How to Store Baby Clothes

Tips and Tricks for Properly Storing Baby Clothes

As a parent, it’s inevitable that you will have to deal with storing baby clothes at some point. Whether it’s because your little one has outgrown their clothes or you’re saving them for a future sibling or friend’s baby, storing baby clothes is a necessary part of parenthood. However, improper storage can lead to mold, mildew, and damage to the clothes. So, in this blog post, I’ll share some tips on how to properly store baby clothes to ensure they stay in good condition for years to come.

Why Proper Storage Matters

Before we get into the nitty-gritty of storing baby clothes, let’s talk about why it’s so important to do it properly. As any parent knows, babies grow quickly, and before you know it, those tiny onesies and cute outfits will no longer fit. But that doesn’t mean they’re no longer valuable. Baby clothes can be expensive, and if they’re in good condition, they can be used again for future children or passed on to friends or family members. Properly stored clothes retain their quality, color, and freshness, making them a welcome gift or a ready-to-wear wardrobe for your next little one. 

Improper storage, however, can lead to mold, mildew, and damage to the clothes. This not only makes them unusable but can also be a health hazard for your family. Beyond visible damage, hidden issues like dust mites or residual bacteria can also be a concern if clothes aren't stored correctly. Plus, if you plan on selling the clothes or donating them to charity, it’s important that they’re in good condition. So, taking the time to properly store baby clothes can save you money, protect your family’s health, and help others in need. It’s also a way to preserve precious memories; that coming-home outfit or tiny first holiday sweater holds immense sentimental value.

Situations Where You May Have to Store Baby Clothes

What do you do when your baby outgrows their clothes? Babies grow quickly, and it’s important to store their clothes properly if you plan on using them again in the future. This is especially true if you’re saving clothes for a future sibling or perhaps friend’s baby. Or, like most parents, you may have a sentimental attachment to your baby’s clothes and want to keep them for years to come in hopes that someday you’ll snuggle up to a grandchild wearing your favorite memory-inducing baby outfits. You might also be storing clothes seasonally, packing away winter gear during summer months, or vice-versa.

Regardless of the reason for storing baby clothes, the key is to do it properly to protect the clothes and ensure they’re in good condition when you need them again.

Sort, Declutter, and Organize Before You Store

Before you even think about washing or packing, the first crucial step is to sort through the outgrown clothes. This will make the entire process more manageable and ensure you're only storing what's truly worth keeping.    

• Categorize: Create distinct piles: items to keep for a future child, items to donate or sell, sentimental items to preserve as keepsakes, and items that are too stained, torn, or damaged to be useful (these can be repurposed as cleaning rags or discarded).    
• Inspect Thoroughly: Check each garment for stains, tears, missing buttons, or broken zippers. Be honest about what's salvageable.    
• Organize by Size and Season: As you sort the "keep" pile, further organize it by size (e.g., 0-3 months, 3-6 months) and then by season (e.g., summer, winter) within each size. This will make it infinitely easier to find what you need later.    
• Mend if Necessary: Take a few moments to mend any small holes or reattach loose buttons on clothes you plan to keep.  This saves you a job when you retrieve them later.

How to Launder Baby Clothes Before Storing Them

When clothes are not properly cleaned before storage, any bacteria or germs on them can multiply and grow in the warm, damp environment of a storage container. This can lead to mold and mildew growth, which can damage the clothes and make them unusable. Even invisible residues like spit-up, milk, formula, or body oils can oxidize over time, leading to yellow stains that appear during storage.

Additionally, if you plan on donating or selling the clothes in the future, they may be rejected if they have visible stains, odors, or damage.

Before you can store baby clothes, it’s important to launder them properly. This not only removes any stains or dirt but also ensures that any bacteria or germs are killed off, which can lead to mold and mildew if left on the clothes.

Start by sorting the clothes by color and fabric type. Wash them in a gentle detergent and warm water, and avoid using fabric softeners or bleach. Choose a fragrance-free detergent formulated for sensitive skin, as babies can be sensitive to harsh chemicals and fragrances.  Fabric softeners can leave residues that attract pests or contribute to fabric degradation over time.  Bleach can weaken fibers and, for some children's sleepwear, may reduce flame-resistant properties. 

What Is the Best Way to Sanitize Baby Clothes before Storage?

If you’re thinking about longer-term storage, you may want to go the extra step and sanitize the clothing a bit more than a regular wash cycle can do. If you don’t sanitize laundry before storing it, there is a risk of mold, mildew, and bacteria growth on the clothes. This can lead to unpleasant odors and stains, and can also be a health hazard for you and your family.

The go-to method for ensuring the clothing is sanitized is white vinegar. Add half a cup of vinegar to the rinse cycle to help kill germs and remove odors. Vinegar is also gentle on fabrics and can help to brighten whites.

