DDIL doesn't use the clothes I buy for DGD

luluaugust

At four months the baby doesn't really need anything other than basic clothes. In future just buy when you are out shopping with her nd she can choose, otherwise don't bother. When DD1 was born we had so little money I was grateful for anything but astonished when elderly an aunt turned up with a shocking pink and an orange babygro, it was 1969.

I would have loved a shocking pink and orange babygrow.
My gifts for our first baby were mostly frilly nylon dresses and matching pants!!

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I'm another one baffled why a child of 4 months might need "adorable outfits" mine were in patterned babygrows most of the time. The prime thing is to have things that are really comfortable and wash easily. I felt that buying for my sons was a perk of the job, I didn't like other people buying things for them. I remember my boss's wife coming round with a ghastly sailor suit thing which I had to put DS1 in a couple of time to preserve my promotion prospects!

StarDreamer

I can imagine a daughter-in-law, sat at a computer that is running Microsoft Access. Two databases, one of records each of an item of clothing and the name of the donor, the other with records each of a day of the forthcming year and the name of a donor to please.
The lady then gets the computer to print out a report showing a roster of which clothing items the child should wear each day so that all the donors are happy.
I know, I know, but how far is that just fanciful?

What a wonderful idea!

It would be so much quicker than the method I used which was a daily diary, colour-coded for each child, noting exactly what they wore each day, who was the donor and making sure that clothes were used in rotation so that none of the donors felt put out.
I then lined up the children (not an easy task), took photographs on my Brownie camera so the photographs could be produced if visitors arrived, thereby having proof that said outfits were being used.

I then changed the children back into their babygros or dungarees.

#MotherHubbard

GrannyBL

Don't feel upset, perhaps the baby has far too many clothes and , quite honestly, at four months old, there is only so much she can wear - perhaps her Mum prefers her to wear comfy babygros and is being polite because she doesn't want to hurt your feelings.

Perhaps putting the money on one side in a children's ISA or Premium Bonds might be a better idea.

It must be upsetting for you, but I think I’d take the hint and give vouchers instead - or else ask whether there’s anything specific your dd would like.

Of course it will depend on what you’re buying, but personally I wouldn’t buy anything but babygros for young babies.

I see a lot of small-baby outfits that may look sweet, but things like tiny denim jeans, little dresses with matching knickers etc. are so often not practical or comfortable for the baby.

I did once buy a really pretty little dress for a 6 week old Gdd, but that was only for dd and SiL (her parents’) wedding, in high summer.

I do agree with whoever dislikes grey on small babies, but equally I really don’t like garish pink.

I know someone that keeps a record of who bought what so the child can wear the clothing when there are visits from the gifters which are miff-prone, great phrase StarDreamer.

If I bought a gift that was not used or clothing that was not worn much it would make me think that I got the choice wrong not somehow blame the recipient.

My daughters were always glad of anything I bought when GC were small, but we all have the same taste we have been known to have the same clothes ourselves unintentionally. One daughter did receive the most horrific fur all in one for her child and she made a point of taking a photo of it.
I remember being presented with filly pants and broderie Anglais dresses that had to be starched with dd number one.
My trouble came when the granddaughters started to have their own opinions. I send clothes from M&S and John Lewis that can be returned and never make any comment if they are.

What a wonderful idea!
It would be so much quicker than the method I used which was a daily diary, colour-coded for each child, noting exactly what they wore each day, who was the donor and making sure that clothes were used in rotation so that none of the donors felt put out
I then lined up the children (not an easy task), took photographs on my Brownie camera so the photographs could be produced if visitors arrived, thereby having proof that said outfits were being used

????????????????.

I've learned that people have their own favourite ways of dressing their children. These days, I'll just send vouchers - or knit something only if they choose the pattern and yarn.

My friend would dutifully dress the baby in what her MIL bought, just for her next visit - then off went the outfit to the charity shop. What a ridiculous waste!

Well, don't buy them then.

I stopped after Dd ruined a lovely red outfit by washing it hot with dark clothes.All the kids things are over washed and shoved into small drawers due to lack of space. I just send money now.

I remember being asked by DIL to knit a hoodie for first grandson , he was 2 , it had to be in Aran wool and a very complicated Aran pattern!
I never saw it on him , or ever in the house !
Maybe it was for her to gift to another child ?‍♀️

or knit something only if they choose the pattern and yarn.
I used to knit when they were small and yes, they wore the garments a lot. DDIL always seemed very appreciative.
However, they refused to wear knitted items when they got a bit older; it's always sports gear now.

MawtheMerrier

^What a wonderful idea!^
It would be so much quicker than the method I used which was a daily diary, colour-coded for each child, noting exactly what they wore each day, who was the donor and making sure that clothes were used in rotation so that none of the donors felt put out
I then lined up the children (not an easy task), took photographs on my Brownie camera so the photographs could be produced if visitors arrived, thereby having proof that said outfits were being used

????????????????.

I don’t believe Callistemon!!

Years ago when mine were little my dearly loved, eccentric late ex-MIL was an enthusiastic knitter and dressmaker. I made sure the children were always wearing her creations for things like nursery photo shoots, and she was thrilled to display those photos. DDs hated crisp smocked dresses and DS hated velvet dungarees and frilly shirts but at least everything MIL made them was worn for one photograph! Bless her, she’d have loved being a great-grandma.

I only buy clothes for my grandsons when their mothers specifically request something. The many bits I find at charity shops stay here so the boys can get mucky when I have them, and nobody has to worry about spoiling their ‘nice’ clothes!

(Nor do I! If I did I would never speak to her ever again. And she’d be on heads duty all the way to the Rhine)

MawtheMerrier

(Nor do I! If I did I would never speak to her ever again. And she’d be on heads duty all the way to the Rhine)

I'm upset, would I lie to you?

I just don’t buy any of Gc anything! Takes the pressure off wondering if it was suitable etc. They only want money nowadays so it is easy. I used to buy books and games but they always had it already.

Well - ready with the Marigolds?

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I love to see babies in white and traditional outfits like romper suits for boys and little hand smoked dresses for girls. My dd knew this and told me she likes her babies in bright colours and no rompers or hand smocking. She told me just because Kate Middleton dresses her children like that she is not going to. It made me a bit sad but they are her babies. I have photos of mine in rompers and smocked dresses on my walls at home. I usually say to dd would dgs like some new shoes or outfit. I tell her to choose some let me know the cost and I put money I to her account. Now dgs' are older they come and kiss me and thank me for their new shoes, which I think they often pick themselves.

I feel sorry for Kate's children, dressed in their very old fashioned clothes - things I would have worn in the 50s. Obviously she and William like them, and whatever the children are shown wearing sells out straight away, but of course they have staff on hand to do the washing and ironing. Whether the children like their clothes, compared to what their friends wear, is another matter.

StarDreamer

I can imagine a daughter-in-law, sat at a computer that is running Microsoft Access. Two databases, one of records each of an item of clothing and the name of the donor, the other with records each of a day of the forthcming year and the name of a donor to please.
The lady then gets the computer to print out a report showing a roster of which clothing items the child should wear each day so that all the donors are happy.
I know, I know, but how far is that just fanciful?

They’d be far more likely to use excel

Access still exists?

I would recommend dil to use SQL

?