Austin Baby!

What I love about Austin Baby is that it was developed by a group of mothers who want to help other mothers make wise choices when it comes to raising babies. It is full of information about cloth diapering, offers what looks like a wonderful diaper service, and almost everything you find in there is high quality stuff. You can also find many things organic, hip baby clothes, and used diaper covers!

Now for the cons. The service at this store lacks in organization. Wanting to support local business, I placed an order through the store at the end of May rather than order directly from the manufacturer. I tried to do this online, but the checkout page wasn't sized correctly and I couldn't see it all. I placed the order by phone. A few days later someone called thinking I ordered something I didn?t. After clearing this up, ?the order was placed.? By the end of June I hadn't heard anything so I called the store and the woman who answered said she had just been looking at the order and was going to call me. But I had to call? She told me she wasn't sure the order had been placed, she'd need to talk to the owner and would call me back that day. Two days later I still hadn't heard anything, so I called. The person who answered said she'd look into it and call me back that day. A day later I received a call from the person I believe to be the owner, stating that the reason they didn't have the order was that the company didn't have it in stock. That was absolutely NOT TRUE. I had been to the company website myself and it was in stock. Why not be honest, and own up to forgetting to place the order? She told me she'd attempt to place another order. She called back, told me she placed the order, and since I had to wait so long, they'd drop it off at my house. In early July, the order arrived and I was told I could pick it up. I didn?t remind them they were supposed to drop it off at my house.

In this time, I remembered that when I set up diaper service 6 months ago, I was told that the monthly direct pay agreement would be mailed to me by the owner. I followed up to see whether they had received this authorization (as I didn't recall receiving it). Sure enough, they didn't have the authorization form; I never received it!

At the store, I asked the sales person whether they had any Bac-Out. They did not. She told me that they sell out of it quickly, and when I asked when she expected to have more in, she replied "It's an item we regularly stock." So I asked her whether deliveries were made on a certain day, to which she responded that they weren?t, but that they regularly stock the bac-out sprayer. So helpful, thanks! Then I asked if the small baskets of diaper covers were all they had in stock (aside from the used ones). They were, ?why?? There were about 2 covers of each size except small. I didn't even ask when she thought they'd have more smalls in. As much as I love to support local businesses, I had to go home and order Bac-Out and diaper covers in appropriate sizes from the internet! And before I left, I requested the credit card authorization form so that there would be no excuse for them not having it!

Pros: Cloth Diaper Service, Free Cloth Diaper Workshops

Cons: Unorganized service, poor inventory

Posted 07/09/09

i registered here before i had my baby. kept hearing from my friends that when they went to buy things off the registry, they didnt have it in stock. i've gone myself on several different occasions to buy diapers or doublers or liners and each time they are on back order have a wait of 2 or more weeks. when i go on line to different websites im able to order what i need and have it delivered in 2 days, dont get why they cant. its hard to wait on diapers or supplies for your baby when you need them. bad business, have lost a lot of business from us. not impressed, but could be great.

Pros: local, polite staff, free diaper class, green

Cons: horrible inventory, they have very little choice

Posted 04/09/09

this is the best baby store ever! All natural prooducts, revolutionalry products u dont see anywhere else except online and can buy here! Cloth diapers, baby carriers, toys, cute baby and toddler tees, shoes, natural insect repellant that works, nursing items, furniture (round crib) etc. Great tye-dyes that say "Hippie"! The staff is great very friendly and helpful! Great play area for kids and babies! My kids played for an hr, no prob! Park right up front. Local mom's makes some items!

Pros: products, customer service, ambience, parking

Posted 05/28/08

I've been to this store a few times since I started cloth diapering my toddler and always receive great customer service. They have tons of cloth diapers and accessories, neat baby clothes, baby/toddler shoes, some body products, slings, and other accessories. I love how they have locally made stuff! I have not been to another diapering store, but I think their selection of diapers, and "natural" parenting products is great. Far better than Babies R Us.

We started cloth diapering later in the game (when my child was 13 months) so I had tons of questions about getting started. Every time I've been in there are quite a few customers in the shop that need help, but we are all tended to. The owner guided me through the process of selecting just the right diaper for my toddler without spending a small fortune. I appreciate that as there are so many types to choose! I walked out of the store confident that cloth diapering would work for me and all the stuff to get started. When I did a lot of research on different diaper forums, I was pretty confused about what diaper to get, how to get started, and how to wash them. It was nice driving to the shop and just getting some advice and do my shopping in person. I think they have some cloth first-timer classes for free, but I didn't go to one.

