How to Make Baby Clothes Last

Baby clothes are a significant expense for new parents. In order to save money and trips to the store, you should consider how to extend the usefulness of your baby's clothes by making them last longer. With a little extra effort, you can significantly reduce your need to buy new clothes for the baby.

• Start with high quality clothes. This does not mean you need more expensive clothing, just pieces that are sturdy and well made. When you buy clothes, choose brands that you have had success with in the past, and examine seams and fabric. Clothes that feel thin or stiff or that have flimsy seams will not last as long as other options.


• Buy solid socks in only a few colors. This will allow you to mix and match socks, so if you lose one of a pair, you can still use the remaining sock.


• Use a large bib whenever you feed the baby. This will protect clothes from stains.


• Buy good quality, gentle laundry detergent. Cheap, harsh detergents can actually decrease the lifespan of clothes.


• Use stain spray immediately when you notice a spot on the baby's clothes. Stain sprays can help to remove difficult spots from spit up or baby food, and the sooner you treat the stain, the greater the likelihood that you will be able to remove it.


• Wash baby clothes in cold water to prevent fading.


• Put socks in a net lingerie bag when washing them to cut down on loss.


• Wash baby clothes inside out to protect them from pulls in the wash.


• Snap snaps and fasten Velcro fasteners before washing clothes to cut down on snags.


• Avoid putting baby clothes in the dryer. This will help to prevent the clothes from shrinking.  Instead, dry clothes on a line outside or on an inside drying rack.  If you do use the dryer, choose a lower heat setting to help preserve your baby's clothes.


• Extend the life of onesies by turning them into t-shirts. When your baby outgrows a onesie, you can cut it off above the legs, and add a quick hem to turn it into a serviceable t-shirt.