20 Important Tips for buying a used stroller or pram

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Finding your perfect stroller or pram that is often a tough ask.

Affording one is often even tougher, especially brand new!

So, why not consider purchasing a used stroller or pram instead? There are some amazing bargains out there to be had at a fraction of the cost.

Take me for example, I spent well over $1,200 on an all singing and dancing Silver Cross Travel System, 3 years later I sold it for less than $300!

So, after hours of research and brain dumping, I have created the ultimate guide for everything you need to know when buying a used pram or stroller.

Let’s get started…

With each and every year that goes by the demand for second-hand baby gear increases, ranging from strollers, toys, baby gates, clothes and everything else imaginable.

I’m sure I speak for most parents when I say this… we have one big bedroom full of old baby gear that doesn’t even get used anymore!

It’s just sat there, doing nothing taking up space.

Therefore, parents like me will sell it for a fraction of the cost, whether it’s on eBay, Facebook, or where ever, we just want it gone.

So, if you’re looking for a used stroller there’s some incredible finds out there waiting to be yours.

Here’s my handy checklist to help you along your way (I guarantee it will help you).

• How often will you use your stroller?
• Will you be using your stroller in winter (snow and ice)?
• Do you travel and fly a lot?
• Do you love running?
• Are you planning on having more children?
• Will your stroller be going over rough terrain?

Everyone will answer differently because everyone’s needs and daily routines are different. So, if you travel and fly regularly you should consider a lightweight stroller or if you love running then a jogging stroller would be perfect.

I love to plan ahead, we knew early on that we wanted two children, therefore we opted for a travel system that matched out routine and one we could use for every occasion further down the line.

If you just after a stroller for occasional use then you don’t need to break the bank just opt for a lightweight stroller. If you’re thinking of adding another stroller to your collection this handy guide provides some great ideas where to store your stroller.

Just because a stroller is used doesn’t mean it’s not of good quality. In fact, you’ll find a lot of second-hand strollers have been well maintained or rarely used.

The only potential downside is if the model of the stroller you’re looking at has been discontinued or the company no longer exists.

Even if this is the case, with a little help from Google I’m sure you’ll be able to find the replacement parts, you can always try checking eBay, Facebook, or search for manufacturer repair centers.

So, there’s no need to break the bank if you find the right used stroller. You can find some really good quality strollers out there, just shop around and you’ll get one at a fraction of the price.

Sometimes you may not be able to find the exact stroller you want, so you need to be flexible and keep your options open.

You could hold off getting a similar stroller for weeks and weeks waiting for your perfect stroller never to arrive.

With that in mind, you need to compromise a little, although it may not have every feature on your wish list or it may be slightly higher in price, you should consider alternative strollers.

Also factor in the cost of gas and travel time too, in the long run, it probably balances itself out if you opt for a higher-priced stroller.

Figure out what’s important to you and exactly what you’re looking for. Do you want a travel system? Or lightweight stroller for travel? Or you might want a stroller that can carry a toddler and a newborn?

Write all your requirements down, then start researching for strollers that best meet your checklist. I always use Amazon to read customer reviews!

Once you have found some strollers you like the look of, it’s now time to see if you can find them second-hand.

As mentioned in my previous point, be flexible if you can’t find the exact same stroller.

When buying a used stroller it’s important to know your prices.

Always check what the going rates are for that stroller on other sites, compare against other listings too, this way you’ll know if the price is fair.

Consider the quality of the stroller and if it has any missing or damaged accessories, if this is the case then you should pay less.

Personally, I don’t mind paying a little bit more if the quality is better.

Generally used strollers’ prices are around 60% of the new price.

However, as mentioned previously it all depends on its quality, strollers in excellent condition will sell on the higher end of this percentage and vice-versa.

Head over to Amazon, find the stroller you’re looking at buying, and read the customer reviews. This will give you a good indication from other parents what the actual stroller is like.

You should find some really insightful reviews there to help you with your decision. If you can’t find any on Amazon try looking at other review websites or try doing a Google search for [stroller name + reviews].

It’s like anything we buy these days, we always read reviews before buying, like with holidays, I’m sure we all head over to TripAdvisor before booking a hotel. So do the same for your stroller.

Depending on where you are buying your stroller from always check the seller’s feedback and reviews. You can do this on sites such as eBay and Amazon.

If their feedback percentage isn’t great or the last few feedback submissions are bad I generally look for another seller.

The last thing you want is for your stroller to turn up damaged, missing parts or weeks late.

Often, you may find their aftercare and customer service is lacking too. I’d rather pay slightly more and purchase from a more reputable seller.

If you have done all your research and you have your perfect stroller in mind then why not take it for a test drive?

Take a visit to your local baby store and check out the new version of the stroller you’re interested in, or the closest match.

This way you can get a feel for how easy it is to push, how easy it is to fold and collapse, and so on. You may find it too heavy or uncomfortable, but at least you’ll know this.

You may find another stroller in the shop that’s perfect, better than the one you had your heart set on.

At least now, you can take this information away and find the used equivalent.

Personally, I wouldn’t buy directly from the shop as you can find them a lot cheaper online, new or used, and you’ll still get all the same warranties, etc.

I’d like to think or hope that fellow parents wouldn’t try to sell on something that is dangerous… but you never know, you can’t be too safe these days.

So you should always check and ask if the stroller has been recalled and the severity of the recall. If it was for a minor issue like a replacement part or a small repair then this should be fine.

Just check if it was actually made and fixed. If you’re not happy with anything you hear then don’t go through with the purchase. There are plenty more strollers out there.

At this point, you’re ready to buy your used stroller. If you’ve arranged a visit or a pick-up then get prepared to examine everything.

At this point, you should have taken the stroller for a test drive so you’ll know what to expect and how it functions.

Here are some things you should look out for:

• Check for stains, marks, tears, and scuffs
• Check the tires are pumped up, flat tires could mean a leak
• Push the stroller around – are there strange noises?
• Does it tilt or wobble?
• Is the suspension working?
• Are the brakes working as normal?

With all that in mind, remember to be reasonable though, you’re buying a used stroller after all and it won’t be perfect.

Most importantly if everything looks good to take it out for a test drive just before you buy.

Whether buying new or used you should always check if the stroller is still in warranty.

This will cover the cost of any damages or repairs your stroller may need.

A lot of people forget about their warranty and never bother to use it when something does go wrong. It’s worth double checking this anyway, you never know you might be in luck.

A post you may like is our stroller hacks, there may be some great ideas in there to help fix or get around any issues with your stroller.

When buying your used stroller through consignment stores, eBay and Amazon, and so on, the seller may offer a return policy if you’re unhappy with the stroller or change your mind.

This is something an individual off Facebook or friend may not offer, although it’s worth asking them anyway.

In the past when I have sold baby items through Facebook marketplace I always accept returns and I usually follow up a few days after to see if they’re happy with the item.

So, whether you’re buying locally, online, or from an individual always ask about their return policy and if they offer a refund.

I’m lucky that all my close friends had children a little bit apart from each other. The gap is perfect between all our kids, which allows us to share expensive baby items around our group.

My best friend passed down her baby bed, bassinet, baby swing, and play mats, saving me a small fortune. Now, she’s having another baby just in time that my son will be too old for them and I’ll pass them back to her.

So, see if your group of friends want to do something similar. Saves cluttering your house up if you’re not going to use them and you’ll all save a lot of money!