Consultant’s Toolkit: How to Help Clients Buy Secondhand Baby Carriers Safely

As babywearing consultants, we know that finding the right carriers can be life-changing for parents—but the price of brand-new carriers can sometimes feel out of reach. That’s where secondhand carriers come in, offering families budget-friendly, eco-conscious alternatives without sacrificing quality. In fact, pre-loved carriers can offer some surprising benefits:

1. Already Broken In

One of the best things about secondhand carriers is that they’re often already ‘broken-in’ or softened up. Woven wraps, soft structured carriers, and other materials can be stiff right out of the box, but with secondhand carriers, they’ve usually been softened with use. This means they’re ready to be comfortably worn immediately, saving parents the time and effort to break them in themselves.

2. Eco-Friendly and Sustainable

Secondhand shopping is a fantastic way to reduce waste and minimize our environmental footprint. Parents are keeping perfectly usable products out of landfills by choosing pre-loved carriers. This sustainable approach helps reduce the demand for new materials and production, making it an environmentally responsible choice that aligns with conscious parenting values.

3. Budget-Friendly

Perhaps the most immediate benefit for many families is the cost savings. High-quality carriers can be pricey, but buying secondhand allows parents to access top-tier brands at a fraction of the price. This opens up more options for caregivers who want well-made carriers without breaking the bank.

4. Multiple Carriers

One advantage of the secondhand market is that it can make having more than one baby carrier feasible. Once families have a clearer understanding of how baby carriers can make daily life easier, many will want options for different activities and caregivers. The cost of new carriers might be a barrier, but the secondhand market opens up affordable alternatives for many families.

As a babywearing educator, your role here goes beyond simply sharing tips—you are a trusted guide in your clients' babywearing journey. Parents look to you for expert information, not just on choosing the right carriers but also on navigating the complex decisions around purchasing—especially when it comes to buying secondhand.

Being that go-to resource for all things babywearing builds trust and strengthens your relationships with the families in your community. It’s essential to make it easy for caregivers to reach out, ask questions, and feel confident they can rely on you for thoughtful, personalized support.

By positioning yourself as their guide through every step—from selecting the right carrier to ensuring it's safe and authentic—you’re empowering them with knowledge and ensuring they know you’re there for the long haul.

Not sure where to start? Keep reading for a summary of what you (and your clients) need to know about buying secondhand. We’ve also created a free parent handout for you to pass on to your clients so they can keep this info top-of-mind!

Click here to download the parent handout PDF

Where to Shop for Pre-Loved Carriers

Helping clients find trustworthy sources for secondhand carriers can make all the difference. There are plenty of places where families can hunt for a pre-loved carrier, but some offer more peace of mind than others:

Babywearing-Specific Facebook Buy, Sell, Trade (BST) Groups:
These groups are full of experienced babywearers and usually have clear guidelines for selling and purchasing. Encourage clients to post “ISO” (In Search Of) posts, where they can specify what they’re looking for and even include a price range. Often, they will receive responses from multiple sellers.

Local Babywearing Groups:
Many local groups and educators have BST sections or events where members sell or trade gently used carriers. This allows clients to inspect the carrier in person before buying. Educators often sell carriers that are no longer in production but are still in excellent quality to raise funds for new carriers.

Thrift Stores & Baby-Specific Resale Shops:
Encourage clients to check their local secondhand shops, particularly ones that specialize in baby gear. Suggest they let the store know what types of carriers they are looking for and ask to call if one becomes available.

Mercari, Poshmark, eBay:
While convenient, these platforms require a bit more vigilance. Advise your clients to check seller reviews, ask for additional photos, and read the listing details carefully before purchasing. 

RebelStork and similar resell sites: 
These websites claim to have vetted the used items or for them to be open-box returns, which could be a convenient option for those clients who need a baby carrier asap.

Safety First: Carrier Integrity, Spotting Fakes, and Safe Payment Methods

While buying secondhand has plenty of perks, safety must be a priority. Carriers go through daily wear and tear, so ensuring they’re still in good condition is critical. Here’s how you can help your clients shop safely:

Key Areas to Inspect

Buckles and Clips: The buckles are the weakest links and warrant close inspection. Suggest clients ask for pictures that include close-ups of all buckles unclipped so they can see both sides clearly.

Elastic and Webbing: Elastic should still stretch well and not feel brittle; webbing should be free from frays and glide smoothly when adjusted.

Fabric and Stitching: Look for thinning, pilling, rips, or fading, paying particular attention to the weight-bearing areas. Check for loose or frayed stitching in high-stress areas.

Padding: For carriers with padded waistbands or shoulder areas, ensure these areas don’t show excessive wear. Crumpled waistbands and flattened shoulder padding may indicate wear beyond safe use.

Spotting Counterfeit Carriers

Unfortunately, counterfeit baby carriers are common, especially on major online marketplaces like Amazon and Facebook Marketplace. These carriers might look convincing but often fall short of safety standards. Red flags to watch for:

• Suspicious Prices: Unrealistically low prices are often a sign of a fake.
• Logos and Tags: Off-brand logos or tags can be an indication.
• Photos: Be wary of stock or stolen images. Ask for real, detailed photos.

Payment: How to Avoid Scammers

Once your client finds their ideal secondhand carrier, it’s essential to ensure the purchase process is secure:

PayPal Goods & Services: This is generally the safest method, as it provides buyer protection. If the seller insists on PayPal Friends & Family, consider this a red flag.

Check Seller Reviews and Group Rules: Reviewing feedback and following group rules can provide insight into a seller’s trustworthiness.

Wrap-Around Support: Be the Go-To Consultant

Ultimately, your role as a babywearing consultant goes beyond recommending carriers—you’re the go-to resource for your clients’ babywearing journey. Make sure they know how to reach you easily and feel confident asking questions when navigating secondhand purchases. By providing them with a free PDF Parent’s Guide, you can ensure they have reliable information long after their class, session, or consultation.

Helping your clients navigate the world of secondhand carriers empowers them to make smart choices and strengthens your relationship. Whether it’s finding a pre-loved carrier that’s already broken in, saving money, or doing their part for the environment, you can guide them every step of the way.