The list of things to buy when you find out your expecting can be a page long. New mums will share their must haves and magazines will tell you what you need to raise your baby up in style. Everyone will have an opinion on which pram is best and what cot will get the best resale value. There is so much to consider when purchasing items for your new addition.
But many of the items that are purchased for baby don’t get used for very long. Some parents decide it’s much smarter to borrow or buy used baby products to keep costs down and to prevent more landfill.
It’s a joy to be able to pass on loved baby items to a friend who is expecting. But there are some items that are recommended not to be purchased second hand or reused. Here is a general list of what not to buy second-hand for your baby and why new maybe safer.
Car Seats
Car seats can be an expensive outlay, but they are a necessary baby item all parents need to purchase. Consumer reports recommend car seats are bought new for each child, unless they are passed along quickly as often safety standards and new improvements change, to ensure the safety of the child.
Infant car seats have a six-year-service life, but convertible car seats have a 10-year-service life, so if you do choose to purchase a second hand car seat, ensure that it is within this date range. Ask for the manufacturer date when looking to purchase a second hand car seat. The seat should also be checked to ensure it hasn’t been in a car accident. This can be difficult to do as a re-seller may choose to withhold this information, but it is vital that the car seat is intact, no parts are missing and the straps fasten as needed. Safety standards change and its important that the car seat you purchase complies with these new standards. That’s why it’s always safer to buy a new car seat. In fact, safety experts advise you should never buy second-hand car seats unless you know and trust the person selling the item.
Cots
Safety standards on cots change to ensure baby remains safe in their place to sleep. Buying a second hand cot can be risky as it may not meet mandatory Australian standards. The hazards can be gaps that are too wide between the bars where baby can get their head stuck and can pose as a strangulation risk. Some cots may be painted in lead paint which is dangerous for teething babies that like to chew the rail.
Choice do say that if a cot has been made for the Australian market and is only a few years old and in good condition, it should be ok. But do your research on models and choose wisely. Also always replace the mattress. Don’t buy second-hand mattresses.
High Chair
Many children have fallen from high chairs, simply because their restraints have failed safety standards. It’s important that if you do purchase a second hand high chair, the restraints work – it has a sturdy fixed crotch restraint between the legs to ensure baby doesn’t slide through the chair. A 5-point-harness is a must to prevent children climbing out of the chair. Ensure that the high chair is cleaned thoroughly. Some high chairs can be so well padded, they can inhibit growth from mould or old food that’s never been cleaned. Be aware that buying a second hand high chair may have unnecessary health hazards.
Prams
Prams and strollers are a very necessary, yet expensive baby item that all parents can’t live without. The same rules apply to purchasing second hand prams. Ensure the model you are purchasing hasn’t been recalled, check the year when the pram was purchased and ask where the pram was purchased. Prams that have only been used for 6 to 12 months make a great buy.
Baby’s safety should be of the upmost importance when purchasing baby items. It’s a thrill to be thrifty and it’s great for the environment, but if it’s no longer safe, then it’s no longer worth purchasing.
I totally disagree with this article. I would encourage mums to buy second hand items to try and also because often you need to buy a second item anyway. This is especially true in relation to prams. As long as you do you research, buy good safe brands and check all safety features work I would go nuts. I purchased all of the above second hand from eBay and gumtree. Saved myself enough money to travel to Europe. Also my eldest child didn’t like the original pram I purchased so I was able to buy a second without feeling like I had wasted money and keep the spare one in the car. Don’t be pressured into buying the best of everything straight away. Babies don’t care if things are second hand and the money you save can be out to good use.
Totally value your comment Natalie, and I think there are many parents who have been given second-hand baby products, and appreciate not having to outlay the costs. A lot of the recommendations are from Choice though. I totally agree that you can save so much money from buying second hand. I bought a second hand capsule for my second daughter, but it actually proved to be a disaster purchase. I bought most of my items new so that I can a) pass on to my brother when he has children or b)get some cash back when I sell the items. I think Choice just wants to make aware to parents that when buying items like car seats, cots and high chairs, they need to meet the latest safety standards. Anyway well done on saving money to travel to Europe. I can’t wait to do that when my girls are old enough to remember the trip. 🙂
I couldn’t agree more. This article is crap. I went through 3 prams. And 2 car seats. Imagine the costs if they were new. If you are aware and do your research first you can buy anything second hand. Yes safety standards change, and that should be taken into account.
I was able to get a pram, change table and car seat from my Aunt whos grandchild had outgrown. I knew the history of them and trusted they were safe. I also got a booster seat when my son was older from another Aunt whos child had outgrown. My son is 13 yrs now. I also passed my sons cot to my sister and shebused it for 3 more children so it was used for 8 yrs for 4 kids.
HI, its not 6yrs for car seats, its 10 yrs from date of manufacture. While I would agree that its worth getting new car seats, there are times where most parents only need a certain type for a short time. We sold ours recently, most were only 3yrs old and we priced them in line with them being 10 yrs less that time of useful life and advertised them as such. Cots haven’t had a change in standards for years so are fine as long as they are newer than the standard.