Buying used can be good for a household budget, but baby products aren't an area to overlook safety history. The right questions vary with the item. Check Australian product requirements, recalls, instructions and condition before accepting a hand-me-down or buying from a marketplace.
Start with the exact model
Ask for a brand, model number, manufacturing date if available, photographs of labels and the original instructions. Search official product safety information and recall notices rather than trusting a vague listing description. If you cannot identify the product or confirm it meets applicable requirements, consider choosing another item. Seller enthusiasm is not a safety assessment.
Look at cots particularly carefully
Current Australian requirements for cots and other infant sleep products matter, including changes in standards. ACCC advises checking that a second-hand cot has not been recalled, meets mandatory standards, has all required parts and comes with instructions. Use only the correct mattress size and thickness, and do not improvise replacement components. A cot being solid wood or looking sturdy is not enough by itself.
Inspect prams and moving parts
For a stroller, check the brakes, fold locks, frame, wheels, harness and tether strap. Confirm it meets applicable requirements, is age-appropriate and has no unsafe modifications or damaged parts. Test the controls safely before use. If a pram feels unstable or the harness is incomplete, don't treat a low price as a reason to compromise.
Be especially cautious with car restraints
A used child restraint may have an unknown crash history, missing pieces or an expired service life. Look up the relevant Australian guidance and seek advice from an appropriate qualified installer or professional. If its history, approval or condition cannot be confirmed, don't buy it. Correct installation and suitability for the child are essential and can't be inferred from a marketplace photograph.
Check for recalls and small hazards
Review button batteries, magnets, loose components, cords and damaged fasteners. ACCC advises that used products can have hidden faults or no longer meet current standards. Look for the instructions and ask direct questions about repairs, alterations and missing parts. If you're unsure, walk away: a bargain can wait, and there will be other opportunities to buy more safely.
A polite reason to walk away
If a seller can't provide a model number, current safety information, usable instructions or a trustworthy history for a high-risk item, it's reasonable to decline. You don't need to debate whether the product ‘worked perfectly for their baby’. Different children, changed standards and hidden damage can alter the decision. The price saved is only part of the equation; the condition, suitability and safety requirements matter too. For sleeping products and restraints in particular, take extra care and consult current official advice before deciding to use an older item.
