New vs. Used

rlworzalla · November 2015

DH and I have been looking at consignment sales for basic clothing (since we don't know LO's sex yet), and starting to look at furniture. We got a multi-mode swing in brand new condition from a friend for $10, but there's some things that I won't buy used, like car seats and breast pumps (yes I know you can sanitize them!).

What do you plan on buying used and/or what will you ONLY buy new?

kbrands7 · November 2015

We bought some clothes and small things like outside Little Tykes toys used. We received a hand-me-down swing, but DS hated it and it never worked well because the motor was weak. In general, anything that has a sanitary issue attached, expires, or can't be easily cleaned, I'd stay away from used. Also, if you go used, be sure to check recalls.

countrygrl5533 · November 2015

New:

-socks
-bathing suits
-hats
-breast pump (I was given one from a friend who only used it once but I still doubt I'll use it)

Used (from friends only so I know the condition):

-car seat
-crib

Used (from consignment store, etc.):

-anything else

cmeags · November 2015

@rlworzalla

I am the same as you - no used car seat and no used breast pumps, lol.

The rest I think I'm open to used items. There are so many gently used baby items out there.

scarletangel2006 · November 2015

Breast pump ill get new because insurance will pay for it.
Car seats i bought used, knew the people, condition, within date and all was good.
Everything else im ok either way. Finding good deals used and been given some that new.
Just bought green mountain prefold diapers off craigslist for less than half cost. 2 on the way so any savings will help. Cloth diapera already a savings and throw in buying them used...even better.

mrstmoose · November 2015

Since this is our first, we will probably get most things new since we have nothing. That being said, my hometown has a garage sale weekend the first full weekend of May so I plan on hitting that up all day (which should be fun since I'll be 8.5 months pregnant) and trying to get as many clothes as I can. I am borrowing maternity clothes from my best friend when I can but she is a size 4 so I can only use so many things!

Dantzscher32 · November 2015

Our community has Spring and Fall consignment sales and they are rather large here. I do find a lot of good clothes for great deals for my babes. Things that expire or are items like bottles/nipples, breast pump, etc I stay away from at consignment. I got excited with all that I could find at the sales for great deals. A lot of items look brand new and some things are still in taped boxes! Kids go through things so fast, that it makes me feel better not investing so much money in something used for a short time.

cgg0707 · November 2015

Car seat, breast pump, potty seat will buy new only

doozer1345 · November 2015

Anything that needs to be sterilized (breast pump), sanitary needs (like diapers, pottys, pacifiers), and anything to do with their safety (car seats) I will only buy brand new. I guess it just depends on where I'm getting it, can I sanitize it, and how often will I use it.

khochanadel · November 2015

I think we'll have to get more new stuff than most because we're having twins and the volume of twin stuff is just not there.

Definitely car seats, stroller, and cribs. Everything I'm fine buying used.

JoMunson · November 2015

I didn't think you could buy used car seats because they have expiration dates.
My biggest thing is just trying to find stuff without chemicals/plastic/flame retardant in it.

mumbolino · November 2015

Apart from carseats (as @JoMunson said) I will try to buy used when I can, as I love the idea of recycling. Of course, I'll buy new items, but I will aim to buy used when I can.

No baby will care if the stuff is new or used :-)

countrygrl5533 · November 2015

JoMunson said:

I didn't think you could buy used car seats because they have expiration dates. My biggest thing is just trying to find stuff without chemicals/plastic/flame retardant in it.

You can buy used car seats. Not illegal or anything like that. It is just recommended you don't buy them from someone you don't know because you don't know if they have been in a car accident, etc.

I have borrowed both the infant carrier and the car seat we have now. I'm borrowing another infant seat when this baby is here. I know where they are coming from as they are from friends. I personally wouldn't buy a used from craiglist, FB, etc. because I wouldn't know the history.

Scottwswife · November 2015

This time we are getting a new stroller ...double jogger, but grandma is helping with it. With thing 1 I bought very little new but the diapers. Car seat and breast pump came from my sister in law, so I knew the history on both. Stroller was Craigslist. Swing and high chair and gear were mostly shower gifts. Unless it's a gift, clothes and shoes are secondhand, either hand me downs or kids consignment shopping.

gooberdoofus95 · November 2015

I agree with buying a new car seat and pump or getting them used from close friends/family members! I had my DD last year so everything we have in still usable such as car seat and other furniture. I got my pump from my sister and bought my car seat/stroller combo new last year! We got everything else used that a baby could possibly need.

I recommend to anyone who plans on having other babies close together that car seats are good for around 8 years so get that big stuff in a neutral color for future babies!!

Kennedy0830 · November 2015

What about crib mattresses? Always buy new or ok from someone you know?

jenl1681 · November 2015

This is just my personal opinion/experience.

Buy New:
Car seats-even if it is someone you know and can verify that it hasn't been in a car accident, I still think about how many times my kids had spills/accidents/spit up in theirs and I'm good with keeping that in the family. Yes, of course you can wash them, but each manufacturer has special instructions on washing or not washing covers and straps and can you be sure that was followed?

Boppy Pillow: my son had bad reflux and was always spitting up, we tossed the boppy after he was done with it because it was so gross.

Crib mattress: I personally just prefer new, not sure of my reasoning

Buy Used:
Pack n play
High chair
Bouncy seat
Glider
Clothes etc
Crib
Dresser/changing table
Anything else

rlworzalla · November 2015

Kennedy0830 said:
What about crib mattresses? Always buy new or ok from someone you know?

I would be nervous about bed bugs if they come from non familiar places. I've been bitten by bed bugs while studying abroad and I don't wish that on anyone let alone a baby!

Want a personalized experience?

New vs. Used

Re: New vs. Used

Choose Another Board

Search Boards