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A used stroller can be a smart buy, especially for a second car, a grandparent's house or a baby you expect to move to a travel stroller soon. Before you pay, do three things: check that it hasn't been recalled, assume it has no warranty, and test it in person. Most of the problems that make a used stroller a bad deal show up in a five-minute check.
1. Check for recalls first
Recalls happen even with well-known brands. Past stroller recalls in Canada have involved handlebars that could detach, lap belts that could come loose and front wheels that could fall off.
- Find the label on the frame with the model name, model number and date of manufacture. It's usually on the rear axle or the inside of the frame.
- Search that model on the Government of Canada recalls site. Check the manufacturer's site too, since some fixes are handled as safety notices or free repair kits.
- If the label is missing or unreadable, you can't check the stroller. That's a good reason to walk away.
Under the Canada Consumer Product Safety Act, recalled products can't be sold or even given away in Canada. If a seller has a recalled model, the fix is usually through the manufacturer, not a discount.
2. Assume there's no warranty
Most stroller warranties only cover the original buyer. UPPAbaby's warranty, for example, applies to the original retail purchaser with proof of purchase from an authorized retailer. Bugaboo says its warranty isn't transferable and doesn't cover products bought second-hand. Both are also tied to the country where the stroller was first sold.
So if a used stroller's frame cracks or a fold latch fails, the repair is on you. Before you buy, check whether replacement parts like wheels, a bumper bar or seat fabric are still available for that model, and roughly what they cost. Add that to the asking price when you compare it with a new stroller.
Strollers bought outside Canada are worth extra care. Parts and service can be harder to get, and the model may differ from the Canadian version.
3. Test it in person
Photos don't show a sticky fold or a wobbly wheel. Meet somewhere you can push the stroller on a hard, flat surface, and bring your infant car seat if you plan to click it on.
| Check | What good looks like | Walk away if |
|---|---|---|
| Fold and unfold, three times | Opens and locks with a clear click, without forcing | It sticks, needs a knee or a shove, or a latch doesn't catch |
| Brake | Locks both rear wheels; the stroller doesn't roll when you push it | It slips, or only one side locks |
| Wheels | Roll straight and quietly; front swivel lock works | Wobbles, flat spots, cracked tread, or air tires that won't hold air |
| Frame and hinges | No cracks, bends or heavy rust | Cracks near a hinge or the handlebar, or a frame that flexes |
| Harness | All five points buckle and release; straps adjust and aren't frayed | A buckle that sticks or a strap that's cut or worn through |
| Seat and canopy | Recline and canopy work in every position | The recline won't lock, or the canopy frame is broken |
| Fabric | Clean, dry and fresh-smelling; zippers work | Mould spots or a musty smell, which is common after basement or garage storage |
4. Make sure all the parts are there
A stroller is often sold with pieces missing, and some are hard to replace. Ask for:
- The bumper bar, canopy and basket
- The car seat adapters for your infant seat, not just any adapters
- The bassinet or infant insert if you need one for a newborn
- The rain cover, if it came with one
- The manual, or download it from the manufacturer's site
If it comes with a bassinet your baby will sleep in, check that the mattress is the original one, firm and flat, and that nothing has been added to it.
What about the car seat in a used travel system?
Treat it as a separate decision. Car seats have expiry dates, and a seat that has been in a crash may need replacing even if it looks fine. Unless you know the seat's full history, buy the stroller used and the car seat new.
When new is the better deal
A used stroller makes the most sense when the discount is large and the stroller passes every check above. New usually wins when:
- The used price is close to new, once you add missing parts or worn wheels.
- You'll use it every day for years and want the warranty.
- You need a newborn setup and the bassinet or insert is missing.
- The model is several generations old and parts are hard to find.
If you're weighing a used stroller against a new one, it helps to know how the current model feels when it's working properly. Call our Richmond, Burnaby or Ottawa store ahead of your visit and we'll let you know which models we have on the floor that day, so you can push and fold the new version. Our list of the best full-size strollers in Canada is a good place to start, or browse all full-size strollers.
