In those first days after we bring home baby, it's hard to imagine that life will ever be any different than it is right at that very moment; sleepless nights, endless diapers, constant feedings, exhaustion, and, ultimately, unparalleled joy. You can't imagine this tiny baby being any bigger; a person who's able to walk, talk, and get dressed on his own. But grow he does; and before you know it, you're knee deep in baby and child clothing that seemed to fit just that very week and now is hopelessly inadequate.

Keeping up with baby and child clothing is like everything else that has to do with raising kids; it feels like you're always one step behind. Getting new clothes - however expensive - is the easy part. Knowing what to do with the baby and child clothing left behind can be what is tricky. Hand-me-downs are great and if you're able to put away some of the more gently used clothes for your smaller children then it will certainly save you quite a bit of money. But when you're dealing with a youngest or only child, the options are varied.

When in doubt about what do with baby and child clothing, think charity first. There are a great many reputable organizations that vastly appreciate any donations of baby and child clothing. Many of these noble groups deal with families who have very little and clothing - especially baby and child clothing - can make an enormous difference for them. Of course, you can always stay local and identify a family close-by who may appreciate some extra clothing. Additionally, keep in mind that charitable donations are tax deductible at the end of the year.

If you're in need of some extra money yourself, you may consider selling your outgrown baby and child clothing. There are several ways to go about this. First, many people choose to hold periodic yard sales where they offer household items and clothing. This can be a great way to reduce clutter in your home on a frequent basis and make some cash at the same time. Some neighbors even ban together on a yearly basis to organize a large yard sale; baby and child clothing, as you would expect, is a hot commodity. Just be sure that you are offering gently used, stain-free clothing for sale.

Another option for the sale of baby and child clothing is the use of consignment shops. Consignment shops allow you to bring your outgrown baby and child clothing to them, and if they accept it based on factors such as wear-and-tear and cleanliness, then they will offer it for sale in their store. Ultimately, you make a percentage of the sale. Consignment shops even exist online; there are now local stores that will accept and photograph your clothing and then offer it for sale on the Internet. Again, the successful sale of these clothes means cash in your pocket.

In the end, your baby and child clothing can be just as special to someone else as it has been to you. Think twice before you condemn it to the trash; consider ways in which you can recycle these outgrown clothes.