A quick comparison of the two "All-American" classic brands for children.

Having worked in childrens' retail for over a decade, it has been a lot of fun seeing new companies come up, and older companies morph into new things, and watching the reaction of the public.

Back in 1998 when the "famous" Baby Lulu lines were just starting to come out, Baby Nay (known as Nay Et Al) was a linens line that did some womens' pajamas. in coordinating fabrics. They thought it would be cute to make them mini - of course it would! So they cut their traditional button-down pajamas in toddler and girls sizes. Their signature print was so fresh and appreciated (a definite cross between a Rachel Ashwell and Baby Lulu print) that they started cutting infant pieces in a jersey fabric. Cute little kimono tie tops and leggings, bunting gowns and little beanie caps. The pieces were a huge hit, thus opening up a new door for them.

Their light toile prints and smaller floral prints were a refreshing change from Baby Lulu's HUGE flowers on little babies. The pieces were simple, yet feminine - gauze ruffle trims, accent bows, and of course all of the matching accessories you could want.

The direct competition for Baby Lulu caused both to have to change some... Less of the classic Lulu chenille, more simple lines.

The past several years the lines have been in less competition - Lulu still goes for their floral prints - although each line has more large and small print options, and Nay has gone for the more mod look with bolder colors, stripes, etc. The major change has been the shift of production overseas. As a mother, I notice that while the look is still cute, the fabrics are not the thick, soft brushed cotton that I personally loved the lines for 3-4 years ago.

So, I still see advantage to hunting down the older lines that you like. The cuts are for the most part the same - although some Lulu lines run VERY small, and some nay tends to run big - and the quality of the fabric itself and the workmanship was definitely better.