Baby things that can’t be bought off-hand
It’s not at all because I’m a snob and eager to provide my child with all the new and the best. And solely for reasons of baby’s health.
There are parents who are so against used things that their younger children do not even wear their older ones. Like, well, we will not provide the crumbs with our own toys and wardrobe. And after other people’s children something to use – fi!
But situations are different. Most often, hand purchases are associated with financial difficulties. There are also those who are fundamentally opposed to “materialism”. Be that as it may, there are things that can be safely used by two or even three children in turn. And there are those on which we would not advise saving.
Footwear. The first shoes are a must, and all the rest would be desirable. Even if they were worn only a couple of times, they have already managed to “adjust” to their owner. Each child has their own arch of the foot, they wear out the sole in different ways. At best, the new owner will be uncomfortable; at worst, such shoes can deform the foot. And an infectious fungus can also live inside.
Mattresses and pillows. Dust, particles of skin and sebum are what you buy for your baby along with someone else’s bedding. Well, in addition, excuse me, all kinds of consequences of children’s surprises. Even if there was a mattress topper. No dry cleaning will help here. In addition, orthopedic mattresses are usually bought for crumbs, and they also have the ability to remember the shape of the body. And the pillows are generally recommended to be replaced with new ones every 2-3 years.
Nipples, feeding bottles. This, it seems to us, is not even discussed. Of course, there are also such ads, they say, I will give / sell. But would you be able to brush your teeth with someone’s already used toothbrush? So the child does not need other people’s microbes in the mouth. The same, by the way, applies to children’s dishes, especially plastic ones. Microorganisms living in cracks invisible to the eye are very tenacious.
Car seat. The most painful question. New, good things are not cheap. Especially if with the isofix system. Therefore, there are enough buyers for used armchairs, especially car seats. But you will never see if the chair has any internal damage, and you will not know if it has been in an accident. And in such cases, you cannot use the chairs.
Protective helmets. In which children ride bicycles or rollerblades. First, they are selected individually. Secondly, as in the situation with the car seat, if the helmet had some damage, the strap was stretched, a small crack started, it will no longer perform its functions. And the child will not be safe. And you buy a helmet for this, right? In addition, in the summer, helmets are usually worn on the head without a headdress. There is a high risk of getting lice or some other skin infection.
Rollers and ski boots. It’s clear about shoes – it’s the same as with shoes. It will ideally sit only on the leg of the first owner (those who work in sections know the word “thermoforming”), all subsequent ones will only harm. In addition, the quality of the fasteners deteriorates over time. The same applies to rollers, which have another dangerous point: worn out casters make them less controllable.
Underwear and swimwear. I don’t even want to comment. Well, really, you yourself would wear shabby underpants? All the more, the child does not need it. By the way, we would not advise buying children’s pajamas from the hands, they are also worn on the naked body.
Stroller. A thing that is strictly forbidden to buy from hands, despite its considerable cost and the ability to save a lot. The fact is that the mattress and the bottom of the stroller are deformed over the years of service to the previous owner, and the back of your baby may no longer be too comfortable. And doctors say that it is also very dangerous for children’s health, because the surface on which the baby lies for a long time must be perfectly flat. You can read more about this on the LINK.
Let’s make a reservation right away: you can, but be careful! Any item should be carefully examined and checked for cleanliness and functionality.
1. Beds. On the one hand, of course, there is a risk. A few years ago, the New York Times cited a sad figure: in three years, broken cribs have caused 150 infant deaths. On the other hand, if the bed is in good condition, it will serve both two and three children. And it is unlikely that something more serious will happen to her than peeling paint. Tip: if you still decide to buy a crib from your hands, take the simplest one. Those with pendulum or electronic mechanisms break more often.
2. Children’s furniture. Changing tables cost decent money, and serve their little owners for no more than a year. You can easily buy them from your hands, making sure that the legs are not broken, do not stagger, drawers, if it is a chest of drawers, work well. You can safely buy lockers and other furniture, also provided that it is in good condition. It is unlikely that something will happen to the second-hand arena. Tip: If you are being sold disassembled furniture, make sure all fixtures are in place. But there can be problems with children’s tables and chairs. Finding one that is not painted, not scratched is not an easy task.
3. High chair for feeding. It was specially taken out as a separate item, because it is a special story. Even the maintained one should be in perfect condition! Do you know how many stories how a seat fell through under a crumb? Pay attention to the cleanliness and condition of the covers, check for cracks on the frame and legs, and if the seat belts are working. If everything is in order, feel free to buy.
4. Clothing. Especially the top one. Babies grow up so fast that jackets and pants are enough for a season. And new kits cost at least 5 thousand. At the same time, high-quality things can be worn for years, and nothing will happen to them. You can also buy other clothes for babies from your hands, the main thing is that it is clean and not torn. But for newborns, it is still better to buy everything new: you will never know the full history of a used item. And baby’s skin is extremely sensitive.
5. Toys. Another controversial issue. On the one hand, it is not clear who and how licked them, speculated and everything else. On the other hand, have you seen the prices for toys now? You can buy supported sorters, play panels, educational houses 4-5 times cheaper than in a store. We would not advise buying soft toys, microbes and dust mites can live in them. But plastic after cleaning is quite.
6. Walkers. And also sun loungers, swings and other devices that make life easier for mothers. The period during which you will use them does not correspond to the cost of the new item. In addition, many experts are inclined to believe that this adaptation only interferes with the normal development of the child.