Used Baby Items - Are They Safe?
by Shari Hearn

You new little bundle of joy is certainly a treasure. And, as you may have noticed, it sometimes takes a fortune to outfit, feed and accessorize your little treasure. How can you give your baby everything she needs, yet save a few bucks in the process? If used baby items are your answer, whether purchased or given to you, you are certainly correct. Used baby items will save you money. But, are used baby items safe for your baby? ...continued below
Safe Used Baby Items – Clothing

It’s no secret that babies grow out of clothing very rapidly. This is where buying used can be a big help. With the number of quality used baby clothing shops, thrift stores and used baby clothing sold on eBay, you can outfit your baby for a fraction what new clothing would cost. In fact, just recently four outfits for baby girls, size 3 months, were sold on eBay for $.15 (that’s fifteen cents!) with a shipping cost of $5. Four outfits for just $5.15! That’s quite a bargain. And, with proper laundering, quite safe.

Potentially Unsafe Items

But, what about used baby items that might not be safe to purchase? Which items for your baby should you scrutinize or avoid altogether?

Used Cribs

Be very careful when buying or accepting a used crib as you don't know the risks involved. If the crib is nearly new and properly assembled you should be ok. But, for older cribs you might want to take a pass. And, here’s why:

1. The crib may not meet current safety standards. For example, crib slats can be no more than 2 3/8 inches apart to prevent the baby's body from getting stuck. Also, the mattress must fit tightly so that the baby cannot get trapped between the mattress and the
side of the crib.

2. An older crib may have lead paint in the finish.

3. If you are missing parts or instructions, you could assemble the crib incorrectly, making it a dangerous place for your baby to sleep. Bottom line, this is your baby we're talking about. He deserves a crib that is safe.

Other Used Baby Furniture

You need to make sure that any used baby furniture contains lead-free paint.

Used Car Seat

Again, if the car seat is nearly new, you may be okay. However, if the instructions or the DOT safety label are missing, don’t buy or accept the car seat.

Used Baby Toys

If you’re tempted to give your baby your old toys, don’t. They may make great collectibles, but they may not be safe for your baby. Yes, yes, it’s true that you played with them and you made it through childhood, but there are new safety standards for baby toys now. Your old toys can be painted with lead-based paint or contain chips or cracks. Why risk the safety of your baby?

What about newer used baby toys? If you are considering used baby toys do inspect them carefully and choose those in excellent condition, rejecting those which have chipped paint, loose or missing parts, are cracked or chipped or have frayed threads. For those that pass inspection, make sure you clean and disinfect them thoroughly before allowing your baby to play with them.

Shari Hearn is a writer and creator of Expecting Baby website, where you can learn about such things as stroller travel systems.