The Best Baby Items To Buy Used (+ What To Avoid)
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As parents, we know how fast the baby shopping list grows. One minute you’re researching strollers and bassinets, the next you’re wondering how tiny humans need so much stuff. The good news is you don’t have to buy everything new to give your baby safe, high-quality gear.
At GoodBuy Gear, we’ve processed and resold millions of baby and kid items across 2,600 of the top premium baby brands. That means we see firsthand what holds up, what parents barely use and what is absolutely worth buying secondhand. We also know what baby items you should skip buying used altogether.
Below, we’re breaking down the best baby items to buy used, where you’ll see the biggest savings, how to do so safely and what to avoid so you can shop confidently and keep more dollars in your pocket.
Why Buying Baby Items Used Makes Sense
Two out of three expecting parents turn to secondhand as their go-to way to save money, and it’s easy to see why. Babies outgrow gear fast. Many items are used for just a few months, and a lot of quality gear from premium brands is built to last through multiple kiddos.
Shopping secondhand helps parents:
- Save up to 75% off retail on premium gear
- Reduce waste and support the circular economy (GoodBuy Gear shoppers have helped save over one million baby & kid items from landfills!)
- Access higher-quality products without the premium price tag
When you know what to look for, buying used can be one of the smartest decisions you make as a parent.
The Best Baby Items to Buy Used
These are the best baby items to buy used, according to our resale data.
1. Strollers
Strollers are one of the best baby items to buy used because they come with a VERY high price tag (some strollers are over $1,000!) and are only used for a few years. Many families buy a full-size stroller or travel system and later realize they prefer babywearing or a smaller option. We also see a lot of families buy two strollers (one for everyday and one for travel), making the cost even higher.
Buying a gently used stroller can save hundreds and make higher-end features like suspension, leather handles and expandable seating more accessible.
Top strollers to buy secondhand (according to our resale data):
2. High Chairs
High chairs are one of the most popular items we see parents shopping secondhand for. Higher-end high chairs (pun intended!) are often easier to clean and more durable, but they come with a price tag of upwards $400, making them an ideal item to shop open box or gently used.
Top high chairs to buy secondhand (according to our resale data):
3. Travel Cribs & Playards
Travel cribs (including playards, playpens and pack n’ plays) are built for durability and designed to be packed, unfolded and used for a very short window of time. Premium models often last through multiple kiddos and still hold value when it’s time to resell.
If you plan to travel a lot or want a backup sleep space at grandparents’ houses, buying used here is a smart move. In fact, we recommend buying any gear for grandma’s house secondhand. Why pay full price for an item that will only be used a fraction of the time?
Top travel cribs to buy secondhand (according to our resale data):
4. Baby Swings
Swings are a classic love-it-or-hate-it item. Some babies are soothed instantly, others want nothing to do with them. Since swings are bulky, pricey and used for a short window, buying used lets you try one without the full commitment.
If it works, great. If not, you can resell it for another family to try.
Top baby swings to buy secondhand (according to our resale data):
5. Diaper Pails
A diaper pail is essentially a special trash can and is somehow still expensive. Buying used lets you get the odor-control features you want without paying full price for a purely functional item.
Top diaper pails to buy secondhand (according to our resale data):
6. Activity Centers and Jumpers
Like swings, activity centers and jumpers are hit or miss and used for a limited time. Buying used minimizes waste and helps you save money on an item your baby may hate and outgrow after six months.
Top activity centers to buy secondhand (according to our resale data):
7. Play Gyms
Play gyms are typically easy to clean and often machine washable. Since babies use them for just a few months, the secondhand market is full of gently used options in great condition.
Top play gyms to buy secondhand (according to our resale data):
8. Bassinets
Most babies use a bassinet for three to six months, which means many are barely used. Buying secondhand lets you save while still choosing feature-rich options designed for newborn sleep.
Top bassinets to buy secondhand (according to our resale data):
9. Baby Carriers
Baby carriers have become a bit of a fashion statement these days, making the price tag skyrocket. Structured carriers specifically are built for durability with luxe fabric, but unfortunately, only used for a few months. All markings of a great baby item to purchase used.
Top baby carriers to buy secondhand (according to our resale data):
A Note About Buying Gently Used Car Seats
Car seats often raise the biggest questions when it comes to buying used, and for good reason. A car seat’s history matters, and not all resale options offer the same level of transparency.
Buying a gently used car seat can be a responsible option when it comes from a reputable source that verifies its history and condition. At GoodBuy Gear, gently used car seats must meet strict criteria before being listed. They must be within expiration, have never been in a motor vehicle crash and pass our proprietary 30-point safety inspection process, performed by GoodBuy Gear certified technicians and overseen by a Child Passenger Safety Technician (CPST).
The concern with peer-to-peer marketplaces is that parents are relying solely on someone else’s word. When purchasing through a trusted resale platform (like us!), you get additional checks and oversight that help address common safety concerns and misconceptions around used car seats.
Baby Items You Should Not Buy Used
Some baby items are best purchased new due to hygiene or safety concerns.
- Baby Bottle Nipples and Pacifiers: These go directly in a baby’s mouth and are inexpensive enough to buy new for peace of mind.
- Infant Formula: Formula should never be purchased secondhand due to expiration dates and safety concerns.
- Strollers Manufactured Before 2015: Safety standards were updated in 2015. Always check the manufacturer's date before buying used.
- Standard Cribs: Cribs manufactured before June 2011 may not meet current safe sleep standards.
Tips For Buying Used Baby Items Safely
Before purchasing used baby gear, keep these tips in mind:
- Check for recalls through the CPSC
Confirm expiration dates on items like car seats - Ensure all parts are included
- Test battery-powered gear
- Review the instruction manual
When you shop with GoodBuy Gear, we handle quality checks and closely monitor recalls so parents can shop secondhand with confidence.
Learn More About Our Inspection Process
Final Thoughts
Buying baby items used is one of the easiest ways to save money, reduce waste and still give your little one high-quality gear. It’s also becoming increasingly common for parents to add secondhand finds directly to their baby registries, making it easier for friends and family to shop sustainably from the start.
By knowing which baby items are safe to buy used and which to skip, you can build a registry and nursery that works for your family and your budget. When you shop with GoodBuy Gear, you get expert-backed guidance, quality checks and a more responsible way to shop secondhand so you can focus on what matters most—your growing family.
Frequently Asked Questions About Buying Used Baby Items
What baby items are safe to buy used?
Many baby items are safe to buy used, including strollers, high chairs, baby carriers, play gyms, toys and bassinets, as long as they meet current safety standards and come from a trusted source.
Should you buy baby stuff secondhand?
Yes. Buying baby items secondhand can save money, reduce waste and allow families to access higher-quality gear that babies only use for a short time.
What are the best baby items to resell?
Strollers, carriers, high chairs and premium baby gear tend to sell well because they are durable and in high demand among growing families.
What used baby items sell best?
Items from well-known premium brands, gear with short usage windows and products that are easy to clean and store tend to sell best in the secondhand market.
How much can parents save by shopping gently used baby items?
Parents who shop with GoodBuy Gear save an average of 55% off retail. For gently used baby items, savings can be even greater, with some parents scoring up to 75% off retail on premium baby and kid gear.