According to a recent study, parents in the UAE spend up to Dh98,800 on various products and equipment during their child’s first year. The study, commissioned by The Baby Expo and conducted by Censuswide, revealed that parents allocate their spending to items such as strollers, car seats, high-chairs, carriers, nursery furniture and décor, clothing and accessories, feeding, nursing and nutrition, maternity products and services, as well as bath and baby care. Additionally, they invest in gadgets, post-partum support, toys, education, outdoor fun, health and safety essentials, and childcare and nurseries.
Ashleigh Lloyd, co-founder of The Baby Expo, emphasized the growing population and the increasing demand for baby products and services in the UAE. She highlighted the substantial average investment of Dh98,880 during the child’s first year, presenting significant opportunities for new brands to enter the market.
Despite the UAE's high per capita income, CEO Leena Khalil of Mumzworld.com noted that budget-conscious parents typically spend between Dh10,000 to Dh15,000 in their child’s first year. Strollers, cribs, car seats, diapers, baby clothing, feeding bottles, skincare products, educational toys, and books were cited as the most popular purchases during this period.
Khalil also emphasized the diverse parenting needs and preferences, offering various options to cater to different mums. The company provides a wide range of necessities, from daily baby essentials and nursery furniture to children's clothing and toys, accompanied by parent-friendly payment options and trusted authentic products.
The study revealed that over 53% of parents prioritize ease of use and convenience when choosing products, followed closely by educational value and ease of cleaning and maintenance. These preferences reflect a demand for educational, convenient, and utility-driven products that simplify parenthood.
However, nearly a quarter of parents expressed difficulties in finding essential products such as clothing, accessories, technology, gadgets, health and safety items, bath and baby care products, as well as maternity and postpartum support in the UAE. This highlights the need for expanded resources and services to meet the diverse needs of expectant and new mothers in the region.
