Firstly I'm NOT above taking second hand items from people at all, as they say ''one man's trash in another man's treasure'' lol but when it comes to clothes I just don't feel right about it, I'm aware we can wash them first but I still think it may not be hygienic for new babies. (We're expecting twins)
(I know it may sound weird but they won't go to waste cause one of our dogs is a pug and he's making good use out of them, he fits into most of them, my wife dressed him in them by the way, definitely not me, but it does make for some funny photos)
How do you all feel about your baby wearing second hand clothes?
Seth.
http://i641.photobucket.com/albums/uu134/Seth79_2008/IMG_D32.jpg
(LOL)
"Unless you have millions of dollars to buy your kids everything I would go second hand and I do I get things from my sister and aunt all the time and I *GASP* buy second hand OMG!!"
And there was me thinking I could read past about 10 answers before someone got judgemental and bitchy, no such luck LOL.
I already said I'm not against second hand items. And no we aren't going to blow loads of money on numerous different outfits for them.
I said I find second hand clothes unhygienic, it doesn't make me a snob.
PS. We have a coffee table in our house that we found lying on a street while driving home one evening, I'm not too proud to admit to things like that lol
"But a newborn's skin is sooo delicate and gentle and you just don't know where those clothes have been before you put them on him"
Yes that's exactly my reasoning.
And why do you all think the photo is offensive LOL?Come on it's a dog, it's funny. I'm sure the person who gave us the clothes would think so too.
LOL Chels funny pic
June 24th, 2009 at 12:02 pm
My friend gave me a bag of clothes that her friend gave her before she knew the sex of her twins. Since they are boy's she could not use girl clothes. I looked through this bag and they smelled bad and some items had stains on them. I threw away the whole bag. I prefer not to use secondhand clothing items for my daughter, I feel the same way was you Seth, they are not clean. I will not wear secondhand, so why should my child. Babies clothes are cheap enough as it is, so I will NOT put my daughter in secondhand clothing!
June 24th, 2009 at 12:02 pm
I have no problem with my son wearing second hand clothing. As long as you wash it properly it is perfectly hygenic.
June 24th, 2009 at 12:02 pm
I don't find a problem with it.
If you clean them, then their as clean as they would be in the store. Just make sure you sanitize them very well.
Katrina
June 24th, 2009 at 12:02 pm
most of my kids cloths are second hand
June 24th, 2009 at 12:02 pm
The dog thing is funny, but I think you need to get over it. Those little onesies that they wear in the hospital…. NOT NEW!!! It isn't bad. Just wash the darn things and put them on the kids. Its going to be ok.
June 24th, 2009 at 12:02 pm
Most of my little girl's clothes are second-hand. I wash all of them before she wears them. Saves me a lot of money for the little time that she wears them.
June 24th, 2009 at 12:02 pm
Nope. Someone made a nice, helpful gesture - and a cost saving one as well. I don't have a problem with a baby wearing hand-me-downs. During growth spurts my son has only gotten a few wears out of new clothes - can get expensive.
June 24th, 2009 at 12:02 pm
I have no problems whatsoever with second hand baby clothes. How is it unhygienic if you wash them? Babies grow so fast, especially the early months, and we have tons of outfits that my son never even wore, or only wore once or twice. I am holding onto the for the next baby, but after that we will probably sell the ones still in good condition. I also took some second hands clothes from friends that my son has worn, and have more in his closet waiting for him to grow into. Like I said, they grow sooooo fast…hand me downs are a blessing!
June 24th, 2009 at 12:02 pm
Most of my daughters clothes are second hand but are like new anyway because babies grow out of them so fast, if you wash them whats the harm?
EDIT*LMAO…I used to dress my dog in my brothrs clothes when I was a youngen
**Yes newborns skin is delicate, but how do you know what chemical have gotten on the clothes when they are made, packaged etc, plus how do you know the person hasn't wiped there ass with there hand before packaging them (very farfetched, i know), so whats the difference?
June 24th, 2009 at 12:02 pm
When my son was first born, the last thing I wanted was second hand clothes, as I also thought they were very unhygienic. Then one day we found a washing detergent for clothes that had antibacterial through it, and it was designed for newborns, I think it was called Napisan Baby or something like that.
That gave us a peace of mind as it got rid of all the germs that can live in clothes.
Another thing, make sure there are no tears or holes in the clothes. =]
Good luck with the twins.
June 24th, 2009 at 12:02 pm
That its better for the environment, so actually better for their future.
June 24th, 2009 at 12:02 pm
I shop at the second hand store all the time for my child's clothes. I buy new clothes too, so it isn't a money reason. The reason is that children out grow their clothes all the time so why not spend less for hardly worn clothes.
And I have taken things from my sister after her daughter was finished with them.
I guess I really don't see the problem. Wash them in warm or hot water and any possible germs will be killed.
BTW- cute dog
June 24th, 2009 at 12:02 pm
i got second hand items from a friend, but my lil one was 5 months, but i think it depends on the person who gives them to you, in order for you to feel comfortable, some people really take care of baby clothe, but i would take it, i dont think theres anything wrong with it,
ETA
ahahaha the dog cracked me up
June 24th, 2009 at 12:02 pm
I am sorry but I think that is SILLY!
