Carter's Spring 2011 Preview

I was invited recently to a preview of Carter's Spring 2011 collection of baby and toddler clothing. The brand has lots of nostalgic appeal to me (and I'm guessing to many of you, too). I wore Carter's as a child (and when I wore out the oldest hand-me-downs from my sister, my dad used some pieces to shine his shoes!). When I became a mom, Carter's was the first brand my newborn daughter wore (she had a tiny nightgown embroidered with the words "pretty pretty"- I still have it). Seven years later, both my kids wear their big-kids Carter's footed PJs to sleep at night.

Carter's relies heavily on this nostalgia appeal to moms (and its silky soft but affordable cotton clothing) as it maintains its #1 market position in newborn layette, sleepwear, and playclothes. It is also an extremely popular choice in baby gifts (have you ever seen a baby registry that does not include Carter's items?) In fact, here's an interesting tidbit: clothing in the newborn-24 months category drives 80% of Carter's business.

Here's a sneak peek at some of next season's styles. Please note that not everything is available online or in stores yet, but wherever possible I've linked to the items on the Carter's website:

Boys' Fun Print Cardigan Set (on sale for $15, reduced from $20; nb through 24 mos)


Mommy's New Man Bodysuit (on sale for $8, regularly $12; sizes NB and 6mos available). More slogan/graphic bodysuits are available, too.


Pink and Brown 12-Piece Wardrobe Gift Bundle ($50; sizes nb-9mos).


Spring Blues Denim Jacket (on sale for $21, reduced from $28; sizes 2T-5T)


Gray and Green Tunic and Leggings Set (on sale for $12, reduced from $20; sizes 3mos-24mos)


Not shown at the preview, but also available online (and on sale), are some really cute holiday clothes (my favorite: the Staying Up for Santa PJ's).

Enjoy free shipping at on orders of $50 or more at Carters.com with code "CHEER" for a limited time only. Also check Carter's Facebook page where they seem to post new coupon codes very frequently.

Disclosure: I received a gift certificate at the Carter's Spring 2011 preview, but I was not compensated for this review, and the views expressed are entirely my own.