Final Results
Poll conducted December 13–January 12, 2026
743 respondents
Do You Buy All New Baby Gear — or Accept Hand-Me-Downs and Thrifted Finds?
Preparing for a new baby often comes with a long shopping list — and an equally long list of opinions. Some parents love the idea of buying everything brand new, while others happily accept hand-me-downs or shop second-hand. With rising costs and sustainability top of mind for many Canadian families, this question sparks plenty of debate.
So what do most parents really do? Let’s explore both sides.
Why Some Parents Buy All New Baby Gear
For many families, buying new feels like the simplest and safest choice.
Peace of Mind
New baby gear hasn’t been used before, which can feel reassuring — especially for items like car seats, mattresses, and feeding products. Parents know the full history of the item and don’t have to worry about recalls or wear and tear.
Personal Style and Preference
Some parents enjoy choosing items that match their nursery aesthetic or lifestyle. Buying new makes it easier to select specific brands, colours, and features without compromise.
Registry and Gift Culture
Baby showers and registries often lead to an influx of brand-new items. For first-time parents, this can cover a large portion of their baby gear needs before the baby even arrives.
Why Many Parents Choose Hand-Me-Downs or Thrifted Gear
On the other hand, plenty of parents are happy to save money — and reduce waste — by choosing pre-loved items.
Cost Savings
Babies outgrow gear quickly. Accepting hand-me-downs or shopping second-hand can save families hundreds (or thousands) of dollars, especially on items like clothing, toys, and bouncers.
Sustainability
Second-hand shopping keeps baby gear out of landfills and supports a more environmentally friendly approach to parenting — something many Canadian families value.
“Gently Used” Reality
Many baby items are barely used at all. Friends, siblings, or neighbours may pass along items that look almost brand new.
The Middle Ground: A Mix of Both
Most parents fall somewhere in between. It’s common to:
Buy new for safety-critical items (like car seats)
Accept hand-me-downs for clothes and toys
Thrift items that are easy to clean or inspect
What works best often depends on budget, availability, family support, and personal comfort level.
Cast Your Vote
Every family’s situation is different — and there’s no one-size-fits-all answer.
Do you mostly buy all new baby gear, or do you accept hand-me-downs and thrifted items?
Vote in our poll and see how other Canadian parents compare.