Where to buy baby equipment second hand Local 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 particularly 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 ads 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.

You should also contact your local Sure Start Children's Centre for details of local events. Sure Start 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 trod the path you are on and be clear about what is worth buying. After all, second hand sales are often crowded with other people's mistakes.

NCT sales

Local branches of NCT regularly organise ‘nearly new sales’, which can be useful sources of cheap equipment, clothes and toys. Visit the NCT’s website for lists of nearly new sales, and be prepared to get there early and queue. 

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

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. Not surprisingly, shops run by The Children's Society specialise in second-hand items for little ones.

Particularly good for: Smaller, less valuable items, you can take your time before buying

Jumble sales and car boot sales

Jumble sales and car boot sales are a source of fantastic bargains and are particularly good for 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.

Particularly good for: Clothes and toys, bargain prices.

If you want to find out what you could get for free whilst pregnant, or once you've had your baby, check out our guide to free pregnancy and baby stuff. Here we've rounded up the freebies and benefits you're entitled to whilst pregnant, and offer top tips on tracking down freebies, samples and gifts for your baby.