There are many decisions to be made by new and expectant moms alike, especially when it comes to shopping for a new baby. And, moms don't shop haphazardly; they consider many factors before making a purchase. According to a study conducted by the American Baby Group in 2006, some of the most important factors considered when shopping for baby are

• quality
• brand name/reputation
• price
• the ability to use item with another child
• recommendations from health care professionals and family/friends

Also, with the excitement of a new baby and expenses sure to follow, moms and moms-to-be consider product coupons one of their top factors when shopping for their baby.

According to the American Baby Group's survey, quality, brand and price top the list of decision factors for all moms, both new and expectant, when shopping for baby products.

Quality is by far the most important — 97% look for quality; 87% look for a brand; and 85% consider price first.

Recommendations from health care professionals and product coupons also are important, as 54% of new and expectant moms consider them both lead factors when buying baby products.

More than eight out of 10 experienced moms (new or expectant moms with other children) consider the ability to use the product with another child a key factor in their decision to purchase items for baby.

When it comes to running a busy household, just over three-fifths of moms say it is extremely or very important to seek out baby products that will help save time. Four out of 10 say it is important to use as few stores as possible to shop for baby and family, and 29% say it is important to shop for all or most items for baby at one store. Further down on the list, 28% of moms say it is important to find the most technologically advanced baby products and only one-quarter of moms say it is important to shop for baby items at a store that has a buyers loyalty program.