By Staff Writer

Baby gifts, baby items, baby toys, baby dresses and baby products! And of course, baby clothes. Being a parent sometimes just takes a toll on the budget. Little Harry and Gina grow up too fast. In fact, babies double their weight on average by 6 months. They triple their birth weight once they turn a year old. Clothes are easily outgrown and replaced by kids, toddlers, newborns, etc. Short of receiving hand-me-downs or browsing through discount shops, you can always visit shops online. The good thing about being online is that customers can post on their own selections and comments regarding different shops and different brands and can give you information about where to look for nice and cute patterns. Another good thing is that you could compare prices quickly between stores without shedding a sweat (or dragging your reluctant spouse across the floor).

There may be too many to choose from so here are some sites, backed by parents themselves, to put your minds at rest.

1. Coupons galore

  • dailyedeals.com: The site actually refers you to sellers who display their products online. The site allows you to get discounts or promotional offers once you access them through the site. Just look through the products and check to see if the full discount is present before purchasing. Otherwise, you will buy products at a regular price.
  • WowPrintableCoupons.com: If you don't rely on exclusive online shopping with your credit card, you may print out coupons presented by this site. Both American and UK customers can get these coupons.

2. Gymboree.com offers clothes with matching socks, hats and even accessories for your child.

3. HannaAndersson.com takes this a step higher. Selling Swedish-inspired clothes and apparel, it may cost a small fortune but the soft cotton clothes with designs may become classics in your child's wardrobe. Even clothes for newborns are available.

4. Rubyskids.com is one other online site that may be a little expensive for your budget but it's a one-stop shop for shopping for clothes, toys, diapers, bath soaps, tubs and gift items. The site gives 50% off designer clothes so your child may be wrapped in trendy clothes without the big price tag. The site also gives free shipping if the purchases are over $100. All of its products are divided into Toy Shoppe, Clothing & Accessories, Diapering & Feeding and Bed & Bath.

Other sites recommended are: couponsnapshot.com (or you can just type Webclothes.com in the address bar), babymallonline.com, and kitteroo.com. Your favorite search engines Yahoo, Amazon and eBay also help.

Still bummed? Search for sites with clearance sales, opening sales or products that are not in season or nearing the end of it. Prices are not as steep or as high as when they are in season.

Remember that online stores are still stores. Don't forget to explore the store across the street or thrift stores. Visiting so-called offline stores may be boring but at least you don't have to pay for shipping costs. In extreme urgency, you may have to ask your family for free clothes: hand-me-downs that are cleaned thoroughly are not just cheap but may also be practical. Soak them in a strong disinfectant (preferably Lysol) for one hour and then wash them with detergent after.

Baby gifts, baby items, baby toys, baby dresses, and baby products! There's a lot to choose from and then there's your budget. Try checking the World Wide Web for baby clothes. You just might find the best match for your baby.