To think people may like baby play subscription boxes

[Bytheseamummy]

Hello!
I am a SAHM to 2 daughters and used to be an Early Years teacher and Early Years advisor. I am thinking of starting a business focussing on baby play subscription boxes and wonder if it's an idea that people think could work?! There seem to be lots of boxes around for children aged 3+ as well as pregnancy boxes and baby care boxes, but nothing focusing on baby play.

I was thinking of something that included sensory items, instruments, etc. as well as ideas for how to use them with baby and other ideas using items from home. The boxes would be aimed at baby's specific age so the items and ideas would be age appropriate and subscribers would build up a collection of sensory items, instruments and ideas over time.

Am I being daft thinking this might be an idea people would be interested in?! Would love to take the plunge and start my own little business

[user1471426142]

I wouldn’t have gone for a box of toys. I had plenty of age appropriate toys and wouldn’t have wanted a random selection in a box. Also if you go for a richer demographic, they are probably already doing lots of baby classes and getting ideas for play so I think you’d need to do some really careful market research to see what your ideal target market would be and what people would actually be prepared to pay for.

[Bytheseamummy]

Some really interesting points... thank you

I wouldn't be going for toys as such, more items for using with baby and ideas for play developing all the senses. I agree about it needing to be high quality items and lots of ideas for play being included. First time parents would be the target. I realise it wouldn't be everyone's cup of tea but it sounds like some people would have been interested when their babies were little. I had PND after my first daughter and remember feeling a bit lost but finding some joy in those moments one to one with my baby sharing this kind of play

[Catscakeandchocolate]

Sassybloom do these types of boxes. Did them with DD1. I didnt love the amount of plastic in them and would have preferred less toys but better wooden ones

[BertieBotts]

I wouldn't personally buy it as I rarely buy baby toys brand new, but I think it's a good idea and would sell if you stuck to maybe one decent quality thing, some developmental info, (I would keep 2-4 weeks behind average, as that covers the majority the most fairly) and ideas for activities to do. Definitely on paper/printed on the box, not a video. If there is room in the budget for some extra, cheapy small things then great - but one quality toy would be fine. You'd obviously get the toys wholesale - price the boxes a couple of £ more than the toy costs at an average shop, so it doesn't feel hugely overpriced as you're also paying for the information, convenience, surprise factor and the fact that someone has tested and selected the toys based on actual babies. (It would really help if you had some kind of focus group you tested the toys on, but I know that might not be possible.)

You could rotate some of the toys based on the season as well.

If it's successful it might be worth offering a guarantee of no duplicates if someone signs up for a subsequent child.

[Bytheseamummy]

Really useful thoughts, thank you.

It seems like there's a leaning towards non-plastic items too so maybe this could be a feature that would appeal to some parents.

[Ceebs85]

I have a 4 month old and wouldn't be able to afford it but would subscribe if I could. I know I'm in the minority as other mums seem to be able to afford endless lovely groups and lunches out (not bitter at all ) Focus on sensory element, include good quality info re development, zero or very little plastic and I think you could be onto a winner.

Get on Dragon's Den.

[wishingyouluck]

I think I'd have used this. I agree, minimum plastic but some is ok if it's good for sensory development or a bath toy etc. Maybe including a few montessori type items, silks that can continue to be used for a few years!

[3in4years]

Not for me. Babies will play with anything. It would seem like a waste of money and a bit patronising. But I know some people who would do this I think.

[ZippyBungleandGeorge]

It would seem like a waste of money and a bit patronising.
This

[3in4years]

What happens if you don't let babies develop their senses by the way? Aren't they doing this all the time, naturally? I expect you know a lot about this but I never understood 'baby sensory' stuff. My kids just played with all sorts of stuff without me having to think too hard about it.
Also, this makes me think of toy libraries which are very cheap or free and allow you to rotate toys without having to buy everything. Less money and better for the environment.

[Mammylamb]

Sounds like a good idea OP! Perhaps just a general “baby subscription service” with wee baby gifts would be a great idea too

[Mammyloveswine]

In theory it's s nice idea however as an early years teacher and mother of two it's bit "twee". Much like the hype for the grimms rainbow... singing, stories, peek a boo, narrating your day, bubbles, blocks to build and rings on a peg are all perfectly good activities for babies that are easy but will make a difference.

Maybe focus on "milestone boxes" so a weaning box with Lolly moulds, recipe cards, reusable pouches etc.
A "first Christmas/Halloween/Valentine's day box with a onesie in (various ages) and addiciated props?

[Mammyloveswine]

Associated props that should say xx

[DrWhy]

In theory it's s nice idea however as an early years teacher and mother of two it's bit "twee". Much like the hype for the grimms rainbow... singing, stories, peek a boo, narrating your day, bubbles, blocks to build and rings on a peg are all perfectly good activities for babies that are easy but will make a difference.

I agree with this but note that the hype for the Grimms rainbow means that you can’t get hold of it for love nor money in the month before Christmas despite it costing over £50, also see the fact that Yes Bebe have a waiting list for their Holztiger subscription - you could absolutely embrace the wooden toy hype! Plus yes, all those activities are great so you can include say one or two more expensive toys in each box and things like bubble mixture and wand, music cds and lyrics, chiffon scarves, finger puppets, balls, sensory bags with very cheap everyday items but already selected for you and bagged up nicely. To make them seem more. I wouldn’t pay a monthly subscription just to have someone select a single toy for me, I’d want to think ‘ooh I hadn’t thought of that’ when I opened the box.

[yumzy]

Did you end up creating the box?

[Bytheseamummy]

I haven't progressed any further with this yet as I found out I am expecting baby number 3! So the idea is on the back burner for now

[Creas35]

I think it’s a good idea also and have a newborn. Have a look at these www.eastcoastnursery.co.uk/activity-toys.aspx

Baby sensory branded just thinking they do glove puppets and wrist and ankle rattles just small things.