How can I reuse or recycle baby clothes?

babygroWe’ve had an email from Gemma:

I’d like to make something out of my daughter Hayley’s first babygrows and bibs but all the refashioning ideas I can find are from adult clothes. Have you got any suggestions?

Baby clothes probably don’t lend themselves quite as well to keepsake projects as, say, a lace/satin wedding dress but I’m sure they can be put to other reuses. The first idea that springs to mind is a quilt for the baby – the cotton will be super soft so make a nice snuggly cover. They’ll also make great reusable face cloths/wipes.

Aside from crafty solutions, if they’re still in good condition and you’re not too attached to them, of course you should pass them along someone else to use – either through a baby group, a charity shop or through something like the NCT’s nearly new sales.

Any actual refashioning ideas? Or other ideas?

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9 Responses to “How can I reuse or recycle baby clothes?”


  1. Nicole says:

    Passing them on is probably the best reuse.

  2. I’ve given some away. I’ve also donated… only to find most were only resold…. so now I sell mine at large year round flea markets…. I do quite well and it helps the family out during this economical down turn….

  3. LoobaLee says:

    I think the baby quilt is a great idea or making a shadow box with the most special items. It’s hard to just get rid of those special items so I re-sell my kids gently used clothing online. It’s a great way to share those loved clothing pieces and get some extra cash to use for new baby clothing. Visit http://www.loobalee.com. The cost to sell is extrememly low – pay only one fee, no hidden end of sale costs. Good luck!

  4. tina says:

    planning on making a few throw pillows with the sentimental favorites.

  5. Reusing them is a good idea. I gave away my daughter’s cotton and woolen clothes which were in very good condition to my cousin. They are still in good condition and can be passed around again.

  6. Lizzy says:

    Cut square panels from them – The bibs should be good for this and sew them together into a little blanket .

  7. Catherine says:

    Selling them will not only make you some money but you are playing your part in recycling too. Visit http://www.sellyourbabyclothes.co.uk for more information.

  8. dee says:

    i made myself and kids quilts out of most of their baby clothes and the rest i passed down to friends and family



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