I am SO glad that Monica broke the ice on this topic. I mean, I’ve broached the subject of how I really believe that second-hand baby items are the way to go, but she opened the doors on the discussion of some big ticket items that are said to be taboo to buy used or borrow, ever. Confession time: Every one of these items I got used, with the exception of the carseat, which we got from a friend who had an extra one they never used. So, not technically new, either. Our crib came from craigslist WITH a mattress. Yes, I was a little paranoid due to the New Zealand SIDS studies, mentioned by a commenter on my above post, but I lived through it, and so did my older son. I will admit that I eventually bought an organic mattress, but really the one we had served us fine for two full years. It was waterproof, dustmite proof, antimicrobial, and had a triple layer cover. No fungi was getting inside that sucker. Also, the crib has one of those drop sides, the ones that were recalled two years ago?
Although, our crib was not made by any of those companies. Regardless, we never use the drop-side. The noise when it latches into place always wakes the baby. (How stupid is that?) In fact, I keep meaning to turn it around so the side that comes down faces the wall so it just won’t be an issue. So far both sons have survived (knocking on hand-me-down wood, right now). Also, Fuzz only sleeps in the crib for the first 4 or so hours of each night. I have now borrowed three different breast pumps, so far with no ill-effects. I’ve always provided my own tubing and other parts. Oh, and thanks to my overprepared sister, I am now the proud owner of about twenty used baby carriers (plus two from my neighbor). I get that safety rules change and plastic on carseats can wear out, etc. There is a risk, although percentage-wise, I’m not sure how great. Am I taking a gamble with my babies by buying used? I don’t think so, in this case. All this baby stuff is in use for such a short period of time, it seems like our money could be better spent elsewhere, the earth will be a better place for it, and I don’t think new parents should be made to feel guilty about this, whatsoever.
There's no doubt about it: having a baby is expensive. After buying a stroller, crib, clothing, feeding supplies, diapers and other essentials, your wallet can quickly empty out. It's natural to begin looking for ways to save money on all the items you need for baby, and one way is by buying used items. While some used items are good news for your wallet and your new baby, there are some safety concerns to consider; this is especially true when it comes to used crib mattresses. When buying a used crib mattress, you cannot be 100 percent sure of the care or abuse it went through while being used previously. An infant can be particularly dirty due to diaper leaks or spilled milk; all of these things can collect on a crib mattress and lead to moisture and mold growth if not cleaned properly. In addition, if the crib mattress was not kept in a cool, dry place, moisture can seep into the mattress, harboring bacteria and fungi growth. If you have a crib mattress that was used for an older child in your home, and you know that it was well cared for and stored properly, it likely poses no risk to your baby.
While the standard crib mattress is at least 27 1/4 inches by 51 5/8 inches and no more than 6 inches in height, not all cribs are made to these exact specifications and an ill-fitting crib mattress can pose a significant health risk. , a proper-fitting crib mattress should not have enough space between the mattress and the sides of the crib to fit two fingers snugly. A crib mattress should be firm to properly support your baby and reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome. A used crib mattress might lose some firmness and could develop dips and bulges due to improper use or storage. Additionally, the condition of the mattress is vital. Do not use a mattress with tears, exposed springs or filling, or one that smells of mildew or dampness. In the November 2002 “British Medical Journal,” a study was published by Scotland researchers that provided a possible link between the use of a pre-owned crib mattress and infant death from SIDS. The study found that an infant was up to three times more likely to die from SIDS when using a secondhand crib mattress.
While the study did not find a firm cause-and-effect relationship between the use of an old mattress and SIDS, it did find sufficient evidence to warrant concern when accepting a used mattress from someone else’s home. Gain 2 pounds per week Gain 1.5 pounds per week Gain 1 pound per week Gain 0.5 pound per week Maintain my current weight Lose 0.5 pound per week Lose 1 pound per week Lose 1.5 pounds per week Lose 2 pounds per week Things You Should Buy New for a Second Baby How to Paint a Baby Crib How to Convert a Crib Into a Full Size Bed How to Clean a Crib Mattress What Is Better a Trifold or a Bifold Wallet? What Is Better, a Money Clip or a Wallet? How to Turn Crib Into Toddler Bed Is Flame-Resistant Clothing Safe for Children? Safety of Crib Netting Safety Issues in Children's Clothing How to Clean Used Newborn Baby Furniture How to Use Breast Pumps for a Second Child A Hospital Packing List for an Expecting Mom
Things to Pack for a Baby When Going Into Labor The Disadvantages of Mini Cribs How to Arrange a Master Bedroom to Include Crib & Baby Storage Should Baby Cribs Be Slightly Elevated on One Side?1 1 Facebook PinterestGreg Scheidemann Hand-Me-Down Must-KnowsBefore you start accepting hand-me-downs or shopping at consignment shops, check out our tips for buying used baby items. Many gently used items are fine, but there are some things to avoid when buying secondhand.2 2 Facebook Pinterest Used Baby ClothesBuying used baby clothes is one of the best ways to save money. Babies grow so fast they usually don't stay the same size for more than a month or two, and that means their clothes aren't worn very often. When buying used clothes, avoid anything with drawstrings, check that all buttons, zippers, and clasps are secure, and make sure nothing is unraveling.3 How to Buy Baby Clothes on a Budget 3 Facebook PinterestWin Baby Gear! 4 4 Facebook PinterestScott Little Reuse ShoesShoes are another item babies grow out of quickly.
