Baby Essentials You Should Never Buy Used

While you may want to save money by purchasing second hand with baby on the way, some items are better purchased new to keep baby safe and healthy.

6 Baby Essentials You Should Never Buy Second Hand

There are so many products and supplies you need to buy when you have a baby on the way. The cost of these supplies might make you a little nervous, so you might think that finding these items at a thrift store is a great solution. And there are plenty of baby essentials you can and should buy second hand! (Check out this list to know what you should buy second hand!)

While for many baby products and supplies a thrift store is, in fact, the perfect solution, there are certain baby items you should never buy used. To help yourself be more informed, take a look below at 6 baby essentials you should never buy secondhand in order to keep your baby safe and healthy.

1. Car seats and booster seats

You should never buy car seats or booster seats second hand, and most thrift stores are prohibited from selling them. You never know if the seat has been recalled, been in an accident, or how old it is (And, yes! Car seats actually can expire!). It is best to buy such a vital safety device new so you know for certain that it is in excellent working condition without issue.

2. Breast pumps and nursing supplies

Anytime you are dealing with items that touch body fluids, you want to be careful. If these items aren’t properly cleaned and cared for, bacteria can take over. It is wise to pass on used breast pump and nursing supplies since they can create a health hazard if not properly cleaned. Plus, most insurance providers now cover breast pumps, so call your insurance to ask about a free or discounted pump.

3. Crib

Cribs continue to evolve making them safer for children to sleep in. Opt for new instead of used so you know the crib is in safe working condition and so you can assemble it yourself. You also want to be sure the item has not been recalled or doesn’t have the outdated slats that kids can get caught in.

4. Mattress

For sanitary reasons, it's best to avoid reusing crib mattresses. It's pretty much guaranteed that another baby has peed, pooped and spit up in them, and they can be contaminated with bacteria and mold. Older mattresses can also contain chemicals such as phthalates and BPA that are better avoided. Mattresses may also get softer with use, and a firm mattress is recommended to prevent SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome). For baby's safety and your peace of mind, buy a new one!

5. Pack and Plays or Play Yards

Since this is a space where babies often sleep, you don’t want to buy these second hand. These are often recalled for collapsing on children as well as being SIDS hazards. You never know how old the item is, how long it has been stored, and often times the fabric on these centers can be hard to thoroughly clean. Instead, opt for new and be safe.

6. Teethers, bottles, and pacifiers

Anything that goes in baby’s mouth on a regular basis should be bought new. You never know what an item has been exposed to, if there has been a recall on it, or what other safety concerns might be present. Instead, purchase these products new and have peace of mind.

If you have a baby on the way, shop a little smarter. These 6 baby essentials should not be purchased second hand. No amount of money you save is worth posing a health or safety hazard to your child.