Buying New and Used – What baby gear expires?
It can be very exciting setting up a nursery for a new arrival and ensuring that everything is ready and waiting. But whether it is your first or fourth baby, one thing is undeniable – the cost!
Raising a child can be incredibly expensive; in 2015, the USDA reported that it costs an average of $233,610 to take a child from infancy to adulthood. Of course, the cost can be influenced by various factors such as location, income level, and childcare options. Still, all-in-all, parenthood comes with a hefty price tag. The expenses can add up, from medical bills and ever-changing clothing sizes to school tuition and extracurricular activities!
It definitely pays off to save some money by accepting second-hand items from friends and family or purchasing discounted, gently-used items.
When buying used baby goods, it’s essential to find quality items that are safe and in good working order. You can do a few things to ensure you get a good quality item. First, inspect the item thoroughly. Look for any signs of wear and tear, cracks, or damage. Then, test the item to ensure it’s in working order.
Don’t be afraid to ask the seller questions. For example, find out how old the item is, how it was used, and where it was bought initially. Do some research too. Find out if the item has ever been recalled and make sure the item meets current safety standards and regulations. The item should also be clean and sanitized, obviously.
So what is safe, what needs a lot of thought and what is an absolute no? I’ve removed the guesswork for you and compiled a list.
Perfectly Safe
First, let’s look at technically not used, just pre-owned items. Of course, no one is in the market for a used disposable diaper or baby wipes. Still, many parents have an excess of unused diapers that their children have grown out of or other unused disposable products. So are they worth buying at a discount? For the most part, absolutely!
Do Baby Wipes Expire?
Not in the same way food does. According to most baby wipes manufacturers, unopened packs remain usable for two to three years after production, and opened packs for four weeks. But the truth is, they most likely won’t go bad beyond the expiration date printed on the pack, even though they may not be as effective.
What About Diapers?
Diapers have no expiration date or shelf life, whether open or unopened. So if you have a few unused ones from last year stored away, don’t worry about giving them out as a gift! And if they’re older than that? While they may not have an expiration date, manufacturers suggest using them within two years of purchase.
It’s not necessarily dangerous to use diapers that are more than a couple of years old; however, it may be a good idea to replace them. Color changes, reduced absorbency, and loss of elasticity are all signs to be aware of. However, even if these issues don’t mean the diaper has gone bad, it may be a sign to throw in the towel and switch to a new option.
Do Breast Milk Storage Bags Expire?
Generally speaking, unopened breastmilk storage bags do not have an expiration date. Experts say these bags can last indefinitely if kept in a dry, airtight container and away from moisture.
Does Baby Formula Expire?
Yes. It does. Baby formula is a carefully crafted blend of nutrients specifically formulated to nourish little ones, but even the best formula can only maintain its peak quality for so long. So be sure to keep an eye out for the “use-by” date when purchasing formula to ensure you’re giving your baby the freshest, most nutritionally sound option.
Once opened, the formula should be used within a month for optimal freshness. Mixed formula should be used within an hour if left out or 48 hours if refrigerated within two hours of being mixed.
Considering all this, it is not advisable to buy pre-owned formula. However, as a once-off, here and there, if you know the buyer and can be sure that it has been stored correctly, it should be fine. But otherwise, opt for new.
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Other Items You Can Reuse Safely
Clothing and shoes
One of the simplest ways to save money while raising a child is to opt for second-hand clothes and shoes – a great option since kids tend to outgrow items quickly. These can be found in various places, from thrift and consignment shops to online platforms like Facebook Marketplace, eBay, and Craigslist.
Hand-me-downs can be a practical, budget-friendly option for your little one as long as the item is in excellent or like-new condition, without stains, rips, or holes.
Books
Start your baby’s book collection with pre-loved reads – it’s totally safe to do so! For board books, give them a gentle clean just in case – although germs tend not to survive long on their hard surfaces!
Toys
It’s hard to predict what your baby will love, so why not ease up on your wallet and try some second-hand playthings and board books before splashing out for all-new baby toys? Always check for loose hardware or chipping paint, and steer clear of anything with small parts that could be a choking hazard. The safest bets are usually the simplest toys, such as blocks, rattles, and stacking cups with few or no moving parts.
Cloth diapers
At first thought this idea may seem a bit yucky at first, but cloth diapers can be reused. They are just like clothing; they don’t fit a child for long, so aren’t often used for long before they become too small. For safety and sanitation, be sure to run them through an extra wash cycle or your washing machine’s sanitizing cycle before using them, but after cleaning them thoroughly, they are good to go and ready to be passed down!
Bathtubs
Of course, don’t take one with visible mold, defects, or sharp edges; however, since this item is easy to clean, it is usually safe to purchase second-hand.
