Should I be obligated to keep baby items that mother in law gave me?

Question

A few of the things were spit up on, stained, destroyed by mold, etc. I have them in the basement with the other things my daughter outgrew. I have them safely packed in totes. I felt during the first few months of my daughter's life that my mother in law was purchasing too many items and that she was becoming intrusive into the way I was parenting. I have bad memories associated with the things she gave, so I gave most of them away to expecting parents.

If I have another child, and it's a girl, do you think she'll ask if we still have the outfits? Can I say that we were only expecting to have one child (and we gave clothes away) since she told her family that one was enough for us?

Please consider the type of person she is. Holding onto anything she gives makes me upset and reminds me of her- hence why she keeps giving us things. We're unsure if another baby is right for us, and we are only holding onto hardly worn and favorite outfits.

Answer 1

Keep your favorites and donate the rest (except anything with mold...toss that out in the trash).  

If you do have another child, it doesn't seem like she may ask about the outfits since she seems to love giving you things to remind you of her presence....another baby will be reason for her to start it up again.

Answer 2

I wouldnt of kept them...I have a daughter and know i will have other children but i have no space to keep all my daughters things so ive just kept some good items the others i gave away to my cousin who doesnt have very much and others i sold and bought my daughter new stuff for her coming age...If my mil asked id just say i gave them to a better home where they will continued to be used...

Answer 3

get rid of it! who holds on to things the way baby items change these days. only big items like walkers and cribs you hold on to and rebuy inexpensive blankets and bibs and things of that nature.  you married him not her. i had to remind my husband and his family of that a few times! inlaws need boundaries just like kids! you come from a different family and have your own way of doing things and no one has the right to impose or make you do something you are not comfortable with! i am one who firmly believes in standing up for my self !

Answer 4

No, you aren't obligated. I have received many things from family members which I have immediately redonated to Goodwill and women's shelters.

Answer 5

If the stuff is all nasty, like you say they are, then don't keep them! I wouldn't, anyway, if I had bad associations with them... You can't live your life, trying to please others; it just won't work.. Good luck!

Answer 6

god, no, it's normal to toss baby clothes!! my baby spits up throws up, poops and smooches food all over her clothes.  They're just not meant to last forever.

Answer 7

you shouldnt really keep them i knoe its your mother-in-law but if its harmful to other people let alone your baby its time to give them up......................................... mom in law  =) =(

Answer 8

Dont feel obligated at all.  If you do decide to have another child and she asks about the things tell her you used them at the time but when your daughter outgrew them you donated them to other familys in need.