What I'd Buy Used vs. New for Baby: My Honest Baby Registry Guide

Looking Back, I'd Buy These Baby Registry Items Used Every Time

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. If you purchase through one of these links, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. I only recommend products I personally use, love, or would genuinely recommend to a friend.

When I was building my baby registry, I assumed most things needed to be purchased brand new. Like many first-time moms, I spent hours researching products, reading reviews, and adding items to my registry.

Looking back, there are definitely things I would still buy new, but there are also plenty of baby items I would happily buy secondhand if I were doing it all over again.

Babies grow quickly, use some products for only a few months, and somehow manage to accumulate a shocking amount of stuff. Buying a mix of new and used items has saved us a lot of money without sacrificing safety or convenience.

If I were building my registry again, here's exactly what I'd do differently.

One Registry Tip I Wish More People Talked About

As tempting as it is to start buying baby items the second you find out you're pregnant, I would encourage you to wait.

Build your dream registry first.

Add everything you think you might want, even if you're not sure someone will purchase it. You may be surprised by how much gets gifted by friends and family.

One of the easiest ways to end up with duplicates is buying things before your registry has had a chance to work for you.

After your baby shower, you can use a list like this to decide what still needs to be purchased and where you can save money by shopping secondhand.

Looking back, this would have saved me money, stress, and a few unnecessary purchases.

Baby Registry Items I'd Buy Used

Baby Swing

This is one of the first items I would buy used. There are so many available secondhand, often for half the retail price, and babies only use them for a relatively short period of time.

Baby Bouncer

Another item babies outgrow incredibly fast. Most are easy to clean and can save you a decent amount of money when purchased used.

Stroller

If I found one in good condition, I would absolutely buy a stroller secondhand. I also recommend checking sites like From Rebel before paying full retail price.

Nursery Furniture

I would happily buy these used:

• Crib

• Dresser

• Bookshelf

• Floating shelves

These are often available locally for a fraction of the retail cost.

High Chair

We have the Mockingbird High Chair and love it, but I would absolutely consider buying one secondhand if it was in great condition.

Baby Monitor

Monitors are another item that can often be found used for significantly less than retail.

Humidifier

Our Vicks 3-in-1 humidifier has been great, but I wouldn't hesitate to buy one used.

Baby Car Mirror

Easy to clean and easy to find secondhand.

Portable Stroller Fan

One of those little baby items that can be surprisingly expensive new but is often easy to find used.

Books

Books are one of my favorite things to buy secondhand. Children's books hold up well, and you can build a great collection without spending a fortune.

Most Toys

I buy many toys used. Babies often lose interest quickly, and many toys are barely used before being passed along.

The exception?

Teethers

Those always get purchased new.

Monthly Milestone Blanket

Cute for photos, but definitely something I'd buy used.

Over-the-Door Closet Storage

These hold up well and are easy to clean.

Closet Dividers and Drawer Organizers

These work just as well secondhand as they do new.

Bottle Drying Rack

As long as it's in good condition, I have no problem purchasing one used.

Angelcare Bath Support

If you can find one used, go for it. They're relatively easy to clean and babies use them for a limited amount of time.

Portable Bottle Warmers

I would consider buying these used as long as they've been well maintained and are designed to safely warm breast milk or formula.

Pop & Sit Portable Booster

Another item I would happily buy secondhand.

Ingenuity Baby Base 2-in-1

One of my favorite baby items. These are often available used and clean up well.

Baby Registry Items I'd Still Buy New

Car Seats

This is the biggest one for me.

I personally would always buy a car seat new unless I knew and trusted the previous owner completely. You never know a seat's accident history, whether it's been stored properly, or if it's nearing expiration.

That doesn't mean you can't save money, though. I always recommend checking Target's trade-in events, open-box deals, and retailers like From Rebel before paying full price.

Before purchasing, check with your insurance provider too. I was able to get $150 off a car seat through my insurance benefits, which was a huge help.

For the infant car seat we chose the Evenflo Revolve180 LiteMax NXT with Sensory Soothe and for the convertible car seat we chose the Evenflo Revolve360 Extend

Both have been great, I especially loved the sensory soothe feature (lights and sound machine built into the car seat). I chose this convertible seat because it is a 5 in 1 which means I will never have to buy another seat. Both seats also rotate towards you for easy transitions in and out of the car.

👉 Shop the Evenflo Revolve180 LiteMax NXT with Sensory Soothe

👉 Shop the Evenflo Revolve360 Extend

Nursery Chair

A nursery chair is one item I would personally buy new.

While you can certainly find great secondhand options, this is a piece of furniture I use every single day. Between feedings, contact naps, bedtime routines, and reading books, we've spent countless hours in ours.

When I was building my registry, I went back and forth on whether a nursery chair was worth the investment. Looking back, it absolutely was.

We chose the Parker Living Radius Swivel Glider Power Recliner, and it's easily one of the most-used pieces in our son's room.

