Baby items...what is ok to get used?

[Lisa71]

You can get lots of new baby carriers. I bought a sling and a kelty backpack carrier. I used baby thrift stores that guarantee their things and also check recall lists. We gave a friend a mattress but it was a crib at my parents only used once. I gave away the kids crib to a friend but have her the factory website so she could check it out. We live in CA so used heavy coats are easy to find too.

 

[nchulka]

After buying so much new stuff for my first, I learned that I probably should have gotten used! I would only buy a new car seat though (never know if it was in an accident) I have found many great baby/kids based consignment shops. I would suggest looking for a few, while some are more like thrift stores, I travel to one that sells higher end items and she will only accept very good quality.

With my first baby I wanted everything new and matching. I loved going to BRU and seeing all the perfectly matching, beautifully coordinated rooms! I had to have it all! After I realized how short of an amount of time everything was used for and how quickly it ended up in the basement I realized how foolish I was If I had another baby I'd buy everything used (except the car seat!).

One thing I am happy I bought was the changing table/dresser combo. It's still in DS's room 9 years later, he now puts all his trophies/treasures on the changing table part!

 

[njmom47]

For my dgd (almost 2 1/2) we got a lot of second hand stuff for "Grammy's" house...but I agree carseat and crib should be brand new.

Try Freecycle too...I gave away a lot of dgd's baby stuff on there.

 

[SAT887]

With my first baby I wanted everything new and matching. I loved going to BRU and seeing all the perfectly matching, beautifully coordinated rooms! I had to have it all! After I realized how short of an amount of time everything was used for and how quickly it ended up in the basement I realized how foolish I was If I had another baby I'd buy everything used (except the car seat!).

One thing I am happy I bought was the changing table/dresser combo. It's still in DS's room 9 years later, he now puts all his trophies/treasures on the changing table part!

I am going to say the only wise thing I did with my first born and all our "new" stuff was make sure the major items were gender neutral.... But then my second was a girl... Go figure! I bet if I got all girly stuff I would have ended up with one of each!! Now, I know better and but a lot of used.

 

[chloelovesdisney]

I got everything new except for the changing table and cosleeper that my friend gave to me. I did not plan to get a changing table and she insisted on giving me hers, and I actually use it all the time and am very happy to have it. The cosleeper she also gave to me and it turned out to be great to have him right next to me for nursing in the middle of the night.

When my son outgrew the bouncy seat, swing, jumper, activity mat, etc., everything was still in like new condition, so I would say it's fine to get all of those items used. Strollers I find show wear and tear more, so if possible I would try to get that new, or really stalk craigslist for one in excellent condition.

I recently gave my stepsister our infant car seat, obviously she can trust us that it was never in an accident. If you have a good friend or family member that no longer needs theirs, I think that is fine as well. I would not buy one from a stranger. Ditto for the crib/crib mattress.

I would also say books and toys are good items to get used, so keep your eyes open for good deals. I've picked up some very nice Melissa and Doug puzzles from craigslist sellers in the neighborhood.

 

[delmar411]

the only thing that I would need to be new is the carseat. Everything else is just fine used.

My kids have had plenty of used items including a used crib mattress I got off freecycle. I asked for one and someone was nice enough to give us one. It was a much nicer mattress than I had for our other crib too! And I've never had a cloth crib mattress. They are all plastic anyway so a little clorox and you are good to go.

Used doesn't have to mean dirty dingy or otherwise worn out. People have plenty of very nice baby items that they only use for a couple months and then stored away.

And I agree that the stroller/carseat combo is a giant waste of money. That stroller is too big and takes up the entire trunk!

 

[mjkacmom]

I think car seats and crib mattresses should be new. Everything else could be used as long as it is in good condition and fairly new.

I agree (had new everything with the first, the next 2 got the hand-me-downs, borrow or bought used with the twins). When I had my first, I didn't need to buy ANY clothes for the first 1 1/2 years - got a lot as gifts!

