Best Tips for Buying Second Hand Kids' Products

We all want the best for our kids. However, because children grow so quickly and their interests change so rapidly, parents must purchase new clothes and equipment every few months to keep up with their development. Constantly buying new stuff, on the other hand, usually means that the costs build up and the room to keep the toys, books, and so on quickly runs out. Fortunately, pre-loved buying has become a significant trend, with more than 80% of Singaporeans acquiring pre-loved children's products and 75% selling stuff they no longer require.

This is fantastic news for parents who only require certain products for a few months! Baby clothes, shoes, baby carriers, scooters, strollers, and toys that used to fill parents' cupboards and collect dust are now finding their way into various online marketplaces, Facebook groups, and charity drives. Many families are pleased with their secondhand purchases and put them to good use. In fact, an increasing number of parents are communicating, sharing, and saving together.

Here are some of the greatest tips for buying used children's products.

Best Secondhand Children's Product Buying Advice

Why Do Parents Purchase Secondhand Items?

One of the most obvious benefits of buying used is that you may reduce your carbon and financial footprints.

1 When it's difficult to predict what your growing child will like, this can be extremely useful. As a result, the trade of secondhand things is fast expanding. The rise of resale is being seen across numerous industries, and it is anticipated to increase by 11-fold during the next five years.

This is especially true for parents who desire the best items for their children while spending the least amount of money. Children are costly, and being able to acquire name-brand stuff at fantastic costs is a no-brainer, especially given how rapidly they outgrow things. Furthermore, keeping equipment out of landfills and supporting the environment in an eco-friendlier manner is vital to many parents these days.

Brittany Caito, a single mother from Raleigh, North Carolina, used to dislike secondhand products. "I was one of those folks who didn't like secondhand things and always favored new," she explains. "But then I became a mother and understood how rapidly children outgrow things and how quickly your child progresses into new toys. Buying used has become an excellent and cost-effective solution."

You should aim to avoid such purchasing secondhand baby goods.

While there are many fantastic pre-owned baby deals to be had, you should exercise caution while purchasing the following items:

Secondhand car seats

According to current recommendations, you should NEVER buy a used car seat (this includes those that come with a travel system). This is because you are unaware of its history.

The seat could have been fallen or been in an accident, and damage isn't always obvious. A car seat may appear to be in good condition on the surface, but the interior construction may have been compromised, implying that the seat will not protect your child.

Second-hand car seats are typically older versions as well, which means they may not fulfill current safety regulations.

If a friend or family member offers you a car seat, only accept it if you know it hasn't been in an accident. Additionally, you should:

• Thoroughly inspect for damage.
• Make sure it comes with instructions so you know how to properly fit it.
• Put it in your automobile to make sure it fits snugly.
• Make sure it's appropriate for your child's weight and height.
• Verify that the seat complies with R44.04 or R129 car seat requirements. This information should be written on the seat or displayed on a label.

Cot mattresses purchased secondhand

There is some indication that second-hand mattresses brought in from outside the family home may raise the incidence of SIDS, but further research is needed to be sure.

To be safe, if you're purchasing a used cot, it's preferable to change the mattress.

If you decide to buy a used mattress, The Lullaby Trust recommends that you conduct the following checks:

• It was previously entirely protected by a waterproof cover
• It is in good shape with no rips or tears
• It is firm and flat

Second-hand items that have been implicated in a product recall

Many toys and baby products are recalled for safety reasons, yet many will still be available for purchase second hand. If you are concerned that an item has been recalled, you can check Trading Standards for recent product recalls or search for the item on the manufacturer's website.

Secondhand cribs for children

Cribs are one of the more expensive items you'll buy for your newborn, but there's a reason for that. Five federal standards were enacted in 2011 to provide a greater degree of safety in the future, but even if the advertised crib was manufactured after 2011, it is usually best to purchase this new. Similarly, it is not suggested that parents buy a used crib mattress, not only for sanitary reasons (bodily fluids, bed bugs, etc.), but also for safety ones, as mattresses degrade with age.