Unless you have millions of dollars to buy your kids everything I would go second hand and I do I get things from my sister and aunt all the time and I *GASP* buy second hand OMG!!
I think your being silly but thats just my opinion..I love second hand and I also love old navy and the gap and childrens place but a bit of hand me downs never hurt!
I wont do underwear and bathingsuits but the rest yes of course!!!!
June 24th, 2009 at 12:02 pm
Most of my son's clothes are second hand. Babies/toddlers/children go through clothes so quickly! As an infant, my son was in a new size most every month — there's no way I could begin to afford to keep up! A lot of his clothes came from my nephew, I buy big lots of nice/barely worn clothes on ebay for him, and I get a lot from second hand stores. He has very little that is brand new — usually only for special occasions, or if I find something on a good sale. Just wash them first, no biggie.
I would take offense if I gave you clothes, and instead of putting them on your babies, you put them on your dog…that's just a slap in the face in my opinion.
June 24th, 2009 at 12:02 pm
I am fine with it, its all the same to me if its washed up.
As long as its not stained or ripped!
LOl @ your pug.
June 24th, 2009 at 12:02 pm
lol, we all have our weird quirks… this just happens to be yours
If you feel that uncomfortable about the used clothes, and if you have the means to do so, buy him new clothes. I don't think the kid would care either way, but if it'll put your mind at rest, go for it.
Good luck. Your pug is adorable, but your friends might be a bit miffed if they see your dog going around wearing the clothes they gave you for your kids lol
June 24th, 2009 at 12:02 pm
Well, i can understand what you mean. If someone that i personally knew were the ones giving me the clothes, i'd have no problem washing them thoroughly and putting them on my baby. However, i don't think i'll go shopping for newborn clothing from second hand stores just yet. However, for my 4 and 3 yr olds, i have absolutely no problem buying second hand stuff for them. I'd say once they hit about 6 months is when i'd feel comfortable with it. But a newborn's skin is sooo delicate and gentle and you just don't know where those clothes have been before you put them on him. Best of luck!
June 24th, 2009 at 12:02 pm
i think its ok i def. am willing to take everything i can get to help us for our first baby…but i to am cautious..i will be washing everything probably twice or maybe even 3 times, with detergent that has a bleach (for colors) and i will wash in hot water to sterilize. i think they will be fine after all that.
if you still feel icky about it, you can sell the clothes they gave you on ebay and take the money you make off of them and buy some new outfits…
June 24th, 2009 at 12:02 pm
If you are not comfortable with it, don't accept them. If the people who gave the clothes to you for your BABY see them on your DOG, they will NOT be as amused about it as you are.
Don't take something because you don't want to offend. It's a greater offense to them to lie about how you feel and them find out second hand about your feelings.
My children wore second hand clothing after I had washed and sanitized them. But your feelings about it are your choice. If you don't want them, don't accept them. Period.
June 24th, 2009 at 12:02 pm
I am extremely grateful for hand-me-downs!
I didn't use the ones with stains but many of the hand-me-downs I received look brand new.
Dont see why they wouldnt be hygienic?
The baby wears diapers. Its not like their crotch is all over the clothes
June 24th, 2009 at 12:02 pm
What a cute picture.
I don't have a problem with slightly used baby clothes as long as you thoroughly wash them.
June 24th, 2009 at 12:02 pm
babies grow out of their clothes soooo quickly, I have no problem using second hand clothes after i wash it. most baby clothes people give me looks pretty new anyway cause their baby grew out of it so fast. Also i would not let the person who gave you the baby clothes see that you put them on your dog. If it were me i would be offended. I would also be thinking that i could have given the baby clothes to someone who would have appreciated them and used them.
June 24th, 2009 at 12:02 pm
it's no different than how many people touch the clothing in the store.
wash them, and you'll be fine.
cute dog- heres mine!
http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f310/xVeryxH0llyw00dx/Raven%20and%20Riley/rileypookie-1.jpg
she even wears diapers. (she was in heat)
http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f310/xVeryxH0llyw00dx/Raven%20and%20Riley/DSCI1209.jpg
June 24th, 2009 at 12:02 pm
Many hand-me-down baby clothes have only been worn once or twice or not at all. We are pretty set financially, but I liked getting hand-me-downs.
Firstly, I don't like waste and I know from having our son that some of the stuff we were given he hardly wore.
Secondly, it was nice as our son moved through sizes - when we suddenly realized that most of his sleepers didn't fit, we just went into the bin of hand-me-downs and looked around instead of having to rush out to the store and buy a dozen new sleepers.
Also, there's always some pleasant surprises - we were given a hand-me-down pair of baby gap cargo pants that I would probably never spend my own money down, but they are adorable and I love them. And when we suddenly got invited to go to a friends beach house, I went into the tubs again and discovered that we already had baby swim trunks AND a sort of baby wet suit with a flotation device in it (which we didn't use, but still, nice that we just had it.)
