Hand-me-downs and resale shops can save a family a lot of money. A few items deserve extra caution, and some are best bought new.
What to remember
- It’s illegal in the U.S. to sell a recalled product, but recalled items still turn up secondhand.
- Skip used car seats unless you know their full history and they aren’t expired or recalled.
- Drop-side cribs, padded crib bumpers and inclined sleepers shouldn’t be used, whatever their condition.
- Clothes, books and many toys are usually safe buys after a quick check.
Babies outgrow things fast, which is why the secondhand market for kids’ gear is so large. Some items carry almost no risk used. Others hide problems you can’t see.
Usually fine to buy used
- Clothes. Check seams, buttons and snaps. Federal rules treat hood and neck drawstrings on children’s jackets and sweatshirts in sizes 2T to 12 as a hazard, so pull out any you find.
- Books. Board books and picture books are a safe secondhand buy.
- Many toys. Check the age label, look for broken pieces and small parts, and make sure battery compartments are secure. Our toy safety guide has a checklist.
Fine with careful checks
Strollers, high chairs, play yards, baby gates and bouncers can all be good used buys, provided you:
- look up the brand and model for recalls
- confirm no parts or straps are missing
- test every lock, latch and buckle
- get the instruction manual, or download it from the maker’s website
Parent tip: Before you hand over any money, photograph the label with the model number and manufacture date. The recall search then takes a minute, even standing in someone’s driveway.
Skip, or buy new
Car seats with an unknown history. A seat that’s been in a crash may need replacing even if it looks fine, and seats have an expiration date set by the manufacturer. Only accept a used seat from someone you trust who can tell you its full history. Our car seat guide explains what else to check.
Older or drop-side cribs. Cribs made before the federal standards of June 28, 2011, weren’t built to current rules, and drop-side cribs can’t legally be sold. See what the federal crib rules require.
Banned sleep products. Padded crib bumpers and inclined sleepers are banned under federal law. Don’t buy them or use them, even as hand-me-downs.
Recalls and resale
Federal law makes it illegal to sell a recalled consumer product, and that includes garage sales and online marketplaces. In practice, recalled items still get listed, often by sellers who don’t know about the recall. That’s why checking is your job as the buyer.
Search CPSC.gov or Recalls.gov for household and children’s products, and NHTSA.gov for car seats. Our guide to what to do when something you own is recalled explains how to sign up for alerts.
Parents also ask
How do I check a used item for recalls?
Find the brand, model number and manufacture date, usually on a label underneath or inside the product. Then search CPSC.gov or Recalls.gov. For car seats, use NHTSA’s recall lookup.
What should I do with a recalled item I already own?
Stop using it and follow the instructions in the recall notice, which may offer a repair, replacement or refund. Don’t pass it on to another family.
Is it safe to buy a used stroller?
Often, yes. Check for recalls, test the brakes and folding locks, look for missing parts and make sure the harness buckles securely.
This guide is general information for U.S. shoppers, not legal advice. Safety rules and store policies change, so follow the product’s instructions and labels and check official sources such as CPSC.gov, NHTSA.gov and FTC.gov.