Are Hand-Me-Downs Safe? What to Accept and What to Buy New

Secondhand saves money and the planet. Here's what's safe.

Always Buy New

• Car seats: Can't verify crash history or expiration.
• Crib mattresses: May not meet current safety standards, wear affects firmness.
• Breast pump: Hard to sterilize, motors wear out.

Safe to Accept Used

• Clothes (check for loose buttons, strings)
• Books and toys (check for recalls)
• Strollers (if in good condition, not recalled)
• Cribs (if made after 2011, check recalls)
• High chairs, bouncers, swings (check recalls)

How to Check for Recalls

Visit cpsc.gov and search by product name or model number.