Special delivery: Vancouver stores for baby gear
Vancouver has no shortage of new humans coming into the world as, despite its high cost of living, the city continues to be a draw for young families. It also has parents-to-be covered when it comes to meeting their baby care needs. These eight stores for baby gear should help you prepare, even if you’re feeling far from prepared. [Image credit: iStock.com/skynesher]
Hip Baby
2110 4th Ave W, Vancouver, BC V6K 1N6As the name implies, this stylish store on the West 4th strip in Kitsilano has everything for your hip, fashionista baby. From cool (and practical) Em’s 4 Bubs protective headphones for when you’re at that show at the Biltmore to adorable leg warmers and mini bow-ties, Hip Baby has your kid’s sartorial needs in mind. It also has yours in mind too, with ergonomic, stylish slings, high-end skin care and designer diaper bags. Shopping for gifts? You’ll find some of the cutest toys around.
West Coast Kids
4428 Main St, Vancouver, BC V5V 3R3From Stokke high chairs to Bugaboo strollers (the Cadillac of strollers), Main Street’s Westcoast Kids carries all the brand names your little bundle might need for the first few months of his or her life. Beautiful wooden cribs laid out with organic cotton bedding and remote-controlled bouncy seats to ease your babe into slumber — if you’ve thought of what you need, Westcoast Kids has you covered. Expect to drop a bundle (this time of money) but hey, no one ever said kids were cheap.
Ella+Elliot
126 Hastings St W, Vancouver, BC V6B 1G8Another high-end boutique, this time located in trendy Gastown, Ella + Elliot carries beautiful wares for the nursery and your newborn. From hand-knit woolen onesies to leather moccasins and mobiles worthy of a Calder exhibit, this small but stunning store seamlessly combines your excellent interior design sense with what the baby needs. They also carry a good selection of strollers, car seats, cribs and high chairs and fun, cheerful prints for the wall.
Dandelion Kids
1206 Commercial Dr, Vancouver, BC V5L 3X4Specializing in organic and fair trade products, this sweet shop on the Drive stocks beautifully made toys, clothing, cloth diapers, music and more. Everything they carry has been intentionally sourced for its educational or philosophical benefits, making this a destination for forward-thinking parents intent on the creative, physical and academic development of their child. This is progressive retail that also happens to be incredibly cute.
Knotty Toys
1496 Cartwright St, Vancouver, BC V6H 3Y5A long-time favourite shop in the Granville Island Kids Market, Knotty Toys is a wooden toy mecca. Brightly coloured pacifier chains, rattles, teethers and even those miniature play gyms are all unique designs constructed from wood, many made by two of the store’s owners, Ray and Jim Pummell. The place is constantly abuzz with parents and children at play on the display train sets — a reassurance in our plastic-dominated, consumer culture.
IKEA Richmond - Restaurant
3320 Jacombs Road, Richmond, BC V6V 1Z6When it comes to nursery planning, IKEA can be your best friend. With fun, funky and out-of-the-box designs (both literally and figuratively), this Swedish mega-store is not just affordable, it also has your potentially cramped Vancouver apartment in mind. Functional storage solutions, bold colours and — we can’t stress it enough — those great prices, make your baby purchases one less thing to stress about. Check out the endless “Ikea Hacks” online as well to convert store finds into new and amazing ideas.
Lusso Baby Inc
2699 Granville St, Vancouver, BC V6H 3H2South Granville’s Lusso Baby has a huge selection of baby gear, clothing, accessories and furniture, featuring many high-end brands as well as more affordable choices and organic and fair trade products. Their online store makes it easy to browse, click and purchase without ever leaving the comfort of your couch — a place you may find yourself regularly during your first trimester.
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