Preparing for a Baby on a Budget: What to Buy Secondhand (And What to Avoid)
Bringing a new baby into the world is one of life’s biggest joys — but it can also feel like one of the most expensive. From cots and car seats to tiny outfits that seem to be outgrown overnight, the cost of preparing for a baby quickly adds up. The good news? With a little planning and some savvy shopping, you can give your little one everything they need without blowing the budget.
One of the best ways to save money (and the planet) is to buy preloved baby items. But as a new parent, you might wonder: What’s safe to buy secondhand, and what should I always buy new? Let’s break it down.
Safe (and Smart) to Buy Secondhand
👕 Baby Clothing
Babies grow so fast that many outfits are worn only a handful of times before they’re too small. Buying preloved baby clothes is a smart way to save money and reduce waste. At Daisy Chain Clothing, we carefully quality-check every item so you can shop preloved with confidence — and often find near-new pieces for a fraction of the original price.
📚 Books and Toys
Board books, wooden toys, stacking cups and soft toys (that can be washed) are all great secondhand buys. Not only are they budget-friendly, but they’ve also already stood the test of time. Just give them a clean before passing them on to your little one.
🛏️ Nursery Furniture
Solid wood cots, change tables, and dressers are often available secondhand in excellent condition. Just make sure the cot meets current Australian safety standards, and buy a new cot mattress for hygiene and safety.
👶 Baby Carriers and Slings
These can often be found secondhand in excellent condition. Always check buckles, straps and fabric for wear and tear, and make sure the model has up-to-date safety certifications.
Best to Buy New
🚗 Car Seats and Capsules
Safety is non-negotiable. Car seats should always be purchased new, as they have expiry dates and may have been involved in accidents without visible damage. Buying new ensures compliance with Australian safety standards.
🛏️ Cot Mattresses
Even if a cot is bought secondhand, always purchase a new mattress to ensure hygiene and reduce the risk of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome).
🍼 Bottles, Teats & Breast Pumps
For hygiene reasons, it’s safest to buy these items new. Silicone and plastic parts can wear down or carry bacteria, so fresh is best.
Where to Find Budget-Friendly Baby Items in Australia
Daisy Chain Clothing – Australia’s largest online selection of preloved baby and children’s clothes, carefully checked for quality. Affordable, convenient, and sustainable.
Facebook Marketplace & Gumtree – Great for nursery furniture and local pick-ups, though you’ll need to check safety standards yourself.
Op Shops (Salvos, Vinnies, Red Cross, Lifeline) – Fantastic for baby clothes, books, and toys.
Baby Bunting & Kmart – Good places for buying brand new essentials like car seats, mattresses, and bottles at reasonable prices.
Community Buy/Swap/ Sell Groups – Many local parent groups offer free or low-cost baby items.
Final Thoughts
Preparing for a baby doesn’t need to drain your savings. By mixing secondhand and new items wisely, you’ll create a safe, comfortable, and eco-friendly start for your little one — without the financial stress.
At Daisy Chain Clothing, we’re here to help parents shop smarter with our huge range of quality preloved baby and kids’ clothes. Every piece has a past, and a future — and now it can be part of your baby’s story too.