Changing with the seasons
Atlantic Canadian mothers share their budgeting tips for getting kids new summer clothing
Children outgrow clothing at lightning speed, it’s a wellknown fact. But how are parents dealing with it given the current inflation crisis?
Brittany Brown has figured out a few ways to keep the kid’s summer clothing from breaking the budget. The 35-year-old from Cole Harbour, N.S. has two children, a 2-year-old and a 4-year-old.
“We don’t often buy many clothing items for our children. A generous estimate would be around $150 per child annually. That would be from all sources… new and used. It seems around every four to six months their sizes are changing, thankfully this usually correlates with the changing seasons as well,” said Brown.
NOT EVERYTHING IS BRAND NEW
Her current shopping list for her children’s summer clothing ranges from shorts and t-shirts to rain gear to bathing suits and sunglasses to new underwear and socks.
“I don’t actually purchase many of these items. Most of them are hand-me-downs from family and friends or items from clothing swaps.
“I do like to go to consignment sales for outdoor gear as it’s more affordable and also means another parent is getting money in return. Facebook Marketplace has also been a bit of a goldmine in the past, especially for the younger ages,” she explained.
“I try to think ahead to what the kids will need the following year by paying attention to what they have that will likely still fit next season.
“If I need to purchase new items, I will often do so at the end of a season, sizing up for what I think my children will be wearing the following year.”
Of course, there are certain things that Brown doesn’t hesitate to splurge on.
“Underwear and socks are probably the only thing I consistently buy new for them - oh, and my Teddie & Sons beanies!” she said.
“Getting a coat in excellent condition for less than half of the original retail price makes good financial sense to me. I would much rather invest that money into creating a core memory as a family.”
TAKING CARE
Aside from how quickly these clothing items are outgrown, it can also be difficult to make them last with adventurous young kids.
“They are so busy and constantly exploring at daycare. The amount of mud that gets dragged into my house in the spring always tells the story of a great day on the playground or in the woods,” she said.
“We love that they are able to get messy and have fun, and because of that we don’t worry too much about investing in fancy clothing or high-quality pieces. Our best bet to keep the clothes in decent shape, which means not stained, is powdered Tide.”
Brown’s biggest piece of advice is to band together with other parents who have children of a similar age.
“Make a friend who has a child a full year older than yours! Even if you offer to pay them for their lot of clothing, you will still be further ahead than having to purchase them all new,” she said.
“We are hosting a clothing swap in our community. It’s a bonus that at the same time as giving our items away, we are able to get some new-to-us items from those a few years ahead of us on their parenting journey.”
START EARLY
Brianna Murphy is right at the beginning of her parenting journey with her 10-month-old child. Thankfully, she got a jump on things when her baby was born last year.
“Our out-of-pocket has been $100 or less for this upcoming summer I would say. With having shared clothing amongst friends and watching for sales from the season ending the year prior, it’s been quite minimal,” explained the 31-year-old from Lucasville, N.S.
“It had also helped that on holidays we would specify the sizing needed as well as for what season. A good Baby Registry helped us a lot with a lot of the first expenses you run into.”
Murphy’s sources for clothing for her child range from new to pre-loved.
“We usually use Walmart sales, Once Upon A Child, thrift stores, stores that close out and have big sales, and sharing between friends who also have children around the same age,” she said.
“But sometimes when a season is over there, isn’t always a lot left on sale unless you go right when the sales are starting.”
Murphy has had a fairly smooth experience with dressing her child during the first year, but she’s ready for whatever is coming next.
“With only being ten months old, we haven’t had to face too many challenges yet. Just getting through the regressions and trial and error with foods!” she shared.
“As of right now, we haven’t run into any of kind of sensory or colour preference issues, but I feel if they ever do arise we will try our best to meet his needs whether that be being more cautious with the colour choosing in both clothing and toys.”
Aside from the stress that comes with making sure your child has everything they need, Murphy has one simple piece of advice.
“It goes fast. Take it all in. Every second of it,” she said.