Hand-Me-Downs vs. New Baby Items: Pros & Cons

The journey of preparing for the arrival of a new baby is filled with decisions. Undoubtedly, as parents, you want to provide the best and there will be a constant battle between buying brand-new baby items or embracing the hand-me-downs. Each option has its benefits and setbacks, and understanding these can help you make the best choices for your family.

In this post, we will share the pros and cons of both hand-me-downs and new baby items, as well as which items are safe to receive as hand-me-downs and which are better purchased new.

 

Pros of Hand-Me-Downs

 

• Cost-effective — Babies grow fast and they will outgrow many new clothes and gear quickly too! Using the hand-me-downs given by friends and family will provide you with some financial relief.
• Environmental impact — Choosing hand-me-downs helps reduce waste and by reusing items, you are contributing to a more sustainable lifestyle.
• Sentimental value — Hand-me-downs often come with stories and memories. Items that once belonged to older siblings or relatives can carry a sentimental value that new items don't.
• Availability — You can help yourself with a variety of items from friends and family, making it easier to gather what you need without spending much time shopping.

 

Cons of Hand-Me-Downs

 

• Safety risk — Hand-me-downs can sometimes be worn out or damaged. It is important to carefully inspect each item for safety hazards.
• Trends & styles — Baby gear evolves quickly. What was trendy and safe a few years ago may be outdated now. Some hand-me-downs may also not meet the current safety standards. Do also look out for product recalls.
• Limited options — Some hand-me-downs may not exactly have the styles and functionality that you want.

 

Pros of New Baby Items

 

• Safety compliance — New baby items must meet the latest safety regulations, ensuring peace of mind. This is especially vital for baby cots, car seats, and other safety-related baby gear.
• Warranty and returns — New items usually come with warranties and return policies if they don't meet your expectations or needs.
• Latest innovations — New baby products may include the newest safety features and technology, offering improved functionality.
• Personal choice — Purchasing new enables you to choose the colour, style, and brands that suit your taste and liking perfectly.

 

Cons of New Baby Items

 

• Uneconomical — New baby items can be quite costly and buying a bunch of baby gear can stretch your budget.
• Environmental concerns — Buying new items contributes to consumerism and waste, which can be a concern for environmentally conscious parents.

 

When considering hand-me-downs, it is essential to know what is generally safe for your little one. Here is a list of baby items that are safe to accept:

 

• Clothing — Gently used baby clothes are typically safe, provided they are clean and wearable.
• Toys — Soft and non-electronic toys are usually fine to accept as hand-me-downs, as long as they meet the safety standards and do not have loose or small parts.
• Books — Children's books are wonderful hand-me-down items! They are durable and can be enjoyed for years.
• Blankets — If it is still in good condition, blankets can be a good addition.

 

Baby Items Better Purchased New

 

• Car seats — Safety regulations often change, hence, used car seats may have been outdated or unseen damage. Always opt for new ones.

 

Joie: Every Stage™ FX Car Seat

 

• Baby cots and mattresses — Baby cots should also meet the latest safety standards which older baby cots may lack. Always buy new mattresses for hygiene reasons.

 

Little Bean Premium: Wooden Baby Crib

 

• Breast pumps and baby bottles — These items should be new for hygiene purposes. Even if they look clean, there could be bacteria and damage you can't see.

Spectra 9 Plus Portable Double Electric Breast Pump 

 

He or She: Ultra Wide Neck Baby Bottle Gift Set

 

• Safety gear — Baby items like high chairs, playpens, or baby gates should be new to ensure they meet the current safety guidelines.

 

moji: YIPPY High Chair

 

Crolla: Ally Playpen

 

Baby Dan: Premier Pressure Indicator Gate