Preparing for a baby is one of the most exciting and overwhelming times in a new parent’s life — especially when it comes to budgeting and deciding what you really need. With so many baby products on the market and the cost of essentials quickly adding up, it’s no surprise that many parents ask: What baby items can you buy secondhand — and what should you buy new?
In this guide, I’ll cover the best baby items to buy secondhand, what to avoid for safety or hygiene reasons, and a few things that fall somewhere in between. Whether you’re preparing for baby on a budget, creating a minimalist baby registry, or looking to be a more mindful consumer, this list will help you feel confident about where to save and where to splurge!
Disclaimer: I’m not a medical or safety professional — always double-check product recalls and consult safety guidelines before using secondhand gear. Also, this post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you if you make a purchase through one of my links. I only share products I truly love and personally use or recommend. Read more about our Disclaimer Policy. Thank you for supporting my blog and little family!
Baby Items to Buy Secondhand (Safely & Smartly)
Many baby products are only used for a short period and can often be found gently used at consignment stores, online marketplaces, or passed down from friends and family. These are the best baby gear items to buy used when you’re trying to save money and stretch your budget!
Baby Clothes
Babies grow fast — sometimes skipping entire sizes in a matter of weeks. Buying secondhand baby clothes is a no-brainer. You can find adorable, like-new onesies, sleepers, and outfits at a fraction of the cost. Always wash the clothes before using!
Swaddles, Blankets & Burp Cloths
These soft baby essentials get messy quickly but are easily washable. We go through burp cloths and Muslin blankets like crazy here. Stock up on secondhand swaddles and burp cloths so you’re never caught without a clean one.
Baby Bouncers & Swings
As long as you check for recalls and ensure all safety straps are working, secondhand bouncers and swings are a great way to save. They’re typically only used for a few months, making them perfect candidates for reuse!
Diaper Bags
A high-quality diaper bag can be pricey, but also easy to clean and disinfect. If the zippers and compartments are intact, snagging one used is an absolute win.
High Chairs
High chairs can get pretty messy, so look for simple plastic or wooden high chairs that can be wiped clean. Avoid fabric-covered styles that are harder to sanitize. And always check to make sure it is in safe condition — no cracks, no screws missing, safety buckles are in tact, etc.
Strollers
As one of the pricier baby gear items, strollers are often built to last. Check for product recalls, working brakes, wheel stability, and functional safety harnesses before buying a used one. I’d recommend to avoid overly worn or broken models. We saved hundreds of dollars by buying one second hand, and it’s compatible with our car seat!
Nursing Pillows
Nursing pillows like the Boppy or Breastfriend can be found secondhand — just wash the cover and inspect the inner pillow for any smells or stains. You can also usually purchase replacement covers, if you’d rather not use the existing cover. We bought a new cover for our hand-me-down Bobby! This saved us a lot of money.
Baby Bathtubs
Hard plastic tubs are durable, easy to disinfect, and barely wear out. Ones for newborns especially are only used for a few months. We have this baby bathtub seat and it’s so durable and easy to clean. We’re reaching the cap on the weight limit for Oliver, but it’ll store well for when we try for our next baby. This would be a great secondhand find!
Baby Carriers
Wraps and structured carriers (like Ergobaby or Tula) are usually washable and built to last. Just check that buckles, straps, and stitching are in good condition before inheriting one secondhand. We got a Tula baby carrier for free from a local baby clothes and gear swap, such a great find!
Changing Tables or Dressers
Furniture like dressers or changing tables can be easily wiped down or refinished. Refinishing to match the nursery would be such a fun DIY project too! Solid wood pieces are especially good finds. Double check that the framing is in good condition and always strap the furniture to the wall to prevent it from falling over!
Baby Items You Should Always Buy New
Now that we’ve saved money on the above items, let’s review the items you should budget to purchase new. While it’s tempting to save wherever possible, some baby items you shouldn’t buy used due to safety concerns, potential wear, or hygiene issues.
