Second hand baby clothes

[Bellsx]

Morning ladies I was just wondering what your thoughts were on purchasing second hand baby clothes during this time, have any of you?

[gonewiththerain]

I know plenty of people who did but I wanted to choose new ones (I did have various second hand pieces of equipment).
Due to budget it was mainly supermarket ones but they’ve all lasted really well and are in good condition for number 2.

[wannabebump]

Hey OP. I would be considering it, infact possibly will consider anyway! Especially from friends with little ones that are now out of first sized and they aren't considering having anymore x

[gonewiththerain]

Didn’t answer the question, there were a few second hand clothes later such as coats but I would still get them at the moment just wash with strong detergent,extra rinsing and then dry in sunshine then not use for a month

[Staticelle]

Yes I've bought some second hand clothes, they were left at the end of the sellers driveway, picked up on my walk and I washed them on a hot wash once home, probably safer than having something posted at the moment! I only really buy new though if it's something I really, really like, they get grubby and grow out of them quite quickly- would rather spend money on other stuff for him.

[Thekindyoufindinasecondhand]

I've got everything new except for items that are expensive and that baby may not like, if baby likes them I will buy them new. I intend to wash everything on a hot wash so it will be fine in terms of germs etc

[pinknsparkly]

We've had to as newborn, tiny baby and 0-1 month clothing seems to be completely out of stock everywhere online! So far I've managed to buy two bundles from local ladies by using Facebook marketplace. We used social distancing when collecting them, have left the clothes in the bags they came in for a few days and will wash them all this weekend. I'm not averse to second hand clothing but was also looking forward to actually picking out some "special" outfits ourselves which may not happen now.... :-(

[Persipan]

Yes, I've bought loads of second hand stuff. I just washed it, which I would have done anyway.

[BeforeIPutOnMyMakeup]

Even in normal times any used clothes you get of someone you wash, so now is no different.

The only different step you could now take is washing the outside of the bag or not bringing the actual bag inside your house.

[Umnoway]

Yes, I’ve had a few second hand bits delivered from eBay and the rest will be clothes we used with 18 month old DS. I’m not prudish about second hand at all, I’d rather buy second hand brands such as Jojo Maman and Boden rather than primark or supermarket stuff new, the quality is just better.

[LolaSmiles]

I would We've had some bundles of the next size up passed to us from friends just before lockdown.

[FairfaxAikman]

My nephew is 18 months older than DS and my SIL very kindly passes down all his outgrown clothes (as well as anything she doesn't like - I have a shirt for a 5 year old. DS is 2! 😂)


So I wouldn't have any problems buying second hand as long as it was in good nick.
I actually bought his Christmas jumper of FB marketplace ( no way was I paying £10-£15 for something that's worn to a few parties for a coupe of weeks) and will sell on this year.

[Staticelle]

was also looking forward to actually picking out some "special" outfits ourselves which may not happen now.... :-(

I chose some lovely outfits, unfortunately DS was bloody huge when he was born so he was too big for them anyway. As cheesy as it sounds, whatever they wear will become precious, I am not a sentimental person, but those first babygrows although nothing special are so precious to me now. Try not to be sad about it, although I know it's dissapointing . You might get the chance anyway, but if not there are first birthdays and things where you can pick something out, plenty of opportunities

The mention of cloth nappies, probably actually a really good time to use them, don't have to worry about getting hold of nappies!

[Bellsx]

Thanks ladies. I wouldn't have any problem buying second hand normally I was just thinking about the current situation we're in now and whether it's safe to do so and if you have. Should I just put them on a 90° wash, baby isn't due until August so will probably wash them again before then as well.

[Staticelle]

@Bellsx yes just do a hot wash (although check the labels as some might not withstand the heat), or if you aren't going to be using them yet, pop them somewhere out of the way for a while and then wash nearer the time (or do both). Just maybe check as you're pregnant that they can leave them somewhere for you to pick up so that you aren't having to go to close to them, just precautionary but should be doable.

[HighInTheHills]

I wouldn't put them on a 90deg wash as it would probably ruin them.

I'd leave them in the bag for a week or so until I knew the virus wouldn't still be able to survive, then wash with a bio detergent at recommended temp. Line dry them. Then wash again with non bio and extra rinse cycle.

[Maryann1975]

I don’t have a baby, mine are all older, but I would still use second hand clothes if I did. A good wash (I don’t think 90c though, as lots of baby clothes have a bit of stretch in them and the heat will damage the elastic) hang on the line to dry will be fine. Buying clothes from a shop still presents a risk (if the virus can live on fabric - I’m not sure?). In Tesco yesterday a woman was feeling some of the clothes as she was browsing, so could well have spread germs if she had any. And store staff will still have touched them, moving them from storage to store rails. It’s not like new clothes are sterile. Buying clothes from Another home just means it’s the home owner who has touched them rather than store staff and other customers.

[Superscientist]

I am intending on buying clothes second hand provided they are posted and not collected in person. The risk of getting something new posted and something second hand is the same. We are removing any packaging and straight into our wheelie bin and putting any times to one side where they won't be touched or in the way for at least a few days. Then wiping all surfaces and door handles down and washing hands.
The virus can survive on hard surfaces for about a week, less for cardboard and soft surfaces by the time the clothes have gone through the postal system the main source of potential contamination is the packaging like any parcel.

[Persipan]

Just put them in a normal wash. In the extraordinarily unlikely event that a bundle of baby clothes were somehow contaminated with coronavirus (which seems, to put it mildly, very unlikely), the virus has a lipid outer layer which is readily broken down by soap/detergent.

[sel2223]

I've been given loads of 'hand me downs' from family and friends but if not, I wouldn't have hesitated buying second hand.
In these current times, I would want to collect a bag that had been left outside rather than directly handed over by the seller. I'd then leave the clothes in the bag somewhere (in the car?) for a week or 2 without touching them or even opening the bag, then i'd wash everything at least once (maybe twice) and hang dry on the line.
Baby things are worn for such a short amount of time and some not even worn at all. They're generally in immaculate condition.

[loubert89]

I bought a few secondhand newborn sleepsuits, I was going to wash them before use anyway so it didn't really change anything.

[Bellsx]

Thank you it's good to hear everyone's opinions and what the best way is to handle them and wash them,it will definitely be a non contact collection which has already been arranged. Saving pennies in these current hard times are important if we can and like you said new born baby clothes are usually in immaculate condition as they grow so quickly.

[Connie222]

I’ve just bought loads from eBay for when I’m due in August I’ll just wash them when they arrive.

(its been 6 years since I had a newborn and bloody hell, I’d forgotten how much baby grows cost! Even supermarkets £15 for three, sod that. I got a heap of newborn and 0-3 vests and grows for £30).