Second-Hand Baby Gear: What to Buy Used and What to Buy New

When you factor in how little time babies can spend in certain items before growing out of them, the benefits of buying second-hand baby gear can be significant, both for the environment and your bank balance!

But while there are plenty of baby products that can be great second hand buys, there are some where I'd always recommend buying new. So let's get into it!

Quick Guide:

I'd recommend buying new:

• Car seat

• Cot mattress

It depends:

• Breast pump

Can buy second-hand if the product passes the relevant checks:

• Baby carriers/slings

• Pushchairs

• Cot/cribs

• Clothes

• Highchairs

• Baby baths

• Changing tables

General Advice

Whatever baby product you're considering buying second-hand, there are a few general checks I'd recommend making before you buy:

• Buy from a smoke- and pet-free home - particularly important for products made from fabrics or with lots of small crevices that can be difficult to clean.

• Check for product recalls - search for the exact product or model on GOV.UK before buying.

• Check the relevant safety standards - make sure the product meets the appropriate British Standard or other relevant safety requirements for that product.

• Check you can still access the instructions - these are particularly important for products that need to be assembled or fitted correctly.

• Check the condition carefully - look for cracks, tears, broken or missing parts, excessive wear and anything that doesn't work as it should.

• Check the age of the product - safety standards can change over time, and some products have a recommended lifespan.

  
  

Car Seats = Buy New

If there is one piece of baby gear I'd strongly recommend buying new, it's your car seat.

Why?

A car seat may look to be in perfect condition, but without knowing its complete history, you can't be certain that its internal components haven't been damaged in an accident.

Even a relatively minor collision can affect a car seat in ways that aren't visible from the outside. With a second-hand car seat, you're relying on the seller to know and accurately tell you its full history.

When it comes to something that's designed to protect your baby in a crash, I would recommend buying your baby's car seat new.

Car seats also have a recommended lifespan, which varies by manufacturer. Once a seat is beyond the manufacturer's recommended period of use, it may no longer meet the manufacturer's requirements.

Slings & Baby Carriers = A Good Second-Hand Buy

Slings and baby carriers can be a great way to save money by buying second-hand.

What should you check?

Start by looking carefully at the overall condition. Check for:

• Tears, holes or thinning fabric

• Frayed or worn stitching

• Damaged buckles, clips or fastenings

• Worn or damaged straps

• Any signs that the carrier has been modified

• The manufacturer's label and model information

  
  

Make sure all buckles and straps work as they should and feel secure when fastened.

I'd also recommend checking the manufacturer's instructions before using a second-hand carrier as different carriers have different requirements for positioning and weight limits, and it's important to make sure you know how yours should be used safely.

Finally, check the care instructions. Some carriers can be machine washed, while others need to be spot cleaned or have specific washing requirements.

Prams & Pushchairs = One of the Best Things to Buy Second-Hand

Prams and pushchairs are one of my favourite pieces of baby gear to buy second-hand.

Why? They can be expensive, but they can also have a surprisingly long lifespan, particularly if you're buying a model that has been well looked after.

What should you check?

If possible, see the pram in person before buying and actually use it rather than just looking at photographs.

Check:

• Brakes: Do they engage properly and hold the pram securely?

• Wheels: Do they spin freely and evenly? Look for excessive wear or damage.

• Frame: Check for cracks, dents, rust or signs of damage.

• Folding mechanism: Does it fold and unfold smoothly?

• Locks: If it has a locking mechanism, does it engage properly?

• Harness: Check the straps, buckle and stitching for signs of wear.

• Seat recline: Does it adjust and lock securely?

• Handlebar: If it is adjustable, does it adjust securely?

• Basket and fabrics: Check for excessive wear, tears or damage.

• Accessories: Check which original parts are included and whether anything important is missing.

  
  

I'd also recommend checking whether replacement parts are still available. A second-hand pram can be a fantastic bargain, but not if a broken wheel or missing adapter means you can't actually use it.

If you're buying a second-hand travel system, remember that I'd still recommend buying the car seat new.

Cots & Bedside Cribs = Can Be Bought Second-Hand

Cots and bedside cribs can also be good second-hand purchases, provided you check them carefully.

Before buying, check:

• There are no cracks, splits or damaged areas.

• All screws, fixings and components are present.

• Nothing is loose or unstable.

• The base locks securely into position.

• There haven't been any modifications to the original design.

• You can access the manufacturer's instructions.

• The product hasn't been recalled.

• You know the age of the product and can check that it meets the relevant safety standard.

  
  

Cot Mattresses = Buy New If Possible

While the cot itself can be a great second-hand buy, a cot mattress is something I'd buy new if possible.

A baby's mattress should be:

• Firm and flat

• The correct size for the cot or crib

• In good condition, without sagging

• Free from tears or damage

• Clean and waterproof

• A good fit, with no significant gaps around the edges

• Fire-resistant (has a label that shows this)

  
  

Buying a new mattress means you know exactly where it has come from and how it has been stored and used.

Highchairs = A Good Second-Hand Option

Highchairs are another product where buying second-hand can make a lot of sense.

Babies don't use them for very long, and many highchairs are designed to withstand plenty of use.

Before buying, check:

• The harness and buckle work correctly

• The crotch strap is present and secure

• The tray locks properly

• The chair is stable and doesn't wobble

• Any folding or height-adjustment mechanisms work correctly

• There are no cracks or broken pieces, including underneath the seat and around the tray

• You have all the parts needed to use it safely

• The product hasn't been recalled

  
  

I'd also give it a really thorough clean before your baby uses it!

Baby Baths & Changing Tables = Good Second-Hand Buys

These are two more products where buying second-hand can be a sensible way to save money.

• Baby bath: check for cracks, sharp edges or damage that could affect its stability.

• Changing table: make sure it is sturdy and stable, all fixings are present and any safety straps or barriers are in good condition.

As with everything else, check the product hasn't been recalled and that you can still access the manufacturer's instructions.

Clothing & Other Soft Goods = Good Second-Hand Buys

Baby clothes are probably one of the easiest things to buy second-hand. Babies grow so quickly that many clothes have barely been worn before they're outgrown, making second-hand clothing a great way to save money.

Before buying, check for:

• Broken poppers or buttons

• Loose threads

• Damaged zips

• Worn or thinning fabric

• Drawstrings or other features that could pose a safety risk

  
  

Give everything a good wash before your baby wears it and you're good to go!

Breast Pumps = It Depends

Breast pumps vary in whether they are intended for single-user or multi-user use, so check the manufacturer's guidance for the specific model before buying second-hand.

If the manufacturer states it can be used by multiple users, make sure you replace any parts that come into contact with breast milk where recommended. For example, you may be able to buy the main pump unit second-hand while purchasing new tubing, valves, membranes, breast shields and other parts as appropriate.

Your Second-Hand Pre-Purchase Checklist:

Before handing over your money, ask yourself:

☐ Do I know exactly what product/model this is?

☐ Can I check whether it has been recalled?

☐ Can I access the manufacturer's instructions?

☐ Does it have the relevant safety information/standards?

☐ Are all the original parts included?

☐ Is anything cracked, torn, broken, missing or excessively worn?

☐ Has it been modified in any way?

☐ Do I know enough about its history?

☐ Are replacement parts still available if I need them?

☐ Have I been able to properly see and check the product before buying?

Baby clothes flat lay on white background: striped onesie, white shirt, brown shoes, teether and knit trousers in soft beige tones.