Where did all the baby stuff go??

[Mrs. Charming]

I swear, when DH and I were TTC, the store shelves (Target etc) were stocked with baby gear. Like, overflowing. Now that I'm finally pregnant, the baby gear is few and far between. They have displays but they've been empty for abuot 2 months. What is going on?? It's driving me nuts, I want to buy things, but they just aren't on the shelves!! I don't think I could find a new exersaucer, lol. (Ours is *beat*) Are they just coming out with new lines?

And the diaper deals.. I used to get diapers for a song and a dance... now the "sale" prices are the regular prices at Target. Hmmph!

 

[stsomewhere]

I have noticed that shelves are not as full as they use to be. I took Dd to ToyR Us and most of their shevles were empty.

 

[RooRach0906]

I know for the Graco brand they are updating there styles at least that is what Babies R Us told me... so they are getting rid of the old to put out new right now... and thats not just for bigger items b/c I noticed a lot of the smaller stuff to was being discounted off my registry and I asked and either got we dont sell enough of it or they are bringing out new so we have to get rid of the old.

Other than that I have noticed the major price increase on all baby stuff... yes we are having our first but I have 4 nieces and my best friend just had a baby less than a year ago and things have already increased... I have had many people tell me things on my registry are expensive and then when I told them for most I picked the cheaper of that item (play mats, jumperoos, and things like that) they did not believe me. Its crazy, hope you start to have some better luck.

 

[Mrs. Charming]

I have noticed that shelves are not as full as they use to be. I took Dd to ToyR Us and most of their shevles were empty.

You know, come to think of it, I've noticed that too. Don't they realize that there are people out there who actually want to buy things?

 

[Mrs. Charming]

I know for the Graco brand they are updating there styles at least that is what Babies R Us told me... so they are getting rid of the old to put out new right now... and thats not just for bigger items b/c I noticed a lot of the smaller stuff to was being discounted off my registry and I asked and either got we dont sell enough of it or they are bringing out new so we have to get rid of the old.

Other than that I have noticed the major price increase on all baby stuff... yes we are having our first but I have 4 nieces and my best friend just had a baby less than a year ago and things have already increased... I have had many people tell me things on my registry are expensive and then when I told them for most I picked the cheaper of that item (play mats, jumperoos, and things like that) they did not believe me. Its crazy, hope you start to have some better luck.

Hmmm.. I wonder if Graco has cool stuff coming out. I wonder if the store items are clearanced?

I have totally noticed a price increase. I thought things were expensive when DD was born, almost 3 years ago. Yikes!! When I registered for DD, I picked the cheaper things too... people aren't millionaires and some people don't want to spend $80 on a baby gift! Worst part is, sometimes that *is* the cheap one!

 

[CuteAndFluffy]

I think a lot of retailers are scaling back what they carry on the shelves since so many people are turning to online purchases for things like this. Prices are just sooo much better!
If you check reviews carefully and think about what you want a product to do you can usually find products you'll be happy with.

I made one BIG purchase on Amazon when we were ready to set up the nursery. A lot of the stuff I wanted (like a moby baby carrier, Sophie the Giraffe, etc.) wasn't readily available at the major retailers anyway. I missed seeing it in person, but it worked out OK.

Check out Baby 411 for a good forum with reviews on baby gear.

Congratulations on your new addition and I hope you find all the stuff you need!

 

[mb_uh]

Not sure about the stores but if you live near a big city I would try craigslist we bought a ton of great almost new baby stuff for less then half price and that way you can find discontinued patterns etc- I was doing Classic pooh and could not find everything in stores. Baby stuff gets used for so few months unless if has been kept for 2-3 kids most if it is brand new.

 

[alexensmom]

I think all stores are scaling back on their inventory. I have found that if I see something I love in a store, I better not wait until it goes on sale to buy it. If I wait, then the size I want isnt there and they dont get any more of that item in. Stores arent restocking like they used to, but I want to see how some things work before I buy them.
My DH is ready to get this potty training thing started. Diaper sticker shock

 

[ZPT1022]

I've been doing a lot more shopping online this time around. DH and I were in Target today and I asked him to help me look for a diaper bag. No wonder I couldn't find them- there were literally three different bags and they were smushed in on a bottom shelf! DH was like, Hon, you can find something better online and just order it. I like to see stuff in person before purchasing but he's right- the stores have been kind of crappy this time around and I am definitely having much better luck online.

