5 things you can buy second hand for your baby - and 3 you should ALWAYS buy new

The excitement of first finding out you’re pregnant is indescribable – after all the time spent reading and researching endlessly about cycles and conception and pregnancy tests, you finally have you little one growing inside of you!

Most of us start Pinterest-ing almost immediately – nurseries, baby names, baby outfits – it’s hard not to! It’s a euphoric time – a less euphoric time?

The moment when you realise how much all of that Pinterest-worthy stuff is going to cost.

white sofa chair beside white window curtain

The baby market, like the wedding market, is extortionate. Big companies know how exciting these times in our lives are and how we’re usually willing to drop big bucks on items considered ‘essential’ (and non-essential), especially if we’re nesting.

It’s important to do your research beforehand, from both an economic and an eco perspective. If you’re hoping to take a more planet-friendly approach in your parenting to leave the world better for your future child, or you just don’t want to drop major cash on things you could get elsewhere for cheaper, then listen up to these five things you can buy second hand for baby – and the three things you should never buy used.

Buy Second Hand

Bedding

Full body of adorable little child sitting on gray blanket and looking down

Crib sheets, linens, bed sets, blankets, burp cloths – bedding is one of those things you might not think you can get second hand, but with the correct cleaning process, they can be a total steal from a thrift store or online market place. Some of fluffy baby blankets can nearly cost more than a full adult-sized bed throw, so shop wisely and see what you can find. Generally, babies don’t really need much more than a crib sheet and a solid mattress (which you should never buy second hand) so as long as you clean them in an extra hot wash, air them out and disinfect them, linens and bedding are fine to buy second hand.

Clothing

A Woman doing Laundry

Another one that’s like bedding – absolutely fine to buy second hand as long as you clean them properly. Babies grow so quickly and investing in all the little outfits and sets – tempting as it may be – can be very wasteful, as they usually grow out of it in a couple of months. Plus, visitors and well wishers love to buy the cute little outfits, so let them splurge the cash while you cast an eye over the children’s section in your local thrift store for a steal or two.

Nursery furniture

Brown Wooden Baby Crib Near White Wooden Framed Glass Window

Changing tables, cots, bathtubs, rocking chairs – our dream nursery costs begin to add up in an alarming fashion when we actually sit down to make the list – and again, it’s mostly furniture you’ll only need for a short period of yours and baby’s life – two to three years tops. Check out online market places and online mom groups – if some mums are past that part of their motherhood journey they may be looking for an opportunity to get rid of their nursery stuff and you could get a total bargain on some of the nursery basics – al you’ll have to do is disinfect it!

Toys

Baby in White Onesie Holding Wooden Blocks

So many plastic-y, rubber and plush toys get bought and sold everyday – it’s another crazily wasteful industry. Kids get bought so much stuff these days that they don’t seem to know what to do with it. Have a browse through your local thrift shop’s home and kids section to see what they have on offer (staying away from soft plushy toys like teddies and stuffed dolls which tend to carry more dirt) for some simple wooden toys or a few handy bathtub plastics.

Baby strollers

Crop parents with black baby in carriage

This is another one that surprises people, which is fair enough – I say to buy strollers or prams second hand with some caveats. There are a lot of things you need to check out on the stroller in question if you buy second hand: aligned wheels, proper folding and unfolding – including the lock mechanisms to be sure it won’t collapse half-way down the street with baby inside – properly working brakes, clean and intact fabric with no tears and a five point harness (essential for modern safety standards). Be sure to also check that there’s no rust or flaking on the handles or sides and that the handles have a good grip. Disinfect well and use away!

Never Buy Second Hand

Car seats

baby in white and gray bib

Car seats are a tricky on, because you do see them available in second hand stores for much cheaper than the new ones in nursery stores. But resist temptation! Car seats need to be fitted properly be certified as safe – and it’s probably fair to say your local thrift shop owner isn’t licensed to safely and securely fit a car seat like your nursery shop expert is!

Mattresses

Cute baby resting in crib at daytime

Because you just never know where it’s coming from – there could be massive amounts of dirt, mould or bacteria beneath the surface and you’d never even know it. And we don’t want baby inhaling any of that!

Breast pumps and bottles

Feeding Bottle on Table

For obvious sanitary reasons! You don’t know how clean or what condition that pump or the bottles were kept in for years and some bacteria are harder to kill than others – you don’t want to risk contaminating your breast milk and making baby sick, so it’s just easier and safer to go with fresh bottles and a new breast pump.

267 Shares

Latest

Trending