Best of Toronto
The Best Baby Stores in Toronto
The best baby stores in Toronto cover a lot of territory and a huge variety of products. After all, babies don't travel light. For a short excursion, the diaper bag might carry extra clothes, diapers, toys, soothers, hats, creams, and that's the just the stuff that leaves the house!
For such small beings, they generate an impressive amount of retail activity. Partly, it's because every new parent wants to have all the necessary accoutrements for the family's newest member, and partly it's because shopping for babies is so much fun that everyone - from grandparents to coworkers to godparents - wants to get in on the action.
From places to find pint-sized clothes with street cred to a deluxe designer nursery, Toronto has a wealth of baby stores to choose from. Here are fifteen of the best as voted by readers of this site.
Writing by Alexandra Devlin. Photos by Matt Devlin.
Baby on the Hip
This eco-minded boutique in Leslieville keeps it green. With a focus on environmentally-friendly, locally-sourced and “back to basics” merchandise (they avoid battery-powered baby gadgets), Baby on the Hip offers a chance to buy things that are good for baby and the planet at the same time. They also run workshops and are one of the few stores with an online registry service. More »
Kol Kid
Walking into Kol Kid on Queen West gives a feeling of having stumbled into a slightly magical place. Full of charming handmade clothing, toys and decorations, the store is welcoming and whimsical. In addition to the handmade and organic items the store focuses on, there is also a great selection of books and baby essentials like soothers and diaper bags. More »
Macklem's
A family-run business located at Dundas and Roncesvalles since 1945, Macklem’s has a huge selection of strollers and carseats, as well as just about any other baby item imaginable. Their staff is extremely knowledgeable and unlike most other stores, Macklem’s can repair any of their strollers on-site. For a fee, they will even deliver and assemble baby furniture (and take away all the boxes). More »
Ella + Elliot
For imaginative, stylish nursery furniture with European flair and price is no object, then Ella + Elliot is the place. The store is curated almost like a gallery and is the exclusive Canadian seller for a number of different lines. The cribs and changing tables are sleek and sophisticated and not at all babyish. More »
Moms to be and More
Moms to Be and More is the largest of the baby stores on this list, with a vast array of baby-related items filling two large floors. The selection of furniture and bedding is particularly impressive, with cheerful modern prints and beautiful cribs from DwellStudio and organic sheets from Giggle to complete a stylish and modern nursery. More »
Hello Sunshine
This cozy boutique is relatively new, having opened just across the street from High Park in 2006. Billing itself as a “creative baby shop”, Hello Sunshine focuses on stylish and eco-friendly items that are “just a little bit different”. They try to carry Canadian when possible - Babylicious, 3 Sprouts, and Dimpleskins are all good sellers. More »
Diaper-eez
Diaper-Eez is a cloth-diapering mecca in Bloor West Village. The store stocks a wide variety of different styles of cloth diapers, as well as nursing bras and accessories, stylish diaper bags and environmentally-conscious toys, clothes, hats and baby carriers. The staff here can teach a wannabe cloth diaper user everything there is to know. More »
Babes in the Beach
Babes in the Beach sells clothing from newborn to size 16 and is particularly known for their children’s snowsuits, which start arriving in the store in August. Those in the know come early to have a good selection. From bathing suits to rubber boots to lovely outfits for a wedding, this Beaches boutique is a great bet. More »
Lovechild
Lovechild is a quirky little shop on Yonge Street run by two sisters who design and make their own funky kids clothes. Every outfit has accessory options (hat or headband) and they have sparkly shoes and some pretty rock-and-roll tutus to boot! While they have a few options for baby boys, the majority of the outfits are for little girls with attitude. More »
Marlene's Just Babies
Marlene’s Just Babies is like an Aladdin’s cave of baby gear. The shop is three storefronts wide and stuffed to the brim with everything from strollers and car seats to shoes to puzzles and more. Marlene, the owner, and her staff really are experts on their products and will install carseats free of charge. More »
Peek-A-Boo
Peek-a-boo, on St Clair near Bathurst, has a nicely rounded range of merchandise. They carry toys, clothes, practical day-to-day items, and a wide variety of shoes. Although they don’t carry a lot of strollers, one of their bestselling items is the Bumbleride, which is only stocked by two stores in Toronto (the other one is Crayons). More »
Crayons
