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Tip Store: Babies: Clothing
Save on Babywear
Before our daughter was born, we made weekly visits to the local Vinnies, Lifeline and the like for good quality babywear. We found onesies and other baby clothes for as little as 50 cents per item. Babies grow so quickly, so each item was hardly worn and of almost new quality. While we saved $$$ we were also doing our bit for the environment by reusing items of clothing.
Contributed by Leesa S., 15th January 2015
Before our daughter was born, we made weekly visits to the local Vinnies, Lifeline and the like for good quality babywear. We found onesies and other baby clothes for as little as 50 cents per item. Babies grow so quickly, so each item was hardly worn and of almost new quality. While we saved $$$ we were also doing our bit for the environment by reusing items of clothing.
Contributed by Leesa S., 15th January 2015
The Baby Doesn't Judge
Once a week/fortnight before the baby was born I would go to our local second-hand shops and buy clothes in the size the baby was in and up to 2 sizes bigger. Only buy good quality items. I continued this until they were much older. I would keep a list of what I had bought and any missing items I would ask for them as a gift for birthdays and Christmas or buy at the end of season sales. For Easter I would ask the grandparents to buy a pair of winter pyjamas for them. My 3 children grew up and our eldest is now scouring the shops for items for her upcoming wedding.
Contributed by Julie Stroud-Watts, 15th January 2015
Once a week/fortnight before the baby was born I would go to our local second-hand shops and buy clothes in the size the baby was in and up to 2 sizes bigger. Only buy good quality items. I continued this until they were much older. I would keep a list of what I had bought and any missing items I would ask for them as a gift for birthdays and Christmas or buy at the end of season sales. For Easter I would ask the grandparents to buy a pair of winter pyjamas for them. My 3 children grew up and our eldest is now scouring the shops for items for her upcoming wedding.
Contributed by Julie Stroud-Watts, 15th January 2015
Baby Socks Make Great Mittens
I had trouble keeping my eight month old son's hands warm at night. He is not one to keep the covers on. I did not want to spend money on a set if gloves for him that he would outgrow quickly so one night when I was half asleep I decided to put a pair of his socks on his hands. They worked great. Now my son's hands are warm and I saved money on a item I did not really need in my climate.
Contributed by Vanessa, Dalby, 29th April 2010
I had trouble keeping my eight month old son's hands warm at night. He is not one to keep the covers on. I did not want to spend money on a set if gloves for him that he would outgrow quickly so one night when I was half asleep I decided to put a pair of his socks on his hands. They worked great. Now my son's hands are warm and I saved money on a item I did not really need in my climate.
Contributed by Vanessa, Dalby, 29th April 2010
Puffy Dots Stop Baby From Slipping
When my daughter (3.5yrs) first started pulling herself up, her little socked feet would slip straight out from under her. Babies clothes are expensive and short lived, so instead of paying for "grippy socks" at around $10 a pair, I bought some puff paint for around $1.30 a bottle and put spots on the soles of her everyday socks. My daughter was walking competently before the socks wore out and I am about to do the same again for my son.
Contributed by Nicholle, Cambooya, 27th April 2009
When my daughter (3.5yrs) first started pulling herself up, her little socked feet would slip straight out from under her. Babies clothes are expensive and short lived, so instead of paying for "grippy socks" at around $10 a pair, I bought some puff paint for around $1.30 a bottle and put spots on the soles of her everyday socks. My daughter was walking competently before the socks wore out and I am about to do the same again for my son.
Contributed by Nicholle, Cambooya, 27th April 2009
Change of Colour for a New Baby
Approximate $ Savings: $100s
When having my second child, my first being a girl, I wanted to be prepared financially. I decided to find out the sex of my baby; upon finding out that I was expecting a boy, I saved hundreds of dollars going from pink baby items to blue simply by buying a $10 bottle of blue dye. I dyed all the pink and white bonds suits to a lovely purple and blue. All the cot blankets were also given a new look. I was given a ball of wool from each family member and learnt to crochet and made a beautiful blanket for both children, which could have cost a lot more if I had bought them already made.
