The baby shop. (Mothercare)

Member Name: sandemp

Product:	Mothercare
Date:	17/08/09 (149 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Everything for baby and mum-to-be, exceptional quality products, helpful staff

Disadvantages: Can cost more than other shops

I live in quite a small town and when it comes to anything baby related there really isn't a lot of choice. But even if there was I'd still find myself turning to Mothercare as I know that although they can be a little pricey the quality more than makes up for the few extra pounds that the items may cost. You see my relationship with Mothercare has now lasted over eighteen years, and I already know that I'll be spending plenty more over the next few years.

Mothercare itself has been around for as long as I can remember and although there was a time about ten years ago when a lot of the stores closed down, I'm not that concerned that it's going to disappear any time soon. The store I visit is quite small but well laid out with plenty of space between displays, which means it's easy to navigate even when pushing a buggy. Focussing simply on selling products relating to babies and children there's everything here from maternity clothing to prams and toys.

The maternity clothes are extremely well made and as fashionable as it's possible to get when there's a bump to consider. Although kitting yourself out with clothes from here can make a huge dent in your pocket, they are far more comfortable to wear than tracksuit bottoms. And these clothes are also an investment, I previously had several outfits from here that lasted through not one or two but three pregnancies and were still in good enough condition to be passed on to a pregnant friend. I had a pair of dungarees that were so comfortable that towards the end of pregnancy I virtually lived in them, washing them each night ready to wear the next day, and even with this extensive washing they still looked as good as when I bought them. Although I'm not at a stage where I need to wear maternity clothes quite yet, I've already got my eye on a few bits and bobs ready for when my current clothes start getting a bit tight around the waist. Along with actual clothes they sell a range of nightwear, maternity bras, knickers and even tights. The range of clothes actually displayed in the store isn't all that large, but they also have a catalogue which has the full range.

The baby clothes selection is far, far larger and one of my favourite pastimes is simply looking at all the cute little outfits. Even staple items such as vests and baby grows are considerably dearer in here than such places as Primark. But the quality is vastly superior, there really is no comparison. They wash up far better than those in cheaper shops, and the actual material feels so much thicker. The range of sizes is also far better than cheap shops, having had a premature baby, I know how difficult it can be to buy outfits for these tiny babies, but Mothercare's new born range includes these special babies and not at inflated prices. I know it's a temptation to buy 3 sleepsuits for £5, seeing as the baby will only be in them for a few months, but I feel that the quality in Mothercare more than makes up for the higher price (approx £10 for 3). In my experience they will almost definitely still be in good enough condition to put-by for the next baby or pass on to a relative once baby has grown out of them.

With a range of unisex, girls and boys clothes, Mothercare sells some adorable outfits and is one of the best places to buy a special gift for a new baby. I've already got my eye on a coming home outfit, which is absolutely adorable. Now although I love the baby outfits, I don't think that the range for slightly older children is quite such good value. There are some nice outfits for special occasions, but we all know how toddlers love to get themselves nice and messy so I've never really bought clothes for them here unless they are on sale and therefore far better value for money.

Along with clothes Mothercare also sells a vast range of essentials for when baby is actually born. From bottles, to breast pads, to maternity towels to nappies the choice is huge with almost everything you could need under one roof. Not all of these products are exactly necessary and many of them are more expensive than supermarket equivalents, but it is nice not to have to trundle between all the different shops, and there are some products that it's hard to get anywhere else. The coordinating bath sets are very pretty and good quality and again make excellent gifts for the new parents.

The range of nursery furniture is, in my opinion, somewhat overpriced, but I have to admit on the main the quality is exceptional. The cots are extremely well made, sturdy and in my experience outlast babyhood and can, once more be passed on to the next baby. Yes I have bought cots from here in the past, and to be honest I probably will again, simply because I trust the brand. The same goes for the prams, Mothercare was one of the first places you could buy a travel system, and I bought one when they came out that lasted for two babies before being passed on. Even in the small store local to be there's a good range of prams, buggies and car seats which while a little more expensive than, say, Argos are of good quality and built to last.

I've never had anything other than the friendliest service from the staff in Mothercare, they always seem to be willing to advise on the different products they sell and more importantly they seem to know what they're talking about. They are more than willing to allow the prams to be removed from the display stands so that I can see how comfortable they are to push. And on the one occasion in the past when I needed to return a pushchair they were very professional, lending me a replacement while mine was repaired. It's worth noting that this pushchair was almost a year old and had had a lot of use before there was a problem with it.

Along with cash Mothercare accepts all major credits cards (except American Express), runs it's own storecard and sells gift vouchers. They also run a lay-by scheme, called the Babyplan, which is a very useful way to save for those bigger purchases. For a £10 fee you can set up a list of larger equipment and then after paying a 10% deposit you can pay as much as you like at a time as long as the balance is paid by 10 days before your delivery date. The items are then delivered to your home address. I have used this scheme, albeit thirteen years ago, and I found it to be a great way of budgeting for a pram, as I was never actually in debt and would have found it hard to come up with the lump sum.

So am I recommending Mothercare? Yes, I think I am, although most items do seem to be priced a little on the high side, the quality more than makes up for this. It's a great place to buy everything that a new baby or mum-to-be needs, along with a few items that you didn't actually realise you needed. The Babyplan makes those larger purchases more affordable, and the staff are a pleasure to deal with. For me Mothercare will always be my first choice when purchasing these goods, whether for myself or as gifts for others as it's a brand I trust and as far as my babies are concerned I would definitely go for quality over low prices any day.

Summary: Not the cheapest, but the quality more than makes up for that