Support Massachusetts Shops!
I don’t know about you, but I’m having a bit of Amazon backlash. When quarantine began in March, most brick-and-mortar shops temporarily closed and many of us began shopping exclusively online because we just didn’t want to take unnecessary risks. And now, 7 months later, although many stores have reopened, Amazon is usually the easier choice. Between yesterday’s Prime Day and the looming Black Friday, I’m sure that Amazon is having their Best Year Ever, while so many of our beloved local stores are suffering.
Let’s change that! I’ve compiled a list of Massachusetts-based shops and companies that I just adore for baby supplies. Some of these have local stores and ALL of them have products that can be purchased online. Instead of opening up that Amazon app once again, let’s work together to support our local companies through the holiday season.
1. Henry Bear’s Park
www.henrybearspark.com
Henry Bear’s Park is my favorite toy store. With 7 physical stores in Massachusetts, they also offer free shipping on online orders over $50 and free gift wrapping. I bought my daughters’ Easter baskets here and I’ll be doing the majority of my Christmas shopping through them as well. Their website is very easy to navigate and toys are sortable by age or interest. The 90s kid in me LOVES the Playmobile throwbacks, and my daughters are obsessed with their huge selection of Jellycat stuffed animals. This is really a one-stop-shop for all of your holiday shopping.
2. Zutano
Many parents are surprised to hear that Zutano, maker of the beloved snap bootie, is headquartered in New Bedford, Massachusetts! When I lived in Medford, I ordered a pair of Zutano booties online and they came the next day - faster than Amazon, even with standard shipping. Forget baby socks (so small! so floppy!) - snap these suckers on your baby’s feet and keep them toasty. For that stage between crawling and walking, get the booties with the grippers on the bottom - perfect for cruising around the house. Did you know that in addition to cotton and fleece booties, they also make cozy clothes? My daughter Bella (pictured with her grandma “Ro-Ro”) is sporting a Zutano outfit, head-to-toe.
3. Diaper Lab
www.diaperlab.com
One of my favorite baby-stuff stores is Diaper Lab. Located in Cambridge between Porter and Davis Squares, they also have a robust online shop. Their specialty, of course, is cloth diapers. I loved the newborn rental program with my first daughter, a great way to dip your toe into cloth diapering before taking the plunge. But Diaper Lab is so much more than just diapers. Their workshops are top-notch. I attended the Intro to Cloth Diapers and the Intro to Babywearing workshops when I was pregnant with my first baby - now both offered virtually. They have a (now virtual) postpartum parent support group and even a playgroup just for DADS! Their online shop is also where I send my clients for wraps and baby carriers, and they have a great Facebook support group for parents who are cloth diapering. Diaper Lab is truly one of my favorite stores, so please give them your support!
4. Tadpole
Situated in Boston’s lovely South End, Tadpole is a high quality children’s store with a great online shopping experience. Pregnant? Create your baby registry directly on Tadpole’s site! From large items like strollers and cribs to smaller things like bottles, bathtubs, and onesies - take that, Amazon! Need help with what to buy? Their staff is incredibly knowledgeable and helpful. Tadpole is another great option for holiday shopping.
5. Uppababy
Is it normal to feel emotional about a stroller? That’s how much I love our Uppababy Cruz. When the pandemic first hit, my daughters and I took a walk with the Cruz every single day, snow or sun. (Can you believe that BIG KID in this photo is the same as the baby in the Zutano picture? I cannot). I just love the entire Uppababy system. The Mesa car seat snaps so seamlessly into the Cruz stroller, and when Bella decided she was done sitting in a stroller, we attached the Piggyback ride along board to the back. It has held up beautifully after almost 5 years of heavy use on city sidewalks, and their complimentary Tune-Up events will make your stroller like-new again. Uppababy is based out of Rockland, Massachusetts, and although they don’t sell items directly on their site, they link to a number of Massachusetts retailers (including Tadpole!)