That first year of new parenthood goes by in such a blur, and before you know it, your tiny newborn is suddenly blowing through clothes sizes and leaving toys behind.
Not to mention, you’re no longer wearing your maternity jeans anymore either (though… you may miss that elastic waistband).
So as your stockpile of boxes filled with outgrown baby stuff (and now too big maternity wear) increases, you’ve probably found yourself wondering what you should do with it all. Well… there are a few options.
- Keep: If you’re not sure you’re quite done with your family building just yet, it’s probably a good idea to keep whatever you have the room for to store. After all, that stuff wasn’t cheap, and the truth is—most people don’t get baby showers for a second or third little one. So while you may have received a lot of generous gifts the first time around, the expectation is often that you keep those items for future children. And you don’t want to have to start from scratch with the next baby unless you have to.
- Hand Down: Maybe you have a good friend or relative who is about to have a baby of their own, and you love the idea of your baby’s clothes being put to good use by a friend’s baby. In that case, hand-me-downs are always deeply appreciated and it can be a lot of fun to see the items you loved so much getting loved again. Of course, with hand-me-downs, there isn’t usually an expectation of getting those items back. After all, kids can be rough on things, and it can be hard for new parents to keep track of what was given to them by whom. So if you have a special sentimental attachment to anything, you probably shouldn’t give it away. This is an option reserved only for those items you are ready to say “goodbye” to.
- Sell: When it comes to baby gear, there is almost always a market for selling your used items online. Craigslist or eBay can be a great resource for getting rid of that swing, bouncer, and exersaucer. Baby consignment stores are another great idea, usually willing to take baby clothes off your hands for cash or store credit—store credit that can be used to pick up clothes in bigger sizes for your growing little one. The same options exist in a lot of places for maternity clothes as well.
- Charity: Charity shops or organizations are also willing to take unwanted clothes or toys. Make sure they’re in good condition and clean, and you’ll find that your local charity will be grateful to receive them. This has the added benefit of knowing your items are going to a good cause.
The good news is, no matter what you decide, there is always someone willing to take those extra items off your hands when you’re ready!
Written by Leah Campbell, infertility advocate, adoptive mama, writer and editor. Find me @sifinalaska on Twitter.
This information is not intended to replace the advice of a trained medical doctor. Health & Parenting Ltd disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information, which is provided to you on a general informational basis only and not as a substitute for personalized medical advice. All contents copyright Health & Parenting Ltd 2016. All rights reserved.