I think every parent and parents-to- realize very quickly how much of a problem baby clothes are. They are just way cuter than grown-up clothes, usually a bit cheaper, and babies need way more than you think. Shopping can easily get out of hand. I love supporting small shops when I can, and I have found that most of my favorite things I have bought for my youngest have been from small shops.
There are so many cute shops out there, and all of them bring their own unique ideas and benefits to the table. From organic cotton to sustainable sourcing to affordable weekly drops, you can find a small shop for almost all of your needs. It can be a little intimidating to buy from a store you have never tried or heard of before, so I am hoping this will give you some great ideas for where to start.
LOU LOU AND COMPANY
If you are looking for your baby to be dressed in only the softest of soft clothes, look no further than Lou Lou and Company. They have the cutest baby clothes and nothing can even hold a candle to how soft the material is. Lou Lou and Company is founded by a mom and labor delivery nurse who initially wanted something different than a traditional muslin swaddle. She sewed a buttery soft, super stretchy swaddle in her own home and Lou Lou and Company was born!
They have a very minimal aesthetic, which you know I am all about. They keep things really simple with beautiful colors, quiet patterns, and an easy-to-navigate basic wardrobe.
The sizing runs a bit small, so I suggest sizing up in almost everything. These two rompers are the cutest, but the 3-6 month fits much like all of the 0-3 items I have in my youngest’s closet. I have bought two gowns and a swaddle, and the quality of it all is beautiful.
BONSIE BABY
I love love love Bonsie Baby. Their entire premise and brand ethos totally speak to me, and the clothes are A++. THe goal of Bonsie Baby is to make skin-to-skin time easy for parents. Especially during those early days, skin to skin is so important for bonding with your new baby. But even as baby grows, skin to skin can be so beneficial. It can help relax your baby, regulate their temperature and heart rate, and help them adapt to the world outside the womb.
Bonsie Baby clothing have easy access openings for immediate skin to skin contact without having to undress baby or expose them to the cold. They get to stay covered while also experiences all the benefits of skin to skin. The material reminds me of that of Lou Lou and CO, in that it is just epically soft. I want to live in whatever fabric they use for these little onsies.
They have footies, rompers, and gowns that all have the easy, velcro opening that allows you to pop them directly on your chest whenver you are snuggling. I had my youngest wear these whenever I could and it just makes all the cuddles even more special.
Bonsie Baby would make a great gift for a new mom, as I don’t think there is anything else quite like it on the market.
CHILDHOODS CLOTHING
If I had to pick a favorite small shop, I am pretty sure it would be Childhoods Clothing. Thier clothes are just unmatched. They quality is beyond. Seriously next level. The fabric is incredibly soft and really thick and everything I Have bought has worn really well through sending the washing out to the laundry mat.
Childhoods Clothing also is one of the few small shops that carries bigger kid sizing. I really wanted to have a few things that my boys could wear together, and Childhoods Clothing makes up to a size 8/9 in all of their options.
The style is really cool and modern with boxier fits and gorgeous colors. If I wanted to spend all my dollars, this is the only clothes my youngest would wear. They are on the pricey end, which is the only downside. But I do think the quality matches the price point!
KATE QUINN
I am going to be honest with this one, but I have a love-hate relationship with Kate Quinn. The clothes are soooo cute and everything is always on sale, making it pretty affordable for a small shop.
But the quality and fit are a bit hit and miss. I am absolutely obsessed with anything in a ribbed knit from them. It is super soft, thick and feels like great quality material. The standard 100% cotton that they offer is just ok, feeling a little thin and scratchy. And the one piece options, like union suits, and footies are a bit weird in fit, genreally being a little inconsistent.
However… Their kimono style onsies and panda pants are some of my very favorite clothes EVER. They are so cute, and when you grab them in the ribbed knit fabric? Magic happens. I love the way they look and fit on my youngest. Sizing is a bit on the small side, so size up if you are unsure.
Look out for their weekly drops for more sizing and fabric options. When things are super cute or unique, they can go quick! I will be sticking to my favorites, thought.
I am always on the hunt for more small shops to support and would love to hear more from you about your favorites! My youngest is outgrowing everything at lightning speed, so continuous shopping is totally justified… Or so we will tell ourselves!
