Are you thinking about buying a baby hammock or cradle second hand? Maybe you’ve just had your second child and want to use the one you loved a few years ago again. Or perhaps a friend has kindly offered to lend you theirs to help your newborn sleep more and better.
Reusing or buying second hand is a fantastic way to care for both your budget and the environment. At Moonboon, we truly believe in making thoughtful, lasting choices, and we want to give a well-loved baby product a second life to be something you can feel good about.
But when it comes to your baby’s sleep, safety is everything.
No matter how well-kept a product might seem, safety must always come first. Your baby’s sleep environment should be as secure and supportive as it is soothing. That’s why we always encourage parents to take a moment to check the condition of second-hand sleep products, especially one small but vital part: the spring.
The most important safety step: replacing the spring
One part holds a huge responsibility: the spring. The spring is what makes the baby hammock or cradle bounce gently, helping to soothe your baby to sleep. It’s a small part that works hard, often for hours each day, and naturally wears down over time.
Replacing the spring is the safest choice when you’re reusing or buying second hand. Wear and tear aren’t always visible, and an old spring can weaken, eventually losing its ability to support the gentle motion your baby needs. While the safety strap is always there as a backup, and will catch the hammock or cradle if the spring breaks, this only works if the strap is correctly installed and the safety check has been done before use.
Even though the strap prevents a fall, a broken spring can still give you a shock, and that’s not something any parent wants to experience. That’s why we recommend replacing the spring for complete peace of mind that nothing will wear out or fail.
Luckily, replacing springs is straightforward and affordable. Moonboon offers official refurb kits with replacement springs designed specifically for each model. Installing a new spring means you get the same safe, gentle bounce your baby needs, with the peace of mind that nothing will wear out or fail.
In other words, a used spring can still be safe if the hammock or cradle is correctly installed and the safety strap has been checked before use. But replacing the spring is the best way to ensure continued comfort and avoid unpleasant surprises.
Types of refurb kits
The refurb kit is a complete, all-in-one solution designed to give pre-loved Moonboon products a fresh start. We offer two versions to suit your needs — an essential kit and a premium kit — available separately for both the baby hammock and the cradle.
- Essential Kit: This kit includes a brand-new spring and carabiners. Replacing the spring is crucial to maintain the product’s safety and performance over time.
- Premium Kit: In addition to the new spring, this kit also includes a fresh mattress and waterproof mattress protector. Together, these items refresh the sleeping surface for your baby, keeping it clean, comfortable, and protected.
Both kits come with everything needed to restore your product’s safety and functionality, bringing it back to like-new condition. Installation is simple and straightforward, making it easy for you to give new life to your Moonboon baby hammock or cradle.
How to install a new spring safely
Replacing the spring might sound like a big task, but it is designed to be easy and safe. Moonboon’s refurb kits come with clear instructions to help guide you through the process, step by step.
Be sure to follow each step carefully and double-check all attachments before use. Never attempt to modify or reuse an old spring, as doing so can affect the performance and safety of the hammock or cradle.
If you are unsure about installation, contact Moonboon’s customer service. Your baby’s safety is always worth the extra attention.
Other things to look out for: the fabric
The fabric is the foundation of holding your little one. When buying second hand, it’s important to carefully check the fabric for any damage. Look for rips, holes, or worn spots, especially around seams and edges where stress is highest. Even small tears can grow quickly and compromise safety.
Also watch for thinning fabric or discolored areas. These signs show the material may have weakened or been exposed to harsh sunlight or washing conditions. For example, the breathable mesh baby hammock is designed to be gentle and cool for your baby, but it needs to be in good shape to do its job.
How to know when it is time to replace the mattress
If the mattress gives you even a moment of doubt, it is usually a good sign that it is time for a replacement. It is important to remember that babies spend a lot of time sleeping, so having a clean and supportive surface is essential for both health and safety
In the case of the Moonboon baby hammock, it’s important to know that the kapok mattress is not washable. While kapok is a natural, hypoallergenic material known for its breathability, it can still absorb moisture, odors, and bacteria over time. Since you can’t wash it thoroughly, continuing to use an old or pre-used mattress may pose a hygiene risk, especially for a newborn with a developing immune system.
Replacing the mattress ensures a fresh start for your baby, offering peace of mind and a safe, hygienic sleep environment. If you notice any signs of wear, or if the mattress has been stored away for a long time, it is best to consider a new one.
When it comes to your baby’s sleep, a new mattress is a simple and worthwhile investment in creating a safe place to rest.
Can I reuse other baby hammock or cradle accessories?
Other Moonboon baby hammock/cradle accessories can be reused as long as they are in good condition. It is important to carefully inspect each item to make sure it is clean, safe, and still works well for your baby.
For example, the heaven or mosquito net can be washed and refreshed to look and feel like new again. Before using them, check carefully for any rips, holes, or signs of shrinkage. Even small damage can affect how well these accessories protect your baby from light, bugs, or how securely they fit over the baby hammock or cradle.
