Paying It Forward :: Hand Me The Hand-Me-Downs
Some people do not like to wear used clothing or shoes, and others wear nothing but. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve stopped another woman and asked her about her garb and where she got it from with her response being, “Oh, I got this from a thrift store” or “I scored this at a yard sale.” Granted, it takes time and effort to scavenge for name brands and/or quality clothing for a decent price even in the brick and mortar stores, but elbow grease and THEN some is needed to have a keen eye in those hidden nooks and crannies of yard sales and thrift stores. But that’s us ladies … let’s talk about these kids!
If you don’t know, my husband and I have six kids … three boys and three girls. The first one (boy) came when we were in college and I found out I was expecting with the second (boy) right after graduating. Numbers three and four (girls) had us juggling three kids three and under. We thought we were done, but four years later numbers five (boy) and six (girl) completed our family. The last two are 18 months apart. It would be so much easier clothing wise for them to have both been the same gender!! My oldest two are too spaced out to save for, plus their body types are so different it probably would not have worked anyways. The two girls being only two years apart helps TREMENDOUSLY. Needless to say, I have an infant and a toddler and I have been blessed with a mom community who has graciously contributed to every single necessity for the both of them.
My husband and I have moved a good bit, but we have been in the Greater New Orleans area the longest of any other place besides our hometown. I have never seen such a giving and selfless motherhood community than here. From toys and cribs to nursing pumps and cloth diapers, mamas have banded together to make sure that no other mama (including me) can say doesn’t have what she needs for her and her baby. With my first, I was a little hesitant to take maternity hand-me downs. After having multiple children and thinking I was done coupled with only needing expandable clothing for 5-6 months at a time, I welcomed gently used maternity wear with open arms. Some people refuse to accept used clothing for their newborns. I get it. You want to be extra clean. You want to be extra safe. It’s totally YOUR decision. If you’re on the fence though, don’t feel bad about whatever choice you choose. There are ways to strip clothing if you don’t know where it’s coming from. Some mom guilt can be eliminated if you’re getting them from a trusted friend or family member. Just know you’re baby is still the cutest thing whether he’s in his birthday suit or dressed in the latest fad. 
If you’re looking for places to find gently used maternity and children’s clothing, here are a few places to start:
- Your neighborhood BUY NOTHING Facebook group (i.e. Gentilly/Ninthward, Metairie/Kenner, and Marigny/Bywater)
- Once Upon A Child store (Metairie)
- Three Peas in a Pod store (Chalmette)
- Rhea Lana’s consignment pop-up
- Children’s Clothing Exchange pop-up
In closing, I’d like to thank all the families who pass on their belongings to others. I pay it forward and will continue to do so. My hope is that our community continues to stick together, especially through these tough, uncertain, and sometimes lonely times. For many, this is what really makes New Orleans home.
