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Babies need a lot of things, and most of them are only used for a few months. That’s why many Nigerian parents buy pre-owned baby items, and it can save a lot of money. The important thing is knowing which items are safe to reuse and which ones aren’t worth the risk.

Safe to buy secondhand

These items are usually fine pre-owned, as long as they’re clean and in good condition.

• Baby clothes. Babies outgrow clothes in weeks. Pre-owned clothes are often barely worn. Wash everything before use.
• Shoes for crawlers and early walkers. Soft shoes for babies who aren’t walking much yet see very little wear. For confident walkers, choose shoes that aren’t moulded to another child’s feet.
• Toys. Choose sturdy toys without loose parts, cracks or peeling paint. Wash or wipe them thoroughly.
• Books. Board books and picture books are perfect pre-owned buys.
• Baby bath tubs. Check for cracks and clean well.
• Bouncers, swings and play mats. Check that the straps, buckles and frames work properly and that nothing is broken.
• Changing tables and storage. Make sure they are stable and have no sharp edges.

Buy secondhand, but check carefully

These items can be good used buys, but they need a careful inspection.

Cots and cribs. Make sure the frame is sturdy and no parts are missing, cracked or loose. Slats should be close enough that a soda can can’t pass through, so a baby’s head can’t get stuck. Avoid drop-side cribs, and never use one with missing hardware or makeshift repairs.

Strollers and prams. Test the brakes, folding mechanism, wheels and harness. The stroller should lock firmly open and not fold unexpectedly.

High chairs. Check that the chair is stable, the harness works, and the tray locks securely.

Baby carriers and slings. Check the stitching, straps and buckles closely, since they carry your baby’s full weight.

Baby monitors and electronics. Make sure they work properly and that cables and chargers are safe and undamaged.

Always buy new

Some items are worth buying new for safety and hygiene reasons.

Car seats, unless you fully know their history. A car seat that has been in an accident may be damaged in ways you can’t see. Car seats also have expiry dates printed on them. Only buy used from someone you trust who can confirm it has never been in a crash, and check the expiry date and labels.

Cot mattresses. A mattress should be firm, clean and fit the cot snugly with no gaps. Used mattresses may be soft, sagging or hard to clean properly.

Bottle teats and pacifiers. These wear out and are hard to sanitise completely. They are also inexpensive, so buy them new.

Breast pumps meant for one user. Many personal pumps aren’t designed to be shared, because milk can get into parts that can’t be cleaned. Hospital-grade pumps designed for multiple users are different. Check the manufacturer’s guidance.

How to clean pre-owned baby items

• Wash clothes, bedding and fabric toys in hot water where the label allows.
• Wipe hard surfaces with soap and water or a baby-safe disinfectant.
• Sun-dry fabric items where possible to help freshen them.
• Remove and wash removable covers on bouncers, strollers and high chairs.

Frequently asked questions

Is it safe to buy used baby clothes?
Yes. Just wash them before your baby wears them.

Can I use a secondhand cot?
Yes, if it’s sturdy, complete and safe, and you buy a new, well-fitting mattress for it.

Why shouldn’t I buy a used car seat?
You can’t always tell if it has been in an accident or has expired. Only buy used from someone you trust who can confirm its full history.

Find baby essentials near you on Reusers

Browse the baby essentials category on Reusers for pre-owned clothes, cots, strollers and more from parents near you. When your little one outgrows them, sell, rent out or donate them to the next family.