Although second-hand goods can be a great way of saving money and living more sustainably, it's important to know if these are first-rate or a false economy that's putting your little one at risk of injury or harm.
Read on for more information on what's safe to use pre-loved and what's best to avoid, plus what you need to check and how to do it.
Baby items that are NOT safe to use second-hand
Car seats
A third of respondents in our 2022 baby survey had received or bought a car seat that was second-hand, even though it's not advisable for safety reasons.
Although a pre-owned car seat you've bought or borrowed may look in good nick, it could have been dropped or involved in an accident without your knowledge. This could cause internal damage that you can't see, for example a hairline crack, that affects the structural integrity and could render it incapable of properly protecting your little one in a collision.
– compare more than 200 reviews and read our baby car seat advice to help keep your little one protectedCot mattresses
Four in 10 parents we surveyed in 2021 had used a second-hand cot mattress, and nine in 10 experienced problems including broken zips and sagging.
If you have a cot mattress that's been used before, here's what you need to check:
Has it been protected with a waterproof cover?Does it lie firm and flat and fit the cot or cot bed well? Look for a British Standard label.Bicycle helmets
A second-hand bike helmet may look pristine, but it can be very difficult to tell if there's internal damage from an accident, being dropped repeatedly or even flung across a room like a rugby ball, which means you could be putting your child's safety at risk.
If you can't verify its history, buy new for your little one, whether they're a cargo bike box passenger, riding on the back of your bike or cycling independently.
Children's helmets should adhere to the standard EN1080, requiring a chin strap that can be snapped off to prevent choking or strangulation if the helmet snags, which differs from the EN1078 standard for adult helmets.
Baby items that ARE safe to use second-hand
Pushchairs
One in seven parents in our 2022 baby survey told us they got their pushchair, buggy or stroller second-hand. Considering that some travel system pushchair bundles can cost more than £1,000, it's no surprise many look to save by purchasing pre-owned ones.
If you're planning on buying a pre-loved buggy, pushchair or travel system, here's what you should bear in mind:
Look for a safety label confirming compliance with BS EN 1888:2019.Check that the product hasn't been involved in a product recall.Make sure the brakes work properly.View an item before parting with your cash.The only part of a travel system you shouldn't buy second-hand is the infant carrier car seat, for the reasons listed above. If you're offered this component as part of a deal, don't take it.
Cots and nursery furniture
On the whole it should be fine to use a second-hand cot or other nursery furniture, but bear in mind a pre-loved cot might not meet the standards of one that's been bought new and there may be wear and tear.
Use common sense and caution. If it was recently manufactured by a reputable brand, and bought from a trusted outlet, you should be fine. But it's wise to keep an eye out for the following:
Be wary if it's vintage. Check it conforms to British Safety Standards. Check the drop-side mechanism. Remove any old stickers or decorations.Stair gates
Stair gates are usually safe second-hand, but for extra reassurance look for a sticker that indicates conformity to current safety standards BS EN 1930:2011, as well as carrying out the following checks:
Look for areas of weakness in the gate.Get the correct length screws for screw-fix gates.Source spare parts for pressure fit gates. – we've tested nearly 40 stair gates and found nine Best Buys and eight Don't Buys, as well as four Great Value gatesReusable nappies
Switching from disposable to reusable nappies could save you around £1,475 over the first two and a half years of your baby's life, but stocking up on the 15-25 reusables you're likely to need won't come cheap.
One solution is to get them second-hand, which not only makes it even more economical but it'll add to your sustainability credentials, too.
Before parting with your cash:
Check the condition of the nappies. Look out for common trouble spots.Ask how many children they've been used on. – find out which brands including Bambino Mio, Kit & Kin and Little Lamb parents preferBaby items that MIGHT be safe to use second-hand
Baby slings or carriers
As with anything you buy second-hand, check for any visible tears or loose stitching that can put your baby at risk. It's also important to be aware of counterfeits.
When we surveyed parents in 2021, we found that almost one third had accidentally bought a fake branded carrier from an online marketplace that hadn't been through the normal safety checks.
Here's how to guard against buying a dud:
Ask non-authorised sellers for proof of authenticity.Inspect carriers for any signs of wear and tear.Refer to the manufacturer's instructions. : we compare the different types and reveal the most important features to look out forToys
Most pre-loved toys are perfectly fine to give to your little one, but first carry out these checks:
Give the toy a once over. Look for proof of how safe it is. Be wary of vintage toys. Check to see if they have been the subject of a recall.
– from Play-Doh to Barbies, video games, Lego and more, we've got gift suggestions for kids of all agesundefinedsource https://www.which.co.uk/news/article/second-hand-baby-products-whats-safe-and-whats-not-am64b2n8vWhI