I've since been back a few times, and I always receive as much help as I need. Their return policy didn't seem disagreeable to me at all considering the nature of the product. I've always been able to park in the parking lot. We're still cloth diapering, and I think a lot of that is due to getting some advice from a real person that has cloth diapered her own kids. I will shop there again and would recommend it to a friend.

Pros: excellent cloth diaper selection, great customer service, buy/sell clean used diapers

Posted 05/25/08

I love Austin Baby! The only place in town with cloth diapers, free diapering demos, kind mamas, and unique baby items. Please stay around b/c Austin moms need you!! love it!

Posted 03/24/08

I just wanted to say that I really enjoyed my visit to Austin Baby today. I wanted to buy a pouch for my baby that is due in June. The staff were so helpful in giving me information about babywearing and helping to fit me during my visit. They even encouraged me to try on different sizes and to walk around the store to see how it feels.

But, I thought the most amazing part was during my visit, was how the owner responded to a business person waiting to talk to her about some new opportunities. Instead of talking with that person, which I would have totally understood and would have been fine with, she asked her to wait and spent the next 10 minutes helping me out before going back to have the business conversation. I felt very valued and important and even though it was something I wouldn't expect someone to do, it was really nice and appreciated.

I was concerned that I may not have picked the right size for my baby and because my body shape is different right now due to the pregnancy. They assured me, that even though it would be past the 60 day return policy, as long as the pouch was in a returnable condition (no spit-up, pet hair, stains, etc.) , that I could exchange the sizes.

I think if you are interested in supporting a local, growing business, going to Austin Baby would be a good choice. The personal service doesn't compare to any chain or internet store that I have experienced. It was a great visit and comforting for a first time mom.

Pros: Individualized attention, unique & local product selection

Posted 03/03/08

I was looking for a place in Austin that sold the Moby wraps and found them here. The store is a little hard to find, but I had no problems with parking. The sales woman was very friendly and showed me how to use the wrap. There is also an area for older children to play while mom shops. I didn't experience any of the problems others have suggested, but I also have not had to return anything. I will go back to buy cloth diapers though.

Pros: Have hard-to-find items, great customer service, local

Cons: Somewhat hard to find

Posted 03/02/08

1 star is too high, but was the lowest I could give. Having delivered a premature infant was stressful enough. But to add to the insult was the poor service here. They were happy to sell you items, but returns were a negative. After I was incorrectly fitted for a sling they refused to refit or take back the sling. They prided themselves that it would fit until 35 pounds. Well at 8 pounds my child could not fit, this was even after I lost 20 pounds from the pregnancy in 1 month.

After hounding the staff and waiting for the call from the owner, I received the run around again. The owner finally contacted me after months of waiting and excuses. Thus you can see how easy it was to pass the 60 day return period. Each person would give a different story of what they could do to help me with the sling issue. I was even invited to the store to remedy the situation. Their idea of a remedy of course was to return the item (get no refund), pay them for another and be excused. That certainly is different then the story over the phone. Needless to say after being ignored and treated poorly I won't be going back. My mother's group will also not be supporting such a negative store. BUYER BEWARE!!

Pros: 0

Cons: Terrible customer service, no parking, don't expect to be able to return anything!

Posted 02/08/08

I personally know the owner of Austin Baby Store and I just wanted to say that Austin Baby recently moved to a new location and that with that move came several struggles.

I have had many positive experiences with the Austin Baby Store and I would hope that moms would give this small locally owned mama run business a chance.

In a day and age where customers don't count and major companies don't care if our kids play with lead tainted toys; it's time we start supporting our local economies where owners have a vested interest in our communities b/c they are part of it.

This is just my two cents I hope that any mamas who have had negative experiences at the Austin Baby Store would contact the owner Erin Sheppard and see if there is any way she can right any wrongs done. Posting negative comments on forums and public boards can be very damaging. It hurts a real mom with a real family. Austin Baby is not just a nameless, faceless corporation.

Posted 09/27/07

I know for a fact that some other mother friends of mine had similar negative experiences at this shop.

For the amount of money we spend on diapers here you would think they would treat the customers on a higher level. They are horrible with communication. I practically had to stalk the woman to get my full order after 3 + weeks waiting post payment!!

She's quick to take your money but impossible to get to pick up the telephone or return an email/phone message.

The store is always a walking hazard. And the owner always seems frazzled about something. It's not a pleasant environment to shop in.

If you want to buy some Fuzzy Buns or other diapers, just go online - it's faster and more professional.

Again, I'm not the only one with this story. It's happened to so many of my mother friends!!!!

Posted 09/23/07