Are You Spending Too Much Money on Baby Gear?

Did you waste $57 today? I hope not. Unfortunately, so many new parents pay much more than they have to for baby products, because they don't know the secrets the insiders know.

Remember, just because you shop at so-called discount stores doesn't mean you'll get the lowest prices. The same is true for warehouse stores and online auction sites.

Even coupons that seem like great deals aren't always a bargain. For example, one online retailer recently offered a promotion where you could buy one board game and get one free. But the games cost twice what they cost at a competitor. So it wasn't really a deal at all.

What's a bargain-hunting parent to do? It helps if you can find someone who's done some research for you.

The Shopping Mom to the Rescue!

In an attempt to do a scientific, apples-to-apples comparison, I recently conducted a price test of six popular baby product web sites. I purchased a basket of common baby products from each site.

All of the sites I chose were well-established businesses, with reliable customer service, and a good selection of products. Many offered extra services, like reader reviews, shopping checklists and helpful tips. The sites were:

1. BabyCenter (http://www.babycenter.com)

2. Babies R Us (http://www.babiesrus.com)

3. Baby Universe (http://www.babyuniverse.com)

4. Baby Catalog (http://www.babycatalog.com)

5. Shopping.com (http://www.shopping.com)

6. Target.com (http://www.target.com)

Shopping.com isn't a retailer. It's a comparison shopping service. But I included it because it's supposed to be able to find you the best deals online. I wanted to see if it lived up to its promise.

The Results

Remember the $57 I talked about wasting earlier? That was the difference in total cost between the cheapest site I shopped and the most expensive. A pretty hefty chunk of change, considering my basket had just four items:

1. A Britax Roundabout car seat in Denim (the price can differ depending on the pattern)

2. The First Years On the Go booster seat

3. An Avent newborn starter set

4. A Boppy

I used my address in Maryland to calculate shipping and tax. Obviously, the cost to you will vary, depending on where you live.

And the Winner Is...

Coming in at a lean, mean $255.55: Baby Catalog offered the best deals. And this didn't include the extra discount you get by signing up for their Baby Club of America.

Shopping.com came in a close second at $257.34, making it a worthwhile stop for anyone in the market for baby gear. Plus, Shopping.com is integrated with Epinions.com, so you can get product reviews right there. I also liked the fact that Shopping.com calculated the total cost, including shipping and tax, in advance.

Baby Universe came in at $263.91. But keep in mind that Baby Universe offers a flat shipping rate of $6.95, no matter how many products you buy. So the more you buy, the better deal this site is.

Babies R Us was the most expensive, at $312.97, followed by Target at $300.74, and BabyCenter at $285.06. Interestingly, both Babies R Us and Target are under the Amazon.com umbrella, which means you should always comparison shop among the different stores on the Amazon site.

Keep in mind, too, that all of these retailers offer coupons and special deals from time to time. So it always pays to shop around.

(c) Stephanie Gallagher. All rights reserved.

Stephanie Gallagher reveals her closely-guarded shopping secrets in her ezine, The Shopping Mom's Weekly Tip. Click here to get the eCookbooks Recipe Sampler Cookbook as a special gift when you subscribe: mailto: theshoppingmom@aweber.com

---

Potty Training Readiness Signals - Is Your Child Ready To Be Potty Trained?

So, you are thinking about potty training your toddler and... Read More

Intersting Baby Facts - Strange But True!

* A baby is born every seven seconds.* Babies are... Read More

14 Steps To Reducing Your Infants Reflux

Many of the things listed below will help with your... Read More

Fun & Unique Baby Shower Favors

A baby shower is often the highlight of an expectant... Read More

Wheres My Mother of The Year Award?

With orange juice spilled over the kitchen table, Playdough in... Read More

Brainy Babies: Is it Genes, Diet, or Playing the Right Baby Games that Tip the Scales?

As parents we all want the very best for our... Read More

Gift Giving For Baby

Since they are you friends or relatives, chances are you... Read More

Baby Names - Unique or Common?

When it comes to naming their baby, people tend to... Read More

Have Fun Purchasing A Stroller For Your Baby

You are getting ready to welcome your baby into your... Read More

The Best Birth Gift

If you are thinking of hiring a nanny, no doubt... Read More

When To Start Teaching Your Baby (2)

With you or without you, your baby will be learning... Read More

Baby Shower Favors to Spice up Your Baby Shower

Baby Shower Favors should be at every baby shower for... Read More

How to Choose a Diaper Pail for Disposable Diapers

When you have already made the decision not to use... Read More

Baby Carriers - Choosing the Right Pouch, Ring Sling, or Carrier for You

With so many options out there for baby carriers it... Read More

Potty Training Boys - How To Potty Train Boys - Do You Teach Them to Sit or Stand?

I am asked this question by many parents - they... Read More

Baby Shower Invitation Cards

Baby Shower Invitation Cards are a time saver for the... Read More

Childrens Bedroom Furniture - Three Mothers Share Their Buying Habits

Just two months ago, a group of mothers from three... Read More

Sharing Baby Photos Online with Birth Announcements & Baby Photo Album Services

Congratulations! You're a new parent and you've brought your precious,... Read More

Human Milk Bank Donor Helps Premature and Sick Infants and Children

Lisa Fozo (37), a Fair Oaks resident, wanted to breastfeed... Read More

Does Your Baby Necessarily Need Shoes?

When you came up with such question, what will be... Read More

Teach Your Baby To Read English

If your child's first language is not English, he or... Read More

Important Safety and Styling Features of Baby Cribs

Baby Cribs are the feature item in any baby's nursery.... Read More

Wasp and Bee Stings to Babies

Are you expecting a baby? Are you planning on having... Read More

Make Your Own Baby Food - The Easy Way!

Is your baby about to start solid foods? Are you... Read More

The Character Traits of a Scorpio Baby

Your Scorpio Baby..October 23 - November 21 Young Scorpios have... Read More

Baby Car Seats Safety - Frequently Asked Questions

In this article you will be provided with information about... Read More

Important Features to Consider When Buying a Baby Crib

With all the different features of baby cribs, it can... Read More

Baby Shower Gifts Are Not All The Same

When one talk about shower baby gifts, it is clear... Read More

Baby Yoga and Me

Having carried a sizable bump around for a very long,... Read More

Using Music To Calm Your Baby

Music is a wonderful way for you to calm and... Read More

Baby Shower Food Items

Baby shower food items are one of the most important... Read More

5 Best Free Child Games for Your Preschooler

There seems to be more and more pressure on parents... Read More

Stammering Toddler

Some parents have the shock of hearing their young child... Read More