Safely Buying Secondhand

Spring weekends are full of yard sales and great deals, which is handy if you are trying to save money for a baby on the way. But not all baby gear is safe to purchase secondhand. Here are some tips to help you stay safe when bargain shopping:

• Check for recalls. Several websites, such as www.cpsc.gov, allow you to search for recalls on gear like cribs, high chairs, strollers, playpens and more. You can use your phone to search the item and make sure it hasn’t been part of a safety recall.
• Look for quality in used toys. Chipped paint or broken pieces can be dangerous for a baby. The recall finder is also useful for toys. It’s helpful to bring some batteries with you when shopping in case you need to test an electronic toy.
• Avoid items that shared a house with a smoker. Third-hand smoke leaves chemical residue that is difficult to wash out, even if the owner only smoked outside the house. It’s best to avoid any items that smell of smoke to avoid exposing your baby to the lingering residue.
• Check bottle nipples and pacifiers for any signs of wear and tear. If the silicone has chew marks, it’s best to not purchase so pieces don’t break off and become a choking hazard. Check bottles for any cracks or wear along the rim. Boil any feeding supplies to sanitize before using.
• Inspect baby clothing carefully. Make sure zippers function and there are no buttons or snaps coming loose. Clothes with frayed edges can lead to dangling strings and pose a risk for getting wrapped around a baby’s appendages and cutting off circulation.
• Sanitize everything before use. Even if the previous owners cleaned up the items, take the time to do your own deep clean. Disinfect plastic or wood surfaces and wash any blankets, linens or clothing with warm or hot water when possible.
• Look at the manual to account for all pieces if the item needs assembly. If the owner doesn’t have the manual, most are available online through the manufacturer’s website.

Safe Kids in Fayette County offered the following tips for buying a secondhand carseat:

• Preferably only use a secondhand seat from someone you know and trust. If you are not the original seat owner it’s important to know if the seat has ever been in crash.
• Examine the seat to make sure it has all its pieces and parts and it all works correctly. Look for visible signs of stress marks or cracks on the hard plastic shell and that the harness straps aren’t frayed.
• Check for labels. Valuable information is found there- you can only check for a car seat recall if you have the manufacturer model number and manufacture date. Six years from the date of manufacture of the seat is typically considered expired. There are a few exceptions to that rule but without labels you don’t know.
• Instruction manuals are extremely important to know how to correctly use and install the seat. If a gently used and otherwise safe car seat is available you can download an instruction manual from the website with the manufacturer information found on the labels.
• Never modify or change how the seat is made or used. If something about the seat is not right, you should not use it.

The reality is many families have to use a secondhand car seat. A used seat is better than no car seat but you want the seat to be effective and have quality left so that it will adequately protect a child in a crash.

Help in determining a safe seat and to learn how to use and install a child safety seat can be attained by making an appointment with Safe Kids Fayette County at (859) 323-1153.