Is it safe to buy used baby gear?

Is it okay to buy used baby gear?

The average cost for first time parents having a baby in the UK is currently a staggering £11,498 in the first year alone.

It’s no surprise that over 70% of parents are comparing new vs used baby gear to help bring down that cost.

As well as improving your bank balance, plenty of parents are looking to buy used baby items to be kinder to the environment.

The circular economy - where items are sold and bought second hand (hopefully more than once!) saves both resources and the environment.

Choosing used baby items over new can often save you up to 90% off the retail price and reduces carbon emissions by 82%.

Over half of the parents we interviewed in 2023 told us that safety was a big worry when buying second hand kids gear. W fond parent often wonder if it is okay to buy used baby stuff.

We’ve done the research for you and here is our definitive guide to what items are safe to buy used for your baby, and a few that aren’t too.

1. Buggies, Strollers and Pushchairs

Whether it’s a newborn pram, or a stroller to throw in the boot, a brand new buggy is one of the most expensive purchases you’ll make, often costing more than £1000 new.

The good news is that they are absolutely safe to buy used, whether it’s had one former owner or three.

What to check is safe when buying a secondhand buggy:

• A safety label with the British Safety Standard BS EN 1888:2019
• A search online to check if the product has been recalled
• Check that the brakes work, the folding mechanism is fine and that all the buckles and straps are in place and working
• That it comes with all the attachments and accessories that you need / that they are easily purchased online if missing
• That you can find the user manual online if the original owner doesn’t have this.

2. Bedside Crib

Bedside cribs are used for such a short period of time that these are an ideal baby item to buy used. Bedside cribs are safe to buy second hand, but you will need to buy a new mattress.

Things to check are safe when buying a secondhand bedside crib

• It confirms to the British Safety Standard - which will be BS EN 716 or EN 1130-1 depending on the model.
• A search online to check if the product has been recalled

3. Nursing Chair

A nursing chair is often a nursery staple, but often a very pricey one. As a nursing chair tends to only have very gentle use, it’s a great baby item to buy second hand.

What to check is safe when buying a used nursing chair

• If it has a rocking or gliding mechanism it’s all in good order, including the footstool
• That it adheres to British Furniture and Fire Safety Standards
• That the covers are washable

5. Baby Bouncers

Baby bouncers are safe to buy second hand, but there are some things you must check before buying a pre-loved baby bouncer

What to check is safe before buying a secondhand bouncer:

• Do a search online to check if the product has been recalled - there are several Fisher Price bouncers that have been recalled in the last few years, so do make sure you check this
• Search the manufacturers guidance on age limits and how to use your bouncer safely.
• Check for signs of wear and tear, and that all clasps, buckles and straps are in good working order.

6. Highchairs

Highchairs can be a very expensive baby purchase, and are an excellent and safe baby item to buy secondhand.

Things to check are safe when buying a secondhand highchair

• That is has the British Safety Standard BS EN 14988
• Do a search online to check if the product has been recalled
• Check all straps and buckles are working well
• Check for any attachments or accessories that might be missing
• Check all cushions and fabric are washable
• Check if any items can be put in the dishwasher to be cleaned

7. Cots and Cot beds

You can buy a cot second hand, but for safety reasons you should always buy a new mattress if possible.

What to check is safe before buying a secondhand cot:

• Check it conforms to the British Safety Standards - BS EN 716 for cots and folding cots, BS EN 1130-1 for cribs and cradles and BS 8509 for children's beds.
• If it has a drop side, you should check the mechanism works well, and that it has locks
• Check the distance between the bars (no less than 2.5cm or more than 6.5cm)

8. Reusable Nappies

Reusable nappies are safe to buy second hand for your baby, but before buying a bundle of cloth nappies, you should check the following things:

Things to check are safe when buying used cloth nappies

• How many children have used the nappies. The less bums they’ve been on, the more life they have left
• Check the condition of velcro, poppers and any fasteners to make sure they’re all still working
• Check the fabric to see if there are any worn or thinning areas
• Check elasticated areas for any perished elastic.

10. Bottles and feeding gear

As bottles and baby feeding gear are so easily sterlised, they are a safe to buy used for your baby. Make sure that you sterilise them thoroughly using steam or sterilising fluid.

Valves, teats, seals and any other removable parts that might be missing or damaged can easily be replaced.

As with all feeding equipment, make sure you inspect anything that goes in your babies mouth for wear and tear, replace any teats that are damaged.

11. Baby Monitors

Baby monitors can be quite an expensive bit of kit, especially when buying models with cameras or sensors.

Second hand baby monitors are safe to use for your baby, but there are a few things to keep in mind if you buy a used baby monitor.

Things to check are safe when buying a second hand baby monitor:

• Replace all batteries in handsets
• For models that connect to wifi, make sure you change all the passwords and download any software updates.
• Models with breathing or movement monitors should have a CE mark.

12. Stair gates

Stair gates are safe to buy second hand for your baby, but you should check the following things before purchasing

What to check is safe before buying a secondhand stair gate:

• Check for the current British Safety Standard: BS EN 1930:2011
• Check all hinges and handles for any sign of ageing
• For gates that screw in, make sure you buy the correct length screw for the fate
• For pressure gates, ensure that you have the wall cups and fixings that are required to assemble it correctly
• Download the manuals online to ensure you fit your secondhand stair gate correctly.

13. Toys

Toys are the number one selling category on KiDSiE, as they are brilliant and totally safe to buy second hand.

Babies and toddlers grow out of toys very quickly and they have a huge amount of life left in them.

Things to check are safe when buying second baby toys:

• All children’s toys should have a CE mark, which shows that it meets regulatory safety requirements.
• ****Do a search online to check if the product has been recalled
• For toys with batteries, change the batteries before using, and ensure that the battery panel is screwed closed
• Toys with button batteries should be very closely monitored, you can read about button battery safety at the Child Accident Prevention Trust.

Car Seats

Top of the list of baby items you should never buy second hand are car seats. You’re never able to know the history of a second hand car seat, even a tiny little ding, or the seat being dropped can cause internal damage that you’re unable to see which could mean the car seat failing in a collision.

Car seats also deteriorate and have a six year or so shelf life. You can read more about that in our article about car seats .

You shouldn’t buy a second hand car seat for your baby.

Cot Mattresses

There is some research that found an increased chance of SIDS when using a second-hand mattress brought in from outside of the family home.

Although the link is not yet proven, the advice is currently that you shouldn’t buy a second hand mattress.

The Lullaby Trust has an abundance of information on safer sleeping for babies.

Following safer sleep advice can significantly reduce the chances of sudden infant death syndrome (sometimes called SIDS or cot death) occurring and The Lullaby Trust suggests that we follow this advice until your child is 12 months old (adjusted for premature babies).

Helmets

As with car seats, it’s impossible to tell if there is any internal damage in a helmet. This can occur from being dropped - a fairly regular toddler occueance.

It’s always better to buy new in this scenario, helmets aren’t safe to buy used for your child.

Final Words

Overall you’ll see that the majority of baby gear is safe to buy secondhand with a few exception.

Looking for ways to save money and buy used baby gear safely? KiDSiE is the UK’s first premium outlet and resale marketplace for children's gear.

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