Many parents are making the switch to second hand prams, and they’re doing so for various reasons. Some can’t believe a new pram can cost so much money, while others are looking to be more environmentally conscious and reuse something that’s perfectly good rather than buying new. But just how safe are second hand prams?
Today, we’re going to look at this in more detail and offer up everything you need to know about buying second hand. We’ll look at what to consider when buying second hand, the best places to buy from, and look at how much use you may be able to get from a second hand pram.
Key Points
- Choosing second hand baby gear is a cost-effective and convenient option for parents looking to save money while ensuring quality.
- Conducting thorough research and inspection before purchasing a second hand item is essential for safe and comfortable long-term use.
- There are many places to buy second hand from, but some are more reputable than others.
- The length of use you’ll get from a second hand pram depends on the original condition and how well you maintain it.
Content In This Article
- Are Second Hand Prams Safe?
- What Should You Look For When Buying A Second Hand Baby Pram?
- Where Should I Buy A Second Hand Pram?
- How Many Years Do Prams Last?
Are Second Hand Prams Safe?
Generally speaking, second hand prams are safe, and there’s no reason why you shouldn’t consider purchasing a second hand pram for your baby. However, there are things you’ll need to think about before you decide whether a second hand pram is the right option for your baby.
First of all, you need to make sure the pram you’re thinking about buying seems as though it’s being listed by a reputable seller. It’s best to look elsewhere if something doesn’t seem quite right about the advert or there’s very little information being offered up, no matter how much of a bargain you think you’ll be getting.
It’s also incredibly important that the pram you’re thinking of buying meets the safety standards. These can be found here and include everything that a pram and stroller need in order to be considered safe in Australia, as outlined by safety experts.
Visit the brand’s website as well, enter the model number, and check online to see if the manufacturer has issued any safety alerts or recalled the pram. Doing this ahead of going to look at the pram will save you a lot of time and effort, and you can also alert the seller of any issues you’ve found that they may not be aware of themselves.
When buying second hand, you’ll also need to consider whether the pram is suitable for both you and your child’s needs. Is the right type of pram for you? Will your child be able to continue using the pram as they grow? Giving this some thought in the same way as you would with brand new prams will ensure you get the best second hand pram possible.
What Should You Look For When Buying A Second Hand Baby Pram?
Once you’ve done your initial online research and determined that the pram is suitable for both you and your baby’s needs, you’ll want to go and see the pram. Here’s what you need to look out for when inspecting it.
Safety
Firstly, look at how safe the pram looks overall. Make sure that all of the essential components meet the correct safety standards, including the straps, buckles, locks, and the seat. It just isn’t worth the risk if there is any sign of damage or you don’t feel 100% confident that they’re in good working order.
The pram shouldn’t have any frayed or broken parts either, and it definitely shouldn’t have any exposed sharp edges that your little one could have an accident on. You should also consider the hygiene aspect of safety when looking at a second hand pram. It should look clean, stain-free, and ready to use. This will give you a good indication of how the pram has been treated and how easy it will be for you to clean moving forward.
Remember, buying second hand doesn’t mean you have to compromise on quality, and your baby’s safety needs to be your number one priority.
Damage
Give the pram a thorough inspection for any signs of damage, such as fraying on the child restraints, cracks in the frame, or loose components. Many sellers will have been upfront about damage and will point it out in their advert, but it is still very important that you look at the damage and assess whether you deem it to be an issue or not.
Manuals & Instructions
It’s a good idea to ask the seller if they still have any original manuals or instructions that came with the pram, as well as any documents for registering warranties. You’ll stand a much better chance of maintaining the pram properly if they do have them, and, in turn, increase your chances of it lasting for years to come.
Ask Questions
Sellers expect questions, so don’t worry about firing a few their way. Ask why they’re selling the pram, if they’ve had any issues with it, or if there is anything that you need to be aware of in terms of its performance. A reputable seller won’t have any issues answering these questions, which will give you better peace of mind.
It’s also a good idea to ask where they bought the pram from in the first place. You’ll have more confidence that you aren’t accidentally buying stolen baby items if the seller is upfront about this.
Test It
Don’t be scared to ask if you can take the pram for a walk before you decide if it’s the right choice for you. Doing this will allow you to familiarise yourself with how it performs and verify that all of the features work well.
When doing this, pay close attention to how the wheels move (making sure they don’t stick or veer off to one side), see if the seat wobbles or rattlers, and test that the brakes are working well. Look at the condition of the handles as well and make sure they feel comfortable enough for you to use for prolonged periods of time.
Where Should I Buy A Second Hand Pram?
