First-time parents get super excited buying baby products and decorating the nursery. However, in an economic downturn, many parents are opting to buy used baby products to save money for more important things that the baby needs. There are safety risks involved in buying used baby products so parents should be really careful when making purchases. Here are some tips to help parents avoid buying dangerous used baby products.
- Used baby clothing. If you have friends or relatives who have kids, they would probably offer to give you used baby clothing. If you don't know any, you can buy used baby clothing online or in flea markets and resale shops. Do not buy any piece of clothing with draw strings near the neck because these can strangle the baby. Draw strings around the waist should not be more than 3 inches. It is preferable to use clothing fastened with snaps, zippers, hook and eye, or Velcro.
- Used cribs. When buying used cribs, make sure that it complies with the national standards of safety. Carefully inspect the crib for cracks, rust, and other possible damages. It the crib has slats, make sure that the slats are no more 2 3/8 inches apart. Any wider than that and you risk the baby getting caught between the slats. Make sure that the mattress fits the crib snugly. Too loose mattress makes it possible for your baby to get trapped and suffocated.
- Used strollers. You can save hundreds of dollars by buying good quality used strollers. Choose a stroller that's manufactured in the last couple of years over the older ones. Carefully inspect the stroller for possible defects and do not forget to try it out. The wheels should be turning smoothly and the breaks should be in good working condition. The stroller should also fold and expand easily without the help of another person.
- Used car seats. This is a must for every parent that has a car. As with the stroller, choose the latest model you can find so you can be sure that it complies with the most recent standards for safety. Make sure that the belt is not too worn. Plus, check if the model of the car seat you intend to buy has not been recalled by the manufacturer. Recalled car seats for infants are usually defective and pose harm to the baby.
- Used playpens. Make sure that you are buying a used playpen that has not been recalled by its manufacturer. You can check this online. Inspect the playpen for protruding hardware as well as loose nuts and bolts. You do not want your baby to get scratched or wounded by protruding hardware. If the playpen is made of wood, make sure that the wood is smooth and free from splinters.
Buying used baby products online or offline saves hundreds of dollars for the expecting parents. Just make sure that you inspect each product carefully for damages to avoid putting your baby at risk.
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