Store Stocks the Best for Baby Without the Big Price Tags

New parents and delighted grandparents swear by the Stork Shop in Los Angeles for baby furniture, equipment and clothing. For 43 years parents on a budget have been shopping here.

Mort Silas actually got into the business at the height of the baby boom in 1949. As new parents, Mort and Miriam Silas had to watch their pennies and were looking for a used crib. When he had trouble finding one, Silas decided there might be a business in baby furniture, and started buying and selling used cribs out of his garage.

Things haven’t changed much from those early years. New parents are often still on a tight budget, but want the best for baby. So Silas concentrates on quality name-brand furniture, equipment and apparel at prices that won’t bust the bank.

Prices on the popular Combi strollers are a good example of the savings available. The Allure model is $219.95 (average retail $275), the Debut is $199.95 (average retail $250) and the Savvy model is $155.95 (average retail $200).

You could pay $150 for the prestigious Prego highchair or save $40 and get it for $109.95. If you’re into economizing, check out the Graco highchair for $39.95 instead of $60. The 40-by-40-inch Pride playpen, decorated with woven ducks, is a good buy at $64.95--one store in town sells these for $100. A Jenny Lind crib isn’t bad at $115.95, a crib mattress is $49.95 and a bassinet is $46.95 (average retail $70).

Once you have the major piece of furniture and equipment, the savings can go toward the layette. All of Carter’s layette items--sheets, shirts, gowns, etc.--are always 30% off retail. Be sure to check out the 70-foot-long $9.95 rack. Some wonderful buys in Orlon sweaters that I’ve seen for about $40 were on that rack.

Sizes run from newborn to preteen for boys and girls. Party dresses for little girls are exceptional buys. About 4,000 designer dresses are marked just about half the going rate around town.

The piece that stole my heart is a wonderful mother’s smock by All That Joy, a manufacturer that recently closed shop. Silas bought up the inventory of this piece and instead of the $100 price tag at Neiman’s, the Stork Shop’s reads $29.95. A perfect shower gift, it comes in primary colors or pastels, has an epaulet on one shoulder to tuck a towel in, lots of buttons and zippers, big pockets--even a pacifier--to keep baby busy and happy while snuggled up to Mom.

The Stork Shop, 1868 S. La Cienega Blvd., Los Angeles. Open 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays. MasterCard/Visa accepted. Call (213) 839-2403.

Geri Cook’s Bargains column runs every Thursday in Valley View. Questions about shopping may be sent to her, in care of Valley View, Los Angeles Times, 20000 Prairie St., Chatsworth, CA 91311. Letters will not be answered individually, but topics of general interest will be discussed in future columns.