When mothers-to-be think about what their newborn will need, the best baby stores in Connecticut offer fabulous options for shopping. There are purchases that can be avoided (like, who really uses that wipes warmer, anyway?), but some things need to be researched and selected with care. Mommy Poppins knows there are times in our lives when it seems like everyone is having a baby at the same time too. You have to buy a lot of gifts, and you want each one to be special. We have collected a few really uncommon and distinctive stores to narrow down your shopping experience. Read on for the best baby stores in Connecticut!
Looking for more fun baby activities? Explore our calender or browse our dedicated baby guide loaded with lots of things to do. And, to stretch that baby-gear dollar, read our tips for How to Get Free Baby Stuff.
Best Baby Stores in Connecticut – Hartford Area
1. Bean Tree Baby – Canton
BTB is well known for baby carriers and baby-wearing classes, but the store has everything the “organic” focused mama has on her list. Merchandise includes cloth diapers, and Bean Tree Baby has its own registry. Moms can make a one-on-one appointment with the staff to pick out and fit the perfect baby carrier.
2. Max and Lily’s Closet – West Hartford
Everyone raves about this selective consignment store. Max and Lily’s Closet carries newborn sizes and maternity for moms as well. When you baby outgrows his/her clothes, you can consign them and shop some more! Depending on what is being consigned, the store often has cribs, bedding, rockers and other larger items too.
Connecticut’s baby stores have cute and useful gear. Photo courtesy of Lemon Llama Kids Boutique
3. Lemon Llama Kids Boutique – Avon
Located in lovely Avon, this store sells brands you will not find in most chain stores such as Me and Henry and Pehr. The perfect place to run in and grab a baby present that is sure to be a hit!
4. Buy Buy Baby – West Hartford
Part of a large chain of baby stores, BBB has it all for the mom who wants to get all the shopping done in one store. Strollers, car seats, cribs, outfits, bath time, and more. This location is the one store in Connecticut at this time.
Best Baby Stores in Connecticut – Mystic Area
Some baby stores in Connecticut have unique gifts for the kiddos. Photo courtesy of The Blue Horse
5. The Blue Horse – Mystic
Beautiful things fill this store, with merchandise for infants, toddlers, and kids. Open every day except Tuesday, the Blue Horse has plenty of unique, classic, and adorable outfits for your baby or to give as a gift—with gift wrap included!
6. Blue Bird Day – Stonington
Family-owned and operated, BBD has baby boy and girl items as well as unisex clothes for the mama who isn’t telling (yet…). The store also carries toys and crafting kits and plenty of imaginative play things.
Best Baby Stores in Connecticut – Greewich Area
7. The Piccolina Shop – Greenwich
With toys, gear, books, and bathtime products, this sweet shop has lots of sales, great displays, and baby toys galore. The Piccolina Shop also stocks strollers, baby bags, and carriers.
8. Patagonia Baby – Westport
Imagine backpacking and camping with baby. Or maybe getting your two-year-old on the slopes for the first time. Those are the kinds of clothes you will find for your baby in Patagonia. Fleece, hoodies, beanies, awesome baby mittens, and down-filled buntings are some of your infant options for your friend and her adventure-loving child.
9. Around the Rosy – Westport
Around the Rosy is a Westport consignment shop where you can get 40-50% of the selling cost for your drop-offs. And the store has a $1 rack (oh yeah!). Around the Rosy has a variety of items, including boys dress jackets, imaginative play toys, and Halloween costumes in the Fall.
Best Baby Stores in Connecticut – New Haven Area
Take that baby shopping—before they know how to complain! Photo courtesy of Tiny Threads Boutique
10. Tiny Threads Boutique – North Haven
A truly local treasure, this family business sells the latest styles as well as one-of-a-kind and handmade items. Tiny Threads also sells clothes perfect for your child’s christening and baptism as well. The owner, Linda, is a talented seamstress and crochet artist.
11. Just Hatched – Guilford
Just Hatched is a one-stop source for curated baby gifts. The store has tons of options like baby gift boxes, baby wagons, and baby gift sets; you can even assemble your own baby gift. Baby gift boxes on several themes are available, such as Whale of a Tail, City Baby, Wild Cat Baby, and more. Just Hatched helps give a special gift to baby.
Best Baby Stores with Multiple Locations Throughout Connecticut
12. Once Upon a Child – Multiple Locations
A well-known place to bring your clothes, toys and gear in good shape with locations all over Connecticut. OUAC franchises will go through your offerings and offer to “pay” you on items. The store often carries toys, books, hair bands, jewelry, shoes, and—of course—lots and lots of clothes.
Connecticut’s consignment baby stores are ideal for gently used goods. Photo courtesy of Kidsignments
13. Kidsignments – Norwich/Colchester
Bring your kid and baby clothes and gear and receive 40-50% of the selling price. Kidsignments is stuffed to the gills with clothes, walkers, rockers, and more.
14. Carter’s Babies and Kids – Multiple Locations
Carter’s is a well-known name for soft, comfortable, and practical baby clothes. Boys, girls and neutral clothes are available for preemies and beyond. With several locations throughout the state, Carter’s is a great place to buy a gift certificate as well.