7 Products for Kids to Never Buy Used

What's the price of safety?

Raising kids can put a serious crimp on any budget. (Some estimates put the cost of raising a kid upwards of $300,000!) Buying used or sharing items within parenting groups can be smart ways to keep your finances from feeling the sting.

At least, it can be for certain items. For others, you may be putting your young ones at risk by buying used instead of new.

The biggest problem with used kids' items tends to be safety. Regulations are constantly changing -- often in response to tragedy -- and older items simply won't hold up to modern scrutiny. Here are 10 items to think twice about before buying used.

1. Mattresses

Babies are messy. Diapers can fail and little ones can get sick. Parents can only do so much to keep their baby's mattress clean. Buying new helps ensure that your baby has a clean place to rest. Additionally, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends a firm, flat sleep surface for babies. This means saying no to a used mattress. They can have wear that makes the bed too soft, or leaves an indent, giving your baby less than adequate support. 

2. Baby swings

The last decade has seen extensive changes in safety standards for baby swings. Everything changed: seating positions, stability tests, restraint systems -- even the language of the warning labels got revised to be stronger. Unless you know for sure the swing was made after the new regulations were put into place, you're better off buying these new from a trusted retailer.

3. Car seats

A car seat is a necessity. But many people don't realize that they can actually expire. In fact, most experts suggest ditching a car seat after about seven to 10 years. 

That being said, it's important to realize that car seats can wear out well before that deadline. The rigors of being in a car can take its toll on car seats, especially in climates with lots of sun and/or extreme temperatures. 

Additionally, you should never use a car seat that has been in an accident. This can put added stressors on the car seat that reduce its safety. If you don't know exactly what that car seat has been through, it's best to avoid it.

4. Strollers

In 2015, the CPSC implemented new rules for the safety of carriages and strollers. Pinch points were removed, locks were improved, harnesses redesigned, wheels were made more secure, and more. The second-hand market could still harbor some pre-2015 units that aren't up to the current standards. Only accept used strollers from people who can tell you when and where they were purchased.

5. Formula

There is a surprisingly robust secondhand market for infant formula. But no matter how good the prices seem, it's probably best to avoid buying formula from anywhere other than a trusted retailer. 

Besides potential issues with contamination -- which are scary enough on their own -- even sellers with the best of intentions may not be storing the formula properly. 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends, “Store unopened infant formula containers in a cool, dry, indoor place -- not in vehicles, garages, or outdoors.” Disregarding this advice can lead to the nutrients in the formula breaking down, rendering your formula insufficient for a healthy baby.

6. Certain toys

While some toys are good to share, others can be downright hazardous. For one thing, you'll want to avoid used baby toys that you can't properly sterilize -- especially if you don't know their origins. (If you give it to a baby, it absolutely will end up in that child's mouth.)

You should also be extra cautious around older toys from your (or your parents') childhood. While there's a certain sentimentality to passing on treasured toys, safety standards have changed significantly over the decades. 

For instance, many vintage toys came from an era when lead paint was common. Now, we know better. High lead content in paint still sneaks into our toys today, but it gets caught in recalls. Those family heirlooms don't have the same oversight. While they can make great keepsakes, they shouldn't be given to young children.

7. Helmets

Whether for bike riding or kids' sports, helmets should only be bought new. When you buy a used helmet, you don't know if it's already been crashed. Not all crashes leave visible damage. Just dropping a helmet on the ground can diminish its ability to protect you when you need it most. 

Oh, and here's another good reason to avoid used helmets: What if you buy a helmet that is infected with lice? You won't know until it's too late. (This is also a good reason to be extra sure you clean any old wigs or hats your child may use for dress-up.)

A little research can make the difference

There are plenty of kids' items that are perfectly fine to buy used. Clothing and most soft toys, for instance, can be laundered and sterilized. But for other things, buying used may not be worth the money you save. 

If you're tempted by the second-hand market, your best bet may be to do a little research before you buy. Check SafeKids.org for more information. The CPSC Recalls tool can also be a great resource for finding the latest news. You can look up specific items or just run a general search.