Used Baby Furniture Selling Regulations

Bedding

• The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) explains that the United States requires all mattresses made with used stuffing be labeled as such. When selling used bedding, the FTC suggests always labeling the product so that the consumer is aware of what is being purchased.

Car Seats

• There are federal regulations for car seat manufacturers. However, the JPMA states that car seats over six years old are considered unsafe, as are car seats that have been involved in any type of car accident. Selling car seats without the manufacturer's sticker is not recommended, as recall and safety information cannot be verified.

Cribs

• The JPMA explains that older cribs may not meet current safety standards. In addition, cribs in poor condition, such as those with peeling or cracked paint, rough edges or splinters are not recommended for use. While there is no law against selling secondhand cribs, check the current safety standards and crib condition before selling a used crib, as those that do not meet the current safety standards "are banned hazardous substances under the Federal Hazardous Substances Act," states the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.

Portable Cribs

• It is important to ensure that portable cribs function properly before a sale to prevent an injury to a baby. Be sure that all latches and hooks can be secured correctly, warns the JPMA. Use the mattress that comes with the crib when selling it to prevent the customer from buying a pad that does not fit correctly and could lead to infant suffocation. Inspect the mattress and the mesh siding, if applicable, for any holes, rips or tears before selling the portable crib.

Other Furniture

• The Parent Dish website states that the main challenge of used baby furniture is ensuring that it meets all current safety standards and regulations. Before selling any type of secondhand baby furniture, check the U.S. government's recall list and with the Consumer Product Safety Commission (see the Resources section) to ensure that the product being sold meets all current standards and has not been part of a safety recall.