Contributed by Donna, Mildura, 31st May 2008
Approximate $ Savings: $100s
When having my second child, my first being a girl, I wanted to be prepared financially. I decided to find out the sex of my baby; upon finding out that I was expecting a boy, I saved hundreds of dollars going from pink baby items to blue simply by buying a $10 bottle of blue dye. I dyed all the pink and white bonds suits to a lovely purple and blue. All the cot blankets were also given a new look. I was given a ball of wool from each family member and learnt to crochet and made a beautiful blanket for both children, which could have cost a lot more if I had bought them already made.
Contributed by Donna, Mildura, 31st May 2008
Target the Bargains
Approximate $ Savings: anywhere from $5-$40
Towards the end of seasons (winter and summer mainly) Target stores begin to reduce the price of their clothing. As they carry a large range of clothes they don't get around to marking all with reduced tickets. In the top right corner of the ticket label there is a code: W07 = winter 07, S07=summer 07. If it is past that season then generally that item will be reduced. Even if there is no ticket marking that price, you should take it to a scanning point and see for yourself. I once found 4 pairs of jeans, none had discount tickets on them and I paid $4.87 for one and $8.87 a pair for the other three. Each pair ranged between $39.99 to $69.99. This may take time in looking but could save you a lot in cash :) I do this a lot! I find all kinds of bargains. Scan, scan, scan is my motto. Don't just trust the ticket price, you could be putting down bargains that are as low as 86c. That's right!! Right at the very end of season they mark down to as low as 86c per item just to get rid of it. Happy Hunting
Contributed by Stephanie, Kinross, 25th March 2008
Approximate $ Savings: anywhere from $5-$40
Towards the end of seasons (winter and summer mainly) Target stores begin to reduce the price of their clothing. As they carry a large range of clothes they don't get around to marking all with reduced tickets. In the top right corner of the ticket label there is a code: W07 = winter 07, S07=summer 07. If it is past that season then generally that item will be reduced. Even if there is no ticket marking that price, you should take it to a scanning point and see for yourself. I once found 4 pairs of jeans, none had discount tickets on them and I paid $4.87 for one and $8.87 a pair for the other three. Each pair ranged between $39.99 to $69.99. This may take time in looking but could save you a lot in cash :) I do this a lot! I find all kinds of bargains. Scan, scan, scan is my motto. Don't just trust the ticket price, you could be putting down bargains that are as low as 86c. That's right!! Right at the very end of season they mark down to as low as 86c per item just to get rid of it. Happy Hunting
Contributed by Stephanie, Kinross, 25th March 2008
Extending the Wearing Life of Toddler Trousers
Approximate $ Savings: $30+ p/a
I wish I'd know this one when mine were younger. This is both Baby's and Children's Tip. A toddlers jeans (2-3yrs under)have to fit over their nappy, and so are quite wide with elastic waists, but come down to their ankles. If they did not have a nappy the pants/jeans would slip off. Because of the above: When your child is out of nappies and grown to approx 4-5yr old the same pants/jeans (worn as baby with nappy) can be re-used for shorts of different lengths.
Contributed by AM, Forrestfield, 15th May 2008
Approximate $ Savings: $30+ p/a
I wish I'd know this one when mine were younger. This is both Baby's and Children's Tip. A toddlers jeans (2-3yrs under)have to fit over their nappy, and so are quite wide with elastic waists, but come down to their ankles. If they did not have a nappy the pants/jeans would slip off. Because of the above: When your child is out of nappies and grown to approx 4-5yr old the same pants/jeans (worn as baby with nappy) can be re-used for shorts of different lengths.
Contributed by AM, Forrestfield, 15th May 2008
Mix'n'Match and Layering Right From Birth
Approximate $ Savings: around $100
Being a new mum, I'm always looking to save money, especially on baby items! One way I have found to save heaps of money is to buy clothes in larger sizes at the end of season sales, for use later on. Not a new idea, I hear you say? The problem that I initially found with this idea is that it's not that easy to predict what size your baby will be in a particular season. For example, our daughter is way above average in height, but below average in weight; or if you are buying before baby is born. You don't want to be buying a heap of light dresses that your child will only fit into in the middle of winter, or trackies that will only fit them in the heat of summer. What I have worked out to overcome this problem is to purchase items that can be easily used for multiple seasons. At the end of summer sales, I bought our daughter tights to wear on their own in warmer weather, or under dresses/skirts in the cold; skirts that are suitable to wear with leggings/tights or bare-legged; short-sleeve shirts and dresses that would look nice on their own, or with a long-sleeve top underneath for that cute layering look. Most items I purchased were half-price, many even cheaper - I ended up getting approximately $140 worth of clothes for $45, and none of it will go un-worn!
