Second-hand baby items: what's safe to reuse and what to buy new

Babies outgrow things in weeks. The newborn clothes last a month, the bouncer a few months, the cot a couple of years. Getting baby items second-hand is one of the most sensible things new parents can do — and passing them on afterwards is one of the most useful things they can give.

Most baby things are perfectly safe to reuse. A few carry real safety risks that are easy to miss. This guide sets out which second-hand baby items are fine, which need a careful check, and the handful that are worth buying new.

This is general guidance. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions for any product, and ask your midwife, nurse or doctor if you are unsure.

Baby items that are almost always fine second-hand

• Clothes, after a good wash
• Baby carriers and wraps, if the fabric, stitching and buckles are in good condition
• Baby bathtubs
• Toys, checked for small parts that could come loose
• Books
• High chairs, if they are stable and the straps work
• Prams and pushchairs, if the brakes, harness and folding lock all work properly

These are the things families pass between each other constantly, and they are where you save the most. Our post on a first baby with almost nothing bought new shows how far it can go.

Items to check carefully

Cots

A second-hand cot can be perfectly safe, but check it properly before use.

• Bar spacing. The gaps between the bars should be narrow enough that a baby's head cannot pass through. A commonly used guideline is no more than about 6 cm.
• No missing or loose slats, and no broken parts.
• No peeling paint. Very old cots may have been painted with paint containing lead. If you are unsure, sand and repaint with child-safe paint.
• All the fittings. The cot should be sturdy once assembled, with nothing that wobbles.
• Use a mattress that fits snugly, with no gap around the edges where a baby could get stuck.

Prams and pushchairs

Check the brakes, the harness and the folding mechanism. A pram that folds unexpectedly is dangerous.

Anything electrical

Baby monitors, bottle warmers and sterilisers should be checked for damaged cables and should work exactly as intended.

Items worth buying new

Car seats

A car seat that has been in a crash may be damaged in ways you cannot see. Most car seats also have an expiry date printed on them, because the plastic weakens over time. Only reuse a car seat if it comes from someone you trust completely, who can confirm it has never been in an accident, and it is within its expiry date and comes with its instructions.

Cot mattresses

Safe sleep guidance recommends a firm, flat mattress that fits the cot well. Mattresses can sag with use, which makes them softer than they should be, and can harbour bacteria. If you can, buy a new one — it is one of the more important purchases.

Breast pumps

Most personal breast pumps are designed for one user only and should not be shared, for hygiene reasons. Hospital-grade pumps designed for multiple users are different, so check which kind you have.

Bottle teats and dummies

These are cheap, wear out quickly and are hard to clean thoroughly. Buy new.

How to clean second-hand baby items

• Clothes, wraps and bedding: wash with a mild detergent and dry them fully, in the sun if you can.
• Hard plastic items: wash with warm, soapy water, rinse and dry.
• Soft toys: wash them, or retire them if they cannot be washed.
• Anything with fabric padding, such as a pram seat: remove the covers and wash them if possible.

Where to find second-hand baby things in Ghana

• Family, friends and church. Still the most common route, and a good one.
• Givny. Parents list bundles of baby clothes, cots, prams and toys, often sorted by age. You can see what is available near you and request what you need.

And when your own baby moves on to the next size, pass things on. Someone nearby is expecting.

Frequently asked questions

Is it safe to use a second-hand car seat?

Only if you know its full history — that it has never been in a crash — and it is within the expiry date printed on it. If you cannot be sure of both, buy new.

Can I reuse a cot mattress from my first child?

It can be reasonable if the mattress is still firm and flat, fits the cot snugly, was stored clean and dry, and shows no sagging or stains. Many parents prefer to buy new, and if you are unsure, that is the safer choice.

Should I wash second-hand baby clothes before using them?

Yes, always. Wash them with a mild detergent and let them dry completely.

Which baby items are most worth getting second-hand?

Clothes, carriers, bathtubs, toys, books, high chairs and prams. They are used for a short time and usually have plenty of life left.

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Has your baby outgrown a pile of clothes or a cot? List them on Givny and pass them to a family nearby who needs them.