Crayons, on Kingston Road, is the only store besides Macklem’s that carries out repairs on the strollers they carry. The store has an impressive selection of carseats and does particularly well with the Phil & Ted’s line of strollers. The store is set to move to a new location at Kingston Road and Midland at the end of the month and will have free parking. More »
L'il Niblets and Baby Sprouts
Lil’ Niblets and Baby Sprouts on Avenue Rd truly is a one-stop shop for all things baby. They have lots of cribs, dressers, and gliders, as well as one of the largest selections of strollers in the city. Having just completed a renovation of the store, they are set to launch a new website in August with an online registry service. More »
Spoiled Baby
Spoiled Baby, at Yonge and Davisville, is aimed at the gift-buying customer, carrying fun stuff like novelty onesies and cute raincoats. They focus on items that a new mother might not buy for herself, but would love to receive from someone else. The owners make an effort to buy Canadian-made and organic products whenever possible. More »
Bean Sprout
Previously a resale store for children’s clothing, Bean Sprout re-opened in 2006 selling only new stuff and now carries a number of designers, including Hatley rainwear, Malibu swimwear, and babylegs. The store is child-friendly, providing toys and a spot for mom to nurse the baby. They also have a more generous return policy than most independent stores – 7 days for refund, 14 for credit or exchange. More »
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There's a store on the west side of Spadina at Baldwin one building north of the red-green liquor store in Chinatown that has lots of the smaller things (shoes, socks, bibs, blankets, etc) that are WAY WAY WAY cheaper than any of these places...I can't remember the name of it. It's also a cheesy clothing store but don't let that scare you away...
At Spadina and Baldwin one building north of the red green liquor store there's a small store whose name I can't remember with smaller stuff (bibs, shoes, socks, blankets etc) that are WAY WAY WAY cheaper than these places...
Great listI I'm amazed how many I've been in over the years. I'd also add Planet Kid on Roncesvalles. It used to be down on Queen West and was kind of under the radar but moved recently; cool kids' clothing for the most part but some small toys/accessories too.
Little Lola over at Annette and Jane streets is a fantastic store that didn't make the list.
Sorry to have posted twice. When I hit Add Comment, it still said zero comments so I typed it all in again. Dammitall.
I'd just be a little hesitant about the origins of the stuff - there isn't a great track-record for cheap baby stuff. Lead paint, magnets etc. You really have to go shopping with your eyes wide open.
Sorry -should have been more clear.
The EXACT same name brands, way cheaper.
They just choose to do less of a markup, I guess.
Babies?
Ugh!
Ok then. I guess I'm on a hunt this weekend ... two friends are both very very pregnant and I have showers to attend!
As a first-time mama due in November, with so much other research/prep stuff going on, this list is a godsend!! Thank you!
I can vouch for Crayons, we had great service there and the prices are really good. As first-time parents, the staff was helpful and really nice. A lot of articles are actually cheaper than in big chain stores like babiesRus! And I enjoy supporting my local shops.
Love Baby on the Hip, can vouch for it being super cool and they have super fun finds.
I had a really, really bad experience at Crayons. Not going to bash, but I didn't love it.
I have to give two thumbs up for the awesome selection at Dear-Born Baby also (http://www.dearbornbaby.com) which may have not made the list as it's in Thornhill, but my parents shopped at the store (it's been around for-ever) and so have I since my little wee one joined our fam.
Love the list!!!
How about any of these fine stores offering ettiquete classes rearding the hording of space and plowing through with enormous baby carriages on busy city sidewalks......it seems that having a child for most couples means the entire loss of manners and courtesy(which may have been lacking before conception mind you)....having a baby does not give parents the god given right bolt through pedestrians without so much as one "exuse me".Yes our children are precious, but your little bundles of joy although cute, arent the centre of everyone's universe.
Well said DDT.
Babies are ok for the most part(when sleeping) but seriously i'd love to know why baby owners thing they are above all rules as well. Just the other day at home (i live in a gated residence) some parent had the audacity to post a sign on the gate "to ensure we dont let the gate close to loudly as their baby is sleeping". Umm...ya...not sure that some parent has any say in how people close the gate in their own home simply because they chose to have said child and live in this community. Needless to say that sign was removed within mere hours of its posting. Give your heads a shake baby owners.
Check out www.glowbaby.ca - "Baby's First Journal" is great for expecting parents.