Secondhand children's goods to consider purchasing

Your child's health and safety are major priorities, so here's what you should look for when buying used baby products.

Baby clothing from used stores

This is probably the most obvious acceptable item, because newborns outgrow their clothes quite quickly, and keeping up with their expanding bodies can be difficult on a budget. Upcycling, according to Meghan Slocum, a California-based blogger, is also a fantastic strategy to reduce garment waste: "Buying secondhand clothes is excellent for the environment because you're making use of things that have already been manufactured." Those garments don't have to end up in a landfill or be recycled, and you save on the resources needed to make new items."

When shopping for infant garments, be sure that any zippers, closures, or buttons are secure and that there are no unraveling seams. Also, keep an eye out for cords or drawstrings around the neck, as these can be a choking hazard.

Used prams, pushchairs, and buggies

When preparing for a new arrival, prams, buggies, and pushchairs might be among your most expensive purchases. You can save a lot of money by buying used, and you might be able to purchase a brand that was previously out of your price range. However, there are a few precautions to take.

Here are a couple of ideas:

• Look for a reference to a safety standard, such as BS 7409 or BSEN 1888:2003.
• Ensure that all harnesses have a total of five straps.
• Make that the brakes work and that there is no damage, such as sharp edges or worn cloth.
• Keep in mind that non-reclining seats are not appropriate for babies under the age of six months.
• Confirm that the product has not been subjected to a product recall.

Secondhand Children's Toys

Many plastic and wooden toys are durable and will likely only need to be sanitized before being given to your child. Toys can be expensive over time, and your infant, like clothes, will likely outgrow them quickly. Furthermore, it is impossible to forecast what your child will appreciate, so they may not adore the latest and greatest innovation despite the price and may prefer vintage toys.

Tips for Buying Used Children's Toys

• Search for the CE sign. This demonstrates that the item meets European safety standards. Look for a yellow triangle with a red lion inside it - this mark also signifies that the toy meets safety standards.
• Make sure the toy is appropriate for the age group you're buying for, especially if you're buying for a baby or toddler under the age of three. If the box or instructions containing this information are missing, go to the manufacturer's website for more information.
• Check to see if the toys have become dangerously worn, exposing sharp points and edges or stuffing ingredients.
• Avoid toys with detachable little parts that could pose a choking hazard.
• Before giving stuffed animals to youngsters, wash them in hot water to remove germs.

Baby strollers for sale secondhand

Some families have numerous strollers or will need to upgrade to a double stroller soon. This means you can get high-quality used strollers for sale at extremely reasonable prices.

Secondhand electrical items

If you're going to buy something electrical secondhand, such as a baby monitor or bottle warmer, make sure the cord isn't damaged or frayed.

Electrical goods should ideally be PAT tested (Portable Appliance Testing). This will indicate whether or not the appliance is safe.

If that isn't possible, make sure to see the device plugged in and operational before purchasing it.

Bouncers for Infants

Given that bouncers are only utilized for a few months, purchasing a used one makes a lot of sense. Because the coverings are removable and washable, they frequently appear like new.

Cots from previous owners

Secondhand cribs can be an excellent way to save money. Along with assessing for wear and tear, ensure that cots:

• There should be at least 50cm of space between the mattress and the cot's top.
• Cot bars should be vertical and no more than 6.5cm apart to prevent your baby's head from becoming trapped.
• If the cot has a drop-down side, make sure it works properly and that a child cannot lower it. It is safer not to use it if you are unsure.
• Remove any stickers or transfers that may provide a choking hazard.
• Check for any cutouts or ledges that could allow your infant to climb out.
• Look for anything protruding from the top rail that could catch on your baby's clothing.
• If you buy a used cot, it's best to change the mattress because there's some evidence that germs in old mattresses may raise the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)