Thrift & Upcycle
Thrift Clothing & Gear: A Soft Secondhand Checklist
How to buy used with confidence — wash, inspect, and check recalls.
Safety notes
- Check CPSC recall lists for any used gear.
- Never use recalled sleep products, drop-side cribs, or broken car seats (car seats have strict rules — often best bought new).
Secondhand is sustainable and budget-smart.
Clothes
Wash before wear. Check snaps and zippers. Avoid drawstrings near necks.
Gear
For swings, high chairs, and strollers: verify model on CPSC.gov recalls, confirm all straps/parts, and read the manual online.
Car seats
Many experts advise against used car seats unless you know the full history. When unsure, prioritize a new seat on sale.