Baby 'Boomlet' Gives Birth to New Opportunities (at CNBC)

BABY BOOM, BABIES, CHILDREN, APPAREL, PROCTER AND GAMBLE, KIMBERLY-CLARK, GYMBOREE, NEWELL-RUBBERMAID, MATTEL The pitter-patter of little feet and the high-pitched cries of infants may seem louder lately, but it's music to the ears of many companies that cater to infants and children. Last year, more than 4.3 million babies were born in the US - the largest number in a single year - according to the National Center for Health Statistics. Although the 3 percent increase over 2006 falls short of a double-digit percentage to be considered a true baby boom by demographers, the rising birth rate is significant enough to provide a growing customer base for manufacturers and merchants. “Companies that have a vested interest in all things babies will benefit,” says Ken Harris, of consulting firm Cannondale Associates. “Consumers,... [read full story]