I don't really think that it's unhygienic - even new clothes pass through a lot of hands before they reach you. They can be tried on, purchased and returned, etc. You have no idea where they've been. I just wash everything before the baby wears it.
June 24th, 2009 at 12:02 pm
If you are worried about the hygiene issue, they sell color-safe bleach at most stores. Bleach kills just about everything including viruses like HIV or H1N1 (swine flu), so if you wash them in bleach, you should have nothing to worry about there. If you really don't want to use them, then don't dress up your dog, give the clothes away to the Salvation Army or an assistance ministry in your area. There are people out there who would knock over an old lady for free clothes for their kids.
June 24th, 2009 at 12:02 pm
Germs live at 30-40 degree's.
A boil wash is 90degrees, anything that may have been unhygenic on them, is well dead when they come out the washing machine.
PLUS, the clothes you buy new have been through factorys, vans, warehouses, stockrooms then finally on the shelf where god knows how many people handle it, pick it up put it down, etc.
June 24th, 2009 at 12:02 pm
My mum was the same, i totally agree.. When you have a NEW baby (or babies in your case) you want them to wear NEW clothes.
My mum dresses my 1 year old sister in second hand clothes now as she is older. But when she was younger she would NEVER put her in second hand clothes.
i think its more the fact that your baby is this new little thing that is all clean and brand new, and you want the clothes to look clean and brand new.
its not unhygenic. But some parents would rather not.
June 24th, 2009 at 12:02 pm
I have no problem with them. In fact, the majority of my daughters clothes are second hand.
If you don't feel right dressing your kids in second hand clothes then by all means don't. Nothing wrong with it, it's all about your comfort and preference.
BTW, that picture is funny lol
June 24th, 2009 at 12:02 pm
my first son got a lot of second hand clothes. we got a HUGE box full of them, i went through them and threw away the nasty looking stuff and washed the rest. most of those are gone.
we are having another baby in July and he has a few onesies that belonged to my son, but most of them are new because we got rid of so much when my son grew out of them.
June 24th, 2009 at 12:02 pm
Im guessing you know the people you are getting the clothes from and know they have no contagious diseases?
All babies ever dirty thier clothes with is milk and the occassional bit of poop which affectively is more milk! lol
they dont eat human food or do anythingdirty so aslong as they are washed in non bio powder they shouldnt cause your little ones any harm xx
I did think this for a while too but soon realised needs must and all lol especially when some places try and charge £8 a baby gro!
na wouldnt worry xx
congratulations and good luck with the twin by the way!
June 24th, 2009 at 12:02 pm
HAHA! That pic is too cute! I too don't like second hand clothes for my little one to be…. Maybe I am being a little to "Safe" but I have very sensitive skin myself, and I imagine my newborn will as well. I mean, if I know the clothes were only worn once or maybe not at all, I feel better, but nearly all the clothes I have for my son are new, straight from the store(of coursed washed though). I know, I know, people might think it is a waste of money, but I say hey, it is not wasting if it is for my son, he deserves the best, nothing wrong with second hand and maybe someday I will think differently, but right now, new is the way to go… Oh, I am glad you didn't leave Seth, I sure would miss the controverse over you & your q's LOL =D GL and congrats man on the twins, you must feel very proud!!!
June 24th, 2009 at 12:02 pm
Are you kidding? HOT WATER AND SOAP…It's not like they were work for years and then given to you. Babies usually only wear clothes for less than a month before they grow out of them. If my husband's friend didn't give us his daughter's clothes we probably would have been in a bind trying to buy newborn clothes that she only wore for a month and then she grew into a bigger size. As far as putting the clothes on the dog, why not donate them to the red cross or a women's and children's shelter, I'm sure that they could use them for babies and since you are snubbing them why not let someone less fortunate get some use from them?
June 24th, 2009 at 12:02 pm
If you're concerned about the hygeine of the people who gave you the clothes, don't use them.
But second hand is second hand… If they've been laundered, there's really no reason to worry.
I've actually never heard of anyone questioniong this before…
June 24th, 2009 at 12:02 pm
You wash it numerous times if it's that bad. Baby clothes are expensive and they go through them so quickly, you will learn to appreciate hand me downs. Plus if you want to look at hygienics, look up all the chemicals put on NEW clothes. NEW clothes are more likely to cause rashes and irritate a newborn's skin than hand me down's
http://www.sixwise.com/newsletters/05/12/21/the-6-synthetic-fabrics-you-most-want-to-avoid-and-why.htm
June 24th, 2009 at 12:02 pm
I kinda agree with you, im very picky when it comes to my babies i do not like second hand clothes UNLESS it is from someone in my family that i know they are clean and disease free…my sister gave me some clothes for my baby and i washed them and used them, and she outgrew them fast so im really happy i didn't spend allot of money on clothes but i personally wouldn't go to second hand stores where i don't know where these clothes have been.
June 24th, 2009 at 12:02 pm
My first daughter has everything brand new as she is bigger, my second only wears hand me downs, i see nothing wrong with ti!