How to reuse baby items and what to buy new

Benefits and risks of reusing items

Many parents accept donations of pre-used baby clothes and equipment from family or friends, or buy lightly used items online, in a charity shop or at one of our NCT Nearly New Sales. Baby Banks can also provide essentials for families.

Benefits of second-hand items include:

• Saving money as pre-used items are often less expensive
• Worn-in clothes can be softer for children with sensory issues
• Helping the environment as fewer items need to be manufactured
• Preventing items going to landfill or incineration
• Reducing clutter at home

However, not everything can be used again. Risks include (Gov.uk, 2025):

• Wear and tear which is not always visible
• Missing parts or instructions
• Fire or warning labels removed
• Not meeting current safety standards
• Alterations may have been made which pose a safety risk

Where possible, check products in person before buying to feel confident in the quality and condition (Gov.uk, 2025).

General principles for reusing items

These simple principles can be used when deciding if it’s safe to reuse something (Gov, 2025; Lullaby Trust, 2025). Make sure it:

• Is in good condition and has all parts
• Conforms to current safety standards (see details below)
• Has up-to-date instructions and is used in line with those instructions
• Has not been involved in a Safety Alert or Recall
• Is easy to clean

What can and can't be reused?

Generally, follow the principles listed above. Here we share a little more information about specific items.

Baby bottles and breast pumps

While baby bottles can be reused if they are in good condition, teats should be new with each baby. Breast pumps can be used for a different person, but as milk may get into the tube this should be replaced.

See our articles on Baby bottles and teats: choosing and sterlising for more information.

Car seats

It’s not recommended to use a car seat that has been used previously by another family. Accident damage may not be easy to see, and even normal wear and tear can reduce the safety (Lullaby Trust, 2025; Rospa, no date a).

If necessary, a car seat from a trusted family member or friend could be used if (Rospa, no date a; Lullaby Trust, 2025 a):

• it is marked as complying with current safety standards: ECE Regulation 44.04 (or R 44.03) or to the new i-size regulation, R129. Look for the ‘E’ mark label on the seat
• it has never been involved in a crash
• the manufacturer’s instructions are available
• it is suitable for the child’s height and weight
• you can confidently fit it securely in your car

Car seats don’t have an expiry date, but as they are often improved it’s suggested to replace them every five years. Seats suitable for babies up to 36kg could be used for longer (Rospa, no date b).

Clothes

Clothes can easily and safely be used again. Look to see if there is an NCT Nearly New Sale near you, browse online second-hand marketplaces and auction sites, or visit charity shops.

It is advised not to reuse leather shoes as they can mould to a child’s feet and be unsuitable for the next child. See our article on How to dress a baby and choose shoes for a baby.

Cots, cribs, travel cots and Moses baskets

Baby beds can be expensive, so it’s good to know that cot bases and Moses baskets are often fine to use again.

Check the item meets British Safety Standards (Lullaby Trust, 2025 a):

• For Moses baskets and carry cots, look for code BS EN 1466: 2014 or BS EN 1130: 2019.
• For cots and travel cots, look for code BS EN 716-1:2017.
• Bedside cribs, look for code BS EN 1130:2019

Since 2020, cots should no longer have a side that drops down. This is because wear and tear can make the side loose which may trap the baby (Lullaby Trust, 2025 b).

Cot mattresses 

Although it is fine to reuse a cot or Moses basket, a new mattress is recommended for each baby (Lullaby Trust, 2025 b).

If using a second-hand mattress, check that it (Lullaby Trust, 2025 b; Lullaby Trust, 2025 a):

• is marked as meeting safety standard BS 7177:2008+A1:2011, or for cots, travel cots and cribs BS EN 16890:2017+A1:2021
• has a fire-resistant label
• is in good condition with no rips, tears or stains
• has a well-fitting, waterproof cover to stop any liquid getting into the mattress
• fits the Moses basket or cot well with no gaps that the baby could get stuck in
• is firm and flat and not sagging

See our article on Sleep safety and co-sleeping for more information.

When buying a new mattress for a pre-used Moses basket or cot, check the measurements of the cot or Moses basket so you can be confident it’s the right size.

Highchairs

Second hand highchairs are safe to buy when you follow the principles. Either see it in person before buying or ask to see enough photos to be confident it is as described with nothing missing (Which?, 2026 a).

Also check (Which?, 2026 a):

• It has a working five-point harness which is not frayed
• There is a crotch post to stop them sliding out
• There are no parts missing, from large parts such as the tray, to small screws or bolts
• That there are no holes in the cushion or seat pad from which padding can be pulled out (this could be a choking hazard)
• That it can be securely locked into place
• That there are no cracks or sharp edges

Prams and pushchairs

When buying second-hand check that (Which?, 2026 b):

• it’s easy to push
• the brakes work
• the manufacturer’s instructions are included or available online
• a car seat or carrycot fits safely and easily onto the frame (if using)
• it can be moved on and off public transport, and through shop doors
• it folds down easily and is easy to lift when folded
• the covers can be easily taken off and cleaned

Safety gates

Safety gates for stairs or doorways can be reused if they are in good condition with all working parts. Check that they comply with British Safety Standard BSEN 1930:2011 (NHS, 2026).

Slings and carriers

See our article Baby slings and carriers: a guide for what to look out for when buying second hand. You can also check if your local branch offers an NCT sling library.  

Toys

A general checklist for buying second hand toys is (RoSPA, no date c):

• Check for a UKCA or CE mark, which means it meets European or British safety standards
• Check that it is suitable for the baby’s age and size
• Make sure it is in good condition and not damaged, that parts fit well and it is sturdy
• Wash soft toys in hot soapy water to get rid of germs
• Read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions – this may mean finding them online or contacting the manufacturer
• Check if electrical items have had a Portable Appliance Test (PAT)

Further information

Check the government list of Product Safety Alerts, Reports and Recalls.

MoneySavingExpert has more tips for new parents.

The Child Accident Prevention Trust (CAPT) has information on products that could pose a serious health risk and so should be avoided when shopping for your baby.

Which? magazine is usually available from local libraries, so you can check for ‘best buys’ on larger items before starting your second-hand search.