Items to buy from consignment (legal, milk, babies, parent)

[ladyvet2006]

We are having our first child and wanted to buy as many things used as possible. Other than clothes, what are some things we should keep an eye out for at consignment sales?

thanks

[elsbells]

I would be very hesitant about buying many baby items consignment. If you choose to buy used, make sure you check current recalls before purchase. Safety standards change very frequently on baby items, so just be cautious. I would definitely NOT purchase a used car seat because you don't know if it has been in an accident. I would also be hesitant to buy a crib. Drop-side cribs are now illegal to sell.

Play yards, swings, and strollers are probably fine to get used. Just make sure you thoroughly wash all parts. And again, just check for recalls before purchase!

I've gone to Once Upon a Child in Cary and found some great deals on clothes. They also have other baby gear, toys, and books.

[gimme it]

A Baby Bjorn. You won't need it for very long, so it's a shame to spend so much.

[lkb0714]

Originally Posted by ladyvet2006

We are having our first child and wanted to buy as many things used as possible. Other than clothes, what are some things we should keep an eye out for at consignment sales?

thanks

Items you only use for a short period:

Bassinets, front slings, portable playpen, those vibrating chairs.

Things to avoid:
CAR SEATS (sometimes it is impossible to tell if they have already been in an accident), cribs, any upholstered furniture (if bedbugs are a problem in your area), etc.

[crazyme4878]

I bought almost all my things used. The only thing I didn't was the car seat and the sling (although I would have bought that used as well, if I could have found one).

[Kibbiekat]

I don't think cribs can be sold second hand anymore. the biggest risks would be cribs, car seats, and breast pumps. Other than that, I think you'd be fine buying second hand. Look closely at what you are buying to make sure there are broken parts or rough edges. In general, babies use things for a very short time, and aren't big enough to be hard on them.

[rezfreak]

Originally Posted by Kibbiekat

I don't think cribs can be sold second hand anymore. the biggest risks would be cribs, car seats, and breast pumps. Other than that, I think you'd be fine buying second hand. Look closely at what you are buying to make sure there are broken parts or rough edges. In general, babies use things for a very short time, and aren't big enough to be hard on them.

They can as long as they are not drop side.

[rezfreak]

I bought nearly everything used with the exception of my breastpump. Crib, bassinet, clothes, pack n play, jumperoo, swing (although mine broke and i ended up buying a new one),

[eastwesteastagain]

Great advice so far! I wouldn't buy second-hand for crib or car seat for reasons mentioned already. If you do buy a second-hand breast pump, make sure you replace the tubing, shields, etc. - anything that comes into contact with the milk. You can order spare parts from the manufacturer's websites. It could make sense to do that, depending on the price of the model, as the pump motor is usually the most costly component and it can be safely reused. I had to replace tubing in my pump between kids, and it was under $15, IIRC. Congratulations, by the way!

[BirdieBelle]

Consignment stores won't take used car seats in our area. They have very strict regulations.

I bought anything large and plastic that I knew could be well cleaned. Most stuff you can find is in very good shape.

I like the advice about stuff you only use for a short while. The only problem is that as a new parent, you don't always know how long you use stuff.