Baby Bump/ Shopping for Baby

Second Hand Baby Gear

If you plan to use second hand baby gear, take a second look before you purchase or borrow it and be sure to follow the these guidelines to keep your baby safe and sound!

Everyday Safety

Here are a few everyday safety practices that you should always be mindful of whether using new or second hand juvenile products:

  • Adult Supervision — The only sure-fire way to keep your baby safe is direct supervision when juvenile products are in use.
  • Read Instructions and Warnings — For the safest product use, be sure to always read and follow all manufacturers’ instructions and warning labels.
  • When using second hand products, make sure all parts are available, the product is fully functional, not broken, and has not been recalled.
  • Safest Option — Keep in mind that new products meeting current safety standards are the safest option.
  • Inspection During Use — Don’t forget to frequently inspect products for missing hardware, loose threads and strings, holes, and tears.
  • Discontinue Use — Monitor your child’s growth and development. Discontinue using a product as your baby reaches the limits defined by the manufacturer.

Cribs

This first “home” should be cheerful and secure. Each year, approximately 50 babies suffocate or strangle when they become trapped between broken crib parts or in cribs with older, unsafe designs. Many older cribs, including the one that was used for you or your younger children, do not meet all current safety standards. When selecting a second hand crib, it is vital you follow a few basic rules to ensure you aren’t compromising safety for price:

  • Parents should check to see if a recall has been issued and/or if repair parts are available for a crib that is being reused. Visit: www.recalls.gov for recall information.
  • Don’t forget to frequently inspect products for missing hardware, loose threads and strings, holes and tears.
  • Be sure to look for the JPMA Certification Seal for added assurance the product was built with safety in mind.
  • Prior to using a hand me down crib, be sure that all manufacturer’s instructions and labeling are still intact and legible.
  • Put safety before price — even if it’s the deal of the century! This means inspecting the product in detail. Don’t buy any product if it has anything “out of sorts”.
  • Do not purchase cribs at a garage sale, thrift shop or other online auction sites as products sold are not checked for recalls or regulated by the government or industry.
  • Items sold at second-hand locations have a higher chance of having missing, broken or loose parts.

Even if you are on a tight budget, you should not purchase an old crib at a garage sale or accept a hand-me-down that does not meet the following guidelines:

  • Make sure there are no missing, loose, broken, or improperly installed screws, brackets or other hardware on the crib or the mattress support.
  • The crib mattress should fit snugly with no more than two fingers width, one-inch, between the edge of the mattress and the crib side. Otherwise, the baby can get trapped between the mattress and the side of the crib.
  • Crib slats or spindles should be spaced no more than 2 3/8” apart, and none should be loose or missing.
  • Never use a crib with corner posts over 1/16 of an inch above the end panels (unless they’re over 16” high for a canopy). Babies can strangle if their clothes become caught on corner posts. These should be unscrewed or sawed off, and the remaining end panel should be sanded smooth.
  • No cutout areas on the headboard or footboard so baby’s head cannot get trapped.
  • ALWAYS use a crib sheet that fits securely on the mattress, wraps around the mattress corners and stays securely on the mattress corners.
  • No cracked or peeling paint.
  • No splinters or rough edges.

Car Seats

Your baby’s car seat is one of the most important safety products you will buy. Child safety seats can substantially reduce the risk of injuries for babies in particular, and also for toddlers, which is why all 50 states of the U.S. have car seat laws requiring infants and small children to be restrained.

A car seat can be one of the more expensive baby items, which may tempt some parents to want to buy a used car seat or used booster seat at a garage sale, thrift store, or even on ebay. Don’t buy a used car seat from anyone unless you know the car seat’s history. If you absolutely must use a second hand car seat, try to borrow one from a friend or family member that you trust and that meets the following guidelines:

  • Less than 6 years old or is still within the expiration date.
  • In good condition, with no visible cracks or missing parts.
  • Comes with the manufacturers instructions.
  • Includes all labels clearly displayed and legible featuring the date of manufacture and model number so you can check to see if it’s been recalled.

