How to save money on baby clothing

Children are constantly growing and forever in need of new clothes, new shoes, new gear. Sometimes it feels like it’s unending. But baby’s don’t really have to be expensive. Well, I have determined that my won’t be so I continue to do everything I can to keep costs down. Even though I have expensive tastes, I have certain criteria of what and where to buy things which that has honestly saved me money. And so far I’ll say it’s been quite affordable. Here are my favorite ways to save money on baby clothing and other items.  

(This post includes referral links. That means we may make a small commission through links on this post at no extra cost to you!)

Buy used

1. Mercari

This is an app that has truly proven to be a used market gold mine! Basically any item you can think of buying from baby furniture such as high chairs etc, to strollers, car seats, shoes and clothing.

I have found the secret for getting good deals is to literally be frequent on app. If you are looking for a specific deal, flag your wanted item on the app.

Say you’re looking for size 5 stride rite shoes for instance. All you have to do is type it in the search bar. Then save the search. Every time you open your app you automatically get updates for your search!  It’s easy to buy and sell on Mercari. Get up to $30 when you get started. Use code GFPYNG when you sign up with my link. You can sign up here.

2. Once upon a child or other clothing stores that specialize in gently used items.

You can find tons of items like books, toys, cribs, strollers and of course clothing and shoes. 

3. Consignment sales. Find out if there are any big sales in your town for kids items. Here, we have two major consignment sales solely for kids items twice a year. You get a free ticket and basically shop until you drop.

However, the consignment sales items here may be very heavily used so I would be super diligent about inspecting the items that I pick up. It’s easy to overlook the little details when there are so many items to choose from. 

4. Facebook market place. This is an easy place to get used items for baby only down side you usually have to arrange a pick up. Be safe and smart.

Buy New with discounts

I consider myself quite frugal, but sometimes I just cannot find specific items that I may need in the used items sales.

Also I have found that used items may shrink and therefore not be true to size. Depending on where you buy used items, all sales may be final. This equals money wasted, when you were trying to save!

So annoying and disappointing.

When I need to buy something new, I prefer not to pay full price for it. If I can’t find a sale (perhaps due to urgency), cash back is the next best option.  These are the most rewarding ways I have found new baby items. 

1. Rakuten. This website (and app) has so many stores to choose from but breaks things down to a specific baby and toddler section, which I found incredible useful. This is also a great place to get higher end items that don’t typically go on sale and get a percentage of your purchase back! If you sign up with this link to get paid for your first purchase.

2. Zulily. This is a website and app with very deeply discounted items. You can get name brands for a steal! They periodically run sales as well so when you sign up for their emails you will be the first to know what the major deals are. Sign up here. 

3. Credit card depending on your card, you may have unique shopping opportunities where the credit card saves you a percentage of of the sale. This savings goes straight back to your card balance which is a great way to lower your balance and be able to capitalize on specific deals.

Using this Capital one credit card I have got some of the best deals on Osh Kosh and Carters to name a few. You can sign up with my referral link here and join the world of savings.

I hope you find these ideas helpful as you shop for the best deals for your little one!