What items would you consider purchasing used?

[Jalapeñomel]

I'm talking big ticket items like a car seat, stroller, etc?

I know that the Baby's Bargains book says NEVER to purchase a used crib, but otherwise, is there anything else you would avoid?

[KKD]

I have a hand-me-down crib, but I wouldn't have purchased a crib or mattress from a stranger. I also wouldn't buy a used car seat.

My sisters and I bought my SIL a Bugaboo stroller from CL because we knew she was considering searching for one herself, and a new one would have been over our budget. I went to see one or two before I found another that was worth buying.

[Cheesecake]

I really truly don't get the used crib thing. Mine is used and anyone saying it's not safe is crazy. There are no moving parts, the material is solid and unchipped, it's not painted, so no lead paint issues and the sizes are standard, so safe.

I wouldn't ever buy a used car seat or a used mattress. Everything else totally depends on how well/if I know the previous owner.

But seriously, Itruly don't get why you shouldn't buy a used crib as long as ypu don't get one that's been recalled.

Sent from my Xperia Z, please don't mind typos!

[Velar Fricative]

We are using a car seat from a friend who never actually used it in a car, but we are giving it to FIL since he is daycare's emergency contact. So it won't be used all that often (if ever).

We got a new crib but I'd consider a used crib from someone I'm close to whose baby just outgrew it. I would definitely never buy a used mattress (we had a bed bug issue not too long ago!).

If I find that it's really difficult to run alone regularly, I may buy a jogging stroller on Craigslist.

[AlpineSlide]

I'm hoping to get a bumbo, jumperoo, and activity mat type thing used and maybe a high chair. I'm keeping my eyes on the consignment stores. But those aren't big ticket items.

What do you guys think about a 12 year old crib from in-laws? My SIL is trying to give us their crib that would be about 12 years old and used by all 3 of their kids (youngest is 6). DH wants us to take it simply because it is free. I don't want it mainly for style reasons (its ugly) but I'm also not really comfortable with a crib that old. It is not a drop side.

[Jalapeñomel]

Aug 17, 2013 13:34:47 GMT -5 AlpineSlide said:

I'm hoping to get a bumbo, jumperoo, and activity mat type thing used and maybe a high chair. I'm keeping my eyes on the consignment stores. But those aren't big ticket items.

What do you guys think about a 12 year old crib from in-laws? My SIL is trying to give us their crib that would be about 12 years old and used by all 3 of their kids (youngest is 6). DH wants us to take it simply because it is free. I don't want it mainly for style reasons (its ugly) but I'm also not really comfortable with a crib that old. It is not a drop side.

I would just look into the brand to see if there were any recalls or safety issues, but otherwise, I don't see a problem with it.  However, if you don't like it, I wouldn't take it.

[Cheesecake]

Aug 17, 2013 13:34:47 GMT -5 AlpineSlide said:

I'm hoping to get a bumbo, jumperoo, and activity mat type thing used and maybe a high chair. I'm keeping my eyes on the consignment stores. But those aren't big ticket items.

What do you guys think about a 12 year old crib from in-laws? My SIL is trying to give us their crib that would be about 12 years old and used by all 3 of their kids (youngest is 6). DH wants us to take it simply because it is free. I don't want it mainly for style reasons (its ugly) but I'm also not really comfortable with a crib that old. It is not a drop side.

If it's not a drop side, does not have decorative posts sticking put and the slats are no more than 3 inches (I'm not sure, 6.5 cm is what they say here) apart, and nothing is chipping, there's no reason to not use it.
I wouldn't want anything I don't like thpugh, despite it being free.

And yeah, in my no 2nd hand list I forgot the breast pump. That would make me uncomfortable.


Sent from my Xperia Z, please don't mind typos!

[blindyswife]

I'd consider a used crib if it met safety standards. No to a mattress or breast pump. We did take a used carseat from a trusted friend, knowing it hasn't expired and never been in any accidents. We use it in my moms car when she has Linus. Oh, and we also got a used double stroller from a garage sale.

[pescalita]

I have a hammidown crib, car seats, and breast pump (new parts), but they're all from a close family member. The crib actually is drop side and I prefer it. I'm 5'2" and can't lay my kid down on the lowest setting with the side up. I looked into the stats that caused the ban and it was worth the risk to us.

YMMV. I'm pretty laid back on these things, I find a lot of current recommendations and regulations to be alarmist.

[sonrisa]

I would not purchase anything that could carry bedbugs. I still buy clothes on consignment, but wash them immediately. I would not buy a used car seat.

[jennifertx]

I think a crib is ok as long as you know it's a newer model and meets all the safety requirements. I think the only things I absolutely wouldn't buy used would be breast pump/supplies, mattress, and car seat.

[redpenmama]

Same as others -- crib and car seat. If you want a high-end stroller, secondhand is a great way to go if you're cheap like me. Even for breast pumps, you replace all of the tubing, so it's not unsanitary to get a used one (though I totally understand not wanting to).

[Jalapeñomel]

Thankfully my insurance gets me a breast pump (or at least that is my understanding of it), but I am assuming that the pump itself is second hand, while all the parts are new.

[osulori]

AJ's nursery furniture is handmedown from my BFF. Also, a fair amount of his clothes, his strollers (Chicco Cortina and snap n go), our space saver high chair, our Boppy and My Breast Friend pillows, and my Medela PISA are all secondhand-all but some of the clothes are from friends as opposed to strangers. I would have gotten a jogger secondhand if my coworkers hadn't gotten me one as a shower gift.

[blushing]

I am buying the first infant car seat from a good friend. I know the history of the seat and its only been used for 6 months. She bought it new. I would not otherwise use a used car seat.

I will buy a new mattress, but everything else will be second hand. We still have most things from when DS was a baby, except a pram and a cot. I don't want a big cot for the next one as we have a toddler bed that DS went into at 15 months.