One thing about babies and kids is certain—they grow up fast. And if you’re a parent, you know that when babies outgrow everything in a matter of a few months, constantly replenishing their clothing can start to get expensive.
So how do you save money on baby and kids’ clothes? Because I don’t have children myself, I turned to my trusty social media feeds and asked financially-savvy moms and dads how to save money on baby clothes. Here are some of their best tips:
Hand-Me-Downs
Don’t be too quick to toss your baby’s clothes when they no longer fit. Most of the moms and dads I spoke to agreed that hand-me-downs are a great way to save money on clothes. “The only one of my kids who had all new clothes is the oldest,” says Craig, from Illinois. Babies tend to grow so quickly that their clothing stays in good shape, so it can be saved and passed down to future siblings.
Even if you only have one child, you can still take advantage of hand-me-downs. Kim, mom to a daughter and baby boy, says, “With my son Kaden, 90% of his clothes are hand-me downs from my nephew.”
The “Mommy Network”
Another great source for saving on baby and kids clothes could be right in your own neighborhood. According to Sonja, from Alaska, “Moms seems to ‘get it.’ If they’ve benefited from hand-me-downs and exchanges before, they’re awesome about continuing the cycle and contributing their good stuff. Then you use it briefly, and it re-enters the cycle!”
To start your own Mommy Network, talk to friends, neighbors, and coworkers and see if they’d be willing to participate in a clothing exchange or “Baby Items Only” yard sale.
Consignment and Thrift Stores
Most of the moms and dads I spoke to agree that consignment and thrift stores are one of the best ways to save money on baby clothes. “Goodwill and hand-me-downs have been my saving grace when it comes to clothes for my fast-growing boy,” says Mel from Indiana.
Sharii, also from Indiana, and Melissa, from Michigan, both like stores like Once Upon a Child or resale shops not only for gently used clothing for their kids, but also to make money on outgrown or used baby clothes. “I resell my daughter’s stuff and then buy more,” says Melissa.
Sales (Good Ones!)
Keep your eyes out for sales at your favorite clothing stores. Stacey, a mom of four from Utah, says, “When I shop the sales right I can usually get brand new clothes cheaper than if I were to buy them second hand.”
You can usually find heavily discounted clothing at the end of a season. “Clearance shopping, especially when you can correctly anticipate sizing for the next year, it’s fantastic!” says Melissa.
These tips can keep your babies looking stylish without costing a lot of money. If you have any more great tips, share them in the comments!
