Core Viewpoint - The recent implementation of the childcare subsidy policy has led to allegations of price gouging among baby product retailers, with some consumers reporting price increases exceeding 40% for certain brands of milk powder and diapers [1][2][5]. Group 1: Price Increases and Consumer Reactions - Consumers have reported significant price hikes for essential baby products, with some milk powder brands seeing increases of over 60 yuan per can, leading to concerns that the subsidy may not benefit families as intended [2][10]. - A specific example includes a consumer noting that the price of a six-can box of Feihe milk powder increased by 102 yuan, while another reported a price jump for a Beiyinmei milk powder from 191 yuan to 269 yuan, a rise of over 40% [10]. - Diapers have also been implicated in price increases, with brands like Pampers and Baby Care facing scrutiny, as one Baby Care product reportedly increased by 43 yuan, a nearly 16% rise [12]. Group 2: Retailer Responses and Market Dynamics - Despite consumer complaints, major companies like Yili, Feihe, and Beiyinmei have denied any price increases, attributing perceived price changes to adjustments in promotional strategies and differences in online and offline pricing transparency [26][28]. - Retail visits to stores like Leyou and Lijia Baby revealed no immediate price changes, although sales staff indicated that future price adjustments could occur based on manufacturer notifications [23][24]. Group 3: Market Trends and Future Outlook - The willingness of baby product retailers to raise prices may be linked to a recovering birth rate and an upgrade in consumer demand for quality products, as indicated by a report predicting an increase in newborns in 2024 [2][29]. - High brand loyalty among parents, with over 85% showing loyalty to milk powder and over 75% to diapers, suggests that companies may feel secure in raising prices without losing customers [30]. - Companies like Beiyinmei have reported improved financial performance, with a 1.01% increase in revenue and a 93.87% rise in net profit year-on-year, indicating a favorable market environment for baby products [32].

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the phenomenon of "parenting inflation" in China, where the introduction of government subsidies for childcare is leading to price increases in baby products, effectively negating the benefits of the subsidies for parents [4][10][12]. Group 1: Government Initiatives - The Chinese government has recently announced two significant policies: the implementation of a childcare subsidy for families with children under three years old and the gradual introduction of free preschool education [4]. - These initiatives aim to alleviate the financial burden on parents, providing a monthly subsidy of 300 yuan [10]. Group 2: Price Increases in Baby Products - Following the announcement of the subsidy, some baby product retailers have raised prices significantly. For instance, the price of Beiyinmei infant formula increased from 191 yuan to 269 yuan, a rise of 40% [6]. - Another example includes baby diapers, which saw a price increase from approximately 257 yuan to 318 yuan, reflecting a rise of 61 yuan [9]. - The overall increase in prices for baby products could lead to an additional monthly expenditure of 250-300 yuan for parents, which aligns with the amount of the new subsidy [9][10]. Group 3: Historical Context and Patterns - The article draws parallels with past instances where government subsidies led to price hikes in various sectors, such as agricultural inputs and consumer goods, indicating a recurring pattern of businesses capitalizing on government financial support [12][14]. - It highlights a similar situation in South Korea, where extensive government subsidies aimed at increasing birth rates have resulted in corresponding price increases in childcare services and products, creating a cycle of "parenting inflation" [16]. Group 4: Recommendations for Mitigation - To combat the issue of price inflation following subsidy announcements, the article suggests establishing a closed-loop system of "subsidy-pricing-supervision" [16]. - Recommendations include implementing price protection features on e-commerce platforms, monitoring unusual price fluctuations, and encouraging consumers to compare prices and report discrepancies [16][17].

Group 1 - The recent increase in prices of maternal and infant products such as milk powder, diapers, and complementary foods has raised concerns among parents, especially following the announcement of government childcare subsidy policies [1] - Many brands have denied the price hikes, attributing them to the end of promotional events or differences in platform activities, yet consumers are experiencing actual price increases [2] - The phenomenon of rising prices in childcare products has been referred to as "child-rearing inflation," indicating that government subsidies often do not keep pace with rising consumer prices [1][2] Group 2 - The current situation requires careful analysis, as while some companies claim prices have not increased, the reality is that consumers are facing higher prices across various brands and products [2] - The maternal and infant product market is experiencing a price correction after a period of price wars, and the sensitivity of consumers to price changes in essential goods must be considered [2] - There is a need for improved price monitoring mechanisms and regulatory actions to address potential price gouging behaviors by businesses taking advantage of subsidy policies [2][3] Group 3 - Long-term, the maternal and infant industry requires a more standardized pricing system, with companies needing to ensure price transparency and uniformity across channels [3] - The integrity of welfare policies must be maintained, ensuring that beneficiaries can effectively utilize the subsidies intended for them [3] - Businesses attempting to exploit subsidy policies risk damaging their reputation and should adhere to ethical pricing practices [3]