What You Need to Know About Buying Used Nursery Furniture

It's actually estimated that the cost of raising a child until they're 18 is £69,621 for a couple and £113,102 for a single-parent family (Child Poverty Action Group, Cost of a Child report).

With this in mind, it's no wonder that many parents-to-be are looking for ways to cut costs, and buying second-hand nursery furniture can seem like an attractive option.

Designing and furnishing a baby room from scratch does involve some expense, but before you go ahead and click "buy" on that Facebook Marketplace crib listing, here are a few things you should know about buying used nursery furniture.

Is it Safe to Buy Second-Hand Furniture for a Nursery?

It's not as plain cut as "yes" or "no", but there are definitely some worries that come with purchasing used nursery furniture.

When you buy new baby furniture, you can trust that it meets current safety standards and that it hasn't been tampered with.

The manufacturer (like us here at Snüz) is responsible for ensuring that the furniture they produce meets certain safety regulations, and this includes things like secure fittings and non-toxic materials.

Instruction manuals will also be supplied with new furniture, giving you guidance on how to put it together safely and securely.

You don't get any of these guarantees with used nursery furniture.

The previous owner may not supply all the necessary parts or instructions, and there's also a chance that the furniture has been recalled by the manufacturer due to safety concerns.

Depending on how old the furniture is, it may not meet current safety standards either, and this is very important when it comes to items like cribs and bassinets.

If a close family member or friend has offered to give you their old nursery furniture, and you know they have only just recently used it for their own child, then you may be more likely to trust its safety. But we would always advise you to buy new – you should never chance the safety of your baby.

How to Shop for Used Nursery Furniture Safely

If you're determined to save money and buy used nursery furniture, there are some precautions you can take to try and ensure that it's as safe as possible for your baby.

Again, we'll reiterate that we always recommend buying new, but if you do go for used, here's how you can do it in a safe way:

1) Only Buy Furniture from Trusted Sources

Don't purchase your baby's wardrobe from any Tom, Dick, or Harry. When it comes to used baby furniture, stick to trusted sources like family and friends that you know and trust or reputable second-hand stores.

Some manufacturers may even have their own marketplaces for second-hand furniture that they have inspected and certified as safe.

Avoid buying from online marketplaces where you can't guarantee the safety of the furniture or the seller.

You don't know whether the person you're buying from also bought it second-hand (which makes you a third-hand buyer) or if it was appropriately inspected.

2) Do Your Own Inspection In-Person

Before agreeing to buy any used nursery furniture, make sure you see it in person and thoroughly inspect it (if this is possible).

For example, if your friend is giving you their old crib, ask to go over and see it in person before taking it home and giving them the money.

Check for any signs of damage or wear and tear that could compromise safety, such as broken fixings or loose parts.

You should also check that all fixings are included, like screws, furniture feet, rails, etc., and that they're not damaged in any way.

While you can purchase spare parts for most baby furniture, we wouldn't use this as an excuse to purchase furniture that isn't complete or is missing important parts. Rather, these spare parts are for the original owner who may have lost or damaged them and needs to replace them.

If instruction manuals aren’t supplied to you with the furniture, check if you can download them from the manufacturer’s website.

3) Read Reviews of the Seller or Second-Hand Store

If there's one way to know whether a seller is trustworthy, it's to read reviews from other customers.

When buying directly from an individual seller, do some research and see whether they have any reviews on their profile or if other buyers have left feedback.

Also, check out the website and social media pages of second-hand stores for customer reviews and ratings.

If you can't find any information about a seller or second-hand store, it's best to err on the side of caution and avoid purchasing from them. Reputable sellers should always have reviews easily accessible.

[CTA button] Read Our Customer Reviews

4) Thoroughly Clean & Disinfect the Furniture Before Use

Even if the used furniture looks to be in great condition, it's still important to clean and disinfect it before using it for your baby.

This includes washing all fabrics, wiping down surfaces with a non-toxic cleaner, and letting the furniture air out in a well-ventilated area for a few days.

You never know what kind of germs or bacteria may be on the furniture, especially if it has been in storage for a while.

