A baby outgrows things faster than they wear out. Here is where second-hand is obvious, and the three cases where it is not.
Paul · August 17, 2026 · 4 min read
Most baby things are worn for three months and then put away. That is the definition of a healthy second-hand market, and in France it is a very good one.
Without hesitation
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Clothes, worn for weeks and often as good as new
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The cot, if it is compliant and unmodified
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The chest of drawers, the chair, furniture generally
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Washable toys
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Carriers and wraps, if the fabric is sound
With care
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The pushchair: check the brakes, wheels and fold yourself
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The mattress: avoid if dipped or stained; a firm, correctly sized mattress matters for sleep
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Bouncers and swings: check the harness and stability
Never
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A car seat whose history you do not know
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Anything subject to a manufacturer recall
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Anything modified or home-repaired
Two habits
Check the standard on the label, not in the listing. EN 716 for a cot, R129 for a car seat. Honest sellers get this wrong all the time.
Search the product name plus the word recall before buying. It takes thirty seconds.