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Pushchairs

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Buying second hand

7 replies

babykeene · 30/05/2023 10:27

What should you look out for when purchasing a second hand pushchair pram?
We are really aren't fussed about one being all singing and dancing, just safe. We have a looked online at second hand travel systems (mainly without car seat as would prefer this to be new for safety) and have seen some that look in good condition and reasonable price etc, but if I go view them in person is there anything I should look out for? Is there a market for fake brands in the pushchair world? I don't want to end up with something dangerous!

OP posts:
WoolyMammoth55 · 30/05/2023 10:44

Hi OP, as far as I know there's no real safety issue with buying second hand, though obviously you need the car seat to be new (or gifted from someone you trust absolutely) because if they've ever been in a crash they could have sustained damage that won't be visible...

Pushchairs/prams I don't think are unsafe really? I was gifted a brand new mamas and papas pushchair with my PFB and it did eventually break - a wheel fell off! - when he was about 2. Got a refund from the company we purchased from but wasn't impressed.

With our second baby we paid £25 on FB marketplace for a very well-cared-for Mothercare Orb (which isn't a current model) but was absolutely fab, amazingly light to steer one-handed but also very sturdy. It had this great feature where you can turn it from front to back facing just by flipping the handle - don't have to lift the baby or do any fiddling around. I used that loads!

I think the M&P we were gifted cost around £300 so IMO the second hand one was incredibly good value. Based on our experience I'd recommend to any pregnant friend to buy secondhand.

shelbabab · 30/05/2023 11:16

I'd just make sure if folds up and down properly. Tyres/wheels look fine. Everything buckles (if it has a buggy part). The back goes up and down (for sleeping or sitting up).

I sold my old travel system and the lady was all over it, in and out the back lifting the mattress parts up, hood etc I have no idea what she was looking for but I just left her to it.

I demonstrated how to put it down and back up again and how to change the pram to buggy or car seat etc.

Circlify · 30/05/2023 22:35

Hey there! I've been working with second hand pushchairs recently so can help with this. There are a few things I'd recommend keeping in mind.
The main thing is to make sure it's operational and there aren't any major signs of wear and tear. Check the brakes, harness, and the overall sturdiness to ensure it's up to snuff.

Test out how easy it is to fold and unfold, maneuver it around a bit, and see if the adjustable features work fine. You don't want to be fumbling with a wonky pushchair when you're out and about in the streets.

Make sure it's nice and clean. Take a peek at the fabric, frame, and accessories to see if they're in decent shape. You don't want to deal with sticky stains or funky odors. Also, consider how easy it'll be to clean if it needs a little sprucing up.

Ask about its history! Find out how old it is and how much use it's seen. It's good to know if it's a well-loved veteran or a barely-touched gem.

Oh, and don't forget compatibility! Especially if you are going to buy a specific car seats, make sure it's going to be compatible.

Also might want to do a quick online search to get a sense of what it originally sold for and compare prices with other similar models. You want to make sure you're not overpaying for a second-hand pushchair.

Trust your gut instincts, my friend! If something feels off or if you have any questions, don't be shy to ask the seller! Safety first, find one that suits your lifestyle, and happy pushchair hunting!

babykeene · 31/05/2023 11:02

Thank you for your advice and help 🙂

OP posts:
aliensprig · 31/05/2023 11:05

We bought a secondhand bugaboo pram and it was great. Went to see it in person, tested it out etc. Brought it home and washed all the fabrics, good as new! Still going strong after 3 years of use.

Burpcloth · 02/06/2023 07:15

Join Facebook groups for the brand you're looking at buying. I'm in Bugaboo ones and people are often asking for pricing advice (as in, I've seen x for sale for £y in z condition, is the price suitable?).

If you're spending a fair bit, I'd be inclined to see if the brand sells parts so you can repair and replace if needed. I'm only familiar with Bugaboo so I can only comment on them, but I know you can buy the tiniest, seemingly insignificant parts direct if needed.

BertieBotts · 06/06/2023 12:08

Look on The Stroller Workshop on youtube. They are a pram repair centre and have some really great advice.

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