Why to Buy New Baby Items

We know how tempting it can be to want to purchase slightly used baby gear but it can be especially dangerous. We believe that even handed down products can still be a hazard. You want the best for your baby, especially when it comes to her safety.

Our reasoning behind this is simple. Yes the products may have been tested and passed the safety standards with flying colors, but that is when it was new. Safety laws often change and are often raised and new products have to undergo even more stringent testing which makes them safer and gives the manufacturers a chance to learn from old mistakes.

Also, more than just fabric wearing and tearing, but the mechanical objects on your baby gear become worn down over time as with any product. This means that there could be a possibility that your baby's gear will not perform as it once did or as it did for your first child.

We also learned that many thrift stores or consignment shops tend to still keep recalled baby products on their shelves. This information was documented by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). On the other hand, if you purchase a new product that is up to date on safety standards, it is more likely you will hear about any recalls on the product. Buying new baby gear is especially important when you are purchasing a car seat or crib and other crucial items for your little one.

Car Seats

To make sure that your car seat is in the best shape possible for your baby's safety, always purchase a new one. New car seats can get a little pricey but it is worth it. Buying a used one is just a bad idea for many reasons.

One reason is that with a used car seat you can't keep track of any accidents the seat might have been in which may cause it to have damages that you can't see. The structure of the car seat is what keeps your child safe so you don't want to take any chances.

Cribs

One concern of every new parent should be their baby's safety in their crib. On average, there are more deaths involving cribs than any other baby product. This is why hand-me-downs or used cribs are a big no-no.

Some slats on cribs are wide enough for the baby's head or extremities to fit through, this is the problem with cribs made before 1990. Also, lead paint should never be used on a crib so make sure the crib you purchase does not include lead.

In any event, make sure your crib is functioning correctly, has the proper parts and repairs and keep up on the recalls and make sure your crib is not one of them.

Changing Tables

Changing tables can be extremely dangerous. For instance, it is very easy for the baby to roll off of the table if he is not being watched at all times. All it takes is a split second for your baby to injure himself. A new design that helps to prevent this are the changing tables with side rails on all four sides.

An even worse product we've seen than the older model changing table, is the attachable mattress pad. This is made to attach to any surface such as a dresser and become a changing table. Never use these mattress pad's because the dangers to your baby are endless.

PlayPens

This item is especially harmful and unfortunately is the cause of a number of deaths each year. The problem with the playpens are that they can have loose items that the baby can choke on as well as defective rails that can crush the baby.

Sometimes the legs on the play yard can be very unstable and even collapse. There are many areas on the playpen that the baby can become trapped or even suffocate. Many are recalled each year since they are so easy to set up incorrectly.

This is definitely another baby product we do not recommend buying used or handed down, if bought at all. If you would like to purchase a playpen for your little one, just make sure it has met all the safety standards and has been tested and always buy new.