bought used items with my past pregnancy but I'm always cautious. Like I said bed and car seat are new just wasn't sure about bouncers/swings. I have considered used clothes but somebody where I live still ask for too much !

alinic916 · June 2015

I agree with most other posters, buying used stuff is great as long as it's not something that could be dirty (mattress) or have safety issues (carseat). Buying used items is especially helpful for things that will be at my mom's house. She lives 5 minutes from us and we are over there a lot so we bought a used bouncer/swing combo and pack n play to keep at her house. I also bought a used bouncer, diaper bag, infantino baby carrier, boppy (i just bought a new cover for it), baby monitors and some baby clothes. Most baby items are used for such a short time it just makes sense to get a good deal on a used item rather than pay full price for something that will only be used for a few months.

amandagrider · June 2015

What about a bassinet? I have been iffy about this, but would hate to spend more money on something that will only be used for a few months.

kellymarie329 · June 2015

I am totally for getting used stuff! One of my friends gave us a ton of clothes, a bouncer, swing, and a pack and play that are in great condition! I am all about saving money where I can. My mom bought a crib when my nephew was born last year but recently down sized so she gave it to me. It was used once! Definitely buying a new car seat tho just to be safe!

JaqiDec04 · June 2015

amandagrider said:

What about a bassinet? I have been iffy about this, but would hate to spend more money on something that will only be used for a few months.

I saw a ton of the all lace and cloth basinets at Once Upon a Baby when I was there yesterday. My biggest concern would be if I could wash all those ruffles and cloth. You just never know what they cloth has been exposed to.

We have a second hand wooden cradle, which I'm totally fine with however.

jenspeake · June 2015

My MIL bought us a used baby carrier and it came with a used stuff animal inside. She loves second hand but I don't want to use it. It looks older and did not come with instructions. I told DH next time she asks if we have anything to tell her to wait for us to register! I'll feel bad never using the stuff she buys! I'm getting my car seat, pack n play, bouncer all used from my sister. I don't mind getting these things from someone I know and who has cared for it. I believe most car seats have the expiration date on them. Clothes and items I can wash I'm ok with second hand!

MamaOwl15 · June 2015

I bought a swing/bouncy seat, boppy pillow, crib, stroller frame, and some clothes used when I had DS. And yes, we bought his infant carrier used, but that's not generally recommended. We didn't really realize till AFTER buying it that you're not supposed to buy those used. (I cringe to think of having to buy something new you're only going to use 6 months for each kid, but safety is more important).

I would never buy a mattress, breast pump accessories (any part that comes into contact with your milk), pillows, or even bottles second-hand. Clothes, on the other hand, I've bought plenty used at consignment stores. I trust that they've been washed and if there are no stains, I'm not worried. Babies grow out of their clothes way faster than they wear out.

Cribs and other furniture are fine used as long as they meet current safety standards.

I look for used stuff at consignment shops or on Craigslist (where people are selling things that are only a year or so old and may even still be available new), as opposed to Goodwill. Especially at places like Once Upon a Child, I know the item has been inspected and meets certain standards or it wouldn't be for sale there.

rue:D · June 2015

I purchased a bouncer at a garage sale - most of it can be washed and they're only good to 25 pounds so you know it wasn't used for a super long period of time! I've picked up some clothes at garage sales and consignment stores as well, they'll all be washed before our babies wear them.

I wouldn't get anything that can't be washed or sanitized as appropriate, and anything that safety standards change for (car seats, cribs, etc). Anything else - go for it!

KLHauck12 · June 2015

I am willing to buy used clothes because they can be washed. I have so bought baby toys, plastic toys (but check for teeth marks or rough edges), and baby seats (but only if cloth covers can be removed and washed). If it can be washed & sanitized, I say go for it. Things for newborns are used for such a short time, it is usually in good shape and people want rid of it, so you can get a good deal. Like others said, I'd avoid anything with safety concerns (car seat) or anything your baby would be in unsupervised (crib, bassinet). Also, it creeps me out to buy something that my baby would use for nursing (breast pump supplies, pacifiers, bottles - even if you cab sanitize). Im just not sure it can be cleaned well enough. I'm buying crib, pump, bottles, car seat ,stroller, and pack n play new....and I would consider used for anything else.

jenspeake · June 2015

@BrooklynBroussard-so do not plan on using the stuffed animal either! That one can go on a shelf. I don't want her coming over after we have the baby and asking where the stuffed moose is!

jts2015 · June 2015

I think I would trust those consignment store more then an individual seller because they are inspected properly.

feeohhnaax7 · June 2015

I'm all about saving money, however I'm not buying anything used, but that's just my preference. The only used items I have are DH grandmothers glider/Ottoman (they're moving and trying to downsize, which works for me, it's in perfect condition!), a pack and play from his aunt which his cousin hardly ever used, and a TON of baby clothes from his aunt that are in almost perfect condition. The only reason I took them was because they're family and I know how clean they are and how clean they keep things. I would be too worried buying a stroller, crib, bassinet, swing, etc. used. Maybe it's because I'm a FTM, but I'm also a germaphobe. I'd rather just buy new.

VioletandRose · June 2015

If I don't get certain items on my registry, I have no problem buying used things like swings, bouncers, high chairs, etc. I did go to a childrens consignment sale a few months ago and picked up a ton of clothes, a lot of them still had tags! If they were used I only picked "gently" used items - nothing with pilling, stains, etc. Clothes can easily be washed and disinfected. Things I wouldn't buy used: carseat, crib, toys that are meant for the mouth, stuffed animals, pacifiers, bottles, nursing supplies, pack n play, stroller. (Those last 2 only because I hope to get many years of use out of them, so I'd rather buy new so they are in the best condition possible starting out.)

FitzParent · June 2015

The guidance I've read and been given was to steer clear of anything over about 5 years old. Apparently the Canadian guidelines changes significantly in the last few years so even swings and bouncers should be avoided if they're of a certain age. Definitely stay away from crib, mattress, car seat, playard if they're used. Had to politely tell my MIL that the old crib and bassinet she'd kept for the last 30 years are wildly illegal now and can't be used. Tough but true.

MamaOwl15 · June 2015

When DS was born, my in-laws tried to give us the crib they'd used for my 21-year old (19 at the time) sister in law. While I appreciate the generosity, I was glad when they couldn't find the screws to put it together, because it meant we didn't have to tell them no.

They still have all their kids' old toys, so DS ended up inheriting a few from DH, but not till I inspected them! I can't imagine getting anything used that's over 5 years old (except maybe clothes), no matter the source!

gerbies · June 2015

With my son, I bought tons of used items, even though we could afford new. I researched each item for safety regulations and recalls. I ended up buying all high-end items in amazing condition at a fraction of the cost. This included the crib, crib mattress (it was new and wrapped, but the seller never used), changing table, glider chair, bassinet, high chair, bouncy seat, swing, clothes (Janie and Jack, gently used Gymboree, etc.). I did buy some new stuff due to safety and preference, or because I couldn't find what I wanted new, such as car seats, stroller, BOB stroller, pack n' play, etc. For my first shower, because we had purchased all of the big items, I received all of the smaller stuff needed. With this pregnancy, I will reuse everything from the first pregnancy, except items I need to replace like bottles, diaper genie, etc.

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