There are loads of different places you can buy second hand prams and other second hand items from, and each offers you the opportunity to buy things your baby needs that are in really good condition but without having to pay full price. Here are a few tips on where to look.
Ask Friends And Family
Many mothers ask friends and family if they have any unused strollers or prams that they no longer need because their own children have outgrown them. Oftentimes, they’ll give them to you completely free of charge because they’re happy to have the space back in their home. You’ll also know that you’re getting something that’s good quality as there’s no profit to be made, and they’ll genuinely care about your child’s well-being. In turn, you can rest assured you won’t be getting anything dangerous.
Use Social Media
Almost all social media platforms, including Instagram and Facebook, have marketplaces where other users can list second hand items for sale. Many of the items listed here are brand new and unwanted as well (such as car seats, breast pumps, and cot mattresses), so they’re a great place to look if you really want to bargain hunt.
As always, however, it’s super important that you do your research, verify the seller’s details, and arrange to meet them in person to check the pram out. Never agree to send any money to hold the item or pay in full with the promise of posting it to you.
Explore Car Boot Sales
There are many benefits to finding a second hand pram at a car boot sale, including being able to inspect it and take it home on the same day, taking away the need to arrange a meeting. Many car boot sellers are open to haggling as well, so you may be able to bring the price down even further. You’ll be able to tell if it’s a good fit straight away if your child is with you, too. Not to mention, a trip to your local car boot sale can be a fun day out for the family!
Check Online Auction Sites
There are some reputable online auction sites, such as eBay, where you can find some excellent deals on second hand prams. The same rule of thumb applies when using these sites, of course, and you’ll need to do some proper research. But they are a really great place to look if you’re trying to get all of your baby’s accessories together without breaking the bank.
Many of these sites are also encrypted and have payment protection in place, which means you can shop more confidently, knowing that if anything does turn out to be dishonest, you won’t lose any money or risk your details being stolen.
Visit Thrift Stores
Thrift stores can be an excellent place to find second hand prams, and much like a car boot sale, you’ll be able to inspect everything then and there to speed up the shopping process. They’re also a great place to find other essentials such as toys, a cot mattress, a rain cover, and second hand clothes. You may also be able to find some discounted maternity clothes, which is a great way of supplementing your wardrobe while you’re pregnant at a reduced cost.
Browse Classified Websites
As well as online auction sites, there are websites that specialise in re-selling items, including prams, strollers, and cribs, all with the possibility of finding some excellent deals. However, while you can find some fantastic items and low prices, these sites can be trickier to navigate in terms of reliability, and you may find that something you’re looking at has already been sold, or you may be added to a ‘waiting list’ with the seller contacting you if another person is interested, but that sale falls through.
As always, do your research when you’re browsing classified websites. Send the seller a message asking for details such as the model number, if they still have the instruction manual, and if they have any more detailed photographs of the pram. Doing this will help you establish trust and give you a better idea of the seller’s reliability.
Is There Any Baby Gear You Shouldn’t Buy Second Hand?
While it’s perfectly safe to purchase prams second hand, there are certain items that safety experts recommend you always buy brand new. This includes:
- Car seats
- Mattresses
- Breast pumps
- Infant formula
There are a few safety reasons for each of these, but buying these things as second hand items is generally thought to be unsafe due to hygiene reasons. Purchasing a second hand breast pump, in particular, is unsanitary even if it has been sterilised as you can’t be 100% certain of how it has been used in the past.
You should also make sure you always purchase a new car seat for your child as, just like prams, these need to meet certain safety standards. Unlike prams, however, you’ll be travelling at a much higher speed, and the danger is increased. So, to keep your baby as safe as possible, it’s just not worth risking it with a second hand car seat.
How Many Years Do Prams Last?
There are a few factors that will determine how long a pram lasts. First of all, the condition of the pram and how well you’ve maintained it throughout its use will play a major role in its longevity. A pram that has been cleaned regularly and has components that have been given some TLC will last much longer than one that hasn’t.
Of course, wear and tear happen, and over time, you may find that certain safety components are starting to fray or crack. However, this shouldn’t happen within the first few years of having the pram, and if it is, you should contact the manufacturer immediately.
It’s a good idea to look for a pram that comes with a long warranty period, too. This won’t only cover you should your pram start to suffer from damage, but it will give you peace of mind from the start. Those with a long warranty period are likely to last longer as well, as most companies won’t offer this on a product they don’t have 100% confidence in.
Final Thoughts
Opting for a second hand pram presents an opportunity to save money while acquiring a quality product within your budget. However, with numerous options available, conducting thorough research and carefully inspecting the new pram before finalising your purchase is crucial. This will provide safe and comfortable use for you and your little one throughout the years.