The demand for baby products online continues to grow. With hundreds, if not thousands, of online baby stores set up, parents have no shortage of places to find clothing, toys, and bedding to their tastes. Yet, such establishments often brand themselves as specialty retailers, each one offering a niche product or specific quality.

The Globe and Mail, however, reported recently that big box retailers are just getting in on this online trend. As the internet offers a wealth of resources for parents, from stores to forums, companies like Walmart, Target, and Amazon are observing these online properties for product trends.

But, considering online baby stores have multiplied over the years and the internet has turned into a location for mothers and fathers to discuss parenting and their children, big box establishments seem a bit late on this phenomenon. And, considering specialty online retailers have established themselves as sources for quality baby products, can companies that essentially offer a one-size-fits-all approach to shopping actually fit in with this world?

Of course, that all depends on the products offered. If Walmart and other such entities step up their game to baby boutiques with more emphasis on quality than quantity and low prices, these bigger retailers may turn into fair competitors. Yet, when it comes to getting a unique look or specialty-made product, such as baby shower diaper cakes from Rattlecake, the big guys simply do not have the resources to offer a personal touch.

It’s not that big box retailers aren’t involved in selling baby products; they are, but compared to the other offerings out there, what bigger retailers sell is considered baseline or average. Parents, if they have the money, these days can purchase strollers worth more than $1,000, or save far more by looking into rented baby products, and to such tastes, wants, and needs, big box stores simply appear oblivious.

Related articles

• Big Box Stores Kaput (recruitinganimal.typepad.com)
• Can Walmart gain an online advantage over Amazon by simply accepting cash? (digitaltrends.com)

Planning for a new baby – either your first or another child – is expensive. In some cases, having the second child is easier, as you’ve already been through the first. Nevertheless, getting the right baby products takes some strategy if you want to save money. Unfortunately, not all baby products should be purchased secondhand or received as hand-me-towns, but not everyone should be purchased new, either. An article in GoToBabyGift gives a few suggestions:

• Consider a unisex design for your crib, especially if you plan to use it for another child.
• If you want a fashionable diaper bag, make sure it stores all items you’ll need.
• Go for cloth diapers to save money.
• Only use wipes for emergencies; if possible, try to use soap and water instead.
• Have various four and nine-ounce bottles on hand that are BPA-free.
• Several onesies in sizes from zero to 18 months should be on hand.
• Invest in a baby monitor.
• Strollers don’t need to be expensive but they should be safe for your child and should be strong enough to last through the toddler years.
• Make sure you have a few swaddling blankets.
• Keep a baby thermometer at home in case of fevers.

Aside from these points, consider purchasing a car seat that will last for several years and will accommodate the needs of a baby – neck support, especially – and a toddler. Additionally, baby toys are also a necessity, and if you’re strapped for cash, stick with educational or stimulation items. Mobiles, crib books, and mirrors are the basics, and the child should have some toys in black, red, and white or contrasting primary colors that make sounds and have varied textures. Toys, aside from being fun, help build up a child’s basic senses and help him or her transition into the physical skills acquired in the toddler years.

You’ve seen it before. New parents – and grandparents – excited to have their first child go all out in spending for furniture, clothing, and toys. But, how long do these items last and how long should you expect them to be in use? More importantly, is there any way to get some basic baby items to last longer than a couple of years?

There’s a couple of ways to approach spending on baby products, as detailed in this recent advice column. In all cases, you want durable furniture and clothing for your child that won’t become worn out too soon. Nevertheless, don’t succumb to cheap or second-hand baby products, unless you know they’re durable enough. Babies often become injured when a crib or stroller isn’t sturdy enough and collapses. One approach in this case is to look for short-term baby products that aren’t expensive but are durable. In some cases, they can be second-hand or hand-me-downs, but test the quality first before purchasing.

The other approach, and is one argument for designer baby furniture, is purchasing higher-priced but durable pieces of furniture that will convert into pieces for a toddler or last several years. One popular piece of baby furniture in recent years has been convertible cribs. These wooden cribs start out with your child and, once your child starts to grow, they fold out into a toddler bed that will, at longest, last until the child is four or five years old. Another option is, if you plan on having more than one child, keeping such baby furniture around and using it like an heirloom or a high-quality hand-me-down item.

When considering baby clothes, however, the basics are always better. Parents are told to stick with the basic items a baby will need, such as onesies and t-shirts, and only purchase high-quality clothing once the child starts growing slower.