If you're planning to nurse, pump, bottle feed, rock your baby to sleep, or simply want a comfortable place to sit in the nursery, I think a good chair is worth prioritizing.

👉 Shop the Nursery Chair

Baby Carrier

A baby carrier is one item I would personally buy new.

While there are plenty of used carriers available, this is a product that gets a ton of use during the newborn stage and beyond. Since it's something that's in direct contact with both you and your baby, I preferred buying one that I knew hadn't been stretched out, damaged, or heavily worn.

Our WildBird Aerial Carrier quickly became one of my most-used baby items. Whether I was doing chores around the house, running errands, traveling, or trying to calm a fussy baby, I reached for it constantly.

One of my favorite things about it is that it's supportive without feeling bulky, and it's comfortable enough to wear for longer periods of time.

👉 Shop the WildBird Aerial Carrier

Fisher-Price Kick & Play Piano

The Fisher-Price Kick & Play Piano is one of the few toys I would absolutely buy new.

My son used this constantly during the first year, and it was one of the longest-lasting baby toys we owned. Unlike some toys that hold their attention for a week or two, this one grew with him through multiple stages.

From tummy time to kicking the piano keys to sitting up and playing, we got a ton of use out of it.

If you're trying to narrow down your registry and wondering which toys are actually worth it, this is one I would confidently recommend.

👉 Shop the Fisher-Price Kick & Play Piano

Bottles

Bottles are one item I always buy new. Since they come into direct contact with baby's mouth and are used multiple times a day, I prefer starting fresh.

After trying a few different options, our favorite bottles ended up being Dr. Brown’s.

👉 Shop Dr. Brown’s Anti-Colic Bottles.

Pacifiers

Pacifiers are another item I always buy new.

The Tommee Tippee Ultra-Light Pacifiers were by far our favorite and the ones my son accepted most consistently.

👉 Shop Tommee Tippee Ultra-Light Pacifiers

Breast Pumps

Breast pumps are one category where I think there are ways to save money without sacrificing quality.

I purchased my Spectra S2 secondhand through Facebook Marketplace and then bought all new pump parts. Since the parts that come into contact with milk can be replaced, this worked really well for us and saved a significant amount of money.

That said, I got my Eufy S1 Pros new and absolutely love it.

Before buying a pump, I highly recommend checking with your insurance provider. Many insurance plans cover breast pumps completely or offer upgraded pumps at a discounted price.

I received a free breast pump through insurance, and it only took a few minutes to see what I qualified for.

👉 Shop the Spectra S2

👉 Shop the Eufy S1 Pro

Thermometers

I prefer to buy all thermometers new for accuracy and hygiene reasons.

The Frida Baby Thermometer has been one of my favorite baby health purchases and something I reach for regularly.

👉 Shop the Frida Baby Thermometer

Frida Baby Saline Kit

This is another item I purchase new for hygiene reasons.

When your baby is congested, you'll be thankful to have one on hand.

👉 Shop the Frida Baby Saline Kit

Crib and Bassinet Sheets

Unless I know exactly where they're coming from, I prefer to buy sheets new.

Since babies spend so much time sleeping, I like knowing they're starting with fresh bedding.

Bath Toys

These are relatively inexpensive so I would just buy new ones if you can. I also worry about mold. Try to buy toys that don't allow any water to get in them.

Skip Hop Changing Pad

We use our Skip Hop Changing Pad constantly, and it has held up incredibly well.

If I were building my registry again, I'd absolutely purchase it a second time.

👉 Shop the Skip Hop Changing Pad

Portable Changing Pad

A portable changing pad is one of those items that ends up going everywhere with you.

Since it gets used in public restrooms, diaper bags, and while traveling, I prefer purchasing it new.

👉 Shop Our Portable Changing Pad

Mess-Proof Wet Bag

This might be one of the most underrated baby registry items.

We use ours for blowouts, wet clothes, swimsuits, and all kinds of unexpected messes.

👉 Shop Our Favorite Wet Bag

Frida Baby Control the Flow Rinsing Cup

Some people may think this is an unnecessary bath item, but I absolutely love ours.

It's inexpensive, practical, and makes rinsing shampoo so much easier.

👉 Shop the Frida Baby Control the Flow Rinsing Cup

Nuby Bath Safety Spout Cover

You may not think you need this until your baby becomes mobile.

Once my son started pulling up and moving around the bathtub, I was very thankful we had one.

👉 Shop the Nuby Bath Safety Spout Cover

Silicone Baby Bibs and Plates

Silicone bibs are easy to clean, easy to wipe down, and something I would definitely purchase new.

The suction, silicone plates are something we use at every meal time. They are separated into three sections and makes it easy for him to pick up his food without it sliding around.

They've made mealtime cleanup so much easier.

👉 Shop My Favorite Silicone Bibs

👉 Shop My Favorite Suction Silicone Plates

Momcozy Bottle Washer

The Momcozy Bottle Washer is definitely an investment, but it's one I would buy new every time.

