This post is sponsored by Carter’s; however, all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.

Let’s face it: kids are expensive. I mean, obviously they are… but it can be a shock to some as to how quickly costs can rack up when kids come into the picture. And what’s one of the things that can easily cost the most over time? KIDS CLOTHES. They grow out of stuff so fast it’s crazy!

So, when buying kids clothes, I want to shop SMART. And even though I do get a lot of my kids clothes as hand-me-downs, on consignment, through local buy/sell pages, etc… I love getting quality basics that my kids can wear and wear and wear and wear along with other great kid’s fashion from Carter’s!

I thought it would be helpful to share three of my favorite tips for getting the most out of your baby’s wardrobe! These are the tips I’ve used for the past 3 years and I hope they’re helpful!

Three Tips for Getting the Most Out of Baby’s Wardrobe with Carter’s

1. Bodysuits. Bodysuits. Bodysuits.

Both my kids have (and Amos obviously still does) live in bodysuits. Since we didn’t find out the gender of either of our kids before they were born, I got a bunch of gender neutral-colored Carter’s bodysuits and they’ve worked for both my kids (and they’ve even worn them out!) I also love that Carter’s sells the bodysuit packs so you can get the most for your money and get some variety. 

Honestly, especially during the summer, Amos lives in just a bodysuit. I have to change his clothes so much (#spitterupper), that I like just putting him in a bodysuit and then throwing a couple spare ones in my diaper bag so I can easily change him (AND so they don’t take up a lot of room).

2. Always buy one size up!

Unless you have a premie baby and your baby is wearing premie clothes, skip the “newborn” sized clothes and go for the 0-3 month or 3 month size from the beginning. And then, buy clothes just a size up. You’d rather have them be a little big (you can always roll pants up!) and have them grow into it then have them “just fit” and grow out of them in a month. I have found that Carter’s is always true to size 

I did this with Lilly and have continued to do this with Amos and I’ve been able to stretch both of their wardrobes so much. Amos was pretty tiny at birth (he grew quickly), but I’ve been able to get a TON of wear out of a lot of his clothing with this method.

For example, right now, technically Amos is in the 6-9 month (more 9 month) sized clothing… but I’m getting all 12 month stuff so it’ll fit him longer. Sure, pants are longer, but I can roll them. Sleeves are longer and I can roll them, too! Bodysuits stretch a ton, so I have no problems there.

3. Think “Mix and Match” (and also have a little fun!)

I like to buy pieces that I can mix and match so I can get more wear out of them. For example, ONE pair of “baby jeans” will work great with basically any top or bodysuit, and one or two sweatshirts will work for the cooler months and layering.

BUT, with that being said, get the cute outfit. You know what I’m talking about… the cute outfit you see that makes you go, “Oh. My. Gosh. I can’t handle this cuteness.” Get it. Take a picture of your kid in it. Cherish it. They’re only little for so long… love them in the cute outfit that serves no purpose other than the fact that it is cute.

Now, Carter’s has a super fun giveaway going on right NOW through September 26th and 75 people (yes, that’s 75 winners!) will win a $50 gift card to Carter’s! To enter, all you have to do is upload a photo of your favorite Carter’s Baby’s First Look to this site here.

To find a Carter’s store near you, you can use the store locator here or, you can do like me and just shop online… haha! Be sure to use the code ‘CARSEP8‘ for 25% off your purchase of $40 or more! (Valid through October 3rd) WOOP WOOP!

What about you? What are your tips for getting the most out of baby’s wardrobe? What baby clothing “essentials” do you recommend for new parents?

Welcome back to our regularly scheduled program……..we just finished celebrating Let It Shine’s FOUR year anniversary with a month of giveaways….and now we’re back to business.  Each week we share a few of our favorite posts from the week before….

This week, we are loving:

/ how to stay connected with yourself / how to wear yellow hunter rainboots /