Most importantly, a child safety seat should be replaced following a moderate or severe crash in order to ensure a continued high level of crash protection for child passengers.

Find a car seat inspection station near you through NHTSA: http://www.nhtsa.gov/Safety/CPS

For guidelines on using a car seat after a minor crash click here: http://www.nhtsa.gov/people/injury/childps/childrestraints/reuse/restraintreuse.htm

Strollers

Carriages and strollers perform a tremendous service to parents and child caregivers. These vehicles make it easier to safely transport a child. Now more than ever, there are so many to choose from. And parents may find they need more than one stroller to fit their lifestyle. If you decide to use a second hand stroller, be sure to follow these easy tips for selecting the safest option:

  • Check for adjustments that reduce the size of seat openings in the front to prevent your baby from falling out when seat back is reclined into the flat position.
  • Choose a carriage or stroller that has a base wide enough to prevent tipping, even when your baby leans over the side.
  • If the seat adjusts to a reclining position, make sure the carriage or stroller doesn’t tip backwards when the child lies down.
  • Comes with the manufacturers instructions.
  • Includes all labels clearly displayed and legible featuring the model number so you can check to see if it’s been recalled
  • Look for the JPMA Certification Seal.

High Chairs

If you decide to buy a second hand high chair, be sure to look for these guidelines to ensure baby’s safety:

  • High chairs should have a waist strap and crotch strap.
  • No missing parts, tears, or sharp pieces.
  • Comes with the manufacturers instructions.
  • Includes all labels clearly displayed and legible featuring the date of manufacture and model number so you can check to see if it’s been recalled
  • Look for the JPMA Certification Seal.

Play Yards

If you choose to use a second hand play yard select one:

  • With the correct recommended height and weight of the child.
  • With mesh holes no larger than 1/4”. Slats on a wooden play yard should be no more than 2 3/8” apart.
  • With no missing parts, holes, tears, or sharp pieces.
  • That comes with the manufacturers instructions.
  • Includes all labels clearly displayed and legible featuring the date of manufacture and model number so you can check to see if it’s been recalled.
  • With the JPMA Certification Seal.

Stationary Activity Centers

Stationary activity centers can be great fun for you and your baby. There are many styles to choose from to fit your budget and lifestyle. If you decide to purchase a second hand stationary activity center, follow these simple guidelines to ensure your baby’s safety:

  • Product adjustments and features range from height adjustment to rocking, bouncing, and a variety of toys.
  • Pick the product that best suits your baby.
  • Includes the manufacturers instructions.
  • Includes all labels clearly displayed and legible featuring the model number so you can check to see if it’s been recalled.
  • In good condition with no missing parts, tears in the fabric, or sharp pieces.
  • Look for the JPMA Certification Seal.

Baby Monitors

Baby monitors have grown in popularity over the past few years, and are a great way to keep an ear or eye on baby when you are not in the same room. Some of today’s monitors are extremely high tech pieces and vary in price and features. If you decide to borrow or purchase a second hand baby monitor, be sure to follow these guidelines to ensure baby’s safety:

  • Use a wireless baby monitor to avoid risk of strangulation.
  • If using a baby monitor with cords, make sure all cords are out of arm’s reach of your child.
  • Do not put a baby monitor in the crib, bassinet, or toddler bed.

Heirloom Gear

Nothing carries such sentimental value as a gift that has been handed down from generation to generation. After all, it is pretty cool to have your child sleep in the same bassinet you did or play with some of your favorite childhood toys. But, heirloom baby gear can be dangerous because it just doesn’t meet the current safety standards.

There have been great advancements in baby product safety over the past 10, 20 and even 30 years, especially when it comes to cribs, strollers, high chairs, and walkers. Any hand-me-down baby item has a greater chance of missing parts since it’s most likely been reassembled numerous times and traveled.

Don’t risk safety over hurt feelings!