Where to buy baby equipment second handLocal sales of second-hand baby equipment

What is going on near you

Jumble sales are great for buying clothes and toys in particular

Local sales are a good way to get your hands on second-hand items you can hold and check before parting with your cash. In general, it's easier to see and judge the quality and suitability of an item at a sale than through an online posting. This is particular important for pushchairs, highchairs and stair gates where you need to assure yourself that they're safe.

To find out about local sales and what they sell look out for adverts in local newspapers and shops. Another great source of information is other parents, especially those with an older child who may already have done the leg work of finding out about the best local spots for good quality second hand goods.

Contact your local Sure Start for details of your nearest children's centre and local events. Local children's centres often arrange clothes or toy swaps, and are in general a good source of information about everything going on locally.

Finding sales near you

Below we list sources of second-hand bargains to help you kit yourself out for a new arrival. But before you part with any cash don't forget to consult friends and family, who may be more than happy to help out with hand me downs. Other parents are also an invaluable source of information about what you don't need when you have a new baby.

Take advice from those who have already tread the path you are on and be clear about what is actually worth buying, after all second hand sales are often crowded with other people's mistakes.

NCT Sales

Local branches of the National Childbirth Trust (NCT) regularly organise ‘nearly new sales’, which can be very useful sources of cheap equipment, clothes and toys. Visit the NCT’s website for lists of nearly new sales, and be ready to get there early and to queue. NCT sales are the acceptable middle-class face of second-hand shopping, you may pay more but you'll find a huge range on offer.

Particularly good for: Wide range of items on offer, items on sale of good quality.

Second-hand shops

Second-hand stores and charity shops are worth a browse for ‘nearly new’ bargains and are found all across the country. They tend to stock smaller, less valuable items and can be a useful source of second-hand baby items, especially if you regularly go back to check for anything new. Perhaps not surprisingly, shops run by The Children's Society specialise in second hand items for little ones.

Particularly good for: Take your time before buying, find a good shop and keep going back.

Jumble sales and car boot sales

Jumble sales and car boot sales are a source of fantastic bargains and are great in particular for buying toys and clothes. You'll need to be a discerning customer and check the quality and condition of all items you buy. But when prices are so low so you can afford to make the odd mistake. This site can help you find sales local to you.

Particularly good for: Clothes and toys, bargain prices.

If you don't have any luck with local sales or shops, why not try local sales online? These community classifieds sites can help you find second-hand baby items close to home.

Craigslist

Craigslist is a local classifieds space where people can put up free postings of things they want to get rid of or sell. The site is basic and easy to navigate. The sites are administrated locally and are largely free. You deal directly with people selling their items.

Particularly good for: Finding items locally, some items offered for free.

Gumtree

The UK's biggest website for local community classifieds with more than a million visitors each month. They are a tool to help you find things that you are looking for. They strongly suggest that you trade face to face with advertisers on the site and don't hand over any money until you see the item you are buying.

Particularly good for: Finding items close to home, large range of items on sale.