It’s a fact that children go through clothing and toys quickly. When you have a baby or young child, you’ll probably find yourself buying new sets of onesies, shirts, and pants every three months, in addition to age-appropriate toys. Over time, however, this can end up as a considerable expense, and your children may only wear some clothing once or twice. Because many are trying to be more economical in the state of the economy, finding pre-worn or secondhand items is recommended, although as far as thrift and consignment stores are concerned, the items available are limited.

Because some parents want to be rid of old baby products and others are searching for a bargain, baby markets geared solely toward the selling of pre-worn, or “pre-loved,” items for children have popped up. Tiny Tots Baby Market in South-West Sydney, Australia is one such example. Held every three months, the market is organized by mothers in the area, and parents have their own tables to sell older products. Other parents looking for clothing, toys, and other baby products go to find a bargain.

Secondhand markets focused solely on baby products allow parents to find items their children may only use a few times and, at the same time, are green, as clothing, toys, and other items are used. Nevertheless, parents looking at pre-worn items should examine each product carefully. Although secondhand clothing is helpful, pre-worn toys and furniture may pose certain safety hazards. As in all cases, examine each item for choking hazards; ask yourself if the toy itself is a hazard or if parts will come loose and become a hazard. Additionally, make sure that all furniture is stable and durable, and once you’ve taken the product home, check to see if it has been recalled in the past.

As any parent knows, babies and young children go through clothing, toys, and furniture quickly. It’s not a matter of taste or style, however; rather, babies and young children grow and pick up skills, and the clothing no longer fits and the toy becomes too basic. Parents, like everyone in the current economy, may be strapped for cash, and purchasing discounted or secondhand baby products seems appealing. Nevertheless, some baby products should be purchased new, while others are best secondhand or as a hand-me-down.

An article in NOLA.com talks about purchasing clothing secondhand for babies, toddlers, and even teens. The strategy, of course, is to find items that a child will go through quickly – inevitable with a baby – but are also lightly worn. Babies need basics, as such clothing won’t always last long. If you can’t purchase some clothing, such as onesies, at a discount, look for them in thrift and consignment stores, in addition to t-shirts, pants, coats, and hats. While you might not find everything secondhand, you’ll be able to build up a reserve of clothing for the child from the time he or she is born to 18 months.

Clothing aside, some items for a baby should always be purchased new for safety and security reasons. Strollers and baby furniture, such as cribs, risk being less safe when given as a hand-me-down or purchased at a secondhand store. Some recalled items, as well, may end up on the racks of thrift and consignment shops, and you may risk using a product that poses an entrapment, suffocation, or choking hazard. Drop-side cribs, more specifically, will be taken off the market soon but are still found in several secondhand stores. In these cases, investing in new baby furniture and strollers is recommended, while clothing can be purchased secondhand or received as a hand-me-down.

Planning for a new baby – either your first or another child – is expensive. In some cases, having the second child is easier, as you’ve already been through the first. Nevertheless, getting the right baby products takes some strategy if you want to save money. Unfortunately, not all baby products should be purchased secondhand or received as hand-me-towns, but not everyone should be purchased new, either. An article in GoToBabyGift gives a few suggestions:

• Consider a unisex design for your crib, especially if you plan to use it for another child.
• If you want a fashionable diaper bag, make sure it stores all items you’ll need.
• Go for cloth diapers to save money.
• Only use wipes for emergencies; if possible, try to use soap and water instead.
• Have various four and nine-ounce bottles on hand that are BPA-free.
• Several onesies in sizes from zero to 18 months should be on hand.
• Invest in a baby monitor.
• Strollers don’t need to be expensive but they should be safe for your child and should be strong enough to last through the toddler years.
• Make sure you have a few swaddling blankets.
• Keep a baby thermometer at home in case of fevers.

Aside from these points, consider purchasing a car seat that will last for several years and will accommodate the needs of a baby – neck support, especially – and a toddler. Additionally, baby toys are also a necessity, and if you’re strapped for cash, stick with educational or stimulation items. Mobiles, crib books, and mirrors are the basics, and the child should have some toys in black, red, and white or contrasting primary colors that make sounds and have varied textures. Toys, aside from being fun, help build up a child’s basic senses and help him or her transition into the physical skills acquired in the toddler years.