How to Store Outgrown Baby Clothes (So They Can Be Passed On)

There’s something about folding up your bub’s old clothes that hits you right in the heart. You’re suddenly flooded with so many memories - the first smile, the first time they sat up, and their first steps. But as your little one grows older (because the days are truly long but the years are short!), their clothes and toys pile up. Suddenly, you’re wondering: Should I save this? Where do I even put it? 

Whether you’re saving your little one’s clothes for a future sibling, passing them onto a friend, or holding onto a few items as keepsakes, we’ve put together a simple guide to help you store your baby’s clothes with care.

Whether you’ve chosen soft, sustainable fabrics or been gifted with heirloom-worthy clothes for your little one, storing them properly ensures they’ll be ready for the next baby - a future sibling, a close friend, or someone in need. 

And beyond just preserving your baby’s clothes, taking the time to fold, sort, and tuck them away is a quiet way to honour each chapter of parenthood. It gives parents a chance to reflect on the memories each sleeve has stitched into them. 

Before storing your bub’s clothes away in containers, take some time to sort through them. It’ll make it easier to pass them on to another sibling or another baby. This part can feel like a lot but with a good playlist, you’ll be done in no time. Here’s how to sort through your baby’s outgrown clothes:

1. Make piles of clothing you want to save, donate, keep for memories, and a maybe pile. 
2. Let go or repurpose clothing that are stained, torn, or stretched out beyond repair. 
3. Organize the clothing by size which will make pulling them out and reusing them in the future much easier. 
4. Sort the clothing by season will be especially helpful if you’re planning to reuse them in the future. By sorting by size and season, you’ll be able to grab what you need quicker when the time comes without having to dig into every bin. 

Keep your baby’s clothing fresh and wearable with some TLC before putting them into storage or giving them away. Some tips we have include:

• Wash with a gentle, earth-friendly, fragrance-free detergent 
• Ensure that everything is 100% dry before putting them in a storage container to avoid mold growth 
• Remove any stains. A common problem you’ll hear about is clothes that suddenly turn yellow in storage. This happens when stains are left and the fabric reacts with the oxygen. 
• Skip on the fabric softener. This can leave a residue and attract pests while the clothes are in storage. 
• Take the time to mend any small holes, reattach loose buttons, and remove any tags that might cause discomfort.

Alrighty! You’ve gone through the sorting, the TLC, and now it’s time to pack it all up. Here’s how to store your bub’s clothing without taking up too much space:

• Use clear, airtight storage bins. These will keep dust, moisture and critters out. To make it easier for future use, label each bin by size and season.
• Keep your bins in a cool, dry space like a closet and not he basement where temperatures can fluctuate. 
• Fill a sachet with lavender to keep the clothes smelling fresh.
• Avoid using any vacuum-sealed bags which can compress fabrics like cotton and bamboo and cause damage over time. 

Baby clothes may be tiny but they hold onto your family’s precious memories and can be too special to pass on. These outfits might include:

• Baby’s first outfit (going home from the hospital)
• Outfits from special occasions like their first birthday, Christmas, and cultural celebrations
• A onesie that was worn-to-bits 
• A handmade outfit made from a loved one

If you’re holding on to some clothes, you can store them in a memory box, turn them into a quilt, or even a stuffed animal. 

When you’re ready to pass on your baby’s clothes, here are a few ways to pass them on with more meaning:

• Ask friends or family if they need any and would like hand-me-downs
• Pass them on labelled by size and season 
• Consider an organization that supports families in need like BabyGoRound or local parent groups like Mama for Mamas 

Sorting through outgrown baby clothes is more than just clearing out space - it’s about honouring how much you and your bub’s has grown and preparing about the next chapter. Whether you’re saving clothes for another baby, a friend, or tucking some away as keepsakes, doing it with care allows you to pause and reflect on your parenthood journey so far. Because although your little one has outgrown these clothes, they’ve got so much more to give.