Highchairs
To guarantee your child’s safety when using a high chair, ensure it has a three-point harness with a crotch restraint that stops them from climbing out and a fixed crotch post so they can’t slide out. Even a hand-me-down high chair will suffice if these two features are present. However, steer clear of chairs with arms that lift the tray over the baby’s head.
Items That Can Be Reused with Caution
Strollers
Buying a used stroller can be a great option, so long as it is in good condition and has all the components needed. However, it is essential to pay attention to the stroller’s manufacture date; only those made after 2015 are deemed safe to reuse. Several safety regulations were implemented to guarantee appropriate harnessing and structural sturdiness. Even if made after 2015, you should always double-check that the brakes, buckles, folding, and reclining functions are in good working order.
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Cribs and nursery furniture
When buying furniture like cots, changing tables, and drawers, it’s perfectly acceptable to purchase them second-hand, especially if they’re of a reliable, renowned brand and acquired from a trustworthy source. However, you should be cautious when shopping for used cribs, as the quality may not be up to the same standard as a brand-new one. Consider the following:
- ‘Vintage’ or older cribs may contain lead-based paint.
- The distance between each bar should be more than 2.5cm (1 inch) or less than 6.5cm (2.5 inches), so your baby’s head won’t be trapped.
- Drop-side mechanisms have been banned in the US.
- What out for old decorations and stickers that may become loose and pose a choking hazard.
- Check that the crib is solid and has been put together correctly. It mustn’t have any nails sticking out or parts that have become loose.
Items That are Not Negotiable
Sometimes, accepting a hand-me-down item that could be a severe safety hazard may be tempting. But, while it’s not a guaranteed disaster waiting to happen, it’s not worth the risk.
Mattresses
Used bedding can be a great choice since it can easily be washed. However, when it comes to mattresses, it’s recommended to stay away from second-hand ones. This is because it has been linked to sudden infant death syndrome. Even though the connection is not totally understood, it is better to be safe than sorry. Moreover, a mattress is not easy to clean to the point of being able to remove all the germs and dirt. For that reason, adding it to your list of second-hand items is not recommended.
Car Seats
When it comes to your child’s safety, purchasing a used car seat is a risk you don’t want to take. Car seats have expiration dates, and it’s impossible to tell if the one being sold has been in a collision. So play it safe – invest in a new car seat to protect your little one. Generally, car seat expiration dates range from six to ten years after the item was manufactured. In addition, regulations for safety requirements tend to evolve over time, ensuring that the car seats available for purchase are up-to-date with the latest rules.
Related post: Baby Car Seat Timelines
Play Yard
It’s best to purchase a new play yard rather than a used one. After all, the CPSC revealed that over 2,100 incidents with play yards were reported to them between 2007-2011. This included 60 fatalities and 170 injuries, most of which could have been avoided if the play yard had been purchased new. Additionally, used versions of mesh and portable baby yards could have added supplementary mattresses, compromising the structure’s integrity.
Related post: How To Choose A Baby Swing
Breast pumps
Second-hand pumps may seem like the way to go but bear in mind there is a risk of contamination that comes with used consumer-grade pumps. It’s not worth putting your newborn at risk of bacteria or viruses, so check your eligibility for a free breast pump under the ACA. Here are some of the best breast pumps for breastfeeding moms if you’re ready to purchase a new one.
Related post: What To Do With An Old Breast Pump
Safety Tips When Buying Used Baby Products
If you’re buying used baby gear, ask yourself these key questions: What’s the model number? Is it in good condition? Does it come with the instruction manual?
To make sure the item is safe, check for recalls at recalls.gov. Additionally, inspect it for any damage or missing parts. Finally, ensure you have the instruction manual to know when it was made and how to use it correctly. If you don’t have it, you can usually find instruction manuals online with the model number and date of manufacture.
Where to Shop
Setting out on your adventure to track down gently-used baby gear? Not sure where to begin? Let the community mamas be your guide and point you to the most highly recommended places to find pre-loved baby goodies!
Use the resources close to home and get in touch with family and friends! You may be shocked that many have baby gear they no longer need. Check out the Facebook Marketplace for products near you. Also, look at the many Facebook groups you’re part of to see if anyone has the baby gear item you’re looking for.
Rebelstork provides an innovative way to buy and sell all sorts of baby gear with its impressive algorithm. They take the hassle out of re-selling and re-buying, making it simple and easy. On the other hand, Mercari is an app that makes it simple to find second-hand (or sometimes new!) products across all categories. So whether you’re looking for clothes, swings, or even toys for your baby, Mercari’s excellent algorithm and search function make buying and selling easy and enjoyable.
Another option is to take advantage of Amazon Warehouse and explore a selection of gently used, pre-owned, or never-opened baby products at a discounted price – from toys and high chairs to diapers! In addition, Amazon ensures quality assurance by carefully assessing the item’s condition and awarding it a “grade” before it’s listed for sale, giving you peace of mind that you’re getting top-notch quality.
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