A Practical Guide to Buying Secondhand Baby Gear

Secondhand baby gear can save real money, but not every item is a good candidate for buying used. A little checking upfront avoids the products worth skipping.

Generally fine to buy secondhand

• wooden furniture like dressers or bookshelves, checked for stability and secure hardware
• clothing, which is often barely worn before being outgrown
• books, toys without recalled small parts, and most open-ended play items
• strollers, checked for working wheels, brakes, and frame integrity

Worth extra caution

• Car seats: have expiration dates and unknown crash history unless you know the seller directly. Check the manufacture date and the manufacturer’s stated expiration guidance.
• Cribs: older cribs may not meet current slat-spacing and drop-side safety standards. Check the manufacture date against current guidelines before using one.
• Breast pumps: many manufacturers specifically advise against secondhand use for hygiene reasons. Check the manufacturer’s own guidance.

Always check for recalls

Before buying any secondhand gear, a quick search of your country’s consumer product safety recall database by brand and model can catch issues that aren’t visible just from looking at the item.

What to inspect in person

• moving parts (wheels, hinges, folding mechanisms) for smooth, secure operation
• straps and buckles for fraying or cracking
• any recall stickers or missing manufacturer labels, which can make it harder to verify age or recall status

Bottom line

Furniture, clothing, and most toys are generally safe secondhand buys. Car seats, cribs, and breast pumps deserve extra scrutiny or may be worth buying new. Always run a quick recall check by brand and model before finalizing a secondhand purchase.