...To be panicking about baby clothes?

[toomanyclothes262]

Very tight budget so running out to buy things last minute/ordering from Amazon is not the best option. Obviously can do so in an emergency but would rather not.

I was initially very laidback about buying baby clothes but as I get closer and closer to due date I'm starting to panic about how expensive everything seems to be and what I'll actually need. I've now got it into my head she's going to throw up everywhere and need changing every 2 hours.

I have acquired a bag of clothing from fb which contains 22 newborn/up to 1 month sleepsuits. Will that be enough sleepsuits? I know I'll need vests/bodysuits as well, how many? Trying to shop the sales/2ndhand as much as possible to keep costings down. Using a range of sales/offers etc. I've got 31 up to 1 month short sleeve bodysuits for £18 and 30 0-3 for £19 (got all the receipts so can return) - is this a good deal?

I know some people have less but wash more, but I won't do a cycle with less than a full load (we can say it's environmental rather than the cost of electricity!)

I have spreadsheets with the stuff I've acquired across the age ranges, and I know predicting the size/rate of growth of baby is kind of like how long is a piece of string, but I'd rather worry about this stuff now rather than trawling FB marketplace/sales/charity shops when she's born.

I also have the problem where I am constantly hormonal at the cuteness of the full price outfits whenever I'm in a shop - and having to tell myself that £16 dresses are definitely not necessary!

If anyone has any advice/numbers then that would be much appreciated.

I feel fine buying clothes for myself because I know I'll get a lot of wear out of them, but kids grow so fast!!

Where are you based @toomanyclothes262 ? If you want to private message me I can send you some nice girl’s clothing for slightly bigger sizes so you have more for when she grows? I have lots I’m meaning to sell on vinted and haven’t got round to it, would be happy to give it to someone who needs it? When are you due?

I had twins - you had more than I did. You can also wash baby clothes with adult clothes if you are worried about filling a washing machine.

Don't rush to buy much more. People are gonna give you loads of stuff both second hand and new as gifts. I didn't have to start actually buying my kids clothes until they turned 1.

I would get a few newborn things but save your money for 0-3.

You've got huge amounts.
I had 7 sleepsuits and 7 vests in 0-3, didn't have newborn, and 2 sleepsuits that were a bit awkward (no leg poppers) so they were my fall back spares.
You may get a few outfits too once they're born. I didn't get anything new except one little dungarees set (from Littlewoods as it closed down) but we were given a number once dd was born.

Another mum here saying, quit with the "up to one month" stuff... You have no idea how big your baby will be, and those may potentially be too small from birth. My DD was 8.8, no not huge, but the odd 0-3 sleep suits I had were far far too small. Her little toes were all squashed up in the foot bit, making t all tight round her legs and she had to go straight into 0-3, and they didn't last long either! Also, she had to have a cannula in her hand in hospital, so DG had to nip across to the nearest supermarket to get some much bigger ones then so the sleeve was loose enough to go round her hand. 5 of each size in vests & baby grows will be plenty, and that's coming from a mum of a very sicky baby. Muslins and bibs were our saviour as they would save most outfits from needing changing.

I would say you have more than enough. I buy pretty much all of DS clothes on Vinted now, such good value. Although I have had a few things described as excellent condition and arrive with stains on, but the majority are good condition. Do you have any baby sales near you? There is monthly one in a leisure centre near us which is just a huge hall of people selling all their baby items they no longer need and you can pick up all sorts from there for so cheap - loads of clothes, prams, toys, bouncers etc so definitely worth looking in to seeing if you have anything like this local.

Asda, Tesco, Sainsbury's and Morrisons all have lovely baby clothes which are not expensive and are of decent quality

My child lived in sleep suits till nearly 2 from memory, maybe a couple of normal outfits but that was it

G

I think I had ten vests, ten sleepsuits. And didn’t put mine into proper clothes for a good four months, just a sleep suit with a cardi or little quilted jacket.

Mine lived in white sleepsuits and vests for the first period. Sounds as if you have plenty to start with, and con e the baby is here you can work out what you need next x

I had 2 packs of 3 white sleepsuits 0-3 months from Tesco. Same for vests.They lasted ages . How many can you possibly need? My middle child was small and scrawny so would ideally have been in a smaller size but we managed fine . You are likely to be given a few babygros or outfits. Don't spend money until baby is here and don't buy until you are sure that you actually need things rather than 'nice to have'.