Used Baby Essentials Could Make Your Baby Sick – 5 Baby Products You Should NEVER Buy Second-Hand

Having babies can be expensive. From nappies to cots to prams, those tiny humans sure know how to burn a hole in our wallets. So, it’s no surprise many parents look to Facebook Marketplace, Gumtree or hand-me-downs from mates to ease the financial load. And in some cases, that’s totally fine! A gently-used baby bouncer or a pile of barely-worn onesies can be a godsend. But not all second-hand baby gear is safe — and some items could actually make your bub sick or pose serious safety risks.

Before you snap up that bargain cot or accept your cousin’s old breast pump, it’s worth knowing which baby products are best bought brand new. Because when it comes to your baby’s health and safety, it’s better to be cautious than regretful.

This is Marmalade Lion’s guide to why some used baby items can be risky — and the 5 baby products you should never buy second-hand.

Why Used Baby Essentials Can Be Risky

Babies have developing immune systems, which makes them more susceptible to bacteria, mould, and allergens. Second-hand items, especially those that are hard to clean or sanitise properly, can harbour germs from previous use. Plus, safety standards are constantly evolving — what was considered “safe” five years ago may not meet current Australian safety regulations.

Wear and tear also plays a part. That car seat you just picked up for a bargain? It might have invisible damage from a past accident or degraded materials that compromise its integrity. And don’t get us started on expired baby gear (yes, that’s a thing — especially with car seats and baby capsules).

Alright, let’s get into the big five — the baby products that should always be bought new.

1. Car Seats and Capsules

Car seats are top of the list for good reason. Australian car seat regulations are strict — for very good reason — and older or second-hand seats may not meet the current AS/NZS 1754 standard. Plus, car seats have expiry dates (usually around 6 to 10 years from manufacture) because the materials degrade over time. And unless you really trust the previous owner, there’s no way to know if it’s been in a crash — even a minor one can weaken the seat.

The bottom line? Always buy your car seat or capsule new. It’s literally your baby’s life on the line.

2. Breast Pumps

Second-hand breast pumps might seem like a clever money-saver, but here’s the catch: unless it’s a hospital-grade closed system pump (like the kind you rent), most breast pumps are not designed to be shared. Milk particles can backflow into the motor or tubing, creating the perfect breeding ground for mould and bacteria — even if you replace the flanges and bottles.

Breastfeeding already comes with its own set of challenges — the last thing you need is a dodgy pump that puts your baby (and you!) at risk.

3. Cot Mattresses

Buying a second-hand cot is usually fine — provided it meets Australian safety standards and isn’t rickety or damaged. But the mattress? That’s another story. Used mattresses can harbour mould, dust mites, and bacteria, especially if they’ve been stored in a garage or shed. More concerning, research suggests that reusing old cot mattresses (particularly if they’ve come from another household) might be linked to an increased risk of SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome).

Your safest bet is to buy a brand new, firm, well-fitting mattress that suits your cot. No gaps, no softness, no nasties.

4. Baby Bottles and Teats

It might seem harmless to accept a few used bottles — especially if they look clean — but here’s the problem: plastics degrade over time, especially after repeated sterilising, boiling or microwaving. Older bottles may contain BPA, a chemical banned in many baby products due to potential health risks. And the teats? They can crack, tear, or harbour bacteria in tiny crevices you can’t always see.

Even if you’re on a tight budget, baby bottles and teats are one area where new is best. They’re not expensive and give you peace of mind that your baby is drinking from safe, sterile materials.

5. Crib Mobiles and Toys With Loose Parts

Toys, especially plush ones or crib mobiles with small detachable parts, can pose serious choking hazards. Over time, stitching comes loose, plastic wears down, and what was once a safe toy can become a risky one. Batteries from musical mobiles can leak, and cords or strings can become entanglement hazards.

If you’re tempted to take second-hand toys or mobiles, inspect them thoroughly — but for newborns, brand-new toys that meet current safety standards are usually a safer pick.

What’s Safe to Buy Second-Hand?

Now that we’ve scared you a little — let’s balance it out. There are plenty of baby items that are totally fine to buy pre-loved, as long as they’re in good nick and meet safety standards.

Here’s a short list of baby essentials that are usually safe second-hand:

• Baby Clothes – Babies grow so fast, they barely wear things twice!
• Change tables – Just give it a good non-toxic disinfection and wipe-down.
• Prams – Check that it still meets current safety standards and isn’t damaged.
• Baby baths and high chairs – As long as they can be cleaned thoroughly and have no missing parts.
• Books and basic toys – Especially hard plastic or wooden ones that can be sanitised.

There’s absolutely no shame in shopping smart for your baby — parenting is pricey enough as it is! But knowing where to draw the line can help keep your little one safe, healthy, and happy.

When in doubt, ask yourself – Can this item be cleaned properly? Is it still up to safety standards? Could it hide damages I can’t see? If the answer raises even a small red flag, it might be worth spending a little extra on new.

After all, your baby deserves the best start — and sometimes, that means saying “no thanks” to the hand-me-down.

Got questions about specific baby gear or want to know if that pram in the garage is still safe? Pop your question in the comments — we’re always happy to help fellow parents out!