Contributed by Melissa, South Morang, 2nd April 2008
Approximate $ Savings: around $100
Being a new mum, I'm always looking to save money, especially on baby items! One way I have found to save heaps of money is to buy clothes in larger sizes at the end of season sales, for use later on. Not a new idea, I hear you say? The problem that I initially found with this idea is that it's not that easy to predict what size your baby will be in a particular season. For example, our daughter is way above average in height, but below average in weight; or if you are buying before baby is born. You don't want to be buying a heap of light dresses that your child will only fit into in the middle of winter, or trackies that will only fit them in the heat of summer. What I have worked out to overcome this problem is to purchase items that can be easily used for multiple seasons. At the end of summer sales, I bought our daughter tights to wear on their own in warmer weather, or under dresses/skirts in the cold; skirts that are suitable to wear with leggings/tights or bare-legged; short-sleeve shirts and dresses that would look nice on their own, or with a long-sleeve top underneath for that cute layering look. Most items I purchased were half-price, many even cheaper - I ended up getting approximately $140 worth of clothes for $45, and none of it will go un-worn!
Contributed by Melissa, South Morang, 2nd April 2008
Use An Old Shower Curtain
Approximate $ Savings: $30-40
Don't throw away the old shower curtain of the bathroom. Do wash it and pet dry then you are ready to make as many bibs for the babies as possible just get the hoop Velcro from spotlight which is available for $3 and you save at least $6 on each bib.
Contributed by Rehana, Lakemba, 5th January 2008
Approximate $ Savings: $30-40
Don't throw away the old shower curtain of the bathroom. Do wash it and pet dry then you are ready to make as many bibs for the babies as possible just get the hoop Velcro from spotlight which is available for $3 and you save at least $6 on each bib.
Contributed by Rehana, Lakemba, 5th January 2008
Beyond the Baby Bump
I came across this website www.babybumpandbeyond.com.au and it is fantastic! They specialize in children's clothes: babies (0-2) and kids (up to 8). Basically every item is under $15, and most are even under $10. Plus they cap postage at $8.60 Australia wide or offer free post for orders over $100. Three of their fantastic bargains are: baby shorts for $2.95 each, baby shoes for $4.95 per pair and swimmers for $11.95 each - you can even buy older kids swimmers for this price (including boys top and pant sets.) This really is well worth a look!
Contributed by Kate, Qld, 2nd January 2008
I came across this website www.babybumpandbeyond.com.au and it is fantastic! They specialize in children's clothes: babies (0-2) and kids (up to 8). Basically every item is under $15, and most are even under $10. Plus they cap postage at $8.60 Australia wide or offer free post for orders over $100. Three of their fantastic bargains are: baby shorts for $2.95 each, baby shoes for $4.95 per pair and swimmers for $11.95 each - you can even buy older kids swimmers for this price (including boys top and pant sets.) This really is well worth a look!
Contributed by Kate, Qld, 2nd January 2008
A Change of Colour for a New Baby
My first baby was a girl, so when it came to my second baby, i found out while still pregnant that i was having a boy. so i purchased a $10 bottle of blue dye and changed all my daughters pink and white bonds suits and blankets to a lovely new fresh blue. I saved hundreds of dollars doing this, baby blankets are not cheap but very easy to dye.
Contributed by Donna, Buronga, 24th December 2007
My first baby was a girl, so when it came to my second baby, i found out while still pregnant that i was having a boy. so i purchased a $10 bottle of blue dye and changed all my daughters pink and white bonds suits and blankets to a lovely new fresh blue. I saved hundreds of dollars doing this, baby blankets are not cheap but very easy to dye.