I love Moms to be and Dearborn. They were both great when I was expecting.
Baby on the Hip...
Kool Kid...
Ella and Elliot...
Hello Sunshine...
This is definitely the a top 10 for the elite. Way too expensive and way to little brand selection. I've been totally ignored more than once in Kool Kid.
Mom's to be and More - a great store in my experience.
Diaper-Eze - another great local store. Awesome sales people; knowledgeable and friendly and will take all the time in the world
to explain diapers and diapering.
Macklem's is also a gem.
Dont forget Sears. Really underrated.
Great bras if you are lactating.
I would add Honeybunch Homestore in Bloor West Village. For clothes, I also really love the new-ish Bumbleberry Kids consignment shop in the Beach for those trying to save a few bucks. She stocks really great gently used brand name items. http://sweetmama.ca/toronto/sweet_nothing/8309/tor_snappy_secondhand
If you ever do a list of Best Online Baby Stores, I hope you visit, and include, tykethreads.com, a Toronto-based online store for hip and unique clothing for boys.
I launched this online store because when I had my little preemie in the middle of winter, I had no time to shop other than at 2 am! As well, I found it difficult to find neat stuff for little boys -- so much is out there for little girls, but guys get shortchanged in the style department.
I am a little surprised that established brick and mortar stores have been reluctant to invest in appropriate technology to make online shopping more convenient. Most of the time, their online presence is just a means of driving traffic to their store, which is fine, of course, but shopping online should be an option in this day and age.
I say to new parents (and uncles, aunts, and grandparents): shop online and get a few more cars off the road!
I shop at baby on the hip all the time because it's close by, and I think it's a bit of a misconception that it's for the elite....i find their prices to be quite competitive. Plus, it makes sense that some of the items are a little pricier, it's usually for the fair-trade, organic etc. items, which you're probably used to paying more for if you're into that stuff. Great picks...I'd have to agree with the top 5!
I love online shopping! And I love linen clothes, not so many stores have linen items for babies and kids. I found this boutique: www.linenkids.com and I think it is quite impressive!
I just came across this site & i love it. I think I do something very similar for Seattle - a girl's guide to the city! :)
I love this list of stores- from what I saw, I noticed you could shop some of these stores online, which reminded me of a seattle-based website: http://www.wishpot.com. The site allows you to create wish/shopping lists, so you can add your fave items from these stores to your list & then do price comparisons to find where to get them cheapest! amazing!
hope it helps. love the site- will definitely be back!
What, no Snug As A Bug?
They're over in The Junction, and everything is adorable and affordable. Plus, most of it is locally designed and made, too: www.snugasabug.com .
I recently came across your blog and have been reading along. I thought I would leave my first comment. I don't know what to say except that I have enjoyed reading. Nice blog. I will keep visiting this blog very often.
Susan
http://toddlergirls.net
Regarding the first post, the store on Spadina is called Precious Creations. Incidentally they also have really cheap brand name bras and underwear.
Regarding the store on Spadina, it's called Precious Creations, and it also has cheap brand name lingerie! Yipee! It's a fantastic Toronto find.
To the grouchy people who are troubled by strollers on the sidewalk... In my limited experience so far (babe is 5 weeks old), it's pedestrians that are rude, not the parents with strollers. I had a c-section and can't move all that quickly, and I found that people were walking right up my backside, cutting me off, weaving around me and generally making me feel like I should have had a yellow triangle on my ass. They were also gabbing on their cell phones, not watching where they were going and made no space on the curb so we could clear the intersections. I think, unfortunately, that rudeness and bad behavior comes in all varieties and whitewashing parents is a cheap shot.
agreed, mel. yes, there are rude parents with strollers, but there are plenty of rude pedestrians pushing us off the sidewalk. of course, parent-bashing has become quite the trend in toronto lately.
I bought a high-end stroller at Baby On the Hip for $30 less than any other store in Toronto. Not only was the price competitive, but the customer service I recieved there was top notch. As my youngest is well into toddlerhood now, I am thrilled that the B.O.T.H. gals have opened a store for older children down the street.
If they are going to breastfeed a wonderful gift is by Oopsie's called "Hot Totties". You can get them at Li'l Niblets and Baby Spouts. Canadian Made and all natural. I used them around the baby in stroller after I was done using them for nursing. You can heat them up or put them in the freezer to take away discomfort. FANTASTIC!
