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It's the online auction site that everyone talks about for bargains. But just how good is it for kitting out a baby? Student Jessica Bicknell, mum to Holly, 4 months, took up the challenge. Most of what she bought was good quality second-hand, some was brand new, but amazingly Jessica managed to get 10 key baby items for under £100. Follow her tips to bag a bargain for your baby.
Jessica's bargain haul:
Graco Change Bag + Cosytoes set
Price new: £29.99 each
Price paid on eBay: £25 for both
Good buy? Discontinued fabric and design but both were brand new, still packaged and complete with tags on.
Graco Mirage Pushchair
Price new: £69.99
Price paid on eBay: £10.99
Good buy? Even though this model was second-hand it arrived clean and in really good condition. Plus the seat pad was washable.
Avent Steam Steriliser
Price new: £39.99
Price paid on eBay: £17.95
Good buy? Brilliant! Brand new six bottle steriliser with packaging and instructions.
Hauck Mac Baby Highchair
Price new: £44.99
Price paid on eBay: £15
Good buy? Great buy - second-hand but easily wiped down with disinfectant.
Avent Express Bottle & Food Warmer
Price new: £19.99
Price paid on eBay: £7
Good buy? This was second-hand but in good condition and came complete with packaging and instructions.
Mothercare Moses Basket & Stand
Price new: £28 for basket, £20 for stand
Price paid on eBay: £11 for both
Good buy? Second-hand so check the cotton covers are washable; would also need a new mattress
Mothercare bouncy chair
Price new: £12
Price paid on eBay: £4
Good buy? Second-hand basic bouncy chair but with 100% cotton removable and machine washable cotton cover.
Mothercare fabric bath support
Price new: £8
Price paid on eBay: £3.50
Good buy? Second-hand but towelling support can be removed and washed, plus design can be used in full size or baby bath.
Tomy Roma carrier
Price new: £19.99
Price paid on eBay: £5.50
Good buy? Discontinued design and second-hand but easily washable and well looked after.
TOTAL: £99.94
What not to buy
X Car seats could have been damaged in an accident; these should always be bought new and fitted professionally.
X Mattresses can never be cleaned completely thoroughly and may be worn and saggy. A new baby should always have his or her own new mattress
X Feeding and weaning bottles, cups, plates and spoons - worn surfaces can harbour germs.
X Bedding - only 100% cotton can be washed clean at a very hot temperature.
How to bag a baby bargain
What Jessica discovered while shopping online
