Second-hand baby products – saving money and reducing waste
Using second-hand baby products is a great way to save money. It’s better for the environment too. Lots of families kindly pass on items to friends and family once their baby has outgrown them, which can be a huge help! However, there are a few things to be aware of before you use something pre-owned to make sure they’re suitable for your baby.
Things to check
If you’re gifted items from friends or family, it’s always a good idea to look up the products online to make sure they comply with safer sleep advice. If you’re going shopping for second-hand baby products, we recommend taking a phone with you so that you can do a quick check online to have peace of mind before you buy.
Here is a quick checklist to make it easier:
- Instructions - Make sure you can get hold of the product’s instructions. You can usually download them from the manufacturer’s website.
- Safety Standards - Make sure the product meets the relevant British safety standards. This should be stated on the product itself, on the product’s packaging, or on the website.
- Product recalls - Search online to check the product hasn’t been recalled or deemed unsafe. You can search “product recalls” on GOV.UK to see if any problems have been found. You can also see our list of recalled baby sleep products below.
- All in one piece - Make sure the product is in good condition with no broken or missing parts.
Plus, any second-hand items should come from a smoke and pet free home, as these can affect how clean the product is.
Second-hand baby mattresses
We generally advise buying a new mattress for each baby because research suggests using a second-hand mattress from outside the family home increases the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). However, we know its not always possible to buy new. If you need to use a second hand mattress, choose one that meets these criteria.
A second-hand mattress should:
- Have a well fitting, 100% waterproof cover
- Have no rips or tears
- Be in good condition with no water damage
- Be firm and flat (no areas of sagging)
- Fit the cot or Moses basket well, with no gaps
- Have a fire-resistant label on it.
Second-hand car seats
We advise you not to use a second-hand car seat. It’s not always obvious if a car seat has been in an accident and the damage might not be visible. Car seats are designed to protect your baby in an accident, and previous damage could make them unsafe.
Even if you know the history of the seat (for example, it’s from a family member), wear and tear over time can affect the safety of a car seat, so it’s still best to buy new.
What to buy
It can be difficult to know which products your baby will need and the amount of choice can be confusing. Whilst we don’t recommend specific baby sleep products or brands, we do offer some general advice to help you make an informed choice. This advice is based on the most up-to-date research on sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
Read more about sleeping products for babies.
Frequently asked questions
Check for product recalls before using second-hand baby items. Recent safety alerts include:
- Water beads
- Puggle I-size Safe Max 360 Car Luxe Car Seat
- Britax Römer BABY-SAFE 5Z infant carrier
- Nibbling Silicone Dummy Clip
- George Home Sleepbags (Eight Models) sold by Asda
- Nibbling silicone daisy dummy
- Bluebell Baby Monitors
- Baby self-feeding products
- Baby Self-Feeding Pillows / Prop Feeders
- Queen West Trading Co. Baby Blanket in Blue and Beige
- Belecoo 3 in 1 Baby Stroller
- Wool Room Starry Nights, Spotty Fun and Jungle Friends Baby Wool Sleeping Bag (0-6m)
We strongly recommend that any second-hand product you chose meets the relevant British Standards, especially if you are buying an item online. A British Standard tells us that the product has passed certain safety tests, such as making sure it will not fall apart or easily catch fire.
Safety standards for baby sleep products
- Cots and travel cots: BS EN 716:2017
- Moses baskets, carry cots: BS EN 1466:2023
- Bedside cribs: BS EN 1130: 2019
- Mattresses: BS 7177:2008+A1:2001
- Car seats: ECE Regulation 44.04 (or R 44.03) or to the new I-size regulation, R129. Look for the ‘E’ mark label on the seat.
- Sleep bags: BS EN 16781:2018
Note there is no safety standard related to sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). This means that even if a product meets the relevant British Standards, it won’t necessarily be safe when it comes to reducing the risk of SIDS.
When a manufacturer designs a sleeping product, they mean for it to be used in a certain way. Using an item in a different way or for a different purpose, for example, adapting a cot and attaching it to an adult bed, could put your baby at risk.
Don’t use products that have adaptions or added decorations such as gems or fur. These might seem safe but can often pose a risk that’s not obvious, even if the product complies with British Standards.
Sadly not. Even if a product is made by a name you know or sold by a well-known retailer, that doesn’t mean that it complies with safer sleep advice. It’s always best to check that the product meets safety standards.
If you need baby items, you can get help from a baby bank. A baby bank is like a food bank but for baby essentials. They provide pre-owned items for children aged 0-5yrs to families who need them, donated by the local community.
If you are in contact with professionals, you can ask them to refer you to a baby bank. You may also be able to self-refer by contacting your local baby bank directly. You can find your local baby bank on the Baby Bank Alliance website.
Remember
Second-hand baby products can be a wonderful way to keep costs down and help the environment, but there are some things to be aware of. Check they’re in good condition and meet safety standards, and follow the guidelines on this page to give you confidence when choosing items for your baby.
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