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Original poster

Will people buy second hand car seats?

45 replies

CheetasOnFajitas · 18/08/2020 23:30

DS has grown out of his. It’s in great condition, it’s an extended rear facing one that swivels 360 degrees and the new version is £250. We’ve never had any sort of bump or accident.

I’ve listed it on local parent forums and FB for £50 but not a single enquiry. I would just like it to be used- it seems so wasteful just to chuck it, but is it possible that nobody will buy second hand ones because of worries about safety? The one we used when DS was a little baby was second hand but given to us by friends.

OP posts:
Original poster
CheetasOnFajitas · 18/08/2020 23:32

Actually I tell a lie, I had one enquiry, the guy then said he wasn’t coming to see it after all because “the wife is a bit funny about it lol”

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BeingATwatItsABingThing · 18/08/2020 23:36

I wouldn’t because you shouldn’t use a car seat after an accident. I would never feel confident that the person told me the truth.

premiumshoes · 18/08/2020 23:36

Yes, you are not supposed to buy second hand seats because you have no idea of knowing whether it has been involved in an accident.

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TheBabyAteMyBrain · 18/08/2020 23:37

Personally no, I wouldn't buy second hand because you have no knowledge if that person is telling fibs and the seat could be damaged.

We have the same issue with 2 carseats. I don't want to throw them away but I can't see anyone wanting to trust my word. Charities won't take them, the same as a cot mattress we have, it's been used by ds1 for all of 20 minutes. It's a really good quality but as it's out of the plastic wrap it can't be donated. Such a waste. Everything has been stored correctly and risk is minimal, but that's only my word.

ToffeeAppleCaramel · 18/08/2020 23:37

There is pretty strong advice not to use second hand car seats so no I don’t think people are likely to buy them - sorry. I agree it’s wasteful but they do have a limited lifespan. We did have a second hand one but like you, it was from a friend who we trusted so we knew how long it has been in use and that it had never been in any accident. I wouldn’t buy one from a listing and if they hadn’t offered theirs I would have bought a new one.

ShyTown · 18/08/2020 23:40

I wouldn’t buy one a stranger, not in a million years, even if you were giving it away for free. I know say it’s not been in an accident but there’s no way of verifying that you are telling the truth, not everyone is honest and it’s too big of a risk to take. And I’m totally not precious - we had a second hand maxi cosi infant carrier for travelling but it was given to me by a very good friend who I trust 100% - is there no one you can give yours to?

Yubaba · 18/08/2020 23:41

I sold 2 really expensive maxi cosi seats when my dc grew out of them. They were £250 each and I sold them for £20 each to someone who was buying them for the grandparents cars, so people do buy them.

Original poster
CheetasOnFajitas · 18/08/2020 23:50

So they just have to go in the bin then? That’s shocking.

I had my son late and most friends have older kids so no immediate friends to pass it on to. Might see if I can find a place for it in the loft until I meet someone who trusts me.

OP posts:
Original poster
CheetasOnFajitas · 18/08/2020 23:52

Maybe if I list it for free people will be less sceptical that I am lying and selling a lethal item to make a quick buck.

OP posts:
Purpleartichoke · 18/08/2020 23:54

No one should use a car seat that isn’t from a person they know and trust. Far too many people do not follow the guidelines to destroy seats after an accident. It’s also why renting seats is a horrible idea.

So no, no one should be buying your used seat. You need to remove the fabric, cut the straps, and write on it with a permanent marker. Or cut it in half if you have a chain saw handy.

Purpleartichoke · 18/08/2020 23:56

They also expire so storing them in the loft is kind of a non-starter.

enjoyingthequiet · 18/08/2020 23:56

I bought one second hand for grandparents car.

I agree, it seems ludicrously wasteful otherwise.

Original poster
CheetasOnFajitas · 19/08/2020 00:02

@Purpleartichoke

No one should use a car seat that isn’t from a person they know and trust. Far too many people do not follow the guidelines to destroy seats after an accident. It’s also why renting seats is a horrible idea.

So no, no one should be buying your used seat. You need to remove the fabric, cut the straps, and write on it with a permanent marker. Or cut it in half if you have a chain saw handy.

Bloody hell, why don’t I just chuck it under the next bus that passes!

And when you say “expire”, how long are you talking exactly? If I had another younger child I’d still be using it for another 2 years or so.

OP posts:
irishmammy85 · 19/08/2020 00:04

@CheetasOnFajitas the expiry date is on them.

mylittlesandwich · 19/08/2020 00:07

UK car seats don't have an expiry date.

Nat6999 · 19/08/2020 00:13

I passed my second size car seats on to friends of my mum to use for their grandchildren. My booster seats I used for my late partner's children.

Michellebops · 19/08/2020 00:16

I have bought and sold car seats. I knew the people well though so it definitely is possible.

You could always contact your local baby bank or women's refuge who may be happy to accept

BackforGood · 19/08/2020 00:18

I would advertise it in WhatsApp groups you are in - hobbies or your road or your wider family or a group you volunteer with, etc , or on your own Facebook Feed, and put

"My dc has outgrown their first carseat. I can assure you it has never been in an accident. Does anyone know anyone who would like it?" and decide if you want to say 'It cost £X but I'm only after £Y for it', or 'I don't want anything for it, but there is nothing wrong with it and I'd rather it were used' or whatever.

People who know you personally, enough to trust you, are more likely to have it from you.
I wouldn't buy one 2nd hand from someone I don't know, but have alwas been happy to accept 'hand-me-downs' from people I know.
Indeed, a couple of months ago, I was the middle man in just this transaction, when one friend asked if anyone knew anyone who could use a car seat, and I knew another friend's dd had not long had a baby and would appreciate any help. I was able to say 'I trust my friend totally'. Everyone happy. Smile

SomeHalfHumanCreatureThing · 19/08/2020 00:22

I've sold all of mine on ebay, all in perfect condition and never in an accident, got decent sale prices too.

The one that was in an accident had the straps cut. I sold the cover off it though.

PercyKirke · 19/08/2020 00:26

Not if they've any sense, no.

Original poster
CheetasOnFajitas · 19/08/2020 00:32

@PercyKirke

Not if they've any sense, no.
Why so rude? This is Chat not AIBU.
OP posts:
ClearTheDecks · 19/08/2020 00:33

No. I only had booster seats second hand and they were from family.

Original poster
CheetasOnFajitas · 19/08/2020 00:33

Thanks @BackforGood.

OP posts:
RyanBergarasTeeth · 19/08/2020 00:34

Definitely is a market for them everytime i find a decent one onlime very cheap its always gone before i get it. And yes some of us absolutely cannot afford a brand new car seat.

Original poster
CheetasOnFajitas · 19/08/2020 00:36

Where do you tend to look online @RyanBergarasTeeth?

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