How I Prepare for the Next Clothing Size Before My Children Need It

If there's one thing I've learned after three children, it's that growth spurts rarely arrive with much warning, my three normally do it all nat the same time as well!

One day everything fits perfectly. The next, trousers are too short and sleeves suddenly seem tiny.

That's why I almost always prepare for the next size before my children actually need it.

I Always Buy Ahead

These days, I usually have at least the next size ready and waiting.
Sometimes it's even two or three sizes ahead if I find something I really love.
At first this felt excessive, but it has saved me a huge amount of stress over the years.

Great Finds Don't Always Appear When You Need Them

One of the advantages of shopping preloved is that amazing bargains appear unexpectedly.
If I find a beautiful Boden dress, a Frugi coat or a JoJo outfit in a future size, I'll often buy it and put it away.
I know from experience that if I wait until I actually need that size, the item may be long gone.

Keeping a List Helps

I always have a rough idea of what each child needs next.

That might be:

• Winter coats
• Pyjamas
• T-shirts
• Leggings
• Shoes

Having a list makes it much easier to spot genuine bargains and avoid buying things I don't need.

Where I Find Bargains

Good finds can come from all sorts of places.

I regularly look at:

• Second Snuggle stock
• Vinted
• The Little Loop
• Charity shops
• Small Instagram brands

The key is being patient and buying when the right item appears rather than when you're desperate.

Storage Makes Life Easier

Each of my children has a drawer dedicated to future sizes.
When I buy ahead, everything goes straight into the correct drawer.
That way, when a growth spurt arrives, I already know where to look.

Have I Ever Bought Too Far Ahead?

Absolutely.

There have been times I've bought things two or three sizes ahead because I loved them or because the price was too good to miss.
Sometimes those items sit in a drawer for a while before they get worn.
But I've rarely regretted buying something special when I had the chance.

Final Thoughts

Preparing for the next clothing size has saved me time, money and last-minute panic shopping.
Children grow quickly and good bargains don't always appear exactly when you need them.
Having a stash of future sizes means you're ready when those growth spurts arrive, and it often allows you to build a better wardrobe for less money.