Britax Duo Plus Isofix

Second hand baby equipment is a necessity for many people but that does not mean you have to compromise safety or comfort. Hopefully, we can provide you with a few tips here on what to look out for and where to get what you need.

Turning to safety first, the number one product that you really should try to buy from new is your baby’s car seat. If you are totally sure of the seat’s history, fine, but don’t buy from someone you don’t know. Why? Basically, you don’t know whether the seat was ever involved in an accident. If it has been, this may have seriously affected the structure of the seat, even if you can see no obvious signs of damage. Even a very minor bump or sudden stop may become an issue if the seat has been damaged. So, if at all possible, do your research and get the best babies car seat you can for your budget.

Second hand pushchairs are OK as long as you make sure that the brakes work and the wheels look correctly aligned. Give the pushchair a good shake, open and close it a few times to make sure everything works properly and that the locking mechanisms function safety. Look for rust and signs of weakness in the structure and frame and also that the fabric is not torn. You will of course expect signs of general wear, but if the fabric is torn, it won’t be long before it goes completely. Please also note that the latest recommendation for the harness is a five-point rather than a three-point design.

When considering a second hand high chair, you need to firstly consider what your priorities are. Do you want something that is easy to clean, needs to fold when not in use or one with “bells and whistles” on? Then, look for the obvious missing nuts and bolts and that the structure is sound and not damaged, do this by eye and by running your hand over everything to look for sharp edges. Do the catches all work properly, is all the padding secure and finally, is the harness in good working order.

Second hand baby equipment also includes items that baby does not directly use. For example, when buying second hand baby monitors make sure any wiring is safe and that all the plastic bits are intact and do not fall off easily. Give the unit a shake to make sure nothing is lose inside. Check that the cords are less than 20cm long to comply with current safety suggestions. Finally, note that a digital monitor is less likely to ‘hiss’ at you and will be much clearer.

When buying second-hand stair gates, make sure you try them out first as some are more difficult to fit than others. Doing this will also allow you to check the locks work properly. Look at the whole frame as well as the slats (these should be spaced at least 6.5cm apart) for splinters, bumps and bangs. If the gate has been painted, walk away, as this may be covering up damage and the paint used may be hazardous.

Generally speaking, when buying second hand baby equipment remember that if an item carries the British Standards safety mark that this applies to when the product was new, not when it’s been used. Always ask for a set of instructions. These are unlikely to be available from the owner, but you can always search for them on the Internet.

Where to buy?

Good sites for second hand baby equipment.

This is just a list of possible places to get second hand baby equipment. Can’t say how good or bad they are that’s up to you to decide. They are mostly UK ones, but some will have international links as well.

As mentioned, if at all possible try and get a new baby car seat, but other things have a short life span and buying second hand is ideal. Prime examples are cribs and carrycots, baby bouncer, swinging cradles etc.

www.uk.Freecycle.org is as you would imagine, freebies! People just want to help out and get rid of things in your local area.

www.Nappyvalley.co.uk
www.preloved.co.uk
www.gumtree.com
www.adtrader.co.uk
www.friday-ads.co.uk
www.loot.com
www.uk.ebid.net

And of course, possibly the best known place to get second hand baby equipment is to get baby equipment from Ebay.
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B Smart-3 system

The Ultimate Britax Travel System – B-Smart 2011

Most parents are now aware that for the first few weeks of life baby is much better to travel completely flat. This is even more important for premature babies. However, most carrycots are soft sided and not really suitable for car use.  Although the Britax B-Smart travel system can sometimes be purchased without the soft-sided carrycot, you can also add the Baby-Safe Sleeper, a complete lay flat system, especially useful for premature babies (see below).

So what are the options with the Britax B-Smart 2011 travel systems?

Britax B-Smart-4, 2011 in Red

Firstly, we have the B-Smart 3 and the B-Smart 4. The 3 and 4 referring to the number of wheels on the pushchair. (If you are in the US, the equivalent will be the 4 wheeled Britax B-Ready Stroller or the 3 wheeled Britax B-Scene Stroller.)

The B-Smart 3 and B-Smart 4 3-in-1 Travel Systems comprise of the B-Smart 3 Pushchair, Baby-Safe Plus SHR II (recommended by Which Magazine) and carrycot, giving you great flexibility. If you don’t have a newborn, you also have the option of just buying the pushchair and car seat. Colours vary depending on just what you want, but tend to include red, blue, purple and black.

Here are a few details about each of the components that are usually available separately as well.

Britax B-Smart Pushchairs

Both the Britax B-Smart 3 and B-Smart 4 wheel pushchairs are lightweight and versatile with a comfortable padded removable seat that can be used rearward or forward facing. The multi position recline seat also has a lay-flat position suitable for newborns. They convert into a travel system with the use of integrated Click & Go adaptors that directly connect the Baby-safe sleeper, infant carriers or carry cot.

The B Smart pushchair has a simple compact fold with automatic lock and quick release wheels allowing easy storage. It’s easy to manoeuvre with lockable front swivel wheels, puncture resistant tyres and a press on and off brake. The adjustable handle height and soft grip handles make for a comfortable experience for the user.

Baby-safe Plus SHR II

Britax Baby-Safe Plus SHR II in Purple

The Baby-Safe Plus SHR II from Britax has the same comfort and safety features as the Baby-Safe Plus II, being an ideal first car seat for your newborn as it offers superior side impact protection. It has deep padded side wings and a 5 point harness. The Recline system allows a flatter position comfortable for your newborn baby to lie, along with the easy adjust head rest and harness for growing babies.

The Safe Plus SHR II can be installed with the vehicles 3 point belt, Baby-Safe belted base or the Baby-Safe Isofix Base (recommended for the car you use the most and available separately – see below for fitting instructions). The Baby-Safe Plus SHR II (the supplied belted version) also carries a ‘Best Buy’ label from Which Magazine (73%), the Isofix version also carries this label with a whopping 81% score. If you can’t use ISOFIX in your car, or wish a belted alternative for fixing, use the Baby-Safe belted version.

Soft sided carrycot for the B-Smart 2011

This B-Smart carrycot provides a comfortable lay flat position for your baby from birth to six months and attaches directly onto the chassis of compatible pushchairs such as the B-Smart 2011 using the Click’n Go system. D-rings under the mattress allow you to use an alternative harness conforming to BS 6684 (not included). In addition, there is a complete, snuggly Cosytoes designed to go with the carrycot.

Baby-Safe Sleeper (this is not the carrycot sold with the 3-in-1 systems)

Baby-Safe Sleeper

Firstly, theBABY-SAFE Sleeper is suitable for premature babies as it is a complete lay-flat safety system and is the ultimate carrycot (see below for video). Whether by car, or with a BRITAX pushchair, your baby can travel safely and comfortably, completely protected at all times. Its energy absorbing interior offers the newborn child 360° body protection and when installed in a car with the handle in an upright position the roll-cage feature provides a protective zone around the baby. The Baby-Safe sleeper has just been awarded a Best Buy label by Which Magazine (77%) and has positive reviews by readers. It’s main downside being the weight although I guess this can’t be avoided given its function.

Medical studies strongly suggest that in order to minimise periods of oxygen desaturation newborn, premature or very small babies should be transported in a lay-flat system – this is the healthiest way for them to travel on longer journeys. The newborn protector will provide additional support for very small babies by offering a safe and comfortable environment and limiting their movement when travelling in a car.

The Baby-Safe works with the Britax B-Smart, B-Dual and the B-Mobile pushchairs. You can also get an extra comfy padded insert.

Car seat fitting with Isofix instructions

Baby-Safe Sleeper