Do Strollers Expire? Explained In Detail

Getting new things before the baby comes is always a hectic project. Not to mention that baby stuff cost a lot of money and will for sure make a dent in your budget.

With all the new expenses piling up you start to wonder what things can you buy secondhand and if it is safe to do so. Strollers are one of the more expensive baby items, so we can’t help but ask ourselves do strollers expire?

Do Strollers Have An Expiration Date?

Strollers do not expire and they do not have an expiration date. Although just like with other plastics and products, if you don’t take care of it properly, it may be unsafe for a second use or your future child.

There you have it, the quick answer for those that don’t want to tag along. I would suggest you stick until the end of the article so you can get additional information on strollers and their expiration.

Is a stroller a necessity?

There are many different kinds of strollers, full-sized strollers, lightweight strollers, double strollers, jogging strollers, and so on. The main thing that they have in common is that all of them are basically chairs with wheels that fold up.

Having a stroller is beneficial for both the baby and the parent. It is a safe place for the baby and it can protect it from the elements while on a walk.

It also gives the parent freedom to run errands with the baby by their side. You can take your baby to the supermarket, to the bank, to the shopping mall, or even on public transport.

Imagine having to carry your baby in your hands everywhere, that would be exhausting for you and uncomfortable for the baby. Having a stroller will free your hands and the baby can enjoy its time from a comfortable place.

Also, strollers offer extra storage. You can take extra diapers, baby wipes, and toys, or even put your grocery bags on the stroller so you don’t have to carry them with your hands.

So yes, we can say that a stroller is a necessity, however, it is not unheard of for people to raise a baby without a stroller.

If your financial situation allows it, it’s recommended that you get a stroller because it will make your life ten times easier.

Can I Use A Stroller For Multiple Children?

We’ve probably heard that some of the things you buy for your first baby cannot be used for your next one a few years down the road. Baby car seats for example have an expiration date on them.

This expiration date isn’t like the one on, let’s say, baby formula. The expiration date on the baby formula means that the product will go bad after a certain date and it’s unsafe for your baby to have it.

The expiration date on a baby car seat, however, means that the plastic on the product may break down and get weaker with time. This means that the product becomes fragile and it will not protect your baby like it’s supposed to.

Strollers, on the other hand, aren’t so fragile and they don’t have an expiration date. This doesn’t mean that they can be used forever, but you can use them for your second child with no issue.

Although strollers don’t have an expiration date, they can, under some conditions, be unsafe to pass down. Before you buy a second-hand stroller or get a hand-me-down from a relative there are some things that you should keep an eye on.

Things You Should Look For In A Stroller

Wheels

When getting a used stroller, you need to make sure that the wheels are fully functional. You don’t want to have dysfunctional wheels because you won’t be able to move the stroller around freely and they can start to jam which can cause discomfort for both you and the baby.

Also, you don’t want your wheels to be wobbly and rotate all over the place, this will cause the stroller to have difficulty pointing in the right direction and it will be a struggle to push it.

Brakes

Most strollers come with a brake attached to the wheels. You want to make sure that they are fully functional so that your stroller doesn’t roll off somewhere. The brakes are usually the things that break the easiest, so you need to inspect them carefully.

Straps

The straps on a stroller make sure that your baby stays safely in its place. Before getting a stroller it is crucial to check the straps for any tears. Once your baby develops some motor skills it will try to move around in the stroller and it’s the strap’s job to keep it fastened and safe from falling over.

Fabric

Make sure that the fabric inside the stroller is clean and stain-free. Babies are very messy, so it’s no surprise that they will probably spill something in their stroller. The fabric on the stroller can be hard to detach so make sure that the stroller you get isn’t dirty.

Attachments

You want to make sure that all the necessary attachments are still fully functional. This can be anything from a small umbrella to a plastic cover for rain protection.

Price

Lastly, you want to check the original price of the type of stroller you want to buy second-hand. Ask when was it bought, and if has it been used by anyone else, then check the price and see if it works for you.

Where can I get a used stroller?

Strollers are the most common baby item that is bought second-hand. Some thrift shops may have them, but if you don’t have a thrift shop in your town then you should try Facebook.

There are a lot of mom groups on Facebook, and this is very helpful when it comes to buying used baby stuff. Just make a post in one or multiple Facebook groups and watch the offers fill your inbox.

You can also ask relatives and friends for their strollers and see if they fit your needs. I have been using a hand-me-down stroller for mounts now and I honestly can’t tell the difference between mine and my friend’s brand-new one. 

For how long can I use a stroller?

We already answered the question do strollers expire? They don’t. However, that doesn’t mean that you can use it forever. Strollers are made mostly from metal and plastic and both of these materials can be broken down when exposed to the elements. 

Metal can start to rust, thus decreasing its function in giving structure and stability to the stroller. Plastic on the other hand can be more fragile and start to break and deteriorate especially if it’s exposed to direct sunlight for a prolonged period of time.

Conclusion

In the midst of shopping for baby stuff if you were wondering do strollers expire, the short answer is no, they don’t. However, they can break, and you as the parent should make sure that your baby is safe and comfortable.

It’s absolutely fine to get a second-hand stroller and save some cash, trust me you’ll need it later on. Also if you have a stroller you won’t use anymore you can sell it or donate it to charity.