Babies outgrow their kit at an almost comical pace, which is exactly why second-hand pushchairs and prams are such a sensible buy. A good pram costs a small fortune new and is often used for barely a year before it's folded away in a loft. Buy used and you'll save hundreds — and keep a perfectly good pushchair out of landfill. Here's how to do it safely.
What to check on a second-hand pushchair
Take a few minutes to go over it properly:
- Fold and unfold it a few times. It should be smooth and lock firmly both open and closed. Stiffness or a wonky fold points to a tired frame.
- Check the frame for cracks, especially around joints and the fold hinges. Give the handle a wiggle for excess play.
- Test the brakes. They should engage firmly and hold on a slope.
- Check the harness. A five-point harness should be intact, and every buckle should click home and release cleanly. Frayed straps are a dealbreaker.
- Look at the wheels and tyres. Spin them — they should run true. If it has air tyres rather than foam, check for slow punctures.
- Inspect the fabric and recline. Look for rips and staining, confirm the seat reclines and locks, and check whether the fabric is removable and washable.
Safety: what you shouldn't buy used
Most baby gear is fine second-hand, but two things deserve real caution:
- Car seats. If you're eyeing a travel system, be careful with the car seat element. A seat that's been in a collision can be compromised in ways you can't see, and buying used means you rarely know the full history. Unless it comes from someone you trust who can vouch for it, a used car seat is the one item most experts suggest buying new.
- Carrycot and crib mattresses. UK safer-sleep guidance is to use a firm, flat, clean, well-fitting mattress in good condition — and to think carefully before reusing one from another family. If in doubt, replace the mattress even if you take the carrycot.
None of this should put you off — it's just the short list of where "used" needs a second thought.
Travel systems, prams and pushchairs — what's what
The words get muddled, so quickly: a pram is designed for newborns to lie flat, a pushchair (or buggy) is for babies who can sit up, and a travel system bundles a chassis with both a pram/carrycot and a car seat that clip on. Plenty of used prams and second-hand prams on the market are travel systems being sold complete — which is great value, as long as you apply the car-seat caution above.
Check for recalls and missing parts
Before you buy, look up the model online for any safety recalls — a two-minute search that's well worth it. Then check the practical bits: raincovers, cosytoes, and adapters go missing constantly, so confirm what's included and whether spares are still available for that model. A cheap pushchair isn't cheap if you have to hunt down a discontinued part.
Find one on Swapster
Pushchairs and prams are the perfect swap item — you pass yours on the moment your little one outgrows it, and pick up the next stage from another family doing the same:
Outgrown yours already? List it on Swapster and swap it on to another family.
FAQ
Yes — check the frame, brakes, and harness, and confirm there are no outstanding recalls on the model. The main thing to buy new rather than used is a car seat.
Generally not, unless you fully know its history and it's never been in a collision. Damage from an accident isn't always visible, so most experts advise buying car seats new.
Browse the pushchairs and prams listings on Swapster to see what other local families are swapping.
