Rules for Handling Hand-Me-Downs for Your Baby
As a new mom with a baby on the way, there are few things more precious than the support you get from the moms who’ve gone before you. And if you’re as frightened as many of us were with our first babies, you’re probably only too eager to accept any advice, resources, or help they want to throw your way.
But what do you do when the help they want to send you is old clothes, bedding, or furniture they used for their baby? Having fewer things to buy is always helpful—but is it safe? To navigate these tricky waters, follow the rules for handling hand-me-downs for your baby.
Double-Check Recall Information
The first rule of handling hand-me-downs for your baby is safety first. So before agreeing to take furniture, car seats, or baby toys, you’ll need to ensure the item still meets today’s safety standards.
Recall information is usually available on websites like the Consumer Product Safety Commission or Safe Kids Worldwide. Look for the model number and manufacture date on the label, or plug the product into the site’s search engine. Even if your search comes out clear, make sure you examine the item thoroughly for any loose screws, holes, or frayed edges before taking it home.
Sanitize, Sanitize, Sanitize
The 2017 book Dirt is Good: The Advantage of Germs for Your Child’s Developing Immune System offers incredible insights into the potential drawbacks of raising your child in an over-sanitized world. However, that doesn’t mean you should take hand-me-downs as they are in an effort to boost your child’s immunity.
While dirt is good, there is often more on baby hand-me-downs than just dirt—and if you have ever changed a diaper, you don’t have to think too hard about what. To avoid exposing our babies to another child’s bodily fluids, it pays to give everything a thorough wipe-down before putting it in the nursery. Then you can relax your sanitizing regime.
Make It Your Own
Because a hand-me-down once belonged to another family, it can be hard to shake the sense that it isn’t really yours. This may make you hesitant to try to update it or make it your own. But as long as you’ve double-checked that the gift-giver doesn’t want the item back, you can feel free to update it as you see fit.
If you’re crafty, get out the scissors, needle, and thread to add your own spin to some of the dresses or pants you received. Or, if the hand-me-down crib doesn’t fit the color scheme of the nursery, add a coat of paint. That’s the thing about the advice of our mama-mentors. It’s good to accept their guidance, but ultimately, you’ll decide what your journey as a mother looks like. And you’ll do amazing!
