Should you buy that crib new or used? What about a stroller? If you opt to buy used baby items you can save a whole lot of money.

Nowadays, between baby consignment shops and online marketplaces, there are a lot of options available for buying used baby items.

But, which baby gear is okay to buy used? In this post I am sharing all the items from our baby registry checklist, that I think you could get used.

Please note, there are affiliate links in this post. Read my disclosure policy to learn more.

Strollers And Car Seats

Car seat – new

As far as car seats go, you do not have any way of knowing if the car seat has ever been in accident. Plus, all car seats have expiration dates.

A car seat is such a critical item to your baby’s safety that it’s just better to purchase this new.

Strollers – new

The reason for this is strollers see a lot of wear and tear.

It’s better to start with a new stroller that you can use for as long as you will need it. Instead of having to buy another stroller down the line.

Baby Gear For The Nursery

Crib and crib mattress – new

In the nursery you will need a crib and a crib mattress. As with car seats, there are so many safety concerns surrounding baby sleep. Because of this, I would definitely buy my crib and crib mattress new.

Nursery furniture – used

As far as any dressers and bookcases that you will be purchasing for the nursery. It is okay to buy these used if you want to.

A safety tip for heavy furniture is to install furniture straps to prevent your child from pulling the furniture on top of themselves and getting seriously hurt.

Changing pad and covers – new

Changing pads and covers are not overly expensive. Since these are used for diaper changes, it’s nice to have new ones. Another option could be to get a used changing pad, but buy new changing pad covers.

Mattress pads and crib sheets – new

In the same vane as the changing pad, it’s nice to get these new since they can get worn out over time.

Baby monitor – used

If you can find a good video baby monitor that is used, you could save a quite a bit of money. However, it might not be easy to find a used one. Also be wary that the monitor battery life could be reduced with a used model.

Sound machine – used

If you can find a used one it might be worth it. I would recommend comparing the cost of a used sound machine to a new one.

Crib mobile – used

If you can find a used mobile that coordinates well in the nursery then go for it.

Glider chair – used

Again, if you can find a used glider in good condition, that matches your nursery theme, you can save a lot of money by buying it used.

list of baby items to buy used

Diaper Changing Gear

Diapers and wipes – new

This might seem obvious, but you will most likely be buying your diapers and wipes new. The only possibility will be if you know someone that has some extra unused disposable diapers or wipes to pass down to you.

I did not use cloth diapers so I cannot give an opinion on buying these used versus new. My instinct tells me to just get these new.

Diaper bag – new

Unless you are trying to get a designer bag, you can go with a new diaper bag since they are not ultra expensive.

Diaper pail – new

These are great for hiding the smell of dirty diapers. But, over time they will get pretty smelly when opened. So, it’s not worth getting a used diaper pail due to the smell that could come with it.

Baby Sleep Gear

Bassinet – new

As also described with the crib, baby sleep recommendations are constantly changing. I think it’s best to get a new bassinet to have the latest in baby sleep technology.

Swaddling Blankets and Sleepsacks – new

Swaddling blankets can get very used over time. It’s best to just buy these new. Plus, you will probably get a few free, new ones to take home with you from the hospital.

Pacifiers – new

Maybe this is obvious, but these go in your baby’s mouth and are not expensive so just get new ones.

Playard – used

These can be expensive and you will want one for when you travel. Playards have been around a long time, so I don’t know of any baby sleep safety concerns with them.

Your baby will be able to fit in a portable crib for up to 3 years old. If you can find one used, you will save money.

Bouncy chair – used

No need to buy a new bouncy chair if you can avoid it.

These chairs are great for naps for newborns, but you will not be using this past about 6 months old, so it’s better if you can find it used.

Swing – used

Swings are very expensive, but they are huge lifesavers for helping your baby sleep.

I definitely recommend buying a swing, but if you can get used one you will save yourself a lot of money.

Baby Feeding Gear

Burp cloths, bibs, bottle brush, bottles, sippy cups, plastic spoons, plastic bowls, bottle drying rack – new

As you can see from the list above, almost all feeding gear you will want to buy new, since it can get pretty gross over time.

High chair – used

My personal preference was to buy a new high chair, but if you find one that looks to be in good, clean condition, there is no harm in saving a little money here.

Breastfeeding pillow and breastfeeding cover – used

Maybe you have a friend that can let you borrow these or find them on a swap site. You can always buy a new cover for the breastfeeding pillow if you prefer.

Breast pump and hands free pumping bra – new

You should be able to get a breast pump free through your health insurance so definitely get a new one this way.

If you decide to get a hands free pumping bra (which I highly recommend you do), it’s best to just get a new one.

Baby Clean Up Gear

Baby bath tub – used

There is no harm in getting a used baby bath tub to save a few bucks.

Towels and nail clippers – new

For towels you can get the cute baby hooded towels or just use towels you already own. Nail clippers are cheap so you might as well get them new.

Baby Clothes – New Or Used?

I definitely recommend going with used baby clothes.

Try to find a friend who is looking to get rid of clothes. In the first year, your baby will fly through new sizes every 3 months. Plus, there is a very high chance you will receive a lot of new clothes as gifts, so your baby will still have some new items in his wardrobe.

The Rest Of The Baby Items To Buy Used

Boppy Lounger, Jumper, Play Mat, Bumbo Seat, Baby Carrier – used

While none of the gear listed above is absolutely necessary, they are great items to have available. On top of that, these items are all pretty pricey. The best solution is to buy them used and save a whole lot of money.

Teethers, thermometer, medicine kit, nasal aspirator, pacifier clips – new

The items listed here are all really important to have (besides the pacifier clips) and luckily they are inexpensive overall. Definitely buy these items new.

As you can see there are a lot of baby items you can buy used, which can save you a lot of money.

The cost of your baby’s first year can really start to add up, so I hope you found this list of baby items to buy used versus baby items to buy new helpful.

Good luck preparing for your baby’s arrival.

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How to save loads of money on your baby registry. What to buy new vs used.

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