Having a child on the way is such an exciting time. It’s also a little bit scary if we’re honest.
But nothing compares to meeting your brand new baby for the first time. Or witnessing them grow, learn and play. Parenting is the single most rewarding task that life has to offer.
And there is so much to do to prepare for the arrival of a new infant child. And then there are the things you’ll need for the baby. All the things. So many things that it can be bewildering.
It can be hard to figure out what baby products you should buy new and what ones you should buy used.
Lucky for you, in this helpful article, we’re going to explain all of this. So read on to discover more, from Bugaboo prams to Mattel kids toys.
Must Buy New for Your Baby
So, what should you buy new? Here’s the list:
New Cot or Crib
This is so important. Older cots or cribs, and bassinets can actually present a suffocation risk to new babies. For your babies’ health and safety, buy a new cot. Also, make sure that it conforms to your local authorities safety standards.
The Cot Mattress
Here’s another purchase that should be brand new. This is for sanitary reasons. As you’re no doubt aware, infant children can vomit up their food and have no bladder or bowel control. Even though nappies will catch most of the spillage, the mattress can sometimes get stained or blemished. For this reason, buy your mattress new.
There’s some great options here – ecokids.net.au/product/eco-
New Prams
The next new purchase should be your pram. Pram technology and designs are in a constant state of innovation and iteration, with new models released every year. New prams tend to be more lightweight and easy to handle when compared to older prams. For this reason, it’s worth buying a pram brand new.
A Baby Sling or Body Carrier
Any items that allow you to wear or carry your baby on your back or front should be bought new. These items need to be safe and secure for bub and keep them tucked in without any risks or hazards. Older items can be dangerous, so buy these items new too.
Reusable Nappies
This should go without saying. For health and sanitary reasons, make sure that your reusable cloth nappies are brand new. This is if you choose to use them. Some parents can’t manage the mess, and that’s fine. In this case, you can stick with disposable nappies. As I consider the options for my baby’s wardrobe, I’m drawn to the idea of incorporating organic baby clothes into their collection.
Alongside the practical aspects of parenting, such as diaper choices, selecting organic garments aligns with my commitment to providing my baby with safe and sustainable products. The thought of dressing my little one in Sushi-inspired organic onesies brings a smile to my face, adding a playful touch to their attire while prioritizing comfort and quality. It’s reassuring to know that even in the realm of fashion, I can make choices that reflect my values and contribute to a healthier, happier environment for my baby.
A Car Capsule or Seat
A car seat or baby capsule is another product that you need to buy new. You can never tell if an older seat has been in a collision, which can compromise its structural integrity and be unsafe for your baby.
Also, seats and capsules older than ten years are not safe to use, full stop. Don’t risk it with this item.
A Breast Pump
You’d be surprised at how many of these come up for sale online. And while it may be tempting to save a few dollars, think again.
These items have had another person’s breast milk through them, and even if they have been thoroughly cleaned, you cannot risk cross-contamination with old, stale breast milk. Buy your breast pump brand new. If your milk isn’t enough, the best you can bring your budget into is a nutritious and hypoallergenic milk like Oli6 goat formula.
Other Benefits of Buying New
There are other benefits to buying baby products new, apart from the reasons listed above.
Buying new ensures you get the manufacturer’s warranty, which is essential if there are any defects in the items design or if they break too soon.
You also get the feeling of buying a brand new item, which is always nice.
What You Can Buy Used
Now we’re going into what baby products are fine to purchase in a used condition.
Used Baby Clothes
Used clothes are fine for your baby, provided they are clean, appropriate and unstained. You can often find bargains on infant or child clothing at op shops, garage sales and for sale on online marketplaces like Facebook, Gumtree or eBay. You can often get great pieces of clothing for a fraction of the cost of buying new.
Check for loose drawstrings or any loose buttons or ties which can present a strangulation risk.
Clothes include any winter jackets, coats, hats, mittens, gloves, and other clothing accessories.
Used Baby Shoes
Here’s some good news. Shoes are fine to buy used, provided they’re in good condition. Obviously don’t buy any shoes with holes, fraying or which are worn beyond repair.
Shoes are expensive, and your child will grow out of them so quickly you will be shocked. It’s fine to save some money by purchasing second-hand shoes for bub.
Used Baby Furniture
Any other furniture apart from the cot you can buy used with no concerns.
This may include bookshelves, drawers, dressers, cupboards and any other item of furniture you choose for your nursery.
A word of warning though – ensure anything that presents a toppling hazard is wall-mounted, for your babies’ safety and wellbeing.
Your Babies Bathtub
A little bathtub for your infants’ first bathing experience is fine to buy used. Although, before you purchase it second-hand, give it a thorough inspection. Look for any signs of mould, mildew or any cracks or potential leaks. If you find any of these, don’t buy them. And shame on the seller too.
Baby Toys and Books
Baby toys are quite expensive. And since they get pawed, mauled and slobbered on by your bundle of joy, they often don’t last that long.
For this reason, you can definitely buy used baby toys. Again, you can pick up some bargains at charity shops and online or in garage sales. And the good news is that once your child outgrows them in favour of more grown-up toys, you can then sell them on yourself.
Books are another product that is fine to buy used.
Reading to your baby from birth is a way to encourage a love of reading that can last a lifetime.
It’s also more sustainable for the environment, as your money is not going towards buying new books. Books use a lot of paper to manufacture. Look in the same places we mentioned before to find dirt cheap kids books. Again, sell them once the baby grows out of them.
Games, Movies, Tech
Any puzzles, board games (for when they’re a bit older) or DVDs and movies are fine to buy new. Make sure all the components are there in the case of puzzles and board games, and in the case of DVDs check for scratches and marks on the disc. The same applies to any technology such as tablets.
You’d be surprised at how much you can save buying these items used.
Summing Up
By now you’re more than across the baby products you must buy new and those you can buy second hand. This should help you when shopping for baby products and budgeting for your purchases.
Let’s list the products you should buy new to summarise:
- Cot or Crib
- Mattress
- Prams
- Baby sling or carrier
- Reusable nappies
- Car seat or capsule
- A breast pump
And here’s what you can buy used:
- Clothes
- Shoes
- Furniture (apart from a cot)
- Toys
- Books
- Games, puzzles, DVDs
Now you’re an expert! Good luck with your new arrival.