 

[MSSANDRA]

One big suggestion I have not seen yet is to hold off a little bit and see what all you receive as gifts before you over buy. In our area, big showers are the norm for first babies and I got almost everything I need from there, grandparents (they buy each family a crib) and a few direct hand-me -downs. Reality was we had more stuff than we could ever use and even with returning some stuff, DS never wore the same outfit more than a few times and some not at all. Once you see what you need, maybe ask friends you know well if you can borrow a baby item they have just finished with; you know the history of it and can return it in case they need it later. I am good with most items being handed down except of course car seats (except that good friend with only a slightly older baby that you trust completely), mattress,and bottles. Check the recall on EVERYTHING.

Funny how some people love and use some things and other never need them. We would have gone absolutely mad without our swing, used the heck out of our high chair, and could count on my fingers the number of times we used the changing table. DS20 slept in the crib, every night for three years, and DS6 never slept ONE night in the crib soooooooo. Have fun buying and getting ready for your little person!!!

 

[scrapquitler]

We have decided that our stroller, crib, and car seats must be new. What items are ok to buy used?

We are considering getting used:
Bouncy seat
Swing
Bassinet ( or sleeper thing that goes by the bed)
Some clothes

Things we are still debating new vs used:
Pack and play
High chair
Changing table
Dresser


Any input or tips?

I wouldn't hesitate at all to buy any of the above items used. The only items I would not buy used for a baby would be a car seat, cloth diapers, tething rings,socks, pacifiers and nipples for bottles,

 

[crisi]

I think car seats and crib mattresses should be new. Everything else could be used as long as it is in good condition and fairly new.

Yep, and check recall information. But buy as much as you can used. Kids get really expensive really quickly, and a dollar saved now and set aside for college will add up when its time to pay the tuition bill.

Except for the occasions when you take pictures of the adorable outfits (and the adorable baby), you won't care if the crib was new or used or you borrowed the swing (which someone somewhere is eager to get out of their basement anyway) or if you got a box of hand me downs from your friend's cousin. You will care when you are trying to figure out where the money for music lessons is going to come from.

 

[writersblock42]

A few things to think about are what do you really use. Instead of getting a separate bassinet and pack n play, just get one that has both in it. Like everyone said, the carseat should be new and be very careful about cribs because they were all recalled recently. If you get a used crib mattress from a friend, you can get a new mattress cover. The only other thing that I would be careful about is if you plan on getting a breast pump.

 

[BadgerGirl84]

I'm shopping for baby gear, too.

I plan on buying new: car seat, car seat bases, crib, crib mattress, Pack and Play.

Things I'd be okay buying used but will probably end up buying new: Stroller (I want a nice one like the City Mini...would only consider used if in excellent condition), baby carriers (infant and one for bigger babies like an Ergo), cloth diapers, crib bedding (sheet, decorative blanket, crib skirt).

Things I'm actively looking for on Craigslist/thrift stores/rummage sales now: rocker/glider in good shape, white dresser that can double as changing table, baby swing (a newer model), clothes, barely used cloth diapers, maternity clothes for me.

I have tried negotiating on price with Craigslist sellers who are selling a used item at only 30-40% off what a new one is going for on Amazon, and most are not budging. Unless I find a great price on some of my Craigslist finds, I'm waiting until rummage sale season starts to make most of my purchases. I think sellers will be more willing to part with their stuff when I'm standing there with the cash in my hand ready to buy.

 

[luvsmickeymouse]

the only thing that I would need to be new is the carseat. Everything else is just fine used.

My kids have had plenty of used items including a used crib mattress I got off freecycle. I asked for one and someone was nice enough to give us one. It was a much nicer mattress than I had for our other crib too! And I've never had a cloth crib mattress. They are all plastic anyway so a little clorox and you are good to go.

Used doesn't have to mean dirty dingy or otherwise worn out. People have plenty of very nice baby items that they only use for a couple months and then stored away.

And I agree that the stroller/carseat combo is a giant waste of money. That stroller is too big and takes up the entire trunk!

This is what I think too!

 

[Eureka]

It's the infant car seat stroller combo.

Just my 2 cents, but both of my kids were tall/long babies and outgrew the infant car seat by 4 months old. We put them in the backward-facing convertable car seat at that age. If we had gotten one of the stroller combos you're talking about, we would have been out of luck.

