Guide to Buying Used Baby Gear

Having a baby can get expensive, so buying used baby gear can be a good choice if you're looking to save some bucks. But, buyer beware! Buying sight unseen (perhaps from an online site) or at a garage sale can cost you more money in the end if you get baby gear that is damaged, recalled, or expired. I, as well as others I know, have learned this lesson the hard way. Here is my guide to buying used baby gear, I hope it will help you save money and help you get excellent gear!

Pack 'N Plays

Inspect it first! Have the owner open it, show you that it fully opens and that no parts are broken. A full pack 'n play set will have a cover/carrying case, a frame, and a cushion-type pad. There should be no rips or tears in any of the fabric frame, the pad should fit properly into the bottom of the frame and all the bars should lock into place. If there are stains, it is possible to clean them, but that is up to your discretion. Don't be fooled into thinking you can jimmy rig a pack 'n play to "make it work" or that you will be able to fix it. 

Car Seats

Did you know car seats have an expiration date? They do. If you show up to the hospital to take your baby home and your car seat is expired they will NOT let you take the baby home. The date depends on the model of car seat, but it is typically 6-10 years from the manufacture date. It is stamped on the car seat (the underside) and if it is missing it is illegal to sell them (as a retailer or private seller). A lot of people may have good intentions to give you a used car seat, or you may not realize (most people don't) that it is expired, but it could cost you lots of extra unnecessary money if you accidentally buy an expired car seat. Also, when buying a used car seat, make sure that all the straps are in good tact, there are no tears in the cover, and that there is no damage to the seat or base. WASHING TIP: if you are wanting to wash the car seat cover before using it, take a picture of where all the straps insert, connect, and where the cover attaches to the seat. That way when you go to put it back on it will be easier reassemble than playing the good ol' guessing game.

Cribs

Cribs is a tricky used buy. Drop rail cribs (where one side moves up and down) are now banned and are illegal to sell or re-sell. You may find people trying to sell them at garage sales or online ads, but buyer beware. Besides being illegal, there are more parts that come with drop rail cribs and if any are missing there is an increased risk of malfunction. Plus, you won't be able to buy replacement parts. I bought a drop rail crib from a garage sale as a toddler bed, meaning I completely did not use the drop rail, we took it off so my toddler could crawl in and out at her own ease. I felt comfortable doing so knowing that we would never use the 4th rail and for $20 (with a mattress) it worked out wonderfully. If you find a stationary crib, have the owner show you all of the screws/parts so that you don't get home and find out that there are missing pieces and can't assemble it. If it has a wire/spring base, check that none are broken or missing. It is not easy to find replacement parts for cribs, so this is crucial. If it is a metal crib check that all the bars are in tact and not damaged, for wooden cribs check that the wood has not been damaged or cracked. Safety first always with cribs. This applies to bassinets as well.

Strollers

The first tip I have is to research the type of stroller you're looking for before you go buy one. Some are universal and will fit any car seat into it, some are brand specific, and some don't fit car seats in them at all. There are so many kinds with so many functions that you want to buy what will best fit your needs. When looking at used strollers, make sure that it collapses and unfolds properly. There should be no broken or damaged pieces and wheels should be in tact and functioning. Our strollers are brand specific to our car seat model and only our brand will fit in them. Know your brands before buying! Also, make sure that when it is collapsed that it will fit in your trunk--our double stroller is the world's biggest hassle to fit in our small trunk. Check all of the fabric to make sure there are no rips or tears, missing snaps, or broken straps. 

Changing Tables

Make sure there is no damage and that all the parts are there for assembly. Replacement changing table pads can be purchased separately, and rather conveniently, so if it is missing it is not a huge deal.

Swings & Bouncers

Make sure there is no damage to the swing/bouncer. If it is electric or battery operated, have the owner demonstrate how it works and that it does work. Push all the buttons to make sure all the features work. There should be no rips, tears, or other damages or missing parts. If there are safety harnesses, make sure there is no damage to the straps or clips.

Toys & Clothes

Check both for stains! There is a chance that these won't come out and won't be worth the money to buy them. Garage sales are notorious for having stained clothing and it will be up to your best judgement if you can get a stain out. Unfold clothes and open toys (if applicable) so you can get a good perspective on the item. This will also help you discover any hidden faults in the item. With toys, make sure everything is securely in place and won't be a choking hazard.

Electronics
When it comes to accessories like monitors, white noise machines, bottle warmers, wipe warmers, etc...make sure that they work first! The seller needs to show you that it is in working condition and that there are no damages to the item. Don't be afraid to ask for a demonstration first before buying it! If they just want you to take their word for it...don't!

There are places like Toys R Us and Babies R Us that have trade-in events where you can bring in used baby gear for 25% off new gear. We paid $10 for a crib at a garage sale, found out later it was too faulty to use, then traded it in for a new one. The $10 we originally spent was made up by the $50 we saved on a new crib. Some women have "mommy-first" events where they will sell/trade their old baby gear to friends before trying to sell it online or at a garage sale. Baby consignment shops are another great place to look, just keep in mind the quality and safety of each item before purchasing it!