Not a baby store per se, but a beautiful store for moms-to-be and nursing mothers is Evymama at Jane and Annette. (www.evymama.ca). They also have the largest selection of baby carriers in the city and you can 'test drive' them for free by taking a walk around the block twice a week.
I agree with most of this list, except I expected Little Niblets to be in the top six (the six best in town, IMO). As for people bashing "baby owners"? They're called PARENTS. Please. Who is being pretentious?
Also, I feel I must defend Ella and Elliot after the comment above. Though they carry expensive things, the people who work there have been nothing but lovely to my partner and I. Klaire, I'm pretty sure there was another furniture store there before, so I have no idea how a new furniture store (albeit for baby) could "destroy" the community. Asking people not to shop in a store that is in your neighbourhood is more of a disservice to your "community" than anything the shop owners could have done. For shame.
Klaire,
what did Ella and Elliot destroy? The hookers and the crack heads that used to hang around on Strachan? Trinity Bellwoods 10 years ago was just a park to shoot up in.
I guess you (and no doubt your dog or cat) do not even support local businesses anyway and deserve an Inidigo or someother faceless box store to come in and really destroy the neighbourhood.
Klaire, DDT, and Colic should have kids before judging parents. Yes rude parents do walk around running people over but idiots that think it's easy to take care of a child also walk around giving u dirty looks when ur child is crying because of gas or what about idiots that sit on the bus, streetcar and subways looking at ur huge pregnant belly and don't get up and offer the seat to u or the old man holding a cane that can't even stand straight.
Jesus Christ! Remind me not to move to Toronto to start a family. Sounds like the place is full of barren bitches who hate success.
How the hell did a list of charming baby stores turn into a Zero Population Growth soapbox. Adopt another cat you freaks.
Kudos to all the stores who were nominated. If I were in your market, I'd support the best of the best, fo sho.
Comments from Klaire have been removed as they were determined to be slanderous and did not include sufficient facts to support her claims.
thanks for the great list, it's saved me a lot of fruitless hunting.
I've visited almost all of them now and the people at Moms to be and More have been the best, very patient and knowlegeable. It's far to go for me but I'm going back to test-drive my stroller. They have found the right balance between a store that's pleasant to walk around and having everything in stock. Other stores seem to chose between those two things, meaning you're either ploughing through what feels like a junk shop, or disappointed that you can't look at the one thing you came for that was advertised on their website (or in the case of Dearborn Baby, both)
I'll also second Diaper-eez for great cloth diapers and info, and really nice things in the store especially for mom stuff and baby gifts.
As a first time parrent I have been to and purchased many items at quite a few of the stores listed here. Baby on this Hip is great with a fantastic staff. Crayons is also quite good and knowledgable on the products they carry.
My only warning from this site is Lil Niblets...be very careful when dealing with them as they have absolutely no idea whatsoever about what they are doing. I ordered furniture for my nursury 12 weeks before my child was born and waited 12 weeks after she was born to receive the products. I was patient and waited the 12 weeks and even gave an additional 2 weeks after my daughter was born to start calling and making my inquiries. I would have cancelled if everywhere else was not quoting 8 to 12 weeks as well. Problem here is that I had to be the one to call countless times to find out where my furniture was!! They never once called to let me know what was going on. Got your money so we don't care attitude. Be very carefull if you intend on dealing with them.
There is a great online baby store called Little Stork Naturals. They are based in Mississauga, and have a pickup option so you don't have to get the items shipped by Canada Post.
If you go just north of the city about 20-30 mins you can save HALF OFF THE PRICES OF ANY STORE IN DOWNTOWN listed here!!!No doubt these stores are wonderful, Ive been to a few. but you must check out THE CRIB SHOPPE ! -- www.thecribshoppe.com --
I got a crib , dresser/change table and a rocking chair with foot stool for only $1,000!! it was worth the drive. Here in downtown , I was quoted $2800 for the same sets which I couldnt afford.
also THE CRIB SHOPPE, www.thecribshoppe.com
in VAUGHAN.
