What Baby Equipment Can You Buy Used and What Should Be New?
A brand new, tiny creature shouldn’t have that many things. But when a child moves into your home, they bring a crib, stroller, car seat, bathtub, breast pump, bottles, playpen, clothes, and so on. And each of them has its own cost, which can increase over time.
According to a 2015 Consumer Spending Survey, a married middle-income family with two children can expect to get $ 12,980 a year – almost the same as a new compact car. And, just like buying cars, young parents may be tempted to look for deals on the equipment they need by looking at a consignment store or the Facebook Marketplace. But with some items, there is a risk of getting something unsafe if you are not careful.
There is no shame in encouraging friends and family to take care of your little one’s belongings. But for the safety of you and your child, you need to know what you can save on and when to spend money. We’ve identified the essentials that you should buy brand new for safety and hygiene reasons. We’ve also shared gifts that you can easily accept from a friend or family member, and which items you can easily buy from a second hand store.
Which baby products should I buy new?
According to Consumer Reports, there are several reasons young parents should not buy used car seats. Even if it appears to be in great shape, it is difficult to tell if a car seat has expired, if it has been recalled by the manufacturer, or if it was damaged in an accident. When shopping for a new car seat that fits your budget, keep in mind that they must comply with federal safety regulations – as long as they do, even more affordable car seats are perfectly safe to use.
Another important piece of equipment to buy is a breast pump. According to the FDA , there is no guarantee that the device will be cleaned and disinfected between owners, which could introduce infectious particles that could cause illness in you or your child. Insurance companies must cover the cost of a breast pump under the Affordable Care Act, so contact them or your local health department to find out what you need to do to get one.
Likewise, be sure to get new feeding bottles, teats, and pacifiers. The plastic material likely went through hell in the mouth of its previous owner and may have deteriorated due to repeated cleanings. It goes without saying, but the same goes for children’s underwear.
Babies also put a lot of wear and tear on the crib (imagine a toddler yanking on the handrails while waiting to be released) and joints can loosen in the heat of storage. In addition, in 2011, the US Consumer Product Safety Commission updated the safety standards for baby cots to be more durable and reliable. Consumer Reports recommends buying a new Crib that’s certified by the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association to ensure it meets current manufacturing standards. Also, don’t forget to buy a new crib mattress for safety and hygiene reasons.
What about gifts?
Hope you’re in luck that Parent Friends Village has come to your rescue with tips and helpful things like a baby bath, playpen or stroller that will ease the strain on your wallet. According to parents , if you are taking a barely used bath from someone you trust, be sure to check it for mold or mildew and clean it thoroughly just in case.
Also, check the playpens for any rips or holes that could pose a choking hazard, and do not settle if they were manufactured before 2013 as they do not meet current safety standards.
Strollers are resistant to wear and tear. If you receive it, inspect it closely for broken or missing straps and make sure it was included with the instructions booklet. Also check if it was manufactured before 2015 to make sure it meets current safety standards. High chairs can also be accepted from someone you trust, but check them to make sure they have a five-point harness and a fixed crotch post so your child can’t get up or slide out.
What kind of baby equipment can I buy used?
You’ve probably heard this a million times, but kids grow up fast. And if you’re on a tight budget, it doesn’t make sense to spend a lot of money on a jumpsuit that your child will likely only wear once (and go bad with meals). You will find great deals on baby clothes and shoes at any thrift store or thrift store. And if you’re worried about germs left by a previous owner or another customer, rinse your clothes several times until they look and smell like new.
When shopping, you can also buy toys, books, gliders and other furniture at a discount. Just check for loose or missing parts or paint chips (it may contain lead). If you’re hoping to get some sleep at night, be sure to check for used baby monitors because you don’t have to pay retail for peace of mind (and relaxation).