Baby gear: new or used?
Babies outgrow things fast, so a lot of great gear is available secondhand. A few items, mostly for sleep and car safety, are safest bought new. Here's a quick guide. Always check recalls first.
Buy used Check carefully Buy new
| Item | Verdict | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Clothes, swaddles and blankets | Buy used Usually a great buy | Wash first; check for loose buttons and strings. |
| Books and toys | Buy used Usually a great buy | Check for small parts, loose pieces and recalls. |
| Baby bath and changing pad | Buy used Usually a good buy | Clean well; check for cracks. |
| Baby monitor | Buy used Usually a good buy | Reset to factory settings and set a new password. |
| Stroller | Check carefully Good, with a check | Brakes, folding lock and straps work; check recalls. |
| High chair | Check carefully Good, with a check | Straps and tray lock work; stable; check recalls. |
| Baby carrier | Check carefully Good, with a check | Buckles and seams are strong; follow age and weight limits. |
| Breast pump | Check carefully Check your insurance first | Most health plans must cover one. Many pumps are made for one user only. |
| Crib | Buy new New, or meets current standards | Must meet current federal crib standards. Avoid drop-side cribs and missing parts. |
| Crib mattress | Buy new Buy new | Firm, flat and the right size for the crib, with a fitted sheet. |
| Car seat | Buy new Buy new, unless you know its history | Never use one that has been in a crash, is expired, or has missing parts or labels. |
| Bottle nipples and pacifiers | Buy new Buy new | Hygiene, and they wear out. |
General information, not safety certification. Check recalls at CPSC.gov and Recalls.gov, car seat guidance at NHTSA.gov, and follow manufacturer instructions. For safe sleep, follow your pediatrician's advice.
Before you bring it home
Look up the brand and model on CPSC.gov or Recalls.gov.
Make sure all parts, labels and instructions are there.
Check for cracks, loose parts and worn straps.
Clean it well before use.
Read secondhand baby gear, safely and baby gear: what you really need, or add up the first year with the baby first-year cost calculator.