Whether you are looking for the perfect gift to welcome baby, or you have run out of baby care essentials, getting them delivered right to your door saves new parents precious time. And, with Canada's birthrate at its highest in 15 years, according to Statistics Canada; more new parents are looking for ways to save time by shopping online.

With that in mind, online retailers are making it easier for sleep-deprived, new parents to shop from the comfort of home, so that they can spend more time bonding with their little bundle. And, computer-savvy grandparents in search of something extra special for baby are finding more unique items including everything from adorable plush to heirloom quality furniture online.

A Canadian baby boom may be helping online retailers thrive, but how do you know where to shop and what to buy? Here are eight simple steps to convenient, hassle-free online shopping for baby.

Baby steps to online shopping

1. Shop when you want

Let's face it, having a new baby means saying goodbye to your daily routine. Just getting out the door with a new baby in tow is tricky enough, let alone navigating your way through the mall with a newborn that needs to constantly feed or sleep. But online shopping lets you buy what you want, when you want it, conveniently from the comfort of your home. So if it's 4 a.m. and you realize that you're running low on bath care products, you can order more with the click of a mouse and have them delivered right to your door.

2. Fabulous finds

Tired of the same old baby clothes and gear that every little one seems to sport? Shop online at a unique baby boutique to find the latest must-have gear designed with your convenience in mind, as well as organic clothing and baby care products gentle enough for sensitive skin.

3. Mom-approved

Look for quality merchandise that has been subjected to rigorous testing and adheres to the highest safety standards for your little one. Tanya Petruk, owner of BlueBlankie.com, a Canadian online baby and toddler boutique is a mother of three and carries only products that she would trust for her own family.

4. Stretch your dollar

Buy from an online retailer who is a fellow parent and understands the importance of stretching your dollar – especially these days. These savvy retailers are bargain hunters too and do their best to pass savings on to you.

5. Wrap it up

If you're shopping for the perfect gift to welcome baby, save even more time by finding an online retailer willing to gift wrap your special purchase so that it arrives in style.

6. Free shipping and no hassle returns

Look for an online baby retailer that offers free shipping to help keep your costs down. And, just in case your gift isn't the right fit, make sure that you can return it, in its original condition of course.

7. Special offers

Since so many of us are time-starved and sleep-deprived these days, we appreciate a little help in knowing when a sale starts – without having to hunt for it. Online baby boutiques such as BlueBlankie.com send a monthly newsletter with special offers, discounts and promotions to customers who sign up – at no charge – to receive it.

8. Ooh baby it's cold outside

As the cold weather sets in, it's all about layering to help keep baby warm. Want to know what to get baby this season? Nothing says fall like a cozy organic blanket, perfect for a stroll through the leaves on a sunny autumn day. Pair it with organic handknits including a sweater, hat and booties, and give baby a cuddly plush toy to snuggle up with. To get these and more fabulous finds for your little bundle, visit www.BlueBlankie.com.

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Heather Middleton
VantagePoint Communications
T: 905.493.2832
E-mail: vantagepointcommunications@rogers.com