While buying pre-loved baby stuff is a great way to save money, here are the items that should always be bought new for safety reasons, says one expert
Cot, buggy, car seat… Buying all the essentials you need if you’re expecting a new baby can get expensive, so it makes sense to try to get a few bits secondhand, whether that’s from buying from online selling platforms such as Vinted or Facebook Marketplace, or donated from generous friends and family. However, there are certain nursery items that should always be bought new to ensure they meet with either health and safety or hygiene regulations, says one baby expect.
Chris Smith, Operations Manager at Formuland, an e-commerce site selling baby formulas, reveals exactly which products should be bought new and what can safely be purchased preloved, to help you to shop smarter and save a little money while still ensuring your little one is safe at all times…
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Baby essentials that must be bought new
Car seats
Car seats are one of the first things you’ll need to buy for your baby, especially if you’ll be driving it back from the hospital, and they should never be purchased secondhand, says Chris.
“Car seats have expiry dates, typically six years from manufacture, because the plastic and materials degrade over time,” he explains. “Even a minor accident can compromise a car seat’s structure in ways you can’t see, making it unsafe for future use.”
Without knowing a used car seat’s full history, you’re taking a significant risk. A new car seat ensures you have the latest safety features and that the seat hasn’t been in any collisions.
We love: Maxi-Cosi Pebble 360 Pro 2, £259.99
This comfy and compact ISOFIX car seat gets our vote for features including the ability to fully recline, and twist round and slide out for easily strapping your baby in and out of it. It also fits onto several top brands of buggy system, including Silver Cross and Bugaboo.
Crib and bassinet mattresses
Mattresses should always be bought new due to hygiene concerns and safety standards, says Chris. “Used mattresses may harbour bacteria, mould, or allergens that could affect your baby’s health. Additionally, older mattresses may not meet current safety standards or may have lost their firmness, which is important for reducing SIDS risk.”
We love: SnuzPod5, SnuzPod3 and SnuzPod Studio Crib Mattress, £34.95
This supportive and breathable mattress fits Snuz’s newest models of next-to-me cribs, including the detachable SnuzPod5, and the slightly lighter SnuzPod Studio, ensuring your baby lies completely flat when sleeping. The cover is also machine washable.
Breast pumps and feeding equipment
“Unless it’s a hospital-grade pump designed for multiple users, breast pumps should be bought new,” says Chris. “Milk particles can get into the pump motor, creating contamination risks that cleaning can’t eliminate.”
Bottles and teats can be bought secondhand if thoroughly sterilised, but pump motors themselves should be new, he adds.
We love: Elvie Pump Single, £269
When asking mums about breast pumps, Elvie was the brand that is recommended most often. Available as a single or a double pump, they called it one of the smallest and quietest electric breast pumps they’d tried, has two pumping modes available and seven intensity settings, and can be controlled from your phone.
Safety gates, outlet covers and childproofing items
Safety products like gates and outlet covers should be purchased new to make sure they meet current safety standards and haven’t been weakened by previous use, says Chris. “These items are your baby’s protection against household hazards. It’s worth the investment to know they’ll function properly when you need them.”
We love: Cuggl Pressure Fit Safety Gate, £25
This great value child gate comes highly rated on Argos, with thousands of five-star reviews praising its easy installation, sturdy construction and effectiveness in keeping pets and children safe.
Items that can be safely bought secondhand
Always inspect these items carefully for defects before using them on your baby, and thoroughly clean them beforehand too if possible.
- Baby clothes
- Toys
- Strollers and high chairs
- Nursery furniture
- Baby carriers and wraps
- Nursery decor and books
