7 Essential Baby Products to buy Used

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Perhaps you are pregnant, thinking about having children, or just trying to financially plan for a probable child in the future. It can be overwhelming with all the baby products you are told you “need” and should have brand new when baby arrives. Because I was equally overwhelmed with this task, I decided to make a list of baby products to buy used or second hand. With this list, you can save money, prioritize products you’ll actually use, and avoid extra waste by buying a completely new product.

As I type this post, my 2^nd baby is nestled in his Ergo baby carrier sleeping peacefully (thank goodness!). I waited to write a baby product list post until my 2^nd child was born because I wanted to see what products hold up when purchasing used, before I recommend them to others.

As a minimalist, I try to only purchase items for my baby that are truly essential, and avoid buying new whenever possible to save money, but also combat unnecessary waste in the manufacturing process.

Baby Products to Buy Used

This list includes the more expensive baby products that could be bought second hand or given as hand me downs to save your family money and prevent waste.

1. Clothes

Babies go through clothes so fast that they sometimes only wear an outfit 4-5 times. This is definitely not enough wear to warrant them useless. Getting hand me down clothes, or buying from a baby consignment shop will save you money and cut down on waste.

I was lucky enough with both my babies to receive many hand me down clothes. We received so many that I basically didn’t have to buy clothes until recently when my daughter turned 3. I even was able to give clothes away to other moms with the tags still on them!

Another great reason why you should accept second hand or hand me down clothes is because of the time you will save. For example, with my second child I was given all of hand me down clothes up until size 3T. This essentially means I never have to run to the store to buy a certain size for years. Plus, my sister-in-law just wants the clothes back when I’m done. Perfect, I don’t even have to spend time trying to give them away, sell them, or donate.

Remind yourself that money spent on clothes could better be utilized in a 529 college savings plan, or to splurge on a more expensive baby essential. Of course, if a certain outfit just makes you smile, buy it! Just know that accepting second hand clothes will save you time and money.

2. Dresser, Changing Table, and Rocking Chair

Furniture for the bedroom can be an expensive purchase, but don’t worry you can probably find a whole set second hand for half the cost. You have 9 months to search for something you might find locally, or in a consignment shop. Dressers, changing tables and quality rocking chairs are durable, and definitely last the entire time you will need it for multiple babies.

Plus, you’ll probably have pretty good luck selling a nursery set when your baby has grown out of it.

I would not recommend buying second hand the changing pad. You can’t totally sanitize this.

3. Swing

A swing can easily save you your sanity in rocking, or just trying to get anything accomplished while at home with a baby. Both my babies loved their swing and both were bought second hand. This particular swing we are using was used for three babies, and it remains in high quality, and fully functional.

4. Baby Monitor

A baby monitor’s price can vary substantially depending on the quality you purchase. A video monitor can be well above $100, and just a regular sound baby monitor can start at $20. We received a hand me down sound baby monitor that we have since regifted to another family, because we bought a video monitor when my daughter started crawling out of her crib! Baby monitors seem to be pretty durable and could be bought second hand to save your family money.

5. Baby Carrier

A baby carrier is absolutely essential and are usually priced around $100 brand new. I would suggest buying the highest quality baby carrier you can afford, which for many might mean buying second hand. High quality baby carriers like the Ergo can last multiple babies without showing signs of wear.  You’ll be using this product frequently, so make sure to check for quality and safety before purchasing.

6. High Chair

High chairs can last multiple children and are only used for a few years. Buying second hand can save you money.

7. Pack and Play

The pack and play can be bought second hand as it lasts multiple babies and is durable. Again, this baby product you’ll only be needing for a few years. Buying second hand will save money as these run usually around $100.

Where Can You Buy Baby Products Used?

You can search your local Craigslist or Facebook marketplace for baby and kid items. These will be sold directly from the family. One drawback is that you won’t know the quality until you show up and assess the product. You’ll want to make sure to bring cash to purchase.

If you don’t have the time to search on Craigslist, and pick up locally, you can try shopping from a baby and kid consignment shop. Here in Vancouver, we have several to choose from. The inventory is always changing, so you might ask to be put on a call list for a certain product you’re looking for. The benefit of shopping from a consignment store is that the quality is checked before putting a product on the floor. You’ll know that you’re receiving the best second hand quality you can, and usually the store has a policy if you are unsatisfied after purchasing.

There are also seasonal baby resale events in larger cities. We have a few that pop up in the spring and the fall in Vancouver and Portland. These events can be a great way to buy multiple products in one trip. It’s also a great way to get rid of baby products that you no longer need all in one event.

Lastly, you can buy second hand baby products online, but you’ll have to pay for shipping. I was able to find everything I needed locally, but I live in a well populated area with many consignment shops miles from my home.

Final Thoughts on Baby Products You Can Buy Used

Another great way to save yourself money and time is to make yourself some mom friends. Mom friends are essential to your mental health as you transition into motherhood. Mom friends have saved my sanity, given me much needed advice, and we’ve borrowed and swapped tons of baby products and maternity clothes. Hundreds of dollars, and hours of time were saved just by sharing in a community of mom friends.

Remember, it used to be that all moms stayed at home. We used to have a built-in community, where our kids could play outside together. Now new mothers lead a more isolated existence. It will take effort to make mom friends, but well worth the time. You might like to check out my other post on how to make friends as an adult. Guaranteed, you’ll find other moms who need a friend.

You might also like this post on baby gear you don’t need, and what items I don’t buy for my toddler.

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Join the Discussion

Did I miss any essential baby products that can be bought second hand? Add your ideas in the comments!

Author

-Maria Halcumb
B.A. in Secondary Education, English, and Physical Education
M.A. Ed. in Curriculum & Instruction and Reading Specialist