Contributed by Donna, Buronga, 24th December 2007
Singlets Save Money
Approximate $ Savings: $30 pa
I have found that the best way to get through winter with kids and colds is with singlets. I buy them cheap on sale for the next year but the best saving of all is buying BOYS singlets for the oldest and passing them down. We have one boy and two girls under 4, the girl being the oldest. The last ones I got were 40% off and I only had to buy one type instead of two. Although they are singlets sold for boys they don't look boyish, being simply white. Also, I think they sit higher on their chest, keeping them warmer.
Contributed by Tracey, Gympie, 13th July 2007
Approximate $ Savings: $30 pa
I have found that the best way to get through winter with kids and colds is with singlets. I buy them cheap on sale for the next year but the best saving of all is buying BOYS singlets for the oldest and passing them down. We have one boy and two girls under 4, the girl being the oldest. The last ones I got were 40% off and I only had to buy one type instead of two. Although they are singlets sold for boys they don't look boyish, being simply white. Also, I think they sit higher on their chest, keeping them warmer.
Contributed by Tracey, Gympie, 13th July 2007
Stay on Baby Mittens
Approximate $ Savings: Unlimited
I was tired of ill-fitting mittens when my baby was born so I started putting tiny baby socks on my son's hands instead. They are a much more snug fit, they prevent scratching and in winter they're perfect warmers.
Contributed by Julia, Taigum, 16th May 2007
Approximate $ Savings: Unlimited
I was tired of ill-fitting mittens when my baby was born so I started putting tiny baby socks on my son's hands instead. They are a much more snug fit, they prevent scratching and in winter they're perfect warmers.
Contributed by Julia, Taigum, 16th May 2007
Don’t be Guilted into Spending More than You can Afford
I recently won a free membership to your site and am enjoying it very much. I would like to submit another tip. It is "don't allow yourself to be emotionally guilt-tripped into spending more money than you would like to. Continue searching for cheaper alternatives until they present themselves, even if it takes a while". To illustrate... my son recently started wearing shoes for the first time (16 months). I was told by everybody that I should get good shoes and have them professionally fitted else I could do damage to his developing feet. I went to Shoes & Sox and other reputable stores who fitted his feet - the shoes they recommended all cost upwards of $90 a pair and I was told he would wear them for around 3 months. I shopped around at other stores and found that the cheaper shoes I could find were not as comfortable for him. I thought I might have to spend the $90. After speaking to many people I heard of a brand called Grosby and got a wonderful soft pair of genuine leather shoes for my son at KMart. It cost me only $24. I think the example for each person will be different depending on what they need to buy, but next time your members are in a position where a sales person looks at them as if they are "Cheapskates", my advice is to remember that a better solution might not be that far away. And being a Cheapskate is actually just quite sensible!
Contributed by Tracey, Cremorne Point, March 18th 2005
I recently won a free membership to your site and am enjoying it very much. I would like to submit another tip. It is "don't allow yourself to be emotionally guilt-tripped into spending more money than you would like to. Continue searching for cheaper alternatives until they present themselves, even if it takes a while". To illustrate... my son recently started wearing shoes for the first time (16 months). I was told by everybody that I should get good shoes and have them professionally fitted else I could do damage to his developing feet. I went to Shoes & Sox and other reputable stores who fitted his feet - the shoes they recommended all cost upwards of $90 a pair and I was told he would wear them for around 3 months. I shopped around at other stores and found that the cheaper shoes I could find were not as comfortable for him. I thought I might have to spend the $90. After speaking to many people I heard of a brand called Grosby and got a wonderful soft pair of genuine leather shoes for my son at KMart. It cost me only $24. I think the example for each person will be different depending on what they need to buy, but next time your members are in a position where a sales person looks at them as if they are "Cheapskates", my advice is to remember that a better solution might not be that far away. And being a Cheapskate is actually just quite sensible!
Contributed by Tracey, Cremorne Point, March 18th 2005
Another Use for an Old Sock
When a sock wears out near the toe area just cut the foot part off and use it for kneepads for your baby when they are learning to crawl, as it will save their little knees from getting sore.
