With the cost of preparing for a new arrival adding up, buying pre-loved baby products can be an attractive option for first-time parents. However, knowing which items are suitable to buy second-hand and which are best purchased new is an important consideration.
Silver Cross has shared advice to help parents make informed decisions, with insights from Mike Allison, nursery design expert, Kat Gemmell, car safety specialist, and Hamish McPhillips, Head of Wheels and Car Safety.
Car seats are a key concern, with Kat Gemmell advising parents against buying second-hand, particularly from an unknown seller.
“There is no way for you to know whether a car seat has already been involved in a car accident,” she explains. “If the car seat has already been damaged in an accident, its effectiveness will be limited, and it could compromise your child’s safety.”
Missing components, instructions and uncertainty around a seat’s history can also present problems, making it important for retailers to help parents understand the considerations involved in choosing a suitable car seat.
When it comes to mattresses and cots, Mike Allison recommends buying new wherever possible. Used mattresses may have suffered wear and tear, potentially affecting the support they provide, while older products may not meet current safety requirements. Cots can also sustain damage through everyday use, teething or conversion into toddler beds.
Second-hand nursery furniture can be a more practical option, provided it is in good condition, clean and correctly assembled using the manufacturer’s recommended fittings. Mike also advises parents to secure wardrobes and drawers to the wall to reduce the risk of them tipping over.
Wheeled goods offer another pre-loved option, provided parents carry out the necessary checks before purchasing. Hamish McPhillips recommends ensuring that the product meets the relevant requirements and that all features and components are working properly.
Silver Cross also highlights its own pre-loved initiative (Silver Cross Preloved), which allows customers to trade in an outgrown Silver Cross product for store credit through its website (silvercrossbaby.com).