We bought a new crib, car seats, mattresses etc. but got a hand-me-down highchair, strollers, lots of "hard" toys (plastic, wood blocks, etc) and clothing. We also gave our friends our Kelty Kids carrier (like a Snugli) and pack and play when we were done with them and they gladly accepted those things (used) from us. It's really easy to go overboard, but some things are just not necessary (at all, not even new or used). Good luck!

 

[CluelessDisFan]

I bought a fisher price space saver high chair used it was in good condition for my first born. It was great, and I really wanted to get another one when we had our second. (First one wore out after so many spills and washes.) But then I found the Graco Minnie Mouse collection and got that high chair instead. It was a big mistake, not nearly as nice or comfy. Although very cute in my dining room, DD doesn't really care to be in it much. It still does the job, but wish I would have stuck with the space saver, that's a great really versatile high chair.

You can buy lots of stuff used. I did and I'd do it again. Like PPs have said, buy from a reputable re-sell shop though.

 

[GoofyLo]

I shop a lot of consignment sales in our area for clothes because they grow out of them so fast. For a baby you can find wipe Warner's, extra stroller, exersaucer, bouncy seat, high chair (we prefer the ones that attach to a chair to save room), changing table, baskets for changing table, toys, etc. we often purchase in duplicate so that we have items for our house and the baby's sitter's house. There are web sites that list sales like the bargain watcher and consignment mommies. Sales are listed on those sites if someone submits the information. Often preschools or churches host sales too. I'd ask around your area too. You just have to do your research ahead of time to know cost and recall. Most sales require sellers to check for recalls before submitting items. You also have to take your time shopping and really look over the items before you purchase.

 

[Tigger1221]

I would register for what you want and if you find something used take it off the registry. I was prepared to but stuff used but got a lot as gifts. I would buy a new car seat and I even had one picked out when a close friend said her son had just outgrown his and she would sell me the the 2 bases and seat. My stroller was very important to me as we travel and spend a lot of time outside. I really wanted a City Mini, so my parents bought it for me. I also got my pack n play and high chair as gifts but I would of bought them used it I hadn't. I bought our crib and changing table new as a set on black friday and got a dresser at Target. I would defiantly buy a swing used, I am borrowing one from a friend. My mom wanted stuff for her house and it was all bought at consignment sales stroller, high chair, bouncy seat, (pack n play is my sisters from 15 years ago!). I still go to Consignment sales for toys and clothes, then when I see that perfect outfit or toy new I don't feel as guilty buying it.

We do use our high chair everyday but its a 4 in 1 an I also take it to Nana's and Church when I need to. I LOVE it! I agree to check all recalls. If you have a Once upon a child in your area they check for recalls before accepting items. However look at what they recall is for sometimes they send a repair kit and the item may have been fixed. We have a Rock n' Play and they were recalled for mold issues but ours has had no problems and was a life saver.

On the stroller combo system. I know lots of people love those but look at other strollers. Some like ours you can buy a bar to attach the car seat to the stroller. Thats what we did and we used it that way a lot. If you like the car seat stroller combo and its what you want than get it but I would look at the other options too. I also bought a carrier and used that. She is almost 9 months and still fits in the infant seat but I bought her a convertible seat recently as it looks comfier and was on sale.

 

[writersblock42]

Also when you do your registry, don't be afraid of putting some of the larger items on it as well. Often times, people will go in together on an item and then get a small gift separately. Put all different priced items on the registry that way people can decide how much they want to spend. Especially for a first baby, close relatives might be very generous or you might get donations for used items. Consignment shops sometimes have new items cheaper than you would find in the store but make sure you know the cost of the item before going into a consignment shop because for new items some will only mark them down 25% from retail and you can get a better deal at the department store.

 

[deserrai]

The only things I required to be new when my 3 year old came along were car seat and crib.

 

[midwestdee]

When my grandson was born 2 years ago, we bought the nursery furniture. My daughter picked a set that one of the dressers has the changing pads on it - a great piece of furniture. She used the stroller/car seat combo - then we bought her the next one because the don't fit in that one for long. I went back to doing a local church's toy/clothing resale that I did for years when my kids were small- held twice a year - we have made out great on toys and clothing! Before he was born, I got a pack n play, stroller, high chair and bouncy seat (music & motion) for a grand total of $60 for grammy's house! Such a deal!