Your baby sure grows fast. Before you know it, she's already a talking, walking toddler, running around, almost ready to start preschool. You find your house stuffed with mountains of old baby clothes. From shorts, shirts, baby bibs, pajamas, dresses, pants and shoes --- you've got them all cluttered in your kid's closet.

Unused baby clothes can take too much closet space and since you don't have any use for them anymore, maybe it's about time you get rid of them.

Before you start sorting your baby's clothes, are you positive you won't be having another kid? If you still want another child, then don't get rid of those clothes yet. Younger siblings can still wear them, instead of having to buy a whole new wardrobe. You'll get to save money in the process.

The important thing is to keep the clothes in good condition. Put them in zip-lock bags or a plastic box to keep them clean and prevent them from wearing out. Label them according to age group or what season they're appropriate, so you won't have any trouble retrieving them in the future.

If you're sure you won't be having any more children, then go ahead and start taking away all those baby clothes.

• Share with people you know

If you have relatives, friends or colleagues who have (or will be having) babies of their own, give the clothes to them. Since baby clothes can be expensive, you'll let them save bundles of cash. Just make sure they don't mind getting hand-me-downs. Although many parents are gracious and appreciative when receiving secondhand clothing, some may find it awkward.

Sort the clothes first. Make neat piles and ponder which piece should go to which person. Then, try to be sincere while giving them away. Stop yourself from blurting out stuff like “Oh, youll love this adorable designer dress, it cost $100 when it was brand-new!” It's very impolite.

• Donate to charity

Your child is fortunate to have loving parents who can provide him or her with a wonderful life. Millions of babies and children around the world grow up as orphans, living in improvised shelters and orphanages. Some of them don't get enough food and dress up in tattered old clothes. Help them in your own little way by giving your child's old stuff. They'll be very grateful, and won't mind whether it's fancy or not. Besides, it's good karma for you and your family.

Many orphanages and shelters for single mothers readily accept clothes donations. Orphan networks like Red Cross, CARE, Islamic Relief and the Salvation Army also take these items. They'll either give them away without any cost, or they sell the clothes at discounted prices.

• Organize a garage sale

Here's a fun way of getting rid of all your unused baby clothes --- hold a garage sale in your yard, and sell all those baby outfits. Even if you sell them at a dollar each, you'll be surprised at how much money you can make. Include old baby toys and accessories and maybe some second-hand furniture. By the end of the day, you'll have loads of cash and no more baby clothes clutter. Just make sure the items you sell are in good condition and clean.

• Sell them to secondhand stores

If you know any stores that buy secondhand clothing, take the clothes there. They'll either let you exchange them with other items from their store or they'll give you a reasonable price for the clothes. Make sure you understand their exchange policies though.

• Invest in the Internet

The Internet's influence and coverage makes it a great medium for selling anything—even your baby's old outfits. Find a reliable second-hand exchange or auction site and put the baby items online. Chances are there's someone out there who loves that old pink sweater your child has outgrown. If you want, you can also make your own personal site and manage it at home. It's a fun and easy online project you'll enjoy.

Let your creative juices flow. Turn all that clothing junk into something useful. You just need creativity, patience and some sewing materials.

• Why not make a rag doll for your child using colorful scraps from her old baby clothes? It's a sweet gift you can give and she'll appreciate it even more if she knows you made it especially for her.
• Another item you can make is baby quilt. Some parents get very sentimental about their child's baby items. Instead of throwing or giving them away, cut quilt squares and then sew them together into a cute little rag quilt. Even when your child gets older, they will still keep it with them.
• Does your child own many dolls? Use the old clothes to dress up these lovable toys to make them look more adorable.
• You can also turn old baby clothes into cleaning rags. Since they are made from durable fabrics, you'll find them useful for many cleaning chores, such as for wiping windows, tables or kitchen counters, or dusting home decorations.

Sometimes, there's only one place where old clothes can go --- the trash. Remember, this is only for items that are really useless or embarrassing to sell or give away. For example, if the clothes are faded or too worn out, they can be thrown away. Items with missing buttons and elastic bands should also be disposed.

Don't burden yourself or your closet with unused baby clothes. They'll only go out of style, gather dust and clutter your place. Be a good mommy and go sort out those old outfits. If you're resourceful enough, you'll find ways on how they can still be useful.

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