Should I Buy Used Baby Products for My Baby?

This post contains some affiliate links for your convenience. Click here to read my full disclosure policy.

Should I buy used products for my baby? Are you trying to save money? Or, do you not have enough to buy your child everything? Baby products are one of the most expensive things in the world! Knowing what products you can and cannot buy for your baby is important. If you to know what is safe to buy used and how you can save a lot of money, keep reading!

In this post, the following will be discussed:

• Should I buy used things for my baby?
• Baby Products That Are Safe To Buy Used
• Baby Products That Should Not Be Bought Used

Should I Buy Used Things for My Baby?

It is okay to buy used products for your baby. Many people do it. There are some benefits in using hand-me-down and used products bought online. Firstly, you get to save a lot of money. You and I both know that baby products are quite expensive and that you can save that money for future things you may not be able to buy used. Secondly, this is great for the environment! Using used products instead of throwing them is highly beneficial for society and the environment. Just make sure to buy things that are not broken, dangerous or unusable.

There are many places you can find good quality used products. Some of these are eBay, thredUp, Poshmark, Craigslist, Facebook marketplace and Mercari. You can also ask for used products on mommy Facebook groups. I remember giving all my son's used products to a random mom who contacted me through Facebook messenger. There are many people out there who would love to donate free baby products. You just need to search for them! Also, if you know someone who has had a baby before you, you could just ask them if they are planning to give away any baby products you are open to take them. But, keep in mind, using used baby products may have some bad health effects. There are some products that you cannot use after someone else. Keep reading to know which products you can and should not buy used.

Baby Products That Are Safe To Buy Used

Baby Shoes: Baby shoes are very expensive. Also, babies outgrow them quickly. So, being able to buy them used is wonderful. But, make sure they are not too worn out from the inside or uncomfortable. 

Strollers: Strollers are extremely expensive. Buying them used is a great way to save money. You can find used ones everywhere. Just make sure they follow the new safety guidelines since they have changed a few years ago. It is very important for you to follow the new guidelines. 

Baby Furniture: Baby furniture is needed and expensive. So, why not buy used ones? Some examples of furniture you can buy include baby closets, baby bookshelves, carpets, and baby changing tables. Just keep in mind to avoid baby cribs. You will understand why as you keep reading.

Clothes: Your baby will grow out of the clothes so quickly especially during the first year of life. You will need to buy new baby clothes at least every three months during the first year. That will affect your income! So, buying new baby clothes is safe. Just wash them in the washer before putting them on your baby.

Baby Toys: You will never have enough baby toys. Your toddler will always want more. So, buy them used and you will not be able to calculate how much money you have saved. Just make sure there are not too worn out, they don't cause any danger, and they actually work (refers to toys that make sound or etc...)

High Chair: High chairs can be bought used just make sure they follow the standard guidelines. They are necessary and you can use them for more than a year or two.

Breast Pump Machine: The breast pump machine is fine to buy used, but do not buy used breast pump parts. Many people don't like buying any used breast pump but there is no harm in buying the motor part of the breast pump.

Baby Bathtub: Trust me if you are going to buy one, buy a used one. They grow out of them so quickly. I used mine only for three months. He grew out of it and then I needed a new one. For my daughter, I am just using the ones I previously bought for my son.

Swaddles: This is a hard one because you need to carefully look at them before purchasing. Are they still tight or loose from overtime use? Are they too thin or too thick for the season in which your baby will be born? If you think the swaddle is safe, you can buy it used. Swaddling is so important for baby sleep especially if you follow the Moms On Call Schedule. They can be expensive so buying it used will be a blessing. 

Baby Products That Should Not Be Bought Used

Baby Cribs: Baby cribs are not safe to buy used. There are five federal requirements for cribs to have. These requirements were issued in 2011, so any crib before 2011 may not follow these requirements. Also, used mattresses, blankets, and covers are not safe for the health. They may be bodily stained, have bed bugs, or have degraded with time. This can cause health issues for your baby. Please avoid these things.

Baby Car Seats: It is not safe to buy car seats. They have an expiration date and degrade with time. They need to be in their best form to protect your child from danger. The new ones also have updated technological advances that old ones do not have. After using a car seat for a few years, you can trade them in at Walmart or other trade-in places. This will save you some money. 

Baby Bottles, Pacifiers, Teether & Breast Pump Parts: They should not be bought used because they come into contact with human fluids like saliva or breast milk. This can cause several health problems. 

Infant Formula: Okay I know that formula is very expensive. I pay about 30 dollars a week for formula. But, it is not safe to buy it from someone. You do not know how long ago it was bought or if it was stored correctly. Formula loses its nutrients if it isn't stored in proper temperatures. It is important for your baby to get the best nutrients you can offer. 

Conclusion

You can save a lot of money and help the environment by buying baby-used products or using hand-me-downs. Just make sure you read what is safe and what is not safe to buy used.

As long as you follow these guidelines, you and your baby will be safe from the health issues that may arise from used baby products. Leave a comment below. Feel free to ask whether the used baby products you want to buy are safe or not for your baby. We would love to hear from you!