Children grow. That's their main occupation. And as they grow, they leave behind a trail of clothes, shoes, and toys that no longer fit. For parents, that's a logistical problem. For the sharing community, it's a gift.
The Mathematics of Child Growth
A child needs about 20 different clothing sizes in their first three years of life. Twenty. Each size gets worn for maybe two or three months, then it's too small.
If you buy new clothes for every size, you'll go broke. Every parent knows this after their first child. That's why there's an unwritten rule: Children's items get passed on.
This works so well because everyone is giving and looking at the same time. Your three-year-old is growing out of size 98? Somewhere a two-year-old is just growing into size 98. The cycle is perfect.
Why Children's Items Are the Best Category
Of all the things that get given away, children's items go the fastest. There are several reasons for this.
First: Demand is constant. Every day children are born, every day children grow. The demand never stops.
Second: The items are often in good condition. A onesie that was worn for three months is practically new. A toy that was used for a year still has plenty of life ahead.
Third: Parents understand each other. Anyone who has kids themselves knows what it's like. The community is supportive.
What's Especially in Demand
Clothing in all sizes always goes. But certain items are particularly popular.
Winter jackets and snowsuits. These are expensive new but only get worn for one season. If you give away a well-kept snowsuit, someone will be over the moon.
Shoes in good condition. Children's shoes shouldn't be too worn out because kids still need them for learning to walk. But as long as the sole is okay, used shoes are perfectly fine.
Toys are more complicated. Wooden toys go well, plastic less so. Brands like BRIO or Duplo are popular because they last forever. Stuffed animals are tricky – many parents won't take used ones for hygiene reasons.
Children's furniture – high chairs, cribs, changing tables – are often given away because they take up a lot of space and are only used briefly. These are items that cost hundreds of francs new.
The Parent Networks
In every city there are informal networks of parents who trade items. Sometimes organized through Facebook groups, sometimes through playgroups or daycare centers.
The best entry point: Ask other parents. At the playground, in the baby group, at birthday parties. Almost everyone knows someone who's currently clearing out or looking.
Some cities also have organized swap events. Churches often do this, or neighborhood associations. Twice a year a hall is rented and parents bring what they want to get rid of.
When You Want to Give Things Away
A few practical tips if you want to give away children's items yourself.
Wash everything first. Sounds obvious, but it isn't always the case. Clean, freshly washed clothing is much more readily accepted.
Sort by size. If you're offering a box, put everything of one size together. "Boys' clothing 86-92" is more helpful than "assorted children's stuff".
Be honest about the condition. If something has stains or the knees are worn through, say so. Most people will take it anyway, but nobody wants surprises.
Photos help enormously. For clothing, you don't need individual shots – a photo of everything laid out is enough. For toys and furniture, it matters more.
When You're Looking
As a searching parent, you can save a lot of money if you know where to look.
Start early. If you know your child will soon grow into the next size, start looking around. The best stuff goes quickly.
Be flexible with colors and patterns. Your son won't wear pink? Maybe he will, if that's the only warm sweater currently available. Kids don't care.
Don't take more than you need. Free is tempting, but a children's room full of stuff that never gets used doesn't help anyone.
A Thought on Sustainability
A baby onesie gets worn on average 50 times before it's disposed of. For adult clothing, it's over 200 times. The difference: Kids outgrow things.
But that also means: Children's items are often still in good shape when they're passed on. The environmental footprint of second-hand children's clothing is excellent. You're not just saving money, you're saving resources.
Every piece that gets reused is one fewer that needs to be produced. Given the amount of stuff children go through, that makes a real difference.
Conclusion
Passing on children's items is a no-brainer. Good for the wallet, good for the environment, good for the community. And it works because everyone is giving and taking at the same time.
On PIKITUP you'll regularly find children's items near you. Stop by – and when your own kids have outgrown their things, remember to post something yourself.
Do you have tips for swapping children's items? I'd love to hear them – hello@pikitup.ch