Buying kid’s clothes can become very expensive. While you want to get your child everything they need, they grow out of clothes so quickly that you barely get any uses out of some items, if any uses at all.
However, you don’t have to spend a lot of money; in some cases, you can make money. Whether it be boy’s sandals, jerseys, or a cute t-shirt, here are some tips to save money when buying baby clothes.
Buy Bigger Sizes
The first thing you should do is buy clothing that is bigger than your child’s size. This will delay the inevitable problem of clothes being too small, and you won’t have to buy so often. Your child grows a lot when they are younger, don’t always buy clothes that fit perfectly.
Stick to Basics
Considering how quickly they grow through clothes, try to stick to buying the essentials. Your child will be more than happy in a t-shirt and shorts or a skirt; you really won’t need anything more than that.
Buy and Sell Second-Hand
Since baby clothes aren’t worn for long, the second-hand market is packed with “barely used” items. This is a great way to get a deal on a lot of clothing, as well as a way for you to sell the clothing your child doesn’t wear anymore.
Look for Bulk Buys
While you should avoid buying in bulk, there are some occasions where it makes sense. If there is a bulk deal on basics like t-shirts, take advantage. It’s a great way to stock up, especially if you have multiple children or you’re expecting another one.
Buy Quality
Don’t get carried away with good deals to the point where you aren’t paying attention to quality. Good quality clothing not only ensures it lasts long but also allows the piece to hold value if or when you want to resell it.
Gender-Neutral Items
This point is for parents who have children of different genders or want another child in the future. Buying gender-neutral clothing allows you to mix and match outfits and avoid falling into the trap of buying a closet full of pink or blue clothes.
Buy Shoes When Needed
Don’t spend money on shoes before your child can walk. While they may look cute and buying a pair of mini Air Jordans or Chuck Taylor’s looks fun, your child will outgrow them in no time and never get to walk in them.
Also, many studies have shown that wearing shoes could hinder your child’s progress when walking, as the foot isn’t strong enough. Going barefoot helps develop foot and leg strength, which helps with walking.
Trade Clothes
Don’t be afraid to ask other parents if they want to trade clothes with you. We all did it at some point with our friends, and it’s a great way to mix up your child’s wardrobe without having to spend any money.
Versatility
When you are buying an item, think about how often your child will be able to wear it. A t-shirt is an excellent example as it can be worn in Summer, as part of your child’s pyjamas, or as a layer in Winter. Buying clothes that are versatile ensures you get the most bang for your buck.
Don’t Buy Designer Items
Unless you are a celebrity, there is absolutely no need to purchase designer baby clothing. Not only will it be incredibly expensive, but your child also won’t notice and won’t appreciate what they are wearing. If you want to spoil your child like this, wait until they’re older.
Buy Clothes That Fit Multiple Sizes
Buy clothes that grow with your child. For example, pants that have buttons have very little wiggle room, while pants with an elastic waistband can grow with your child. Look for clothing made out of materials that stretch and clothes that can be modified as or when needed.
Don’t Over-Buy
One of the biggest mistakes parents make when buying clothing is that they purchase too much of everything. If you take the time to think about what your child does throughout the day and combine that with how often you do laundry, you will see that they don’t actually need much.
Parents who have gone through this stage will tell you that one jacket is enough, you only need two or three pairs of socks, and two changes of pyjamas are sufficient. As said, if you do laundry once or twice a week, you don’t need clothing or multiple outfits for every day.
End-of-Season Sales
Much like regular shopping, end-of-season sales are the best time to pick up items at a discounted rate. This is great for buying Winter items, as jerseys, jackets, etc., are usually more expensive than simple Summer items. Keep your eye out for further deals and promos such as those that Rakuten may offer for example with nordstrom promo codes, as these could offer further savings.
Separate Home & Outing Clothes
The last thing you should do is make an effort to split play clothes and “formal” clothes. Children play outside and get messy when they eat, and you don’t want all the clothes they own being covered in grass stains or spaghetti sauce.
Have a pile of clothing that they wear at home, a pile they wear to nursery, and a pile of more expensive or formal items. This ensures clothes that a good amount of clothing stays dirt and stain-free.