Contributed by Cass, Daisy Hill, June 28th, 2006
When a sock wears out near the toe area just cut the foot part off and use it for kneepads for your baby when they are learning to crawl, as it will save their little knees from getting sore.
Contributed by Cass, Daisy Hill, June 28th, 2006
Children/Babies
I heard of this tip and thought your readers maybe able to make use of it, as I found out too late. When your child is crawling (and learning to crawl) outside or on hard floors, put stubby coolers (with the bottoms cut out) on their knees to pad them and save the wear and tear on the child's clothes.
Contributed by Sandra, Selby, August 31st 2006
I heard of this tip and thought your readers maybe able to make use of it, as I found out too late. When your child is crawling (and learning to crawl) outside or on hard floors, put stubby coolers (with the bottoms cut out) on their knees to pad them and save the wear and tear on the child's clothes.
Contributed by Sandra, Selby, August 31st 2006
Plan Ahead Clothing
Finding a remarkable after-season sale on kids clothes might make you wish you knew what size your children will be next summer or winter. Solution: Ask your doctor for a children's height and weight chart. Plot your kids weight and height and follow the growth line to get a good idea of how they will grow. Now you can stock up with confidence.
Finding a remarkable after-season sale on kids clothes might make you wish you knew what size your children will be next summer or winter. Solution: Ask your doctor for a children's height and weight chart. Plot your kids weight and height and follow the growth line to get a good idea of how they will grow. Now you can stock up with confidence.
Colourful Hand-me Downs
A great way to use hand-me downs is to dye the white clothes pink or blue, depending on the sex of the new child. If the new baby is a girl, you can pretty them up with appliqués, ribbons, lace or embroidery. If the new baby is a boy, add some colourful appliqués or pockets to change the look.
A great way to use hand-me downs is to dye the white clothes pink or blue, depending on the sex of the new child. If the new baby is a girl, you can pretty them up with appliqués, ribbons, lace or embroidery. If the new baby is a boy, add some colourful appliqués or pockets to change the look.
Stretchy Buttons
When you sew buttons onto children's clothes, use hat elastic. It makes buttoning easier for the kids, and they don't come off as easily either.
When you sew buttons onto children's clothes, use hat elastic. It makes buttoning easier for the kids, and they don't come off as easily either.
Kids Markets
Hi there, I have just had a baby girl and she is almost 6 months old. To save money on clothes and toys I go to the kids market held in Chelsea every few months (there is one being held on 13th Nov). People go the kids market to sell their preloved goods and you can pick up brands names for only a few dollars and they look almost brand new. i have saved heaps of money on clothes and now wouldn't think of paying $20 in a store for any item of clothing for my daughter. People are always commenting on how well dressed she is and how many clothes she has and that it must have cost a fortune, of course I just smile. The kids market concept has become a commercialised thing is being run in other suburbs by ABC Kidz Markets and they are great as well. Hopefully, it will mean that more people will get the chance to benefit from these markets like we have. Enjoy!!
Contributed by Yogita, Bon Beach, October28th, 2004
Hi there, I have just had a baby girl and she is almost 6 months old. To save money on clothes and toys I go to the kids market held in Chelsea every few months (there is one being held on 13th Nov). People go the kids market to sell their preloved goods and you can pick up brands names for only a few dollars and they look almost brand new. i have saved heaps of money on clothes and now wouldn't think of paying $20 in a store for any item of clothing for my daughter. People are always commenting on how well dressed she is and how many clothes she has and that it must have cost a fortune, of course I just smile. The kids market concept has become a commercialised thing is being run in other suburbs by ABC Kidz Markets and they are great as well. Hopefully, it will mean that more people will get the chance to benefit from these markets like we have. Enjoy!!
Contributed by Yogita, Bon Beach, October28th, 2004
Ebay
Ebay is great for baby clothes, considering they are not worn for long, most are still in great condition. Best thing is once you have finished with them, anything that is still in good condition, you can resell!
Contributed by Rhonda, Hillbank, October 16th, 2004
Ebay is great for baby clothes, considering they are not worn for long, most are still in great condition. Best thing is once you have finished with them, anything that is still in good condition, you can resell!
Contributed by Rhonda, Hillbank, October 16th, 2004