Having a baby does not have to break your budget. There are many affordable options for finding the baby products that you need. Infant clothing is one of the places that you can save a huge amount of money if you are smart about it. A little creative thinking can go a long way towards getting your baby a stylish wardrobe on a shoestring budget.
Shop in the Off Season
A great sweater that you see in your favorite children's store for $40 can often be found in store outlet mall for $2-10 a few months later. Shopping in the off season is a great way to get brand new, name-brand clothing for your baby for a fraction of the cost in the regular store. Buy summer clothes in the middle of winter and winter clothes in the middle of the summer. Stores often have a clearance section in the back of the store and many stores have an outlet store that gets all of the clothes that do not sell in the regular store.
Shop Online
Shopping online is a great way to compare prices and find a great deal on the clothes your baby needs. Look at the online clearance section for great deals on out of season clothes. Before buying, search for a store coupon code to get free shipping, a discount on your total purchase, or both. Get into the habit of visiting money saving forums that share great deals as people find them. Even if you do have to pay for shipping on your online purchase, you often do not have to pay sales tax which often ends up as about the same as purchasing an item in a local store.
Shop Thrift Stores
Thrift stores are a great way to purchase baby essentials. Baby clothes in the 0-12 month sizes are often only worn a few times before baby grows too big for them so they can look as good as new. Some thrift stores are more particular about what clothing they will accept. Visit some of your local thrift stores and find one that has good quality control. Many thrift stores will buy back your old baby clothes for cash or store credit making it easier to buy baby clothes in the next size up.
Shop Garage Sales
Some garage sales are admittedly better than others, but it is possible to find great brand-name clothing at local yard sales. Go early in the morning before the garage sales are picked over to find the best selection. Garage sales in nicer neighborhoods often have nicer clothing. Always try and talk the price down before agreeing to pay the marked price. Most people expect to lower prices at a garage sale, especially if someone is buying multiple items.
Accept Hand-Me-Downs
Let your family and friends know that you would love to have any infant clothing that they no longer need. Hand-me-downs from family and friends are often in great shape and you know where they have been and how they have been taken care of.
Infant clothes are some of the most exciting things for new parents to shop for. There is nothing wrong with buying a few full priced items that you love for your new baby but don't forget that a large portion of your baby's wardrobe is made up of functional pieces such as sleepwear and play clothing. Take advantage of sales and practice smart shopping habits to save money on infant clothing.
