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Anxiety around second hand baby items

10 replies

Rhouk · 30/12/2017 15:07

Ok so apologies in advance I realise how ridiculous this may sound however I wanted to check what other parents expect with regards to level of detail given when buying/taking free second hand items, with regards to pets/smoking/house conditions?

I have a condition and manage well however it has led to an overwhelming sense of responsibility....this has manifested in worrying about giving away/selling baby items to other people.

We live in a house with a pet and don't smoke....however I am a bit worried about listing my items (clothes in v good condition and a couple of pieces of furniture) without caveats that the items were:

a) kept in a room next to some furniture which was in a previous house where people smoked near the furniture occasionally (this was around 6 years ago) - I recently read a piece on how third hand smoke can stick to furniture, so have worried about this even though no smoke has been near my items.

B) some items have been stored in a room where we recently discovered a small amount of damp but no items were affected

C) one item fell on the floor once in an area where my pet had previously had accidents (and this area had obviously been cleaned thoroughly, and repeatedly) and the item has also been cleaned before being stored.

As a parent would you expect these things to be listed/mentioned? Or would you think it ott and it's enough to say from a smoke-free house?

OP posts:
Chienrouge · 30/12/2017 15:08

I wouldn’t expect these things to be mentioned, no.

fairgame84 · 30/12/2017 15:08

It's fine to say it's from a smoke free house. Your totally over thinking it which I completely understand as I have anxiety as well.

WildRosesGrow · 30/12/2017 15:09

I would be quite happy to receive any of these items without any need for provisos. e.g. no need to say anything.

calmday · 30/12/2017 15:10

Yes I think you're definitely over thinking it, I would list them as from a pet free and smoke free home. I've suffered from severe OCD in the past so I do understand your way of thinking though.

theconstantinoplegardener · 30/12/2017 15:20

I don't think you need to mention anything more than whether or not your house is smoke-free and pet-free. People buying second-hand items will generally have a fairly relaxed attitude to possible contamination by minute amounts of damp, smoke etc and won't expect things to be sterile. Also, they can wash them very carefully once they get their new purchases home. Sell your items with a clear conscience!

Dozer · 30/12/2017 15:30

Anxiety talking.

BackforGood · 30/12/2017 15:54

Definitely your anxiety talking.
You don't need to mention any of that. Just offer.
Most people accepting 2nd hand things will wash them through when they get them anyway, and if they are anxious, probably wouldn't accept 2nd hand things anyway.

PotteringAlong · 30/12/2017 15:57

one item fell on the floor once in an area where my pet had previously had accidents (and this area had obviously been cleaned thoroughly, and repeatedly) and the item has also been cleaned before being stored.

This morning my 10 month old got hold of my 3 year olds trainer and tried to eat it. You are misjudging the level of cleanliness that most people have here!

Rhouk · 30/12/2017 16:57

Thank you so much for all of your replies - you've provided clarity and made me laugh so thanks!

OP posts:
PersianCatLady · 30/12/2017 17:07

Every body will be grateful to be able to bug or be given items that are expensive brand new.

Don't worry about it so much, if you can.

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