Jul 14 2009
Hand-Me-Downs Are Chic New Apparel
When my son was born several people gave me bags and boxes full of little boy clothes their children had outgrown. I was ecstatic. I didn’t have to buy him clothing for most of his first year.
I saved much of his clothes in old diaper boxes and kept filling them up, saving them for baby number two. Then, three years later, came the ultrasound that proved we we’d be needing pink items.
What to do with all those clothes?
I contemplated keeping them once again, in case we have a third baby but opted to get rid of them. By the time we might have another child my son will be 5 or 6 years old and I’d need a second house to keep all the clothing he’s outgrowing. It’s just not practical. But, neither is buying all new clothes for each kid . We donated the clothes to another family who had a newborn baby boy and she has already started passing them along as well now that her son has outgrown some of the clothes.
So, the girl news started spreading and we started getting offers of donations from friends’ children who’d outgrown their baby clothes. “Bring ‘em over,” I replied to each offer. The boxes came and I haven’t had to buy much for my daughter.
Apparently, this is a new trend.
I rarely buy new clothes for my kids. The rate at which they outgrow their clothes is so fast, they don’t have time to ruin the ones they have — giving other families the chance to use the leftovers.
Consignment is hot
Resale seems to be a growing trend as well and not just on sites like eBay and Craigslist. In Orlando, we have a shop, Once Upon a Child, that pays cash for kid’s clothes that are in good shape. So, you sell some clothes and you buy some clothes. I’ve purchased several gorgeous dresses here for as little as $3.50. They would retail for at least $20. I have a hard time paying $20 for an item of clothing that is only going to last three months. Once, I sold some clothes and bought a few “new” outfits and walked out with more money than when I went in. It actually felt like they were paying me to take the clothes.
“The New York Times” wrote a great article about this trend — and it’s not just for people who need to save money. Everyone is realizing that there are great quality products and clothes out there that are hardly used. Why buy new when you can have “nearly new” for a lot less cash.
Instead of boxing up all my daughters clothes as she steadily outgrows them, I’m going to try resale and earn a few bucks, or just use the money to trade up in size so that I can outfit her for longer without having to always buy new.
Related
- Read “The New York Time’s” story, “For Firstborns, Secondhand Fits the Bill.”
- “How to Find and Sell Used Children’s Clothes on eBay.”
Paperwork –pre-register at the hospital. This is a must. It will save you time and allow you to go straight to triage when you enter the hospital. Bring all of your paperwork with you when you go to the hospital.
Clothes — You won’t really need an outfit except to wear for your journey home. Instead, bring a nightgown (a nursing nightgown if you plan to breastfeed) and robe, slippers, socks (for the birth if you want), going home outfit, flip flops, nursing bras and nursing pads.
Toiletries — Most lists say to bring sanitary pads so I kept it on my list, but the hospital will most likely provide these for you. You’ll get really big ones. And, some hospitals provide special paper underwear to use while you are there so you don’t have to worry about ruining your new set from Victoria’s Secret. Bring all the regular toilitries that you would to a hotel. You’ll be taking a shower at some point and will want to feel fresh.
Relaxation — Bring items that make you comfortable. For the most part, these are things for during the birth. A back massager is good for your spouse to use while you are in labor. A rice sock can be made by putting rice in an old tube sock and sewing it shut. It can be warmed up in the microwave or cooled down in the fridge to be used on your stomach while in labor. I admit that I created one of these for my first pregnancy, but didn’t end up using it. Hard candy to suck on since you won’t be allowed to have any food. Pillow spray if you want that special relaxation smell while in bed. Your own pillow if that suits you.
Electronics — don’t forget to bring your cameras to document the occasion. Make sure your batteries are charged and/or you bring battery backup. And, don’t forget the flash cards.
For your Partner: A watch to time contractions, toiletries, change of clothes (but not too many since he can go home), clothes to sleep in. If your partner typically sleeps commando or with a lovely pair of undies you might suggest he bring some PJs that would be suitable for others to see him in. Entertainment — he’ll have downtime while you are in labor and might want to read, watch TV or play a video game if you have a portable gaming console. I’d suggest you discuss this ahead of time so you know what you are getting into.
For baby: Infant car seat. They won’t let you leave the hospital without one. Cute outfit for the baby’s first hospital photo. Bring more than one, in different sizes. I had one for my son that ended up bring huge. Going home outfit. Receiving blanket — you only really need this if you want a special one. The hospital gives you plenty of the white, with blue and red striped ones to use while you are there. Infant caps. Again, the hospital slaps one of these on your baby right away so you don’t have to bring your own, but if you want your baby to be seen in a cute cap, bring your own. You don’t even really need to bring your baby any clothes. The hospital will put him/her in those little white t-shirt tops with the parts that fold over the babies’ hands. And, they usually provide diapers.
Other: cash — vending machines, valet parking, you name it you might need cash. Don’t forget your purse and wallet. A good idea is to have a small purse that will fit inside your luggage. My hospital makes you carry your luggage from room to room. Here’s the scenario: you are rushed to triage to wait for a room (husband is pushing screaming wife down hallway while pulling luggage), you get moved to the labor room (finally!) husband pulls luggage while you are pushed in wheel chair (hopefully), and then after the baby is born you get moved to your regular room, husband drags that suitcase along. The less bags he has to manage the better. And, remember you are not going to be in charge of the luggage or your purse so make it manageable.
Suzanne Wells, “the 
