To make a baby clothes suggestion

[hauntedvagina]

I have read a number of threads lately regarding baby clothes being lent and not returned / given and then asked for back unexpectedly.

If you decide to lend someone baby clothes, put a dot on the label with a coloured sharpie. When lending the clothes say "I thought you might like to borrow these, I've put a red dot in the label to make it easier to sort out which are mine to pass back when baby has outgrown them".

If someone lends you clothes, say "thank you, if it's ok I'll put a dot on the label so I know which clothes are yours for when I pass them back".

Even if the person says they don't want them back, still do it. When your child has outgrown them, offer them back. If they say they don't want them back then tell them what you will be doing with the clothes (passing on, donating, etc...).

That is all!

[Merryoldgoat]

Or what about you don’t give someone a load of worn clothes that you want back, rather give them freely when you’ve finished with them?

Because I don’t want to be mindful of someone else’s stuff whilst also wrangling a baby.

[SnuggyBuggy]

Or just don't give stuff away if you still want it. Wait until you have completed your family

[summerfruitssquash]

I think that’s a brilliant idea OP!
Although I do have to echo what other people have said, I’ve given my babies clothes away with absolutely no intent of having them back!

[SunbathingDragon]

I wouldn’t lend someone anything that it was important enough I got back. However, if marking clothes for return works for someone, surely they would do better to properly label it as a red dot would easily end up being missed or washed out.

[violetscone]

Ok but if everyone does a red dot we are back to square one...

[okiedokieme]

Just don't "lend" clothes, give them. Well there's exceptions eg a special occasion outfit but it should be returned after the occasion. I borrowed baby equipment and it was clearly marked underneath (3 of us managed to share a crib and infant car seat!)

[hauntedvagina]

As I said, I've done this numerous times and it works.

I lent people my baby clothes but made it quite clear they were being lent. I've also given people baby clothes and told them explicitly I don't expect them back.

Just something to think about.

[DappledThings]

I wouldnt accept a loan of baby clothes. You never know which ones are going to get stained or covered in so much poo that washing them isn't worth it. I wouldn't want the responsibility of having to think about keeping stuff nice to return it.

[user1473878824]

I find the idea of “loaning” baby clothes. As PP said what if they get ruined?

[LHReturns]

Perhaps financially some people really depend on being loaned baby clothes. I love the dot idea and when I had my babies and had SO many beautiful things that have never been worn / worn just once, I was thrilled to pass along. I never wanted them back but can understand that some people might want to do a nice thing by loaning, but also use the clothes again for a subsequent baby.

[TitianaTitsling]

Anyone else remember the occasion where you had to cut the post poonami clothes from their child?! Imagine they were 'red dot' ones!

[TorysSuckRevokeArticle50]

Did I just have the worlds messiest baby? By the time she was done with most of her clothes in the 0-9 months category they had food or poo stains on them and were ready for the bin. What wasn't stained went to the charity shop.

There's no way I would expect any baby clothes to survive multiple children, i certainly wouldn't get upset if i gave stuff away and it didn't survive to a 3rd child wearing it.

[Poetryinaction]

My sister wrote her name in all her baby clothes and gave them to me. I was given so much stuff by so many people, and hers weren't the nicest. Many of them were worn out. She had finished having children, I was starting. A year later she asked for them back to pass to another friend. I asked if I could keep them as I was pregnant again. I didn't tell her I had chucked most of them! In my naivety I thought the name was for her benefit when the clothes had belonged to her. I didn't realise I was supposed to give them back!
When I had finished having kids I asked her if I could pass on her stuff, as I felt I had to address the issue. Luckily she said yes.
I did once loan some stuff, but made it clear that if it got lost or ruined it was no biggie... I wanted the stuff used and I wanted to save my friend some money.
Baby clothes is such a weird one. I understand that people get sentimental. I have a box of stuff in the loft I can't give away, even though I don't need it. But I don't think you should lend things you really couldn't do without.
And labelling things just seems so... territorial?

[Merryoldgoat]

@TorysSuckRevokeArticle50

Nope - mine had reflux and it wasn’t uncommon for us both to require a full change 5 times a day.

Some of his clothes took a real battering.

[Waveysnail]

Dont lend baby clothes. Time with baby is complicated enough without keeping track of clothes.