Car Seats
Safety is a non-negotiable here. Car seats expire (I didn’t know this before having a baby!) and must be replaced after any accident. Unless you personally know the car seat’s full history, always buy new to ensure it meets current safety standards and has not been involved in any accidents. Plus, you’ll get to use the car seat for the whole life of the product, so possibly for multiple children!
Cribs
Crib safety standards have changed over the years. Older cribs may have drop sides or slat spacing that no longer meet current safety regulations. If you do buy used, always double-check for recalls and always test for stability!
Crib Mattresses
My preference is to always buy crib mattresses new. They can harbor mold, bacteria, and allergens from the previous home. Since babies sleep so many hours a day, it’s worth investing in a clean, supportive, new one! And again, you’ll know the history on the mattress and can use for multiple children.
Pacifiers & Bottle Nipples
Before having Oliver, I never knew you had to inspect pacifiers and bottle nipples for damage after a couple months. These wear out quickly and can harbor bacteria, even with good cleaning. Because of this, I highly recommend to buy new for peace of mind! They’re also not a very expensive product, so it’s worth buying new in my mind.
Breast Pump Parts
While the pump motor itself may be reused (depending on the brand), all parts that come into contact with milk — like flanges, tubing, and bottles — should be replaced with new, sterilized ones. Some pump models also recommend replacing these pumps regardless after a certain amount of pumps/months of use. Plus, it’s nice to have extras on hand so you don’t have to wash pump parts as often.
Teething Toys
I feel like anything that is meant to go into baby’s mouth should be bought new. These go directly in your baby’s mouth, and many are hard to sanitize fully. For something that will be chewed and gnawed on daily, it’s best to buy new. Also, check for damage after a couple months to ensure baby hasn’t broken the teether. We’re already had to toss a teether and we’re in month 2 of teething.
Thermometers
Accuracy is everything when your baby is sick. I suggest buying a new, reliable thermometer for your home first aid kit. We have a forehead thermometer for quick reads and a rectal thermometer for when we need a precise measurement or during active fevers.
Feeding Utensils & Sippy Cups
Plastic feeding tools can get micro-cracks or wear down over time, just like teethers. Avoid used ones and get new feeding gear made with BPA-free materials. Again, these items tend to be cheaper so it’s worth the peace of mind of a new product.
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Negotiable Baby Items: Your Call
Now, some baby products fall into a gray area. These negotiable baby items depend on the item’s condition, your preferences, or sentimental value. There is no right or wrong answer, do what feels best to you!
Books
Board books are fun but babies love to chew and drool on them. They can get beat up quickly, so you may want new ones — especially if you’re building a keepsake library. Many parents ask guests to bring books instead of cards to baby showers and write a personal message inside. These are lovely keepsakes!
Toys & Stuffed Animals
Hard plastic or wooden toys can be sanitized, but double-check for mold in bath toys or wear on painted wooden items. Fabric toys and stuffed animals can hold allergens or germs and may not be easy to wash thoroughly. When in doubt, buy new or sanitize hand-me-downs carefully.
Final Thoughts on Baby Items to Buy Secondhand
Shopping for a new baby doesn’t have to drain your savings! By knowing which baby items to buy secondhand, you can stretch your budget while still preparing thoughtfully and safely for your little one. From buying baby clothes secondhand to thrifting nursery furniture, there are plenty of ways to save money without sacrificing quality.
Just remember: when it comes to safety-related gear like car seats, cribs, and feeding supplies, buying new is always the better choice. For everything else, ask questions, inspect items carefully, and enjoy the thrill of scoring a good deal — all while prepping for one of life’s biggest adventures.
You’ve got this, mama 🤎
Want a Free Checklist?
Coming soon: A printable checklist of what to buy new, secondhand, and what to consider based on condition! Perfect to bring to consignment sales or keep handy when browsing Facebook Marketplace!