Buying baby clothes is one of those guilty pleasures we often indulge in, only to regret later when we find those cute little outfits stashed in the bottom of baby’s dresser, the tags still attached. And it can be a costly pleasure at that, with many outfits easily running $20 or more. Babies often grow so quickly during those initial months and years that they are suddenly too big for that outfit you just bought, and you are left wondering why you even bothered. There are ways however, to make sure your baby boy is properly outfitted without going overboard.

One of the great advantages to outfitting little boys is that many of the available outfits are easy to deal with. Overalls, onesies and one-piece jumpsuits are not only easier for parents to get their kids in and out of, but they can save money on accessorizing as well. During the summer months, when a little boy can run around in his diaper and a onesie or shorts, it can save wear and tear on other clothing, and during the winter, those one-piece, zip up pajama suits can be a real lifesaver.

Nevertheless, you might be thinking to yourself that those types of outfits can still be costly, even if they do save money on other types of clothing. Well, you’re right. If you go out to the department store or baby specific shops, you can indeed run up quite a bill. However, it is important to consider the lifespan of these clothes, which can often be measured in months, sometimes weeks. Consider checking your local resale shops, garage sales, or with friends and family for lightly used clothing. There will be many parents out there like yourself, whose child has outgrown outfits so quickly that they may barely have worn them. Moreover, if you do decide to head to the store, it can be a good idea to avoid malls, baby specific stores, and specialty shops where prices are often higher.