Since these machines require maintenance and regular cleaning, I prefer knowing exactly how they've been cared for.

👉 Shop the Momcozy Bottle Washer

Frida Mom Labor and Postpartum Kit

I loved having my own hospital gown and socks. I ended up having a c-section so I did not use everything but its still something I would buy again for my next baby.

The Frida Mom Labor and Postpartum Kit made those first few days so much more comfortable.

👉 Shop the Frida Mom Labor and Postpartum Kit

Kindred Bravely Nursing & Pumping Bras

These are hands-down my favorite nursing bras.

I love that they work for both feeding and pumping, they're supportive for my larger breasts without being uncomfortable, and they held up really well throughout my breastfeeding journey.

👉 Shop Kindred Bravely Nursing & Pumping Bras

LifeVac Home Kit

Hopefully you'll never need it, but this is one of those products that gives me peace of mind.

For something safety-related like this, I would personally buy it new.

👉 Shop the LifeVac Home Kit

Electric NoseFrida

When your baby has a cold, this thing becomes worth its weight in gold.

It's another product I would absolutely purchase new every time.

👉 Shop the Electric NoseFrida

Electric Nail File

This is one of my favorite baby care tools and something I recommend to almost every new parent.

It's so much easier (and less stressful) than trying to trim tiny baby nails with traditional clippers.

👉 Shop My Favorite Electric Nail File

Baby Clothes: My Personal Approach

I intentionally didn't put many clothes on my registry.

I knew people would gift clothing, and I also knew I planned to shop secondhand for most everyday outfits.

My favorite places to buy used baby clothes are:

• Whatnot

• Once Upon A Child

I've found incredible deals through both.

That being said, I don't automatically buy used.

I always compare prices first.

If I can find something new for the same price—or close to the same price—as a used item, I'll usually buy new.

Some of my favorite affordable baby clothes have been:

• Hudson Baby Onesies from Amazon

• Sam's Club Footed Pajama Packs

• Carter's clearance at Kohl's

• Carter's clearance at JCPenney

The key is staying flexible and always looking for the best value.

Don't Overlook Buy Nothing Groups

One of the best resources I've found as a mom isn't a store at all—it's local Buy Nothing groups.

If you're not familiar with them, Buy Nothing groups are community groups where people give away items they no longer need for free.

I've found that parents are often eager to pass along baby gear, toys, clothes, and nursery items once their children outgrow them.

One of my favorite scores was a Nugget Couch that I got completely free through a local Buy Nothing group.

The best part is that it's not just baby items. I've seen moms share:

• Home organization products

• Maternity clothes

• Postpartum supplies

• Household items

• Toys

• Books

If you're trying to save money while preparing for a baby, I highly recommend checking to see if there's a Buy Nothing group in your area before purchasing something new.

Sometimes the item you're about to buy is already available for free.

My Favorite Places to Shop Secondhand

• Whatnot

• Once Upon A Child

• Facebook Marketplace

• Buy Nothing Groups

• Local Mom Groups

• Consignment Sales

• From Rebel

A Quick Note About From Rebel

One of my favorite places to check before buying baby gear is From Rebel.

They sell open-box and overstock baby products from brands I already trust, often at a significant discount compared to retail prices.

I've found it's a great middle ground between buying brand-new and buying secondhand.

Registry Items I Wouldn't Register For Again

Kneeler Pad

Nice to have, but definitely not necessary.

If someone offered me one used, I'd take it.

I wouldn't spend registry space on it again.

Collapsible Wash Bin

I personally never used ours.

SwaddleMe by Ingenuity Swaddles

I loved the idea of these.

Unfortunately, my son figured out how to escape them almost immediately.

Every baby is different, but they weren't a favorite for us.

⭐ My Top 5 Registry Purchases

If I were building my registry again tomorrow, these are the products I'd immediately add:

1. Mom Cozy Bottle Washer

2. Parker Living Nursery Chair

3. Kindred Bravely Nursing & Pumping Bras

4. Fisher-Price Kick & Play Piano

5. WildBird Ariel Carrier

These are the items that made everyday mom life easier and are products I would happily purchase agai

Final Thoughts

Looking back at my registry, there are definitely items I would still purchase new for safety, hygiene, or peace of mind. But there are just as many things I would happily buy secondhand and never think twice about.

I've saved money through Facebook Marketplace, Whatnot, Once Upon a Child, Buy Nothing groups, insurance benefits, and simply waiting to see what we actually needed before making a purchase. Some of our most-used baby items were bought at a discount, secondhand, or even received for free.

If you're building your registry now, my advice is simple: create your dream registry first, see what gets purchased, and then use your own comfort level to decide where buying used makes sense for your family.

At the end of the day, your baby doesn't care whether their swing came from a store shelf or a neighbor's garage sale. They just need safe, functional items and parents who aren't stressed about spending more than they need to.

Connect

Practical finds for real Moms

Blog

Shop

hello@BMBmotherhood.com

© 2026. All rights reserved.

Discloser Agreement