Treat your tot at these baby stores in Calgary

Babies are demanding little darlings. They need regular feeding, diaper changes, transportation and their own wee wardrobes. The list goes on and on. The situation can be overwhelming, but these many material needs can be addressed with the help of store staff at the Calgary’s bountiful baby boutiques.

By Ian Doig

Babes In Arms

1

841 1 Ave NE, Calgary, AB T2E 0C2

• Phone Number
  • 403-835-4614Primary
• Directions

Bonding and attachment are the name of the game at Babes in Arms, and baby wearing plus breastfeeding are the means to these family-friendly ends. An independent shop claiming to carry the city’s largest selection of cloth diapering products and baby carriers, it also rents out slings and carriers. For new parents not familiar with wrapping, carrying and diapering, Babes also schedules budget-priced instructional sessions.

This business is featured in the following Smart Lists:

• Find eco-friendly gifts at these Calgary stores

West Coast Kids

2

130 71 Ave SE, Calgary, AB T2H 0R9

• Phone Number
  • 403-258-2332Primary
  • 1-866-258-2332Tollfree
• Directions

With two Calgary locations — in the deep southeast and the far northwest — this children’s store carries a load of baby gear. Find everything from strollers, diaper bags and cribs to nursing and bottle-feeding accoutrements. If you can’t find it here, then baby, it ain’t been invented yet.

This business is featured in the following Smart Lists:

• Gaga for baby shower gifts in Calgary
• Find eco-friendly gifts at these Calgary stores

Once Upon A Child

3

4625 Varsity Dr NW, Calgary, AB T3A 0Z9

• Phone Number
  • 403-543-1068Primary
• Directions

Though it carries new kids’ and baby gear from teething necklaces to toys, Once Upon a Child on Varsity Drive Northwest focuses on lightly used kid stuff. Children can settle into the store’s enclosed play area while you purchase items or sell outgrown ones. For babies, the shop carries everything from clothing and toys to playpens and highchairs.

More from Ian Doig

Ian Doig’s week may include dim sum lunch with friends, rummaging through indie bookstore shelves as well as scribbling in his notepad at Calgary shops and farmers’ markets. It most often concludes with a relaxing Friday evening pint of locally brewed craft beer.

Butcher shops with the top cuts

With eating local being the biggest restaurant food trend ever, home cooks have turned to the city’s butcher shops to supply cuts of Alberta beef, pork, lamb, chicken and game for their own cuisine adventures. A number of excellent meat boutiques carry a wide variety of cuts, locally produced and otherwise.

Finest farmers’ markets

Generally following a mantra of “made, baked or grown in Alberta,” Calgary farmers’ markets transform shopping and grocery getting into an adventure. As well as specialty foods, endless kiosks and counters carry locally produced arts, crafts, clothing and accessories plus an array of natural health products.

Calgary's top chocolate shops

Sweet and universally loved, chocolate is one treat we can all agree on. Lucky for you, Calgary’s chocolate boutiques carry a huge variety of premium selections.