The places to shop for the best bargains:

• Discount chains. Huge discount chains like Wal-Mart^TM, Kmart^TM, SAM’S CLUB^®, and Costco^® are great places for saving money on everything. Although their baby-product lines are usually limited to rather basic, no-frills models, their prices are often better than you can find elsewhere. Scout out your local “big box” store that carries your favorite brand of disposable diapers and buy in bulk. You may be able to purchase items online, but know your products first.

• Baby superstores. Gigantic baby superstores are next in line for savings. The list includes: Toys “R” Us^TM, Babies “R” Us^®, Baby Superstore, Buy Buy Baby, and the Baby Depot sections sometimes found inside Burlington Coat Factory stores. Most carry a huge inventory of products, with advertised models at a substantial savings. Ask about their return policies before buying.

• Retail chains. Mainline retail chains such as JCPenney^TM, Sears, and Macy’s carry limited stocks of mainstream baby products, such as cribs, strollers, and clothing items. Prices are generally reasonable. Occasionally, you may be able to grab a great bargain during special discount periods, such as “baby week” or with end-of-season, or change-of-model markdowns. (New baby-product models usually debut in the late fall and the first of the year.)

• Internet stores and auction sites. Baby-product “e-tailers” sometimes offer huge discounts, but note that storefronts may come and go quickly. Make sure you’re dealing with a reputable company or an auction seller with good feedback. Don’t agree to back-order a product that’s not in stock. (For Web addresses and warnings about what to buy new or used, see in 7. Resource Guide.) Don’t forget to factor in shipping and handling costs when comparing prices.

• Baby boutiques. The least likely places to save money on baby products are at independently owned “stork shops” in malls and luxury baby departments inside big-name retail stores. Avoid going into these shops unless accompanied by a generous, rich relative; search out half-price sales and buy several sizes larger for baby clothing.

• Baby-product catalogs. Direct-mail catalogs make for interesting browsing and can be a great way to get an overview of what’s out there without having to leave the house. If you’re thinking of placing an order, don’t forget to calculate shipping and handling costs in the total price.

• Yard sales and consignment shops. Clothing and baby toys are great finds at yard sales, but cribs and car seats aren’t. Everchanging federal regulations make each new generation of car seats and cribs safer than those manufactured even a year earlier.