Second-hand baby clothes: what to check before you buy

Why second-hand works for babies

Babies can move through several sizes in their first year or two. Many outfits are worn only a handful of times, or not at all, before they are outgrown. That makes baby clothes some of the best value second-hand, and buying them used keeps good clothes in use for longer.

How baby sizes work

Baby clothes are usually labelled by age, such as newborn, 0 to 3 months, 3 to 6 months and so on. Many labels also give a height or weight range, which is more useful than the age, because babies grow at different rates.

• Check the height or weight on the label if there is one, and compare it with your baby.
• Ask for the length in cm, laid flat, for sleepsuits and bodysuits.
• Size up for growing room if you are buying ahead, but not so much that the clothes are hard to keep on.
• Remember that sizes vary. One maker's 3 to 6 months can be noticeably bigger or smaller than another's.

What to check on second-hand baby clothes

Poppers and fastenings

Bodysuits and sleepsuits have poppers, also called press studs, which take a lot of use. Check that every one snaps shut and stays closed, and that none is loose or pulling away from the fabric. Zips should run smoothly, with no sharp edges.

Buttons and decorations

Check that buttons, bows, appliqué, sequins and any other decorations are firmly attached. Small parts that come loose are a hazard for babies and young children. If anything is loose, sew it back on securely or remove it. If you are not sure, it is safer not to buy.

Seams and elastic

• Seams should be intact, with no holes or loose threads. Snip off any long loose threads, which can wrap round small fingers and toes.
• Elastic at cuffs, ankles and waists should still have some stretch, without being tight.

Stains

Milk, food and nappy stains are common on baby clothes. Fresh stains often wash out. Old, set-in yellow marks may not. Look closely at:

• the neckline and front, for milk and food
• the bottom area of bodysuits and sleepsuits
• the cuffs and feet

Ask the seller if anything has been treated. Some stains fade if washed and dried outside in daylight, but set ones may never fully go.

Fabric and wear

• Bobbling on soft jersey and fleece.
• Thinning at the knees of sleepsuits and leggings, once babies start crawling.
• Shrinkage, which is another reason to check the length in cm.

Smells

Ask about smoke or strong storage smells. Our guide to getting smells out of second-hand clothes has gentle ways to freshen them.

Asking the seller

On Rewear, tap Message the seller on the listing and ask for:

1. The length in cm, laid flat.
2. Close-ups of the front, neckline and bottom area.
3. Confirmation that every popper and fastening works.
4. Whether the clothes come from a smoke-free or pet-free home, if that matters to you.

If a piece arrives and is not as described, message the seller through the app and open a problem report on the order within 14 days of delivery. Our Terms explain how it works.

Washing before first wear

Wash every second-hand piece before your baby wears it, following the care label. Many parents use a gentle, mild detergent for baby clothes. Check the poppers and seams again after washing.

Buying in bundles

Baby clothes are often sold in bundles by size, such as a set of sleepsuits or bodysuits in 0 to 3 months. A bundle is an easy way to stock up on the basics in one go. Check the photos of every piece, not just the top of the pile, and ask for a list of what is included.

Selling baby clothes on

When your baby outgrows a size:

• Wash and check each piece, including poppers and decorations.
• Group them by size and photograph each piece, or lay a bundle out clearly.
• Give the label size and the length in cm.
• Mention any marks honestly.
• Keep your child out of the photos. Lay clothes flat or use a hanger. Our guide to selling kids' clothes explains why and how.

For the next stage, our guide to second-hand kids' winter coats covers what to check as your child grows.

The short version

Check every popper and fastening, make sure buttons and decorations are secure, look closely for set stains and go by length and weight as well as age. Wash everything before first wear, and sell it on when your baby has grown out of it.