I'm a proud "baby owner" of 2 beautiful girls. Though I do consider myself a parent. Guess some of these people who have nothing but slanderous things to say didn't have parents they can appreciate or are jealous. Either way...remember that you were a baby once and your parents were "baby owners" too. One day you'll wake up and realize that you aren't the center of everyone's universe either =). You'll be the first one complaining if you ever have kids and these things happen to you. I've had my fair share of rude pedistrians..but I've had just as many rude drivers...drivers that HONK at me when I'm crossing on a white man with my toddler who DOES walk slower than an adult. Since when did parents and children become less important citizens?? I must have missed that by-law, then again with Toronto, I suppose it's only time before that happens. I'm leaving the city soon, can't wait to see Toronto in the rear-view mirror =)
You missed out on one of the best Children's / Baby Stores in all of Toronto...
Little One's on Eglinton avenue west and Avenue road.. I think the exact address is 372 Eglinton..
Anyways, I am a mother of 3 and don't know where I would be had I not shopped at Little One's.
For those of you who haven't yet heard of it, I suggest you go, as it will change your world.
The nursing tops at Evymama are super expensive. They only carry Boob. I much prefer Momzelle nursing tops (www.momzelle.com). They are just as nice for almost half the price! I bought three tops at the Momzelle boutique at Bloor and Christie and I wear them all the time. They do not sell anything else than their nursing tops, so it is not really a baby store, but still, I thought I'd mention it here!
I am a Toronto mother of 2 and the owner of Evymama Nursing & Maternity. We actually carry four lines of nursing wear beyond the Boob line, and periodically we do also carry Momzelle tops. Boob tops are made in Europe and ore organic and Oeko tex certified, hence the price. They are our top seller, and people feel that because of the quality, they are well worth the price! We will be introducing a new line called June & Dane this Spring which I'm sure you will like as well. Thanks for your comments, we really appreciate the importance of word-of-mouth (or "word of mom" in this case).
Kind regards,
Sarah Kaplan
Evymama
I'm a father of 2, plus expecting one more. Kids are expensive and I've done my due diligence of price shopping. I have yet to see any store in Canada even come close to the deals I get from USA retailers. Its ridiculous the amount I've saved shopping south of the boarder.
http://www.albeebaby.com is excellent for on line shopping.
http://www.buybuybaby.com is an excellent bricks and mortar store. They accept coupons from Target, Bed Bath & Beyond, and even from babiesrus. Using a coupon, I just bought an Alpha Omega Elite for $86 USD. The same seat sells in Canada for $200.
If Canadian retailers want my support, they should do a better job at fighting for price equality.
PS I also just bought a 2010 Toyota Sienna from USA. MRSP in Canada is $35k, same car in USA is $28k. You do the math.
Andrew: I agree..I've saved ALOT by shopping in the States..however...its illegal to use an american bought car seat in canada...just an fyi. You'll get in a lot of trouble if you are ever caught and will raise serious insurance issues if you get in an accident and they discover it then.
But for EVERYTHING else..I agree..south of the boarder is the way to go!
ooh, I only found this now. Many of these stores carry our wooden building blocks. I'm so honored that they are "la creme de la creme".
Cheers, Hans (from Ukoonto)
Hi Everyone,
This is the best list I have seen so far. Thanks for having this up.
We just went by Dear Born and although it didn't make the list, it was a great place in terms of their selection.
To save to be parents a trip in the future I'd like to share our story about Crayons. We just went looking for Crayons: their first store on Kingston Rd. we learned was relocated, due to a sign on their closed store, so we rushed to the relocated store in Mall space further west on Kingston Rd. just to learn that it was shut down in that location as well. We were very disappointed, since we didn't expect such a popular store to have gone under.
Hi Everyone,
This is the best list I have seen so far. Thanks for having this up.
We just went by Dear Born and although it didn't make the list, it was a great place in terms of their selection.
To save to be parents a trip in the future I'd like to share our story about Crayons. We just went looking for Crayons: their first store on Kingston Rd. we learned was relocated, due to a sign on their closed store, so we rushed to the relocated store in Mall space further west on Kingston Rd. just to learn that it was shut down in that location as well. We were very disappointed, since we didn't expect such a popular store to have gone under.
Hope it helps.
Good luck all and congratulations!
Great list!
but there's one AMAZING store you left out that's been in Toronto for around 30 years. MOKA on Dundas and Dufferin is a gem and needs to be on this list. They make all of their clothing on site. You really need to see their party dresses and funky suits. It's absolutely breath taking!