As your baby grows, you might be overwhelmed by the clothes she no longer wears. Donating any clothes that do not fit your baby anymore will free up space for you and help other mothers. Many places accept donated baby clothes that will help others in need or just make it cheaper for other parents to clothe their own babies. Gather up any items you no longer need and get started.
Step 1
Gather all the baby clothes you wish to donate. Jeff Wuorio, author of "How to Buy and Sell (Just About) Everything," recommends sorting the clothes into separate categories. Make piles for dress clothing, play clothing, pajamas, tops, bottoms, socks and shoes so you can inventory exactly what you have to offer. Wuorio recommends making separate piles of clothing you know a friend or family member would use.
Step 2
Wash each item and remove stains. Replace missing buttons and make easy repairs. Preparing the clothing ensures that others will get good use of it, says Wuorio. If the clothing does not look like it is in good shape, probably no one else will want it. If stains cannot be removed or the clothing repaired, throw it away rather than try to donate it.
Step 3
Make a list of each place that will accept your baby clothes. Shelters, day-care centers and thrift stores run by charities all welcome donations of quality baby clothes. Nicole Bouchard Boles, author of "How to be an Everyday Philanthropist: 330 Ways to Make a Difference in Your Home, Community and World--at no Cost," adds that hospitals also take donations of used baby clothes.
Step 4
Box up your donation and drop it off at your chosen destination or charity. Pack the clothing according to type, gender and size so that it can be easily distributed according to need, Wuorio advises. You may want to donate to more than one place. If a children's hospital needs newborn clothing, you can donate those items there and the bigger sizes somewhere else. Wuorio suggests getting a receipt for tax purposes.
Tips and Warnings
- Your church or local school may have a collection bin on site to distribute baby clothing. You may also collect used baby clothing from family and friends and donate it all at one time.
- Save the baby clothing that has sentimental value, such as a baptism outfit or what you brought your baby home from the hospital in, because you may regret getting rid of it in the future.
Things You'll Need
- Baby clothes
- Boxes
References
- "How to Buy and Sell (Just About) Everything"; Jeff Wuorio; 2003
- "How to Be an Everyday Philanthropist: 330 Ways to Make a Difference in Your Home, Community and World--At No Cost"; Nicole Bouchard Boles; 2009
