Baby Clothes: To Keep or not to Keep?

I read this post on Babycenter.com about using old baby clothes to make a quilt. It’s a very cute idea (if you know how to sew – which I don’t) and a creative way for a mom to make use of those old baby clothes she doesn’t want to let go of. After I read the post it got me thinking, though. Other than for their nostalgic value, isn’t keeping old baby clothes kinda pointless?

Before you clutch your pearls in disagreement, think about it for a moment.

Babies grow out of their clothes faster than you can say, “oh look how cute!” I’ve been amazed at how quickly my C.C. has grown in the short few months she has been on this earth. I stare in disbelief at how small her newborn clothes are compared to the onesies she’s wearing now. She was so tiny! *wipestear*

The other day I had to reorganize her dresser drawers to rotate out the smaller sizes. I packed all of her newborn stuff in a bag with plans to give them to my sister whose expecting a baby girl this summer (yes, I’m going to be an Auntie and I can’t wait!). But even if I weren’t giving the clothes to my sister, I’d be giving them to SOMEONE.

I don’t see the point in holding on to clothes that she will never wear again for nostalgia’s sake (ok – maybe a onesie or two, but not all of them!)…especially when I’m sure there’s another mom or family in need who could use them. Granted, there’s the prospect of having another baby, which we plan to do eventually, but why save those items and let them sit around taking up space in the garage until we find out the sex of our next child (that won’t be here for at least another few years Lordwilling)? And what if we have a boy? Then what?

There are items that we do plan to use again, like the crib, high chair, play pen, etc. because we’ll likely still be using them when we have another child. But clothes? It just seems so short term to me. I’d rather donate them so another family can use them now, as opposed to me ‘possibly’ using them later. It’s a lovely thought to be able to look back and say to my daughter when she’s 12…”look at how small you were in this little dress!” At which point she’ll probably roll her eyes at me in annoyance (behind my back, or course! lol). But can’t I still do that with pictures? I know that the cost of having a baby can grow just as quickly as they do, but I would trust that the Lord would smile upon our generosity and provide all of the clothing needs of this second future baby I keep referring to.

I'll be out of this cute outfit in no time!

What say you?

Did you or will you keep or donate your baby’s clothes?