Few things make the heart flutter more than tiny flower-studded overalls—especially when they’re high on the cuteness factor but don’t break the bank. Finding affordable baby clothes that stand up to wear and tear can be a challenge—especially if it’s uncharted territory for new parents—but trust, they’re around. You just have to know where to look, which is why we’re here.
Whether you’re buzzing with anticipation for your own bundle of joy to arrive or looking for the perfect gift for a newborn or a special present for a one-year-old, shopping for little ones is fun—but also tricky. As any new mom or dad will tell you, baby clothes can’t just be cute—they have to be durable and well-made, too. From spit-up and diaper blowouts to berry stains and friction at the knees from crawling, a baby’s clothes take a real beating day in and day out. However, you don’t have to spend a fortune to find quality (yet budget-friendly) garments that you won’t mind them growing out of quickly.
If you live for a second-hand find, there are dedicated Facebook groups where you can score freebies or negotiate with buyers in Facebook Marketplace to get a better deal on the things you need. (Just search for your favorite brand, plus the acronym BST—that’s buy, sell, trade.) And if you like to shop in person, check to see if your area has a Once Upon a Child—a national thrift store for kids. Prefer something brand new? From big retailers like Amazon, Target, and Old Navy, to more boutique options like Boden and Pact, these are the best places to find affordable baby clothes online.
You already know you can buy just about anything on Amazon—and that includes affordable baby clothes. The online retailer has a vast selection of clothes and accessories. You can find graphic tees, jeans, and other everyday basics, but you can also find outerwear, hair bows (we’re not screaming, you’re screaming), diaper covers, and more. If you can dream it, chances are you can find it on Amazon. Just note: When shopping on Amazon, you’ll find a lot of boutique brands with international sizing, so double-check the measurements before purchasing.
When it comes to baby clothes—and specifically affordable baby clothes—Carter’s is one of the most prevalent brands. The company manufactures everything from basics like solid onesies and socks to more formal sets for special occasions and holidays. If you’re shopping directly through Carter’s, the retailer also has frequent sales—perfect for shopping for an entire season’s worth of clothes without blowing your budget. Also nice: You can find Carter’s brand clothing at a lot of other retailers, including Amazon, BuyBuyBaby, and Macy’s.
Like Carter’s, Primary clothing is available both on the brand’s own website and at other retailers like BuyBuyBaby and Amazon (great for scoring free shipping!). As the name might suggest, you’ll find staples here—think onesies, leggings, and sleepers—in bright, well, primary colors. Most of the clothes, including the limited selection of outerwear, come in vivid solids, but the brand is also well-known for its array of fun rainbow patterns. Just note: Printed pieces sell out quickly, so sizes can be limited.
You won’t find much more than onesies and leggings at Pact, but it’s a great option for the eco-conscious looking for everyday basics. All of the brand’s clothes are sustainably made with organic cotton. And even though the type of clothing is limited, you can find a host of cute designs in the styles they do offer. What’s more, Pact manufactures clothing for kids and adults, too, so you can shop for the whole family. You’ll score free shipping with purchases above $50.
This storied retailer has tons of great finds for the littlest set—from sleepers and onesies to jeans and jackets—all in relatively trendy styles. Gap’s clothes are also quite durable, and can last through multiple children—perfect for families who want the option of hand-me-downs. Some parents also like the fact that Gap has both a big online presence and brick-and-mortar stores for in-person shopping. (Gap also has a great rewards program, frequent sales, and Gap Factory—all of which can save you additional money.)
Parents love Old Navy because the brand offers a lot of similar styles you might find at Gap—but at even lower prices. Its wardrobe staples—jeans, tees, pajamas, jackets—are particularly well suited for daycare and the playground. (You won’t be too disappointed if something gets stained or ripped.)
You can find all kinds of brands in Target’s baby section, including the aforementioned Carter’s. But Target also has a very popular brand of its own: Cat & Jack. No matter which one you’re shopping for, you’ll find a wide selection of items in Target’s offerings (both online and in store). The retailer has lots of colorful and trendy options, whether you’re shopping for jeans and T-shirts, jackets or shoes. And here’s a pro tip: Keep an eye on Target’s smartphone app—there are often special deals to take advantage of.
As you might expect, Walmart is another solid destination. The retail giant stocks almost all of the most affordable baby brands—Carter’s, Gerber, Garanimals—and while you can certainly buy a single pair of jeans or a sweater, Walmart’s great for picking up bundles and multipacks for even better value. For some of the best deals around, grab a six-pack of onesies or a three-pack of pajamas, and save the fancier stuff—jeans, button-downs, and dresses, for example—for another retailer.
For clothing that looks a lot more expensive than it is, check out H&M. The Swedish retailer’s racks are stacked with trendy items that look a lot like mini versions of something you might wear yourself. And you can stock up on both basics as well as more dressed-up pieces good for a birthday party or a holiday lunch. The retailer is also known for having great collaborations—some of its most beloved (and quick-selling) pieces feature Disney characters.
Nordy loyalists know that Nordstrom’s baby section doesn’t disappoint. The retailer has just about everything—essentials, formalwear (including little blazers for babies!), outerwear, and shoes. Just note: Not all of the items on offer at Nordstrom are as budget-friendly, so make sure to check the price before you get your heart set on something. And if you’re really looking for a good deal, you may want to start with Nordstrom Rack. The outlet has just as wide of a selection, but the prices are significantly slashed.
When you think of Boden, affordable might not be the first adjective that comes to mind. But hear us out: Boden hosts frequent sales that allow you to score major discounts on its incredibly cute and high-quality clothes. With Boden, it’s all about the overall value—something you’re undoubtedly getting if you shop the brand at the right time. The selection is vast, too. You can get everything from leggings and tops to sweaters, jeans, jackets, and boots. It all comes in bright primary colors, most of which are decorated with adorable appliques—think farm animals, flowers, and sherpa pompom ears.
Like Boden, we wouldn’t describe Maisonette as affordable per se, but if you’re looking for something special, it’s worth checking out this retailer. It carries sophisticated items from over 1,000 brands—think personalized sweaters (a great one-year-old gift!) and smocked dresses (so precious for family holiday portraits)—across just about every category, including adults. And just because the brands on offer skew higher-end doesn’t mean there aren’t deals to be had. If you’re willing to hunt the website (or wait for seasonal deals like it’s an after-Christmas sale), chances are you’ll find something you love at a reduced price.