 

[Maleficent&Goons]

Have you tried Buy Buy baby also Burlington Coat Factory? They are my recent discoveries of great selections and prices.

 

[McDuck]

I had the problem of not being able to find much good maternity stuff. And then, after DD was born...suddenly the department stores that had NOTHING when my mom was shopping looking for stuff to send to me (we were stationed in England until near the end of the second trimester) all had fairly decent maternity departments again!

 

[Mrs. Charming]

Not sure about the stores but if you live near a big city I would try craigslist we bought a ton of great almost new baby stuff for less then half price and that way you can find discontinued patterns etc- I was doing Classic pooh and could not find everything in stores. Baby stuff gets used for so few months unless if has been kept for 2-3 kids most if it is brand new.

I wish our Craigslist was that good! For some reason people here (Phila area) try to sell their stuff that has really seen better days for a LOT of money. It's like, I can buy that in a store for $10 more!!

 

[Mrs. Charming]

Have you tried Buy Buy baby also Burlington Coat Factory? They are my recent discoveries of great selections and prices.

I've never tried Buy Buy Baby! I checked their website, they're about an hour away from here. Worth a shot to look! Our closest Burlington I've been to a few times, there are always shady unsavory characters waiting outside

 

[HunnyJar]

I've never tried Buy Buy Baby! I checked their website, they're about an hour away from here. Worth a shot to look! Our closest Burlington I've been to a few times, there are always shady unsavory characters waiting outside

I thought ours was the only one like that. I'd love to check out their baby stuff, but.. I don't want to go in there!

 

[mamaLori05]

It happens every year around this time. Usually it's in Feb, but this year seems to be a little later. They clearance out all the baby stuff and make room for the new stuff. This is the time of year the new and improved models come out. Wait a few more weeks and I bet the shelves will be stocked again!!

I always warn my friends that are doing registry's to wait until after this time period if they can. Otherwise you get stuck with people not being able to find anything, and you having to start over.

 

[Mrs. Charming]

Thanks!! I definitely missed all the clearance deals... maybe I should check BRU again just in case. I'm not registering (no shower, baby #2) so I'm trying to get a bang for my buck!

 

[NotUrsula]

It happens every year around this time. Usually it's in Feb, but this year seems to be a little later. They clearance out all the baby stuff and make room for the new stuff. This is the time of year the new and improved models come out. Wait a few more weeks and I bet the shelves will be stocked again!!

That makes this the perfect time to buy online, and buy the good stuff, not the mass-market junk that usually is in stores like WalMart and Target. There is definitely a two tier market in baby gear, and the higher-end things have model years just like cars. When the new things hit the market, the old models/colors get clearanced, and the getting is good.

Strollers in particular are best purchased online. Don't buy a steel stroller; go straight for aluminum frames.

 

[irisbud]

I've never tried Buy Buy Baby! I checked their website, they're about an hour away from here. Worth a shot to look! Our closest Burlington I've been to a few times, there are always shady unsavory characters waiting outside

The one near us is like that too. DH doesn't mind going in there but I wouldn't go alone

 

[mamaLori05]

Thanks!! I definitely missed all the clearance deals... maybe I should check BRU again just in case. I'm not registering (no shower, baby #2) so I'm trying to get a bang for my buck!

And if you have a USA baby near you, I saw some AWESOME deals in there last week. I saw a Britax Marathon car seat for like $150, which is an AMAZING deal!!!!!!!

 

[Mrs. Charming]

And if you have a USA baby near you, I saw some AWESOME deals in there last week. I saw a Britax Marathon car seat for like $150, which is an AMAZING deal!!!!!!!

Oh wow, that IS a great deal!! The closest one is in NJ I need a new Marathon too.

Thanks!