The baby durables market is limited in its capacity for substantial growth as demand is driven by the number of births in a given year. According to the National Center for Health Statistics, the biggest drop in birth rates in nearly 40 years occurred in 2008, and birth rates have continued to decline through the first half of 2010. This implication is that market players have been operating under an unusually challenging environment.

Covering the broad scope of baby products that parents and parents-to-be acquire through purchases, baby showers and gifts from family and friends, Mintel takes a close look at how the baby durables market is performing when challenged by declining birth rates and recession-induced spending reductions.

The baby durables market is limited in its capacity for substantial growth as demand is driven by the number of births in a given year. According to the National Center for Health Statistics, the biggest drop in birth rates in nearly 40 years occurred in 2008, and birth rates have continued to decline through the first half of 2010. This implication is that market players have been operating under an unusually challenging environment.

Covering the broad scope of baby products that parents and parents-to-be acquire through purchases, baby showers and gifts from family and friends, Mintel takes a close look at how the baby durables market is performing when challenged by declining birth rates and recession-induced spending reductions.

You will find thoughtful discussion on these as well as topics that include:

The size of the market as represented by retail sales of the market’s top 15 retailers, as well as growth projections

Insight into opportunities to alleviate “information overload” for moms

Insight and discussion of the value in customizable baby durable opportunities

Evaluation of the shadow market, including analysis of the baby durables moms are most likely to acquire second-hand

The effects of unemployment and underemployment, poor consumer confidence, and limited personal disposable income on the market

The impact of a mother’s age on birth rates, types of baby durables owned, and the method of baby durable acquisition

Discussion of top retail formats and leading manufacturers/brands in baby durables

Innovators creating demand and interest in baby durables by adding features and benefits that suit the lifestyle and sensibilities of new parents

A comprehensive look into the role of the internet and social media as an important marketing strategy

Moms’ attitudes and behaviors toward baby durable product research and recommendations

Important factors that drive moms’ purchase decisions of baby durables

Insight into how moms receive baby durable gifts

In-depth look at differences in product ownership, usage of shadow market, purchase decision drivers and research habits of married moms versus those not married