Second-Hand Baby Equipment: What's Safe
Buying second-hand can save hundreds of pounds when preparing for a baby — but not everything is equally safe to buy used. Knowing which items carry real safety risks and which are perfectly fine pre-loved helps you stretch your budget without cutting corners on the things that matter.
What's Safe to Buy Second-Hand
Many baby items are entirely safe to buy used, provided you check them carefully before use:Prams and pushchairs — Check that the brakes engage properly, the harness is intact and not frayed, the frame is not bent or cracked, and all clips and fastenings work. If a part is missing or broken, contact the manufacturer — many sell spare parts. Wash the fabric seat if possible.
Cots and cot beds — Second-hand cots are fine if they meet current UK safety standards. Check that the bars are no wider than 6.5cm apart (to prevent head entrapment), that there are no sharp edges or protruding fixings, and that it is structurally sound. Avoid very old cots that may pre-date modern safety standards.
Baby clothes — Perfectly safe. Wash everything thoroughly before use. Check for loose buttons, broken zips, or drawstring cords that could pose a hazard.
Toys — Generally fine, but check for loose parts, chipped paint, or broken pieces that could be swallowed. Age ratings still apply.
Changing bags — Fine to buy second-hand. Check the straps and fastenings are secure.
Baby monitors — Fine to buy used if they are in full working order. Test them thoroughly before relying on them.
High chairs — Check the harness works correctly, the tray locks securely, and the chair does not wobble. Clean thoroughly before use.
Moses baskets and stands — The basket itself is fine to reuse, but always buy a new mattress for it (see below). Check the stand is stable and that the basket sits securely.
Baby bouncers and swings — Fine to buy second-hand. Check the harness and structural integrity.
Baby carriers and slings — Can be bought second-hand if the fabric is not worn, stretched, or damaged. Check the buckles and stitching carefully, as these carry your baby's full weight.
What to Always Buy New
Some items carry genuine safety risks when bought second-hand and are worth the investment new:Car seats — This is the most important item to buy new. A car seat that has been in a road accident may have invisible structural damage that means it will not protect your baby properly in a future collision. You cannot see this damage by looking at the seat. Unless you are buying from someone you know and completely trust, who can confirm the seat has never been in an accident, buy a new one. Also note that car seats have expiry dates — the plastic degrades over time.
Mattresses — The NHS recommends using a new, clean, firm, flat mattress for every baby. Older mattresses can harbour bacteria and may have softened unevenly. There is an established association between old mattresses and an increased risk of SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome). A new cot mattress does not need to be expensive, but it should be new.
Bottle teats — Teats wear down with use and sterilisation. Buy new ones. The bottles themselves are fine to reuse after sterilising.
Breast pump parts that contact milk — The collection kit, valves, and tubing can harbour bacteria or become damaged. Even if the motor is fine, replace any parts that touch milk.
Sleeping pods and docks — Avoid second-hand sleeping pods marketed for overnight sleep. Guidance on safe sleep has evolved rapidly in recent years, and some older products are no longer considered safe. Check current NHS safe sleep guidance before purchasing any sleep product.
Checking Safety Standards
Look for the British Standards kitemark or CE/UKCA marking on items where relevant. For cots, look for the BS EN 716 standard. If you're unsure whether a second-hand item meets current standards, search for the product name on the UK Government's product recalls page before buying.Frequently Asked Questions
### Can I buy a second-hand car seat?It is strongly advisable to buy a car seat new. A seat that has been involved in a road accident — even a minor one — can have hidden structural damage that makes it unsafe. If you buy second-hand, only do so from someone you know personally and trust completely, who can confirm the seat has never been in any kind of collision and is not past its expiry date. When in doubt, buy new — this is one item where the safety risk is significant.
Is a second-hand mattress safe for a baby?
No. The NHS recommends a new mattress for every baby, even if the cot or moses basket is second-hand. Old mattresses can be softer, unevenly worn, or harbour bacteria, and there is an association between second-hand mattresses and an increased risk of SIDS. A new firm, flat, waterproof mattress that fits the cot snugly with no gaps is one of the most important safe sleep purchases you will make.
What should I check when buying a second-hand cot?
Check that the bar spacing is no wider than 6.5cm, there are no sharp edges or loose fixings, the drop-side mechanism (if present) works safely, and the cot is structurally solid with no cracks or wobble. Always buy a new mattress separately. If possible, look up the model online to confirm it hasn't been recalled.
Always speak to your midwife or health visitor if you have questions about safe sleeping arrangements for your baby.