People who know about 'capsule wardrobes' or are good at packing light - Please help me!

[YouthworkersWife]

I am dreadful about owning far too many clothes. Many of which I do not wear regularly. This isn't a huge problem as (presuming I stay the same size) I'll probably get round to wearing them all at some point.

But what do I do with a baby? I'm trying to resist the temptation to over-buy because he'll just grow out of things before he's had a chance to wear them properly.

Can anyone suggest a baby version of a 'capsule wardrobe' for me? What do I really need and what can I do without?

He's just turned 4months so I was thinking that for each size I will probably need:

Vests (mainly short sleeved - 7, one for each day in the week?)
Trousers/Dungarees etc (no idea how many)
T shirts (same number as trousers maybe?)
Smart(ish) outfit
Jumper (two?)
Coat (winter only maybe?)

What would you suggest?

Thanks in advance,
Youthworker's Wife

[BertieBotts]

More t shirts than trousers, esp if he'll be in those clothes when you start weaning. Also more than 7 vests - 10 at least I'd say. I suppose you know by now if you have a puky or poo-exploding baby.They usually come in packs of 7 so 14 is easier than 10 or so.

Get thin trousers this time of year.

What I pretty much used to do was when DS was getting tight in his current size clothes I'd see what I had in the next size, and what I was obviously lacking, I'd go on a shopping trip for. Then I'd see how I went and only buy more stuff if I found I was running low a lot. If I saw something I liked in between these times or which I knew I already had enough of, I'd just buy it in an even bigger size for him to grow into. This does mean a bit of season juggling, but it actually works out pretty well if you buy a lot in sales.

[YouthworkersWife]

Thank you,

I'm adding more vests to my shopping list. He does explode. And I hadn't factored in the food-mess.

[Gillybobs]

I have 2 DS, now 10 and 12 so trying to remember waaaaaayyyyy back.....: )

I think they probably had 4 or 5 pairs of nice trousers/jeans/dungarees and a couple of pairs of nice soft joggers for stay at home days.

They do need loads of t shirts, probably at least 8 that fit them at a time (unless you are very good at keeping up with laundry). Short sleeve ones for summer can be worn under warmer tops as a cosy layer in autumn/winter

I always loved jersey hoodies/zippers for them, great as an outdoor layer at this time of year and for indoor wear in colder months. this kind of thing I would always have maybe 3 or 4 of these at any time

Coat wise, I think it depends if you drive a lot or walk everywhere, dont buy a big bulky warm coat if you drive a lot, he will be too warm in the car. A lightweight fleece is warm enough in the car.