You may remember that this year I am doing a series on how it does not need to be expensive to raise a baby. Last time I went over how to save money feeding baby. This time we are going over clothing.
Because babies grow so fast and tend to soil their clothes quite often, clothing can often be one of the greatest baby expensive outside the big ticket items like car seat, stroller, etc. My first tip on saving money on baby clothes is an obvious one.
With how fast babies grow I find it silly to buy all of their clothes brand new. Some, sure, but not all. There are many different ways to get used clothes.
-Goodwill/thrift stores–These can be very hit or miss for me. A lot of the baby clothes here can be kind of “eh.” Nothing spectacular but I can sometimes find a few basic pieces. This is not my first go to for used baby clothes.
-Consignment stores–This is one of my favorites…and also why I don’t tend to find good baby clothes at Goodwill. People seem to save the good clothes for consignment as they can get some money for them. It is a little more expensive then thrift store to buy consignment but not too bad. Still much cheaper than new and usually nice quality and brands.
-Facebook– My absolute favorite. You often find people selling clothing in a big bag, usually called a “lot”. Sure you may have to get rid of some of it but for $15 for a massive trash bag full of clothes, it is usually worth it. A lot of times people are also willing to let you dig through to take just what you want for $0.50-$2 per item, depending on what it is. Some of my favorites of Abby’s clothes are from this method.
-Craigslist and ebay–I don’t tend to like either one of these. ebay tends to be more money than I’m willing to spend and craigslist is really hit or miss in my area.
Shopping Sales/Using Coupons
Yes, I use sales and coupons to buy clothing too not just food. You see, I really love Carter’s. Like really love. You should not let me loose in that store. 🙂 However, they often release 20% of $40 coupons. This isn’t always great but you usually can combine these with sales. Not clearance though. I haven’t been in awhile but try to go in every so often.
I even find good things at JC Penney and Walmart. Most every store that sells baby clothing will have a good sale or clearance event a few times a year.
Hand-Me-Downs
Also one of my favorites. We have a friend who had a baby girl about 3 weeks before Abby was born. And much bigger than Abby. They are now getting to be about the same size but the other baby is still a clothing size ahead of Abby. Meaning, the other baby is actually in the correct size whereas Abby is a size behind. 🙂 Most times I go to visit this friend I leave with a paper grocery bag of clothes.
I also like to hand down clothes that we no longer need. I feel like people have blessed me, I can bless others. I have a friend having a baby girl this spring. She has a kitchen sized trash bag of clothes coming to her. 🙂
Buy Ahead
One of the biggest things is to figure out how your baby grows. Don’t just buy for the size your baby is now. I know that Abby will be in 9 months sizes this spring and 12 months this summer since is on the small size. If you find a great deal on something that is two sizes bigger and in the right season for when they will be that size, buy it! I found a pair of plain black pants in a size 18 months the other day as part of a $5-fill-a-bag day at the thrift store. Abby isn’t going to fit into them for quite some time but for about 50 cents, that is okay. I also found a few 12 month tops that will be perfect for her this summer.
If you have any other tips, I’d love to hear them. Leave a comment!
Nicole says
Have you ever shopped Children’s Place online? A couple times a year they will do free shipping on any order and a 30% off promo code in conjunction. Use that promo code on something that is already on clearance, and you can get a GREAT deal! I got some shirts for my boys for about $3 ea. shipped and if you buy hats/gloves this way when they are changing seasons you can get adorable brand new name brand hats and gloves to put back for next year at $2-$3!
Julie @ Logger's Wife says
I have not. Last time I went to their website, Abby wasn’t big enough to fit in their clothes. Then I completely forgot about them. 🙂 Thanks for the tip!