Baby Clothes

Baby clothes are adorable which may make this the most difficult place to keep the budget in check. Remember though, a baby is not aware of what he or she is wearing.

• First, resist the temptation to buy items until after you have had your baby shower. 
• Take any friend who offers to loan clothing up on the offer.  
• Then assess what you will need. 
• For most people one piece sleepers or snap crotch T-shirts are great for new babies. Sleepers with zippers are especially nice for quick diaper changes. 
• 8-10 sleepers and/ or T-shirts will get you through the newborn stage without having to do laundry daily, most days.
•  Buying basics such as T-shirts and socks in white or gender neutral colors can also help the clothing budget for future children. 
• Be sure to take the season your baby will be born in into account when shopping.  Fleece sleepers may be on sale in May, but a summer baby won't be needing them right away. Buy one in a bigger size and keep the tags on the item and pin the receipt to it.  Then you can return the item if your baby won't be wearing it.  
• As your baby gets older there are a few items that are good to snap up whenever they are on sale.  Jeans are a staple of most children's wardrobe in and can be worn in any season.  Depending on where you live, basic T-shits and a lightweight, hooded jacket may also be useful items to buy on sale.

Maternity Clothes

If you know that you are planning to get pregnant, stratagize when shopping for clothing in the months before.  

• Buy clothes that will get you through the first few months before you are in maternity clothes.  Look for flowing tops, jeans that stretch, and dress pants or skirts with some elastic. 
• Borrow a few items from a friend or relative who wears a size or two larger than your normal size.  
• Rummage through your partner's wardrobe for items that may fit during this stage. 
•  Keep in mind these clothes will also come in handy after you have the baby.  
• You may also be able to get some extra inches out of your wardrobe by looping a rubber band through the button hole of pants and looping the other end around the button.  This will allow you to wear the pants unbuttoned and unzipped, just make sure to wear a long shirt.  
• You can also purchase an elastic band to go around the top of non-maternity pants.  

Maternity clothes will be your wardrobe for less than a year, so keep this in mind as you shop.  

• First, borrow any maternity clothes that you can.  
• Look for maternity clothes at second-hand stores.  
• If you are buying maternity clothes, try to buy classic items that will remain in style for a few years.  Hopefully you will be able to avoid buying new maternity clothes during future pregnancies. 
• Buy clothing in colors found in your non-pregnant wardrobe so you can accessorize without spending more money.