Your new or expected baby comes with a lot of joy and an expensive buying list. However, there is no reason for you to go bankrupt even if you always want the best for your baby. If you are a little pragmatic, you can really save a considerable amount of money by going for second hand purchases, of course ensuring those used items in no way could cause any harm to your baby.
Once you get rid of all your reservations about buying used baby items, you will be just amazed at the variety of items you can pick up from the second hand market. You will find a wide range of goods on sale, from bundles of baby spoons to high-tech cloth nappies. Many of the baby items will be virtually unused since infants have a tendency to outgrow things so quickly. However, it is recommended that used items, if purchased, should have the necessary safety features.
You can buy used clothes for your baby either online or from garage sales. In reality, much of what you can get are clean, practically new items that will save you a lot of money. Although you will find many second-hand items that will cost a tenth of their original cost or less, you should never pay more than a third of the full price. Once you receive the items, put them through the wash using a baby detergent. For used items, whether you’re tracking down strollers or cribs on eBay or buying from others, you must ensure items are safe for your baby. Always look for furniture that’s free of rough surfaces, sharp edges and points. All items should be sturdy with brakes and catches that still work adequately. With a car restraint, you must ascertain that it has never been involved in an accident.
While buying used items for your baby, you should be extremely cautious about certain items. These items usually are: strollers without certification, car seats, mattresses, baby bouncers and walkers, breast pumps, any mains powered electrical items, hand-knitted toys, and any item of clothing with a drawstring around the neck. It is best to buy these baby items new.
While buying used toys, look for a certification mark. Do not buy if it is not suitable for your child’s age group. Used electrical items should always be tested before being sold and they come with full instructions.
Do not purchase second hand shoes as they could harm your baby’s delicate feet. While it is better to stay away from second hand car seat, you should also be cautious if you decide to buy used a pram or stroller. In addition to certification, you must also look for soundness of construction and stability, a 5-point baby harness, condition of brakes, absence of finger traps and sharp points and cleanliness. Products like wooden highchairs can be cleaned thoroughly but mattresses or bassinets, are really difficult to get clean. Other used baby items you should not buy are life jackets, bike helmets, exercise bikes, cots and mattresses, and crisscross accordion baby gates.
