Unsafe Items to Buy Used for Your Baby

Because baby safety research is so regularly updated, baby items are often reviewed for their safety. There are frequent recalls on baby items, new and old. It’s a good idea to double check specific items and manufacturers before purchasing.

Always check recalls before buying anything used.

In Canada, that’s Healthy Canadians Recalls.

In U.S., the CPSC recalls database.

Now, whether you’re a parent trying to save some money, or a family friend trying to find the perfect gift, we’ve got you covered! Here’s our micro-guide on protecting your baby, and what to avoid to keep them safe and happy!

 

1. Car Seats
• Firstly, most thrift stores will not accept car seats as donations, as there is no way to verify it is undamaged. It will be very hard to buy this item used in the first place.
• Secondly, because you can’t always verify if it’s been in a crash, recalled, or expired (yes, they expire due to plastic degradation and changing safety standards), it is best to buy a new car seat, for the guarantee (and peace of mind) in your child’s safety.
2. Cribs
• Old cribs may have slats spaced too far apart, missing hardware, or unsafe paint/finishes.
• Cribs also receive regular safety updates, with certain older models being banned. Even if you can ensure your crib is built properly, defects or poor designs can risk your baby’s safety.
3. Mattresses (crib, bassinet, or playpen)
• Much like car seats, many thrift shops won’t accept mattresses. It is fairly difficult to sell a used mattress for adults, and this stays true for baby mattresses.
• Risk of mold, bacteria, or sagging, which can increase the chance of suffocation or harm your baby in other ways.
4. Breast Pumps
• Most are single-user devices, and are not recommended for use beyond that. Only hospital-grade pumps designed for multiple users are safe to share, and certain parts still need replacement.
• Pumps can also harbor mold or bacteria in internal tubing, and should be replaced regularly anyway, if you plan to have multiple children.
5. Bottles & Nipples
• Nipples wear out and can crack, trapping bacteria.
• Bottles can hold scratches that harbour germs.
• These issues make it hard to fully sterilise the bottle after a while.
6. Pacifiers / Teething Toys
• These toys hold the same issue as nipples: they degrade, crack, and harbour bacteria you can’t fully sterilize.
7. Old High Chairs, Playpens, or Wooden Items
• If manufactured before modern safety updates, they may tip easily, lack secure straps, or contain lead paint.

 

Items That Can Be Bought Used

• • • • • • • • Toys - plastic/wood toys are good options, if they aren’t damaged — be sure to wash any plush items, and avoid anything that can’t make it through that wash cycle
              • Strollers – check for a secure harness, stable wheels, and strong breaks
              • Baby Carriers/Slings - check the stitching and the buckles
              • Changing Tables/Dressers – look for proper anchors, and ensure it doesn’t wobble.

As we’ve said, be sure to check any items you buy for your baby, whether used or not. Manufacturer defects, items broken in shipping, and regular recalls are important issues to check, double check, and triple check even.

These early years are so important for how your baby will come to see the world. Do what you can to help them be in this world safely!