A good stroller lasts for years, while a child only rides in it for a few months or a couple of years. That is why many families in Moldova buy one second-hand and pay a fraction of the price of a new one. To avoid surprises, here is which type to choose and what to check, step by step.
Which stroller you need
- Bassinet stroller. A deep bassinet where the baby lies flat. It is for the first months. Browse Bassinet strollers.
- Lightweight stroller. Lighter, and it folds small. The child sits up or half reclines, usually from around 6 months. Browse Lightweight strollers.
- 2-in-1 and 3-in-1. One frame that takes either the bassinet or the stroller seat. A 3-in-1 also comes with an infant car seat. A good choice if you want a single stroller from birth. Browse 2-in-1 and 3-in-1 strollers.
- Twin strollers. The children sit side by side or one behind the other. Measure your building's door and the elevator before you buy. Browse Twin strollers.
A newborn needs a bassinet or a seat that reclines fully flat. The manufacturer's manual says from what age the stroller seat can be used. If the manual is missing, look the model up on the manufacturer's website.
Think about your everyday life too. Fifth floor with no elevator? Choose a light stroller. Lots of village roads? Big air-filled wheels ride over potholes more easily. Will it go in the car trunk? Measure the trunk first.
What to check on the stroller
Ask for clear photos before you go to see it: the whole stroller, the wheels, the fabric up close and the label with the model name. When you meet, check it step by step:
Wheels and brakes
- Push the stroller for a few meters. The wheels should roll straight, without wobbling or noise.
- Look at the tires. They should not be cracked, worn down or flat.
- Put the brake on and push. The stroller should not move, not even on a small slope.
Fold and frame
- Fold and unfold the stroller yourself, two or three times. It should close easily and lock firmly with a click.
- Look for cracks, bends, rust or welding marks on the frame. A repaired frame can give way.
- Press on the handlebar. It should not wobble or creak loudly.
Fabric, harness and basket
- The fabric should not be torn or smell of mold. A stroller kept in a damp basement can have mold inside the foam.
- Ask whether the covers come off and can be washed.
- The harness straps should be whole, with no frayed threads. Buckle and unbuckle the harness a few times.
- Look at the basket underneath. It should not be torn and should sit firmly on the frame.
- Check the hood and the backrest: they go up and down and stay in place.
What to ask the seller
You can ask through Rekid messages before you meet. The seller does not see your phone number.
- How old is the stroller, and how many children have used it?
- Has it ever been repaired? What was replaced?
- Where was it kept when not in use: indoors, on a balcony or in a basement?
- What comes with it: rain cover, mosquito net, bag, car seat adapters, the manual?
- Why are you selling it?
An honest seller answers calmly. If something does not match the photos or the listing, ask again.
If you are buying a 3-in-1, also read the guide on second-hand car seats. The infant seat in the set is a car seat too, and you check it the same way.
When you pick it up
- Meet during the day, somewhere busy, for example outside a large store.
- Check the wheels, brakes and fold once more. Put a bag of a few kilos in the stroller and push it around.
- If you came by car, see whether it fits in the trunk.
- Pay on pickup, only when the stroller is in front of you and you are happy with it. Do not send money in advance.
- If the seller accepts courier or mail, the buyer pays for the transport. Rekid does not handle delivery and never takes payment for items.
Once you have it, the seller marks the listing as sold. You can then leave the seller a review, so other parents know how it went.
For more advice, read How to buy safely on Rekid. And if you have a stroller you no longer need, you can sell it on Rekid in a few minutes.