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Baby Gear Safety

Should You Use Second-hand Equipment?

By Melinda Copp

Babies require lots of expensive gear that's quickly outgrown. Therefore, parents often borrow whatever they can and scour second-hand stores for used equipment that's less expensive than buying new. This may be a great solution for many expecting parents who have friends or family members that can lend out their equipment. But whenever you plan to reuse something or buy second-hand, safety is a concern.

"I think we bought just about everything new because I worried about the safety of items, such as car seats and cribs, which can become outdated," says Jessica Galligani, a mom from Allentown, Pa. "We had a few used things, like a stroller and a bassinet."

If you are considering buying or using second-hand baby equipment, consider the following suggestions for determining the safety of the product.

When you plan to leave your baby unattended in a piece of equipment, like a crib, be extra cautious about safety. When it comes to cribs, the first thing you should consider is age. If your parents saved the crib that you slept in as an infant, then you should probably pass on any offers to use it with your baby. And be careful purchasing a crib from a garage sale or second-hand shop because the age may be difficult to determine. But if you want to reuse the crib that you recently used with your other children, then check it for safety.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) recommends the following tips:

• Start by checking to make sure the mattress is firm and tight fitting so the baby can't get trapped between the mattress and crib.


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