Why secondhand makes so much sense for kids
Babies outgrow clothing sizes every few months, and a lot of gear is used for a season or two before it’s retired. That makes the secondhand market full of barely used items at a fraction of the price. Buying used where it is safe can free up money for things that matter more—like the savings goals in our college savings basics.
Always buy new
A short list of items is worth buying new, or only accepting secondhand from someone you know and trust completely.
- Car seats — A used seat may have been in a crash, have missing parts, or be expired (most have an expiration date stamped on the shell, often 6 to 10 years from manufacture). NHTSA advises replacing seats after a moderate or severe crash. Unless you know the seat’s full history, buy new.
- Crib mattresses — For safe sleep, you want a firm, flat mattress that fits the crib snugly. Older mattresses can sag or soften.
- Bike and sports helmets — A helmet that has taken a hard hit may look fine but no longer protect. Buy new and replace after any crash.
- Breast pumps — Most personal-use pumps are designed for one user. Some parts can be replaced, but check with the maker before buying used.
- Pacifiers and bottle nipples — Cheap, and hard to clean thoroughly after someone else uses them.
Buy used, but check carefully
These can be good secondhand buys if you check age, condition, and recalls.
- Cribs — Only buy cribs made after June 2011, when stricter federal safety standards took effect and drop-side cribs were banned. Check for a label with the manufacture date, all original hardware, no cracks, and slats no more than 2 3/8 inches apart.
- Strollers — Test the brakes, fold, harness buckles, and wheels. Search the model for recalls.
- High chairs — Look for a working five-point harness, stable base, and an easy-to-clean tray. Our high chair setup guide covers what to look for.
- Baby carriers — Check seams, buckles, and straps for wear, and confirm the model hasn’t been recalled.
- Play yards and travel cribs — Check that they lock fully open and the mesh has no tears.
Skip anything that was designed for infant sleep at an incline or that has crib bumpers. Inclined infant sleepers and crib bumpers were banned for sale under the Safe Sleep for Babies Act of 2022.
Great to buy used
- Clothing — The biggest savings of all. Baby clothes are often barely worn.
- Books — Library sales and used bookstores are full of children’s books for a dollar or less.
- Toys — Wooden blocks, puzzles, play kitchens, and ride-ons. Check that pieces are not small enough to be choking hazards for kids under three.
- Bikes and scooters — Kids size up quickly. Check brakes and tires. See teaching kids to ride a bike for fit tips.
- Sports gear — Cleats, skates, and pads (not helmets).
- Furniture — Dressers, bookshelves, and kid tables. Anchor dressers and shelves to the wall to prevent tip-overs.
- Halloween costumes and dress-up clothes — Worn once, then outgrown.
How to check recalls in two minutes
- Find the brand, model name, and model number—usually on a sticker underneath or on the frame.
- Search CPSC.gov recalls or SaferProducts.gov for nursery products and toys.
- For car seats, check NHTSA.gov/recalls (another reason to know your seat’s history).
- If an item has a recall with a free fix kit, contact the manufacturer before using it.
No label or model number? Skip big safety items like cribs, strollers, and carriers.
Watch out for older items
Very old painted toys and furniture may contain lead paint, especially pieces from before 1978. Older toys may also have small magnets or button batteries that are dangerous if swallowed. When in doubt, choose newer.
Where to find the best deals
- Local parent groups and buy-nothing groups — Often free or very cheap.
- Kids’ consignment sales — Seasonal sales at churches and community centers often have huge selections.
- Consignment and thrift stores — Kid-focused shops usually inspect items.
- Online marketplaces — Meet in public places and inspect before paying.
- Hand-me-downs — Ask friends with older kids. Many are glad to clear the garage.
Clean it before you use it
- Wash clothing and fabric items on a hot cycle.
- Wipe hard plastic and metal with soap and warm water, then dry well.
- Check for mold in folds, straps, and seams; skip anything with a musty smell.
- Let items air out outside if possible.
Sell or pass it on
When your child outgrows something, sell it at a consignment sale or online, and put the money back into the next size or a savings account. Kids can join in too; selling outgrown toys is a great lesson from our guide on teaching kids to save money.
The bottom line
Buy car seats, crib mattresses, and helmets new. Buy cribs, strollers, and high chairs used only after checking age, condition, and recalls. Clothes, books, toys, and bikes are some of the best deals in parenting. A few minutes of checking can save hundreds of dollars a year.