Another option at your disposal (maybe) is steam. Some washing machines have a steam cycle or a "sanitize" cycle that uses extra-hot water, which can be used to sanitize clothes.  Steam can help to kill germs and bacteria and is a gentle way to clean delicate fabrics. Check the manufacturer’s instructions for your washing machine to see if it has a steam cycle. You can also purchase a steam cleaner and use that if your washing machine doesn’t offer such an option (don’t worry, most don’t). 

Sun-drying clothes can also offer a natural sanitizing effect due to UV rays.

Once the clothes are clean, dry them thoroughly. Avoid using high heat, as this can damage the clothes. Instead, use a low heat setting or hang them to dry.

Avoid using high heat, as this can damage the clothes. Instead, use a low heat setting or hang them to dry. Ensure items are 100% dry, paying extra attention to thicker seams or waistbands.

How to Properly Store Baby Clothes

Now that your baby clothes are clean and dry, it’s time to store them properly. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

• Choose the Right Storage Container: When it comes to storing baby clothes, the container you choose is key. Look for containers that are breathable and won’t trap moisture, which can lead to mold and mildew. Avoid plastic containers, as they’re not breathable and can trap moisture. Instead, choose containers made of natural materials like cotton or linen.
• Use Acid-Free Tissue Paper: To help protect delicate fabrics like silk and lace, or any items you want to preserve carefully, use acid-free tissue paper to wrap the clothes or layer between garments.  This helps prevent discoloration, acid migration from other materials, and creasing.
• Label the Containers: When storing baby clothes, it’s important to label the containers so you know what’s inside. This will save you time and energy when you need to find a specific outfit or item. Use a permanent marker or label maker to label the container with the size, gender, season (e.g., "Boys 6-9 Months Winter"), and even the year if storing for multiple children.  Consider keeping a digital or paper inventory list, especially if you have many bins.
• Store in a Cool, Dry Place: Store the containers in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and moisture. This will help prevent mold and mildew from growing on the clothes. A closet or under-bed storage is a good option, as long as the space is cool and dry. Avoid attics, basements, and garages where temperature and humidity can fluctuate dramatically, leading to condensation and damage.  Consistent temperature is key.
• Consider Vacuum Sealed Bags: If you’re short on storage space, vacuum-sealed bags are a good option. These bags remove the air from the container, making them more compact and easier to store. However, be aware that vacuum-sealed bags are not recommended for delicate fabrics like silk or lace, as they can damage the fibers. They can also compress natural fibers like cotton and bamboo, potentially causing permanent creasing or loss of texture over very long periods.  They are best for short-term storage of sturdy items or when space is at an absolute premium. If used, ensure clothes are completely dry.

Additional Storage Tips for Optimal Preservation:

• Avoid Overpacking: Don't cram clothes into containers. This can cause wrinkling, stretching, and restrict airflow even in breathable containers.
• Pest Prevention: Place natural moth repellents like lavender sachets or cedar blocks near (but not directly touching) the clothes. Avoid chemical mothballs, as their odor can be difficult to remove and potentially harmful.
• Folding vs. Rolling: Rolling clothes can save space and minimize creasing for some items, especially knits. For delicate or structured items, gentle folding with acid-free tissue paper is better.
• Clean Hands: Ensure your hands are clean and free of lotions or creams when handling clothes for storage, as these can transfer oils and cause stains over time.
• Storing Sentimental Items: For truly precious items like christening gowns or first outfits, consider individual archival boxes or wrapping them carefully in acid-free tissue and storing them flat in a dedicated keepsake box.

Unpacking Baby Clothes for Use

When it’s time to use the baby clothes again, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, make sure the clothes are still in good condition. Check for any stains, tears, or damage, and discard any items that are no longer usable. Inspect for any signs of yellowing, mildew, or pest activity. 

Next, launder the clothes again before using them. This will help remove any dust or dirt that may have accumulated while in storage. It also helps to freshen them up, as clothes can sometimes develop a "stale" or plastic smell from being stored.    

 Follow the same steps for laundering as before, using a gentle detergent and avoiding high heat. Airing them out, perhaps on a breezy day (but out of direct sun for delicate items), can also help.  Some parents find a quick tumble in the dryer on a low or air-fluff setting with a damp cloth can help remove wrinkles and freshen them.    

Once the clothes are clean, it’s time to dress your baby in them again! Enjoy the memories that come flooding back as you see your youngest child in your favorite outfits. And remember, properly storing baby clothes is a small but important part of parenting that can save you money and protect your family’s health. It’s a thoughtful act that benefits your future self, future children, or other families, all while preserving those sweet, tiny memories.