What to do With Old Baby Clothes - 9 Ways to Declutter Like a Pro

Spring cleaning is the perfect time to declutter and organize your home, starting with that pile of old baby clothes you have stuffed in the closet. Rather than letting them collect dust, why not put them to good use? Whether you want to keep them for sentimental reasons or you’re hoping to avoid adding to the landfills, this article is for you. Here are 9 ways to give old baby clothes a new purpose this spring.


  1. Donate them.

Clean out your home and serve your community by donating your baby’s old clothes. Reach out to women’s shelters, churches, or clothing banks for drop-off instructions. Charitable and community centers typically have a process for accepting donations, and sometimes they’re only in need of specific items. Chances are, you’ll find one that needs baby clothes.


*Pro Tip: Some organizations, like Baby2Baby, specialize in providing baby essentials to families in need. Check their website to see if they have a donation drop-off near you.


  1. Gift them to expecting parents.

Pass the clothes on to a friend, family member, or neighbor who is expecting a new baby. If no one in your circle is expecting, you can try posting on social media to see if anyone else in your community could use them. This small gesture can be a big help for new parents, and you potentially get to see another little one enjoying the threads.


  1. Make a keepsake item.

From pillows and toys, to quilts and blankets, there’s no shortage of keepsake items you can make with your baby’s old clothes. You’ll find plenty of tutorials on Google and YouTube if you’re interested in a fun DIY project. Otherwise, you can find an Etsy seller or small business that specializes in making custom keepsakes out of baby clothes. 


*Pro Tip: Take your baby’s first onesie or swaddle and turn it into a stuffed animal for them!


  1. Use them as cleaning rags.

Wondering what to do with the clothes that are too stained or worn? Turn them into cleaning rags. Repurpose old baby clothes and ditch paper towels at the same time. The fabric of baby clothes is typically pretty absorbent, so they’ll do a great job at soaking up spills. You have kids, so there’s always plenty to clean up!

*Pro Tip: Cut the fabric into small squares and keep a few in your car or diaper bag for small messes.


  1. Save them in a memory box.

There are some pieces that you just can’t part with - like the “going home” outfit or the “first Christmas” outfit. You can store these in a special memory box. In order to keep the special items safe in storage, you’ll want to:

  • Wash and fully dry the clothes to prevent mildew.

  • Seal them in a vacuum bag before storing.

  • Place the vacuum bag inside a box or tote you can close.

  • Label the box so you don’t forget what’s in there.

  • Store them in a clean, dry spot in the attic or basement.


  1. Find a textile recycling program.

Many towns have textile recycling programs where your old clothes can be processed into new clothes or other items. Simply google “textile recycling near me” to find programs in your area. Some municipalities even have curbside pick-up or mail-in options, making it super easy to recycle your baby’s old clothes.

*Pro Tip: Brands like H&M accept used clothing for recycling, regardless of the brand!


  1. Store them for future use.

Not finished growing your family? Hang onto your favorite outfits in the event a sibling comes along. This is especially useful for clothing that’s gender neutral, seasonal essentials, burp cloths, and bibs that can be used for future babies. Use the storage tips above to keep them in good condition and to prevent mold.



  1. Sell them.

You can use resale platforms like eBay, Poshmark, Mercari, or Facebook marketplace to sell your old baby clothes. You can also take them to local consignment shops to get paid for all of those unused outfits. Make sure they’re washed and in decent condition so they’re more likely to sell. While you won’t make a fortune, grouping clothes into bundles (e.g., 0-3 month boy clothes) can help them sell faster. Looking to get more bang for your buck? See option 9. 


  1. Swap them at Pedal

Pedal is a new, online platform that makes buying and selling baby clothes easy, affordable, and fun. It’s like consignment, but better. Pedal accepts baby clothes in any condition and gives you credits to shop for pre-loved outfits in return. Simply grab a swap bag, send us the clothes your kids have outgrown, and get credits to shop for new, thrifted finds on the Pedal website. 

*Pro Tip: Unlike typical resale platforms, Pedal takes everything - even stained or worn-out items - so nothing goes to waste! And you still get credits to shop.

 

FAQ’s: What to do With Old Baby Clothes

How can I repurpose old baby clothes?

You can repurpose old baby clothes by turning them into toys, doll outfits, pillows, blankets, or stuffed animals depending on the condition and whether you’d like a keepsake.

What can I do with unwanted baby clothes?

For items that you don’t plan on keeping, you can donate them to charity or pass them along to expecting parents. 

How can I get rid of old baby clothes?

Instead of tossing them into the trash, consider eco-friendly disposal options. You can:

  • Find a textile recycling program in your area

  • Donate them to shelters or non-profit organizations

  • Send them to Pedal and earn credits to shop for more!

Is there a market for used baby clothes?

The short answer? Yes, but it depends on the brand, condition, and platform. If you try to sell old baby clothes privately, like on Facebook marketplace, you may not have much luck, unless they’re in excellent condition or from a desirable brand. That’s why Pedal makes sure you get credit for all your old baby clothes, even if they’re stained or worn! 

Where can I learn more about swapping old baby clothes?

Visit our How it Works section to learn how easy it is to get rid of old baby clothes and shop for new ones. 

 

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