Should I buy kids' items new or used?
Calculate when buying used kids' gear makes sense vs buying new, from clothes to toys to car seats.
By ShouldICalc Team
Updated January 2025 · See our methodology
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Trade-offs to Consider
Every decision has pros and cons. Here's what to weigh:
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Money
Used kids' items cost 50-90% less. But time finding quality used items adds up. Some items should be bought new for safety.
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Time
Thrifting takes time; new items are instant. But sorting and listing for resale also takes time.
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Quality
Used means someone else tested quality. But wear and tear varies. New has full lifespan ahead.
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Convenience
New is immediate and reliable. Used requires hunting and inspection.
Related Products
Products that can help you save money. (Affiliate links)
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Store outgrown clothes compactly
Label Maker
Organize kids' items by size/type
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Frequently Asked Questions
What kids' items should I NEVER buy used?
How much can I save buying kids' clothes used?
Where's the best place to find used kids' items?
What used items have the best value?
Buying New vs Used for Kids: A Smart Parent’s Guide
Kids outgrow things in months. Why pay full price? But some items genuinely need to be new. Here’s how to shop smart.
The Savings Potential
Typical Used vs New Price Comparison:
| Item | New Price | Used Price | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Baby outfit | $25 | $3-5 | 80-88% |
| Toddler shoes | $35 | $8-12 | 66-77% |
| Stroller | $400 | $75-150 | 62-81% |
| High chair | $150 | $30-50 | 67-80% |
| Play kitchen | $200 | $40-75 | 62-80% |
| Books (each) | $12 | $1-3 | 75-92% |
Annual savings potential:
- Light secondhand shopping: $500-800/year
- Moderate secondhand: $1,000-1,500/year
- Maximum secondhand: $2,000-3,000/year
What to Always Buy New
Safety items with unknown history:
Car Seats:
- Safety standards update regularly
- Plastic degrades over time
- No way to know crash history
- Always buy new (or from very trusted source with full history)
Cribs:
- Safety recalls are common
- Drop-side cribs are now banned
- Slat spacing has changed over time
- New cribs are relatively affordable
Helmets (bike, sports):
- Invisible damage from drops
- Foam degrades
- One crash and they should be replaced
- Your child’s head is worth $30-50
Breast Pumps:
- Hygiene concerns
- Motor wear affects suction
- Often covered by insurance anyway
Best Items to Buy Used
Clothing (especially 0-3 years):
- Worn mere weeks before outgrown
- Often in perfect condition
- Massive savings (80-90%)
- Easy to inspect quality
Toys:
- Kids lose interest quickly
- Well-made toys last generations
- Easy to clean and sanitize
- Huge selection available
Books:
- Nearly identical new or used
- Kids destroy books anyway
- Library sales have incredible deals
- Often free in buy-nothing groups
Outdoor Equipment:
- Swing sets, playhouses, ride-ons
- Built to last outdoors
- Massive new prices, cheap used
- Easy to spot wear and assess safety
Strollers (with research):
- Quality brands last forever
- Easy to check functionality
- Huge price drops used
- Research model safety record first
High Chairs:
- Cleaned easily
- Simple mechanics
- Check straps and stability
- Plastic holds up well
Where to Find Used Kids’ Items
Facebook Marketplace:
- Largest selection
- Local pickup
- Negotiable prices
- See item in person before buying
- Watch for quality consignment resellers
Once Upon A Child:
- Consistent quality standards
- Items inspected before sale
- Return policy
- Stores nationwide
- Slightly higher than private sale
Thred Up / Poshmark:
- Online convenience
- Wide selection
- Photos show condition
- Shipping adds cost
Consignment Sales:
- Huge events (JBF, RHEA)
- Best prices, biggest selection
- Happen seasonally
- Arrive early for best picks
Buy Nothing Groups:
- Completely free
- Community-focused
- Variable selection
- Pay it forward ethos
Garage Sales:
- Lowest prices anywhere
- Variable quality
- Requires time investment
- Best early on sale day
The Time vs Money Trade-off
Buying used takes more time:
- Searching listings: 1-3 hours/week
- Traveling to pickups: 30 min each
- Inspecting items: Variable
- Cleaning purchases: 15-30 min each
Is it worth your time? If you save $100 and spend 3 hours, that’s $33/hour—probably worth it. If you save $20 and spend 2 hours, that’s $10/hour—maybe not worth it.
Quality Indicators for Used Items
Clothing:
- Check knees, elbows, necklines for wear
- Look for pilling and stains
- Elastic should be intact
- Zippers should work smoothly
Toys:
- All pieces included?
- Batteries work?
- No broken parts or sharp edges
- Cleanable materials
Strollers/Gear:
- Wheels roll smoothly
- Folding mechanism works
- Straps aren’t frayed
- No recalls on model
Furniture:
- Sturdy construction
- No cracks in critical joints
- Hardware complete
- Safety features intact
The Resale Strategy
Smart parents buy with resale in mind:
Buy quality items used → Use them → Resell for similar price
Example:
- Buy used stroller for $75
- Use for 2 years
- Sell for $60
- Net cost: $15 for 2 years of use
To maximize resale:
- Keep items clean
- Store boxes and manuals
- Photograph condition before storing
- Sell before outgrown (seasonally)
Age-Specific Recommendations
Baby (0-12 months):
- Used: Clothes (most are barely worn), swings, bouncy seats, play mats
- New: Car seat, crib mattress, bottles
Toddler (1-3 years):
- Used: Clothes, toys, books, outdoor toys, rain boots
- New: Car seat (if needed), helmets
Preschool (3-5 years):
- Used: Clothes, toys, bikes, costumes, sports equipment
- New: Bike helmet, underwear
School Age (5+):
- Used: Sports equipment (except helmets), instruments, electronics
- New: Shoes (better fit new), backpacks, helmets
The Planning-for-Siblings Factor
If you’re having more children:
Invest in quality once:
- Better stroller (will last through 2-3 kids)
- Quality wooden toys
- Durable clothing brands
Store items properly:
- Vacuum bags for clothes
- Label by size
- Climate-controlled storage
- Keep boxes for gear
Your cost per child drops dramatically when spreading quality items across multiple kids.
Making Your Decision
Buy used when:
- Item is clothing or toys
- You can inspect before buying
- Safety isn’t a concern
- Significant savings available
- You have time to search
Buy new when:
- Safety is critical (car seats, cribs, helmets)
- Hygiene concerns exist (bottles, pumps)
- Used isn’t much cheaper
- You need it immediately
- Item will be used by multiple children (quality investment)
The bottom line: With smart shopping, you can outfit your kids for 50-70% less than retail. Focus new purchases on safety items, and buy everything else used from reputable sources.