儿补贴尚未到账，母婴用品已“涨声响起”？

Core Viewpoint - The recent implementation of the national childcare subsidy policy, which provides 3,600 yuan per child per year until the child turns three, has led to concerns about rising prices of baby products, with some parents reporting significant price increases for items like milk powder and diapers, while businesses claim the price changes are unrelated to the subsidy policy [1][2][4]. Group 1: Price Increases - Many new parents have reported price increases for baby products, with specific examples including milk powder prices rising from 200 yuan to 260 yuan and from 145 yuan to 190 yuan for different brands [2][3]. - Consumers from various regions have shared their experiences of price hikes, with some diapers increasing from 750 yuan to 800 yuan and others from 120 yuan to 180 yuan [3]. - Some businesses deny the price increases, stating that any fluctuations are due to promotional activities ending rather than the subsidy policy [3][4]. Group 2: Market Behavior - The market has shown signs of "hidden price increases," such as reduced rebates and the return to original prices after promotional periods, which effectively raises consumer costs [4][5]. - The industry is currently in a price recovery phase after years of intense competition, which had kept prices low [5]. - There is a concern that some manufacturers may take advantage of the subsidy policy to raise prices, potentially leading to a market where consumers bear the brunt of increased costs [5][6]. Group 3: Regulatory Concerns - Regulatory bodies have indicated that price changes in baby products are often market-driven and not directly linked to the subsidy policy, making it difficult to establish a clear causal relationship [6][7]. - Legal experts suggest that a monitoring mechanism for baby product prices should be established to track price trends and prevent price gouging [7]. - There is a call for businesses to adopt responsible pricing strategies and enhance competitiveness through improved production processes and service quality, rather than relying on price increases [7].