It's totally cool for babies and children to wear second hand threads!! I think society has come a long way at breaking the stigma of using hand me down items or buying pre loved clothing for your precious bundle of joy, but there are a few judgmental individuals who may think otherwise. In this blog post I want to show you how "not buying brand new" is actually a really positive and healthy option for you and your baby. Don't get me wrong its every parents right to indulge in the brand newness and softness of wollen singlets, booties and adorable baby clothes but its totally ok and actually healthier if the majority of the time you decided to go down the pre owned route. At the end of the post I have also listed my favourite places to source gorgeous second hand clothing for children.
1. Its healthier on your wallet...
Babies and children grow at the speed of light, meaning for a parent its a constant race making sure that the draws are filled with clothes that actually fit and packing small clothes away. It means that babies don't wear out there clothes like adults and may only wear them a handful of times. I have also lost count of times that I have found unworn beautiful clothes and gifts that I have put away for that special day only to find them again with tags still attached and suddenly too small. This is a double edged sword as it means that you can find so many unworn and almost brand new clothes at a fraction of the cost. I went "op shopping" for my 16 month old son , just to show you how much you can save.
2. Its healthier for your babies skin
A study by GreenPeace in Britain found toxic Chemical residues in childrens clothing and shoes sold by some major brands. While the study concluded that the low level of chemicals imposed no "known" health risks for children wearing them the list of hormone disrupting nonylphenol ethoxylates and phthalates to toxins aggravating allergy's were quite scary. Probably the most immediate threat to our precious children are the chemicals added to prevent mould growth, wrinkling and excess dyes as these can cause irritation to skin. So what can you do about it? Make conscious purchases, buy organic and natural fibers if you can, and wash clothing once or more before wear (preferably in plant based washing liquid). The best thing you can do??? Where secondhand threads!!
Second hand clothing have been worn and washed countless times so they pose a much lower risk for toxins and seeping dyes. They are soft and are stretched or move in the right place for new little bodies.
Second hand clothing have been worn and washed countless times so they pose a much lower risk for toxins and seeping dyes. They are soft and are stretched or move in the right place for new little bodies.
3. Its healthier for the environment...
Buying, wearing, gifting or selling secondhand means your re using and not simply throwing away. It cuts down on manufacturing demands and on a larger scale helps lower levels of child and unfair labour all in turn helping contribute to a healthier planet.
4. Its a way to help your fellow parents
I am very lucky to have some fabulous sister in laws, cousins and friends who give my son some adorable pre loved clothing! I find there is nothing you ever don't need, so I love it when boxes or bags turn up on my doorstep. I in turn make sure I put away clothing to reuse in the future or gift to someone else. It's a pre loved childrens clotheing club and its recycling in motion. Purchasing secondhand on places like Trademe, and online stores means you also know that the money is going back to a fellow parent, to possibly buy more for their children or is their way to save up for a big ticket item.
5. Its a way to help your community
Buying from opportunity shops, your local salvation army or hospice shops go toward some great charities. Its a way of ensuring your money go's back into your local community and New Zealand. I will also let you in on a little secret...there are a few opportunity shops that stock brand new hand made baby clothing at second hand prices. My Nana taught me that there are some amazing ladies still knitting for pure enjoyment and as a way of giving back they donate their items to local hospice shops.
6. Quality & Choice
Since most items would of been worn before you can really get an idea of quality, what fabrics are holding up, and what are looking rather tatty. There is also fresh stock arriving daily, from different seasons, different years, purchased in different countries and even handmade, so your not only limited to this seasons trends from cotton on & pumpkin patch.
7. It promotes creativity & learning for your child
As a new mum I have often found my self stopping my son creatively explore his meal, dig up the dirt in the back yard, or go anywhere near markers or paints while he is wearing particular clothing. Branded clothing that I may have spent a small fortune on, or gifts that someone else has spent a small fortune on. An anxious "no don't do that, don't touch that, don't eat that" mother is not going to help a toddler develop any skills whats so ever. Put your baby or child in secondhand clothing and all worries dissipate. It not expensive to purchase, its not expensive to replace, and I am sure they would have already some stain stories to tell.
8. The thrill of the hunt
I feel extremely satisfied, when I come across a really quality item for my son that costs next to nothing. I feel creatively satisfied checking out the different fabrics and brands and matching outfits together and I love being able to go onto trade me, type the word "Merino" in baby clothing and find hundreds of listings of bulk items for $1 Reserve just in time for Winter.
My Directory
Some of my favourite sites to get pre loved childrens clothing.
Buy and sell Labels pop up shop kids - This facebook page has almost 10,000 members and growing all who are selling lightly worn label and branded babies and children clothing, accessories and shoes. You need to be fast as the good things go quick!
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1400374340273020/
Little Poppets preloved clothing - A NZ based pre loved childrens clothing site where garments are hand picked for quality, a wonderful selection including Maternity.
http://littlepoppets.co.nz/
Etsy - You can refine your search to handmade & vintage and find some seriously amazing things from all over the world.
www.etsy.com
Trademe - Needs no explanation
http://www.trademe.co.nz/
Buy and sell Labels pop up shop kids - This facebook page has almost 10,000 members and growing all who are selling lightly worn label and branded babies and children clothing, accessories and shoes. You need to be fast as the good things go quick!
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1400374340273020/
Little Poppets preloved clothing - A NZ based pre loved childrens clothing site where garments are hand picked for quality, a wonderful selection including Maternity.
http://littlepoppets.co.nz/
Etsy - You can refine your search to handmade & vintage and find some seriously amazing things from all over the world.
www.etsy.com
Trademe - Needs no explanation
http://www.trademe.co.nz/