Is This Wrong?

Question

I have two small boys and two step sons and we recently sold ALLLLLLL of our baby things, thinking we were done....Well surprise im 7 weeks pregnant HAHAHA crazy huh.....is it wrong to buy everything second hand? Like things in nice condition? I hate to start all over buying everything brand new...but i know someone that has some things for sale, cheaper then buying them new, and i want to know if thats a bad idea? She has clothes, a crib, brand new mattress, swing, and bouncer? Is this wrong to do?!?!? I kind of feel bad for not buying anything new, but then again why they just grow out of them anyways lol........What would you do???

Answer 1

Congratulations on your new little surprise!

As long as things can be washed/cleaned/sanitized, why not buy used things and take hand-me-downs? Clothes can be washed, a crib can be wiped down, most baby mattresses have plastic covering them and can be wiped down, swings and bouncers have removeable fabric that can be washed and the hard surfaces can be wiped down. I seriously doubt your baby is going to look back when they get older and wish that you spent your money to buy brand new things. They won't be new anymore after the first time your baby spits up, pees or poops on them anyways. LOL

They really do outgrow everything so quickly and with 4 children already, I'm sure you have other things to spend money on.

Answer 2

As long as you know the person and trust them, and you know the used things are still up to the safety codes, then no, i dont see why it would make a difference.

There are some things you should probably buy new, like cloth diapers and car seats (theres just no way to know fore sure its not been in an accident if its used). Buy a new mattress for the crib... its just a better idea.

But as far as furniture (again the crib has to meet safety standards) clothes, swings, play disks and some toys, i dont see the harm in buying second hand.

But i'd only buy from someone i know and trust.

Ebay sells a lot of stuff brand new in the box for a fraction of the store cost.

Answer 3

I got the Parents magazine, November 2006 It has a very interesting article about this. I tried looking it up on line so I could just give you a link, but I didn't find it so I've got it sitting in front of me, I'll just try to tell you what it says. BTW, Most of my daughters stuff is handed down. This will just make me a little more informed this time around.

Under Definitely Borrow:

Strollers~usually fairly durable, jsut check for loose screws and rust and that it is in good working condition. Make sure the plastic isn't cracked. Also make sure it locks into place when opened. And clean it off. I would suggest using purell and paper towels.

Baby clothes~as long as they don't have loose strings, or other small pieces that could break off and pose a choking risk.Throw them through the wash first though.

Under THINK Over:

Cribs~Slats must be spaced no more than 2 3/8 in apart. Older cribs, like heirlooms are usally wider and can allow baby to get his/her head stuck. Don't accept a crib if the teething rail is craked or brittle or there are cut-out designs in the head or foot board.make sure all scres, brakets and hardware are present and secured. A replacement teething rail may be acailable. but ALWAYS buy a new mattress (wal-mart has them for about $20)

Swings~Some have been recalled for safety reasons. Check the model number at cpsc.gov. Make sure all parts and screws are present, undamaged, and working properly. make sure the restraints are there and the legs are unbent and that the swing is steady and wont tip over.

Mom of 1 and 1 on the way!!

Slings and soft carriers~make sure that the leg opening aren't too big. according to the magazine in '99 more that half a million Snuglia dn Baby Bjorn carriers were recalled because the leg openings were too big which can allow baby to slip out!!
again, check the modle # at cpsc.gov. Also check for loose threads, tears, holes and wash it!

Bedding~There is a story here about a lady getting a blanket from a friend adn finding her daughter with a nylon quilting thread around her neck. The baby was fine..luckily!! Inspect for tears, loose threads, adn tufts of stray batting. Make sure the sheet elastic is still tight so that it doesn't pull of the mattress and cause a smothering danger.

Toys~Check for recalls. then check for damage that could pose a danger such as exposed wires. And, Finally, clean them thoroughly.

Breast Pumps~Viruses may be passed even with new tubing if milc comes in contact with internal parts of the pump. Note: rentals are "Closed system" pumps in which the milk can't touch any of the machinery. Vacuum stuffed animas. Spray plastic toys with disinfectant cleaner. Let them sit fo rabout 10 mins, then rise off thoroughly.

High Chairs~safety regs have changed. Make sure there are proper restraints to keep you baby from falling out.

under FORGET IT:

Car Seats~there will always be a better, updated car seat to buy. Over time, plastic weakens and You probably won't get instructions which will make it harder to install properly.
I would contact your local fire/police station. I've heard sometimes they give away carseats and show you how to put them in!!!

Sleepwear~Always buy new. Mostly it refers to flame resistant cloth that has been cleaned too much and footed pjs that can cause your baby to slip and fall.

Accordian style baby gates~Many children have been injured and some have even died when their head got caught in the diamond-shaped holes. Use ones with openings too small for babies head and a pressure bar or other fastener that can resist their weight.

Walkers~I'm not sure I agree with this, It says the baby shouldn't use them at all. Because they can fall down stairs open dorrs or hot appliances and that metal can pinch their fingers. Just watch out for them. if you're that paranoid, we shouldn't have things like rockers cause we might rock over their hands etc...Just be responsible and don't leave baby unattended.
It does suggest ExerSaucers or stationary play seats. To each their own.

Good luck and I hope I helped!!

Answer 4

Why would you feel bad for being financially responsible? Also you are soooo right, I think most of us are ridiculous because we spend so much money on things , as you said, grow out of so quickly. The child does not care what they are wearing, they are not into fashion or status yet and actually that can be very freeing. This new child is about life and love, not htings. We put too much emphasis on the things! Enjoy this new baby and buy whatever you can inexpensively. As long as they don't have holes and satins everywhere and smell funny I think you are being very wise.

Answer 5

Not at all wrong to get things used and better yet free. Just be careful with the crib (older cribs can be dangerous if the slats are too far apart). My son got a lot of second hand things which saved us a lot of $. Just get the baby new things for holidays and pics.

Answer 6

GRABEM !!!! its never wrong to save money for things your just going to get rid of anyway grab whatever you can from her and enjoy saving the money second hand sometimes is better than new because you already know how it works and if it is in good condition things dont just fall appart after being used with a child or 2 i would say grab them and save as much as you can for when the little bundle gets here because you will need it for diapers food ect ect

Answer 7

The fact is that they grow out of them so fast. We are the ones that really care what brand, style, and cost there is. As long as the merchandise is safe it is a great idea. Do not feel cheap just realize that is more money to put toward the college fund.

Answer 8

Please believe me when I say this! Your child will not care if it's baby things are not new!!! Now he/she might be a little upset if you spend big money on new things and have nothing left over for formula, diapers etc...
Keeping up with the Jones' is not what you should worry about. Just worry about how you are going to contain all that love in your household.
Good luck, from a (poor) mother of 3.

Answer 9

Exactly what I'm doing. With the first, you spend soooo much. enjoy the baby not the things that go with it... The baby doesn't know the difference. Especially since you have quite a few college funds to start :)

Answer 10

Buy second hand! Most of our things that we had for my son were used, not because we don't like nice new stuff. I worked with 2 ladies that were done having kids and gave us all of thier things. I am not ashamed of being thrifty.