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Buying for a baby or child is different from any other shopping task — safety, fit, and longevity all matter. A cheap onesie that shrinks or a car seat that doesn’t meet safety standards can cost you more in stress than the savings were worth. Picking the right store helps you find trusted brands, up-to-date safety information, and products that last from newborn stage through toddlerhood. Think of shopping for baby gear like building a small house: you want a solid foundation, not just pretty wallpaper.
In this guide I’ll walk you through the top US stores for baby and kids gear, what each one does best, and how to compare them. You’ll get practical tips for strollers, car seats, nursery furniture, clothing, and toys — plus money-saving strategies and safety checkpoints. Whether you prefer one-stop shopping or niche baby boutiques, this article will help you focus on the right criteria so you buy less often and buy better.
If you want convenience, selection, or unbeatable deals, some national retailers consistently deliver. Below are stores that every new parent should consider when building a registry or stocking the nursery.
Target is a go-to for parents who want a mix of affordability and style. You’ll find diapering basics, breathable swaddles, and mid-range strollers from popular brands. Target’s own baby lines often offer modern prints without the premium price tag, and many stores carry ready-to-go registry services. If you want to pop in and pick up a bottle, some wipes, or a last-minute gift, Target balances value and accessibility well.
Walmart competes on price and selection, making it a solid pick when you’re buying diapers, wipes, and repeat consumables. The online catalog includes nationally known baby brands plus budget-friendly alternatives. Walmart’s scale means frequent rollbacks and lower everyday prices, which is great when you’re budgeting for diapers measured in dozens per week.
Buy Buy Baby focuses exclusively on infants and toddlers, so the selection is deep: high-end strollers, convertible cribs, nursing essentials, and brand-specific car seats are all easy to find. Staff tend to be more experienced with registry questions and safety specifics compared with general retailers, which makes it a comfortable place for first-time parents who want guidance.
Amazon is unbeatable for speed and breadth: need a replacement pacifier at midnight? Amazon’s probably got one. Prime membership speeds up deliveries and often unlocks better deals on bulk items like formula and diapers. The site also aggregates user reviews, which can be helpful for identifying reliable products — but be mindful of fake or biased reviews and look for verified purchases.
Carter’s is known for durable, affordable baby and toddler clothing. Seasonal sales often cut prices dramatically, so watch for end-of-season markdowns. Their sizing runs true, and the fabrics are generally soft and machine-washable — perfect for the messy reality of parenthood. OshKosh brings a more rugged line while keeping the newborn basics Carter’s is famous for.
The Children’s Place is a favorite for trend-forward kids’ clothing without heavy sticker shock. Expect frequent promotions and multi-item discounts, which is helpful because kids grow fast and you’ll need multiples of many items. They carry sizes from newborn through older kids, making it easy to outfit siblings in one place.
If you’re looking for premium baby blankets, boutique brands, or high-end nursery decor, department stores like Nordstrom and Macy’s offer curated selections. Both stores provide gift registries and helpful return windows, which are useful when grandparents want to buy something special. Expect higher prices, but also a higher-end shopping experience with designer options.
Costco’s strengths are bulk purchases and quality basics. You can save on large boxes of diapers, wipes, and formula over time. Membership clubs like Costco also carry occasional deals on baby gear and car seats, and many parents find the membership pays off quickly when you count repeat purchases measured in diapers per month.
Choosing a store is more than price. Use these comparison points to decide where to buy specific items and where to invest in quality.
Not every baby item needs to be expensive, but some should be. Splurge on a safe car seat and a solid crib mattress; save on basics like plain onesies and burp cloths. Think through how long the item will be used: if it’s a one-size newborn swaddle used for a few months, a lower-cost option might be fine.
Stores that stock many brands let you compare like-for-like. If you want a specific stroller brand or a convertible crib from a trusted manufacturer, look for specialty stores or major retailers with deep baby sections. Wide brand variety is also useful when you need accessories or replacement parts fast.
Safety should be non-negotiable. Check that car seats meet federal standards and that cribs comply with the latest safety rules. Reputable stores will list certifications and links to recall info. If you’re buying used, make sure it’s not been recalled or expired — car seats typically expire after six to ten years depending on manufacturer guidelines, measured in years rather than pounds.