Additionally, items such as mattress protectors and sheets come into close contact with your baby’s skin and face. Because of this, they need extra attention. If there are any stains, discoloration, or lingering odors after washing, it is a good idea to replace them. Fresh linens are essential for keeping your baby’s sleep area clean, healthy, and comfortable. A clean mattress protector also helps extend the life of the mattress underneath.
Passing down soothing accessories
Soft toys, books, and white noise machines are wonderful accessories that help create a calming sleep environment for your baby when in the baby hammock or cradle. These items can definitely be reused as long as they remain safe and clean.
Before passing down or reusing soft night toys and books, give them a careful check. Look for any loose parts, tears, or other damage that could be unsafe for a child. A good wash or gentle wipe down will refresh them and keep them hygienic.
The white noise machine is one of our most popular accessories for helping babies settle and stay asleep. They can be used from the newborn stage and even beyond childhood. When using or reusing one, test that it still works properly and that the sounds are clear and soothing. Check that all buttons function well. Also, inspect attachments such as silicone straps for signs of wear and make sure they attach securely to your baby hammock or cradle.
What not to do when buying or reusing a baby hammock, twin hammock, or cradle
To help make sure everything is safe and ready for your baby’s sleep, there are a few common mistakes worth avoiding. Most are simple to check and can make a big difference in keeping your baby’s sleep space both secure and comfortable. Here are some mistakes to avoid:
- Don’t reuse a spring without checking the safety strap: It’s the most-used part and can weaken over time, even if it looks fine. While a used spring can be safe if the safety strap is properly checked and installed, a break can still be a shock. The strap will catch the baby hammock or cradle, but for peace of mind, we always recommend replacing the spring, so you know nothing will wear out or fail.
- Do not assume it’s fine just because it looks fine: Some wear and tear is easy to see, like ripped fabric or a missing part. But other signs can be more subtle. That’s why it’s a good idea to check every part carefully, even if the product seems in great shape.
- Don’t use missing or makeshift parts: Every Moonboon product is safety tested as a complete system. Replacing missing parts with non-official items can affect performance and safety.
- Don’t skip the safety check: Always go through the complete safety checklist, even if the product is from someone you trust. Peace of mind comes from what you see, not just what you’re told.
- Don’t forget to check the mattress: If the mattress has been used before, stored for a while, or just gives you pause, it may be time for a new one. For example, Moonboon’s kapok mattresses cannot be washed, so over time they may hold onto moisture or odor.
- Watch for stretched seams or small rips: Fabric holds your baby securely, so even small imperfections should be taken seriously. Check for any tears, or areas that seem looser than they should be. These can grow over time and reduce the overall safety of the baby hammock or cradle.
- Be mindful when buying from private sellers: If you’re buying second-hand from someone else, it’s okay to ask questions. Find out how long the product was used, if the spring was ever replaced, and whether all parts are original. A trustworthy seller should be able to give clear answers. If anything feels uncertain or parts are missing, it’s best to look elsewhere, or plan to use a refurb kit so you can safely bring the product back to its best.
How to choose a trustworthy second-hand seller
There are many places to find second-hand baby hammocks and cradles, like Facebook Marketplace, eBay, or other local platforms depending on where you live. With so many sellers out there, it can sometimes be hard to know who to trust.
With this, not every second-hand baby hammock or cradle will be in the same condition, so it’s important to buy from someone you feel confident about. A reliable seller should be able to answer your questions openly and provide helpful details.
Ask how long the product was used, whether the spring has ever been replaced, and if there’s been any damage. These answers can help you understand how well the product has been cared for.
Look for clear photos that show all angles of the product, and if you can, try to see it in person. It’s best to avoid any hammocks or cradles with missing parts or visible wear that you wouldn’t be able to fix or replace.
Other ideas on how to reuse your baby hammock or cradle
When your baby outgrows their hammock or cradle, gifting or selling it might not always be possible—maybe there’s no one nearby to pass it on to, or you simply prefer not to. That’s completely okay. Even without gifting or selling, there are still meaningful ways to keep your baby’s hammock or cradle useful so it doesn’t end up tucked away in storage or thrown out.
Refurbishing the product with a refurb kit that has a new spring and can prepare it for donation to a local shelter or family support organisation. Many communities welcome gently used baby items that meet current safety standards.
You can also explore creative repurposing options at home. Some families have turned their cradle into a toy basket, book nook, or even a sweet keepsake piece in the nursery. If the fabric or parts are too worn for use, consider recycling the materials.
Why we encourage you to buy second hand
At Moonboon, caring for the environment is one of our core values. We create products with high-quality, natural materials and follow ethical practices throughout every step.
When you choose to buy second hand or refurbish your Moonboon product, you help support the circular economy. This extends the life of your baby hammock or cradle, reduces waste, and lessens the impact on our planet, all while still providing a safe and cozy space for your little one.
Final takeaway: peace of mind comes with a new spring
Reusing a hammock or cradle can be perfectly safe, if it’s installed correctly, the safety strap has been checked, and all parts are in good condition. But for the greatest peace of mind, replace the spring. It is the one part that gets used the most and is easiest to overlook.
With a new spring and a safety strap installed to the correct length, you can relax knowing your baby is supported and secure, with the peace of mind that nothing will wear out or fail.
