Question: My Kids Grow So Fast. It Costs a Fortune to Keep Buying Them Clothing!
Kids grow really fast. Sometimes it seems like they hardly wear an item before it's already too small.
Answer: It doesn't have to cost a fortune to keep your kids looking good. Here are some tricks to keeping your quickly-growing kids looking good with spending all of your money:
- Buy pants with adjustable waistbands. Adjustable waistband trousers are great for kids who grow quickly. Buy them long and cuff them; as your child grows, let out the waistband bit by bit and stop cuffing them at the hem.
- Buy long pants and hem them at home. Let out the hem as the child grows.
- For girls, buy sleeveless dresses that are a bit long. As she grows, the dresses get shorter, but since they are sleeveless they will not appear too small.
- Buy basic items in colors that match or compliment. This is a great way to build a mix-and-match wardrobe.
- Purchase clothes made from durable materials that are easy to wash and dry. That way you can buy less, and wash the items often.
- Participate in hand-me-down trades. Get together with other parents and trade items that your children have outgrown.
- Shop consignment stores and ebay for bargain prices on children's clothes.
- Buy clothes at end-of-the-season and after Christmas sales. Be sure to calculate what sizes your children will be need if you are buying items for future use.
- Sell your child's outgrown clothing and use the money towards new clothing.