Registry tools simplify baby shower planning. Stores with user-friendly registries, easy returns (for registries), and completion discounts can be especially helpful. Many registries also integrate with price alerts so you can track sales on items you want.
Different stores excel at different categories. Below I map common needs to stores that do those things well.
For strollers and car seats, in-person testing is invaluable. Specialty stores and big-box retailers with showroom space let you fold a stroller, check harness height ranges in inches, and see seat padding up close. Look for strollers with weight capacities clearly listed in pounds and car seats with height limits in inches so you know they’ll fit as your child grows.
Cribs, dressers, and gliders are worth investing in. Furniture stores and department stores with baby sections carry solid options and conversion pieces that transition from infant to big-kid styles. Measure your nursery in feet and inches before buying to ensure a crib and changing station fit comfortably with room left for movement.
Buy basics in multiples: onesies, sleepers, and socks. Organic or cotton blends tend to be gentler on newborn skin. Remember that newborn sizes can be short-lived — many parents prefer to buy more 0–3 month and 3–6 month sizes than a drawer full of 0–1 month items. Keep in mind heights in inches when checking size charts for a closer fit.
For bottles, pumps, and nursing pillows, prioritize stores that carry breastfeeding brands and replacement parts. Local pharmacies and big retailers stock feeding basics, while specialty baby shops and some department stores carry higher-end pump models and manual-expert staff. Tip: check pump compatibility in ounces when comparing storage bag capacities.
Look for age-appropriate toys labeled in months or years and check for small parts warnings. Boutique toy stores often carry unique, developmental options, while big retailers provide competitive pricing on mainstream educational toys and board books. Rotate toys by age range — tummy-time mats for infants and more complex puzzles for toddlers.
Having a baby is expensive, but smart shopping can keep costs manageable. Here are strategies that actually work.
Registries help you consolidate gifts and nab completion discounts afterward. Many retailers give a percentage off remaining items on your registry, which is perfect for grabbing larger purchases like a crib mattress or play yard at a lower price after your shower.
Buy swing-seat covers or larger clothing sizes on off-season clearance. End-of-season sales and holiday events often slice prices on baby gear. Combine those with store coupons, membership discounts, or manufacturer rebates for big savings.
Diapers, wipes, and formula are repeat buys — bulk purchasing at warehouse clubs or through subscription services can reduce cost per unit. Track diaper usage in packs per week so you buy the right quantity, and check that storage space in your home will handle boxes measured in feet of shelving.
Babies grow quickly, so furniture or clothes are excellent secondhand buys. For safety-critical items like car seats, avoid used unless you can confirm age, accident history, and manufacturer recertification. For toys, furniture, and books, local consignment shops and online marketplaces are treasure troves.
Online shopping gives you selection and often lower prices; brick-and-mortar stores give you hands-on testing and immediate pickup. A hybrid approach works best: test strollers and car seats in store, then compare online prices and check for promo codes or bundles that tip the balance. Many retailers offer free in-store pickup, which blends both advantages.
Buying used reduces waste and often saves money. Look for local consignment boutiques that vet items for safety, or join community groups where parents sell toys and clothes. When you choose secondhand furniture, confirm all hardware is included and measure pieces in inches to ensure a safe fit in your nursery layout.
Always read size charts, check product dimensions in inches and weight limits in pounds, and inspect reviews from verified buyers. For big-ticket items, keep warranty information and receipts in a safe place. And don’t forget: the best purchases combine safety, practical features, and a price that doesn’t make you wince.
Shopping for baby and kids’ essentials is a balancing act between safety, value, and convenience. Whether you prefer the curated selection of specialty baby stores, the broad inventory of big-box retailers, or the fast convenience of online marketplaces, this guide helps you make intentional choices. Focus on trusted stores for high-stakes purchases like car seats and cribs, use registries and sales to save, and consider secondhand options for lower-risk items. With the right strategy, you’ll build a functional, safe, and stylish nursery without wasting time or money.