Why We Don't Recommend Buying Used Baby Furniture

At Snüz, we are committed to providing parents with the safest and best quality products for their children. This is why we always recommend buying new nursery furniture rather than used.

When you buy from us, you can trust that our products have been rigorously tested and comply with all safety standards, giving you peace of mind that your baby is sleeping in a safe and secure environment.

We understand the financial pressures that come with having a baby, but we believe that investing in quality nursery furniture is worth it in the end.

Your baby's safety should always come first, and by buying new furniture, you're reducing the risk of any potential hazards or dangers that may come with using second-hand items.

Plus, purchasing new furniture means you'll have peace of mind knowing exactly where your baby's furniture came from and how it has been handled.

Cons of Buying Second-Hand Furniture

Pros of Buying Second-Hand Furniture

While we will always recommend it where possible, we understand that buying new nursery furniture may not be a viable option for some families, and buying used furniture can still have some benefits, such as:

Is Any Baby Furniture Safe to Buy Second-Hand?

Some items are safer to buy second-hand than others. For example, furniture like cribs and bassinets must meet strict safety regulations, whereas items like chests of drawers and dressers may not have the same standards and can be more easily inspected.

Therefore, if you're determined to buy used furniture, we would recommend sticking to items that have less safety risks, such as non-structural furniture pieces like chairs or bookshelves.

Where to Find Quality Nursery Furniture for Less

If you're looking to save money on nursery furniture, there are still some ways to do so without compromising your baby's safety.

Nursery sets, for one, are a great option as they offer a lower price for bundled furniture pieces, and you know that all the items are from the same manufacturer and will be compatible.

We have 2-piece and 3-piece baby furniture sets available here at Snüz, which offer everything you need to furnish your baby's room and a lower cost than buying the individual pieces.

All of our furniture is crafted from solid wood and plywood, complying with all safety standards and regulations, so you can trust that your baby will be sleeping in a safe environment.

Plus, we offer discounts and promotions throughout the year to help parents save money while still providing their little ones with the highest quality furniture.

The Verdict: To Buy or Not to Buy Used Nursery Furniture?

While it may be tempting to save money by buying used nursery furniture, we always recommend investing in new furniture for your baby's safety and well-being.

While buying used nursery furniture may seem like a good way to save money, it's important to consider the potential safety risks that come with it. You can never truly know the history of used furniture, and even if it looks to be in good condition, there may be hidden issues that compromise its safety.

Instead, we suggest finding ways to save money on new furniture, such as purchasing nursery sets or looking out for promotions and discounts from reputable baby furniture brands.

Your baby's safety should always come first, and by investing in high-quality nursery furniture, you can rest assured that your little one is sleeping in a safe and secure environment.

Shop our full range of nursery furniture sets below, with free next-day delivery available!

FAQs

Is it Safe to Buy a Second-Hand Cot?

We wouldn't recommend buying a second-hand cot. While it may seem like a more affordable option, you can't be sure of its safety or whether it meets current regulations. The structural integrity of a cot is crucial for your baby's safety, so we always recommend buying new, as you can trust that it meets all safety standards and has not been compromised.

What Baby Furniture is Safe to Buy Second-Hand?

Smaller furniture items like chairs or chests of drawers may be safer to buy second-hand, as they have fewer potential safety risks and your baby is less likely to come into contact with them.

However, we always recommend thoroughly inspecting any second-hand furniture before use, regardless of the item.

How Should I Clean Second-Hand Baby Furniture?

Use a sponge or cloth with a non-toxic all-purpose cleaner to wipe down surfaces, including any nooks and crevices. For fabrics, such as upholstery, use hot soapy water and a scrub brush to remove any dirt or stains, or wash if the care label permits. It's also a good idea to air out the furniture in a well-ventilated area for a few days before use.

Is it Safe to Use a Second-Hand Mattress for a Baby?

We don't recommend using a second-hand mattress for your baby. Mattresses can harbour bacteria, allergens, and dust mites, which can be harmful to a baby's health. Plus, older mattresses may not meet current safety regulations or have lost their firmness over time, increasing the risk of SIDS.