I decided to write this after searching for a pattern that had been discontinued. I was bored with mine (I had purchased it new in 2004 and still has yet to expire) and decided to search for deals on ebay.

1. Car seats and strollers have expiration dates (my travel system that was purchased in 2004 expires in 2009.  You can find these dates at the bottom of the carseat. If you study baby gear as closely as I do you can tell by the pattern of how old a car seat stroller or Pack n play is. If you are unsure of a pattern unsure of the original cost of a travel system (I have seen a few sellers try to take advantage of buyers giving them false information about the original cost or how old an item is or they list the item for what they paid for it new (no they weren't a rookie seller just stupid) I saw my travel system that has lions on it, the pattern is called cubby parade I purchased it new for $140. And I saw it today (3 years later) listed for $140. If you are unsure about something feel free to email me at eabdeb8176 @ aol . com and subject ebay baby gear. I would be glad to help you. 

2. Sometimes when an item is about to be discontinued, some people jump the bandwagon and sell their item for more than they paid for it or more than what it would cost you to go into the store and buy it new in the box. Case in point: My husband and I are expecting a baby, and our last pack n play didn't have a bassinet or changing table feature, and it had become to worn to be used for another child. This time I wanted a deluxe pack n play and loved the Windsor pattern. But it had become clearanced and so I decided to search for one on ebay. But due to high shipping the one I found came out to be more than it would to go to the store and buy it new. The next day I went to Babies R Us and bought a brand new one.

3. You don't know the history of a car seat, and its just as easy for a seller to misrepresent an item (not all are dishonest but some are) as it is for them to tell the truth. Car seats that have been in accidents are void. When in doubt it is best to buy carseats new. Some states have outlawed the sale of used carseats.

4. Stay clear of older 90's looking Playards. Their colors can include teal, blue and bright pink, or lite pastel colors. In the 1990's there was a major recall of Playards because some children were severely hurt or killed by pack n plays callapsing on them. When in doubt you can visit the consumer product safety commission's website for information if the item you are considering has been recalled.