What should (and shouldn't) be bought second hand?

Question

I'm planning on visiting a second hand baby store today to pick up a few things. I need some clothes because everything I bought or was gifted is 3m+.

Anyways I always hear second hand is the way to go to save some money. Are there certain things I should and shouldn't be buying?

Answer

Car seats and mattresses should be brand new. 
The sodden frame of a Cot/crib should be checked for structural defects etc but is fine second hand and so are good quality clothes and blankets - they can all be washed.

Answer

Car seat. Always brand new. You can check expiration dates but you still won't know if it's been in a wreck or not.

Mattress. Well. You wouldn't buy your mattress used would you?

Clothes and toys. Perfectly fine. I'm buying a lot of those things used. Just make sure you wash them well. Maybe even smell them prior (I know that sounds weird) just to make sure you don't smell smoke as that's a lot harder to get out but it can be done.

Answer

I agree. 
Car seat new! Always!! That is the one thing I asked for new.

My crib was a gift and the mattress my baby cousins "used" they maybe slept in it a handful of times. 
So my mattress is "used".

Baby's outgrow clothes so fast that most of the items at a store are new still. I have bought a handful of stuff for my boy and there are clothes with tags on it he still hasn't used and won't use. My MIL lives in second hand stores and I don't mind.

Answer

I strongly agree that car seats should be new but keep in mind that Target and Babies r us does trade in events so if you get an old one free or super cheep you can use it to get a discount on a new one. 
Also in my opinion mattresses should always be new.

Answer

What about a stroller?

Answer

Secondhand is awesome! Most nice resale shops won't sell used mattresses, and they won't touch used car seats either. I love getting good deals on used things! If you're smart about your purchases, you can often resell when you're done with it and recover most or all of your money. To me, that's like getting it for free! Happy shopping 😀

Answer

Definitely agree with a new car seat and mattress! For me, I'm pregnant with my first and I'm planning on more babies so I'm getting a lot of stuff new and gender neutral so I can use them again and the stuff be in good shape for my other future babies (ex. A swing, pack n play, etc.) but those are things that I would feel fine buying used/secondhand if I'm able to clean them well.

Clothes and toys I already have lots of second hand items.

Answer

Anything basically that I can wash I'll get second hand except for car seats and nipples. Lol.

What should (and shouldn't) be bought second hand?

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