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Safety tips for parents

Buying and selling second-hand should be straightforward and safe. Here are our top tips for a smooth experience on Kiddlo.

Meeting and transacting safely

Meet in a public place

Arrange to meet in a busy, well-lit area like a coffee shop, supermarket car park, or community centre. Avoid inviting strangers to your home.

Keep conversations on Kiddlo

Our messaging system keeps a record of your conversations. If a buyer or seller asks you to move to WhatsApp or text before you've agreed a sale, be cautious.

Inspect before you pay

Always check the item in person before handing over cash. Make sure it matches the listing photos and description, and test any moving parts or buckles.

Use Kiddlo payments

Paying through Kiddlo means your money is held safely until you confirm you're happy. Bank transfers to strangers offer no protection if something goes wrong.

Product safety checklist

Check for recalls

Before buying or selling, search the product name on the government's product recall database. Items like car seats, cots, and highchairs are recalled more often than you'd think.

Car seats — buy with caution

Only buy a second-hand car seat if you know its full history. Never buy one that's been in an accident, is past its expiry date, or is missing its labels. If in doubt, buy new.

Cots and beds

Check that slats are no more than 6.5cm apart, the mattress fits snugly with no gaps, and there are no loose or broken parts. Avoid cot bumpers — they're a suffocation risk.

Check labels and age ratings

Look for the CE or UKCA mark on toys and equipment. Check age recommendations and small-parts warnings, especially for items intended for under-threes.

Red flags to watch for

  • The buyer offers to pay more than the asking price
  • Someone asks you to click a link to 'verify your account'
  • A seller won't let you inspect the item before buying
  • You're asked to pay by bank transfer or gift cards
  • The listing photos look professionally shot or stolen from a retail site
  • A buyer asks you to post the item before payment clears

If something feels off, trust your instincts. You can report any listing or user directly from their profile, and our team will review it within 24 hours.

Need to report something?

If you've experienced something unsafe or suspicious, we're here to help.