Helpful Tips
Baby items you can buy used — and a few you shouldn’t
New kiddo? You may need a few things. Buy used to save some money during this exciting time.
Karli Davis | January 24, 2025
Discussed in this article
Congratulations on your new bundle of joy! Time will fly and soon enough you’ll go from swaddler to toddler, and you’ll likely need to buy a few things along the way. Prices can add up, especially on the bigger baby gear items.
The good news? You don’t have to buy everything brand new. Buying used baby items is not only easier on your wallet, but also a fantastic way to live sustainably and support your local community.
Safety first! Some baby items should only be purchased brand new.
However, there are a few baby items where safety outweighs the costs, and buying new is the way to go. KSL Classifieds has created this list to help you find secondhand baby items so you can focus on cuddling your little one instead of breaking the bank.
Baby items to buy new
Shelling out the cash for new baby items can be reserved for ones that require the highest safety standards.
Car seats
The number one thing to always buy new is a car seat. They are designed to keep your baby safe in the event of a crash, and you don’t want to risk any sort of defect or overused part compromising your baby’s safety. Plus, car seats expire. Yep! Manufacturers set their own expiration dates for child seats to ensure they are always up to date on the most recent safety guidelines.
Cribs and mattresses
Buying a secondhand crib may be OK if you know when it was made and trust the person you buy it from. But always be sure to buy a more recent model if you opt to buy used. Cribs have seen many safety updates in recent decades, so older models may not meet current safety standards.
Used crib mattresses may contain mold, pet dander from previous owners or bacteria from being soiled in other ways. A new crib mattress ensures your new baby has a safe, clean place to sleep.
Baby items to buy used
Babies grow so darn fast, and many items are only used for a short time. This means many used baby items for sale are in good or near perfect condition.
You can still get your daily steps in and spend time with your baby.
Strollers
Call it a stroller, pram, buggy, pushchair, or heck, a 4x4 mini adventuremobile for your mini me. You’ll be able to find gently used options for a fraction of the price. But before you buy a used stroller, make sure you check that the wheels turn smoothly, the brakes work and there are no loose or missing parts. Look up the model online first to be sure there haven’t been any recalls.
Having a baby doesn't mean you can't go on adventures. Baby carriers make it easier!
Backpacks and carriers
Having something to put your wee one in while you move around can be a lifesaver for busy parents. It can make grocery shopping or household chores easier for everyone — baby doesn’t feel left out, and parents can still move around. Look for used carriers with all the buckles and straps intact and always inspect the fabric for tears.
Playpen
Oh no! Your baby is hyper and wiggly but you need to get stuff done. What to do? Get a playpen of course. Ask the seller if it’s sturdy and free of broken parts. Babies outgrow playpens quickly, so you’ll often be able to find one in great condition. Just be sure to sanitize it when you get home, before you let the baby loose in the safe play area.
Swings and bouncers make it so baby can be entertained while you're doing stuff around the house.
Swings and bouncers
Hey, it’s OK if your arms get tired while trying to soothe and rock your fussy baby. Babies love that gentle motion they experienced in the womb, but we can’t always recreate it. That’s why there are soothing gadgets like swings and bouncers. Ask the seller if it comes with working batteries or plugs and secure straps. Consider testing the product before completing the purchase.
Look for swings or bouncer chairs →
Baby clothing
Onesie, two, three! Your baby has outgrown nearly everything in the blink of an eye. That’s why buying baby clothes secondhand is a no brainer. You should be able to find great deals on gently worn items, but be sure to look for holes, stains, missing buttons or broken zippers.
Changing tables and furniture
Buying a new versus used changing table or dresser can be a massive price difference. Look for either a dresser with a changing top addition or a table designed specifically as a changing station. Ask to see any peeling paint or chipped corners and decide if that’s something you’re willing to update once it’s yours.
You're sure to find the coolest toys when buying secondhand.
Toys and books
Kiddos don’t care if something is new — they just want to play and learn! Look for toys that are appropriate for your child’s age, and make sure there are no broken parts. Be sure to sanitize them before your little one gets a hold of their new (used) toy!
And don’t forget to spark that creativity nice and early with a haul of books! Visiting the library is free, but building your own can be pricey. Used books help you do that at a fraction of the cost.
Enriching your baby’s world doesn’t mean draining your own bank account or overconsuming with only new items. Choose secondhand for most of your baby items on KSL Classifieds.
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