The economy is tough right now, and while babies are very cute, they can also be extremely expensive! As a new parent, it’s tempting to give in to all the new baby stuff marketed for doting parents. Knowing which items are great to buy used or accept as hand-me-downs is not only cost-effective but also crucial for infant safety. This includes saving items for your own kids! Let’s review the top 5 items that are best purchased new.
Car Seats
Car seats are one of the most expensive purchases you make as a new parent. Add to this the fact that most kids need approximately three car seats in their lifetime, it can be tempting to buy a used car seat or store them for use with other children. Here are some things to keep in mind:
- Safety guidelines change, so an older car seat may not meet current safety guidelines.
- Like many baby products, car seats also get recalled for various reasons.
- Once a car seat has been in a car accident, it needs to be replaced. Buying a used car seat from someone you don’t know means you also don’t know its history or whether it has ever been in an accident.
- Bacteria or mold may be inside the padding or cushions of the seat that are not immediately visible.
Tip: If you are reusing a car seat from an older sibling, check for any recalls prior to use and wash the padding or replace it with a new one. Many manufacturers sell just the padding, making the seat almost new.
Cribs
Cribs are likely the most expensive purchase for new families. They also come in beautiful shapes and designs, so it can be tempting to splurge. However, there are also many safe and affordable options. Here’s why you should buy a new crib versus buying a used one:
- Used cribs may have missing parts or pieces, making them unsafe.
- Used cribs may have been recalled.
- Used cribs may not be up to current safety standards.
Tip: If you are reusing a crib from an older sibling, make sure to check for any recalls prior to use.
Infant Mattress
While the lifetime of an adult mattress can be as long as 10 years, an infant mattress should not be used past five years at most. The firmness of a mattress is crucial for safe sleep in infancy. Here are some of the main reasons why:
- Over time, mattresses become softer, losing much of their firmness. A soft mattress is never recommended for an infant.
- A used mattress may also harbor mold, bacteria, or even bed bugs.
- It is difficult to fully clean a mattress, so if it is dirty from urine, feces, or any other liquid, it tends to stay embedded in the mattress.
Tip: Re-use your own child’s infant mattress if your second child is born within five years.
Breast Pump
Breast pumps are another expensive purchase when you’re planning to breastfeed. Most breast pumps are designed to be for a single user. When you purchase a new breast pump, the box should be sealed to ensure that you are the first to use it. Here’s why you should not purchase a used or borrowed breast pump:
- It is nearly impossible to completely sterilize and clean a breast pump. Unfortunately, bacteria and viruses can travel through breast milk, even when a person is unaware that they are sick.
Tips:
- If you have a breast pump from your first baby, purchase new tubing, valves, membranes, and breast shields. Most manufacturers sell complete breast pump kits for their machines.
- You do not need a breast pump before you give birth. Focus on breastfeeding first, and only use a pump if absolutely necessary. For this, a manual pump is fine.
- Some insurance companies will cover the cost of a breast pump. Check with your insurance carrier prior to purchasing one. You can also rent a commercial breast pump from most hospitals.
Bottles & Nipples
Bottles and nipples are not very expensive, but when you purchase multiple sizes and sample different kinds, it can be tempting to reuse them for your next baby or give them to someone else. Here’s why it’s worth buying new bottles and nipples for each baby:
- Bottles and nipples are usually made of materials that degrade over time with repeated washing and use, creating small cracks that are difficult to see with the naked eye. These cracks can harbor bacteria or even fungus.
Tip: Don’t purchase a large number of bottles and nipples until you know which type your baby prefers.
So, the next time you pass a yard sale or see an offer in a mom group for used baby items, remember not to purchase these five items. Instead, buy what you need slowly and take advantage of sales and buy-back programs that offer discounts on new items from local stores. It is always better to be safe, especially when you’re talking about your baby!
Have a wonderful summer!
