2nd hand car seat??

I wouldn’t risk it personally, there’s absolutely nothing to stop someone lying about it never being in a crash and I would never take the chance on my kids safety. What age/weight are you buying for, there’s some affordable ones?

There’s ones on Argos going for like £50!! I wouldn’t risk it. I was told to always pay more and get new for safety things, for example mattress and car seat!

Thank you. I'd be buying for a newborn and was looking at ones that can lie flat and be fixed onto a pram base but id be flexible on those featurrs if there is an affordable option that I would keep fixed in the car and is safer. Do you know if the ones with the bases are supposed to be safer/better? Thank you x

I have done it. Ugh, I know, I know, it's not worth the risk. But most people are moving their babes into bigger seats within 6m and most people really don't have accidents! Preferably buy from someone you know and trust. Or you can try Car Seat Safety UK Facebook page has a sales page. Still private sales but in theory from only people who really care about the safety! Look for ALL pads/inserts to be present, Google what's included if necessary, minimal minimal scratches (some are inevitable). I'd also avoid isofix and get a belted in infant seat. Less parts to go wrong and actually gives you more flexibility to put baby in a good recline for airways, it's common for isofix base to put them too upright. Look for the most well-respected brands e.g. Avionaut, Britax, Cybex. People who buy these brands probably care more about selling on.

@Martha, thank you. My thinking was to get a highly rated one like the maxi cosi pebble, but 2nd hand, assuming that it would be safer because of the brand and reviews but do you reckon a new cheap one can be just as safe? X

@Rhiannon please check the recommendations from Car Seat Safety UK! Maxi-cosi pebble isn't even highly recommended! The best for a newborn is Avionaut Pixel Pro. I'd take a second hand of that anyday, no-one buys it unless they really care and knows about care seat safety! But also Cybex Cloud T/Z or Britax Babysafe Core are good too.

I’ve definitely used a second hand car seat BUT only from a trusted friend/family. If you could manage or save £5 a week for 30 weeks you get £150. I know that isn’t doable for some people but maybe try to stretch the cost

These are the most supportive newborn ones. There is a Facebook group called car seat sales Uk that’s linked to the Facebook group called Car Seat Safety Uk where people sell their seats but they are only members from the page and people that care about safety of children!

@Rhiannon we have a maxi Cosi pebble (v Kindy bought by inlaws as way out of our budget) and to be honest it's not that great. Some features are good but it's really jerky and quite difficult to recline. Also now our baby is 5 months it doesn't come out of the car easily because he's heavy and they've stupidly designed it so that if you don't lift straight up, the locks re-engage and you can't get the car seat out. I end up nap trapped in the car anyway because I can't get the ruddy seat out of the car! Plus the sliding tray thing usually ends up waking him up if he's asleep because it's so jerky 🙄

Thanks, everyone. Really great advice 😊 I've been looking up the safety info and won't go for the pebble. Also joined the Facebook groups which are great. Thanks again x

Remember car seats in accidents are no longer good and they also expire.

@Rhiannon they have joie ones which are high end imo, I see a lot of adverts about the brand and have some of their things and they’re great! I don’t have the car seat however. I think your best chance is to get one that’s new, do research on the brands to see if they’re suitable for you, your baby and your car! But second hand can be dangerous, and if always rather spend more on ensuring my child’s safety if ygm? Thsts just my reasoning, everything else I’ve bought cheap or second hand! X

I bought one of Fb marketplace with a pram and the car seat was mouldy underneath 🤢 I then bought a travel system from smyths for £150 So I’d deffo go new hun x

I am as we don't drive so she literally hasn't used her other one in 3 months, you can get ones on Facebook that have been in peoples second cars and stuff so are pretty much new

I wouldn’t buy a used second hand car seat, however I have bought an “unwanted gift” car seat with tags and original box from eBay which has saved me a load of money!