So, here goes...
Lesson #4: Don't Buy Cute 0 - 3 Month Baby Clothes
On the surface, this might sound like a very simple concept. An "easy" lesson, perhaps. But, if you have ever wandered the baby section of a department store (or, ahhh, Baby Gap) and held up the tiniest little outfits you've ever seen, you probably understand this.
As you probably know, I'm passionate about baby clothes. I love them. And, the sad truth is that they really are their absolute most precious and pure and irresistible the smaller they are. (UGG, don't get me started on the cargo short and graphic tee phenomenon that is 'toddler' boy clothes today.) BUT, do not be sucked into their trap. You do NOT need seven million and one outfits for your seven pounder. I repeat - do not buy cute clothes in sizes smaller than three months. (Ok, maybe like one or two or five really cute ones for special occasions - but that's it.)
Here's why: (Most) babies that size are going to spend about 75% of their time sleeping. The other 25% of the time is spent spitting up or pooping (all over their clothes every.single.blasted.time). Besides that, you really aren't going to leave your house that much in those first few months - besides a weekly trip to Target, obviously. (Our pediatrician advised that we not take Sam around any crowds until he was at least 6 weeks old - and that was in the summer!) And, when you are home, there is really nothing more precious than a simple diapered ball of cuteness. (Trust me on this.)
In addition, they will grow SO fast in those first few weeks - seriously, they will basically be a teenager by their first birthday - you'll be packing up those teeny tinies before you can so much as finish your thank you notes (or fit in your pre-baby jeans - see here)!
I know how tempting it is going to be; but, really... Don't buy them. Settle for several packs of white onesies and some sweet (but budget-friendly) footsie pajamas.
Instead, invest in trendy blankets (like these, my faves). They come in lots of great patterns and are the perfect accessory to any onesie, and a lot less likely to be stained a brownish-yellow color. ;) Or, if you really must buy clothes, buy them in size 12 months & up (or, at the very least six)... Believe me, by the time you get there, people aren't busting down your door every second with a new present or gift card, and kids grow a lot slower after about 9 months, so they will actually get some wear out of their clothes. *Personally, I recommend shopping consignment & second-hand except for special events; but, that's another lesson for another day...
For now, my pillow is calling my name! Happy (almost) Friday!
This post is part of a series for 31 Days of Change hosted by The Nester. To see my other "lessons," click here.
I like the blanket idea, especially if it's a home made one. It's nice to keep and give to your child when they get older. Ive also bought clothes that serve multiple purposes like my sons super man Halloween costume. He loves them as PJs and they where really cheap from http://beautifullbabies.bigcartel.com
ReplyDeleteI like the blanket idea, especially if it's a home made one. It's nice
ReplyDeleteto keep and give to your child when they get older. Ive also bought
clothes that serve multiple purposes like my sons super man Halloween costume. He loves them as PJs and they where really cheap from http://beautifullbabies.bigcartel.com
I totally agree with this post! While 0-3month outfits are indescribably gorgeous and soooo tempting to buy, they really are useless and impractical. I agree on buying the larger sizes of cute clothes for the future too - I found it much more helpful to buy clothes for 6months and onwards to add to the stash so that when your baby gets old enough, you actually have some clothes ready rather than madly dash around trying to buy clothes rather than baby getting around half-dressed!
ReplyDeleteLovin' the lessons - keep them coming!
amen, sista!
ReplyDeleteI took this advice when I was preggers with Saige and bought NOTHING from the 0-3 month aisle... I assumed average size us would have an average size baby... wrong! Our full-term baby came out preemie sized {a whopping 5 lbs} and has stayed itty ever since {she still rocks some of her 18-24 month outfits at 3.5 years as well as Gabe's 6-12 month puffy vest! I swear I feed her}.
ReplyDeleteSo then we make baby #2 and think, Saige was a fluke and our boy will be different; we steer clear of the newborn outfits, resist their cuteness and BAM! another bitty baby! At 12 months Gabriel's still sporting a good portion of his 3-6 month attire.
So while I 100% agree that MOST babies won't wear their closet full of Gap's newborn collection; all redheads named Sara with huge control issues, should go to their local thrift stores and find all the mint condition 0-3 month hand-me-downs from normal sized babies.
the end.
xo
We just sent a bunch of baby clothes for one of our friends that had a baby...I had heard that about the 0-3 months too but I was and am hoping she'll post pictures on her facebook everyday so we can see them on her! They were just too cute to pass up!
ReplyDeleteI wish I had listened to this advice when I heard it..instead, I bought some cute things (though, not too many, thankfully). And I bought some onesies that are a P.I.A. to get on!! The BEST outfits are cotton and stretchy with lots of snaps! Ha Great post!!
ReplyDeleteGreat advice. I just started shopping consignment sales and absolutely love them! So much good/cute clothes for so little.
ReplyDeleteMy guy is little, but even so he's outgrown so much so fast...or puked/spit carrots on etc most of his shirts. ugh!
Agreed. I swear my little guy was in 3 month clothes for 4 days. I need to have another boy just to make me feel less guilty about taking the tags off and washing alllll of those outfits!
ReplyDelete