Infants especially barely need shoes, so if you want to dress your baby up in a cute pair of tennis shoes or sandals, opt for a used pair rather than investing in a pair that will be worn only a few times.5 5 Facebook PinterestiStockphoto Secondhand Coats and HatsDepending on what season your baby is born and where you live, you might need heavy coats or hats. If you do need a warm coat to take Baby outside, look for one that is gently used rather than shelling out the money for a brand-new one. Chances are he will use it only a few months; then you can pass it on to the next baby.6 6 Facebook Pinterest Used Baby ToysDid your family keep a box of toys you played with when you were a kid? Before passing it along to your child, check the old toys for chipped paint or loose pieces. This is especially important on toys that might contain lead paint. If it's chipped or broken, don't use it! Also watch for items with small parts that could be choking hazards. Before buying used toys at a yard sale or consignment shop, check our recall finder.
7 How to Buy Baby Toys on a Budget 7 Facebook PinterestWin Baby Gear! 8 8 Facebook PinterestBryan McCay Hand-Me-Down PlaypensBefore buying a used playpen, there are few things to check. First find out if it was made after 2000, as the last safety updates were issued in 1999. If its original mattress is snug and there are no dangling cords, it should be safe. Also make sure the mesh has no tears and that holes are smaller than 1/4 inch.9 9 Facebook PinterestKathryn Gamble Are Used Cribs Safe?The short answer: Do Not Buy A Used Crib.The rules for how cribs must be made took effect on June 28, 2011 and essentially made most cribs sold before that date obsolete and, technically, unsafe. After hundreds of incidents, millions of recalled cribs, and an estimated three dozen deaths, the government stepped in and said that cribs were not being made to a standard that parents could count on.Drop-side cribs, which had been the most common type, were determined to be particularly dangerous. They can no longer be sold in the U.S.
You will see them at yard sales, though, but they are no more legal there than at a furniture store. Also, crib hardware and how cribs are assembled have been big problems - problems that are more pronounced with used cribs. Never buy a crib bumper pad, which the American Academy of Pediatrics says can put a baby at risk for suffocation and other hazardous injuries.So, buy a new crib that meets the new standards. And, if you can't afford one, safety advocates say a new portable crib - which are less expensive - is preferable to getting a used crib.New Crib RulesWin Baby Gear! Facebook PinterestGreg Scheidemann Buying Used Baby FurnitureAside from the crib, you might need additional furniture for your baby's room. Save money by purchasing gently used baby furniture such as changing tables or rocking chairs. Always make sure the used furniture meets safety standards, hasn't been recalled, and doesn't have any peeling paint, chips, or missing parts.Facebook Pinterest Secondhand StrollersStrollers made after 2007 are OK to reuse.
Safety standards since then address stability, impact, and shoulder-strap safety. Avoid any broken, loose, or missing parts when looking at a used stroller. Take it for a spin to make sure it has a smooth ride and is sturdy. You should also make sure it has its instruction manual.How to Buy Baby Gear on a Budget Facebook PinterestWin Baby Gear! Facebook PinterestBananaStock/ Jupiter Used Baby BathtubsBaby bathtubs are fine to buy used as long as they aren't moldy and don't smell of mildew. Babies grow out of these tubs quickly, so if you want a baby tub, you should be able to save money on one that was barely used. Avoid bath seats, bath rings, or inflatable tubs that fit in the bathtub, as they can be dangerous.Facebook PinterestBananaStock/ Jupiter Hand-Me-Down High ChairsVoluntary safety standards require a high chair to have a five-point harness to prevent a child from climbing out and a fixed crotch post so he can't slide out. If these two elements are in place, a hand-me-down high chair is fine.
Avoid high chairs with removable trays or arms that lift the tray over the baby's head.Facebook Pinterest Best Sources for Used Baby ItemsMost essential baby items can be purchased secondhand. Look for quality used baby items at garage sales, kid-specific consignment shops, and thrift stores. Your friends with kids are another great source for secondhand finds. Facebook PinterestiStock/Jupiter Images Tips for Buying OnlineWeb sites such as Craigslist and eBay are great sources for used baby items. Before buying anything online ask these questions:* What's the model number or product name? Go to www.recalls.gov to make sure it hasn't been recalled.* How much is shipping? Sometimes the price of shipping makes a good deal not such a steal.* Does it include an instruction manual?* When was the item made? How long was it used? Did the seller buy it new or was it used? Facebook PinterestShutterstock Used Car Safety SeatsIn many cases, buying or borrowing a used car seat is not a good idea, and some safety experts say that you never should.